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diff --git a/old/68160-0.txt b/old/68160-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 33b579d..0000000 --- a/old/68160-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,3313 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook of The black cat (vol. i, no. 3, December -1895), by Various - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms -of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you -will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before -using this eBook. - -Title: The black cat (vol. i, no. 3, December 1895) - -Author: Various - -Release Date: May 24, 2022 [eBook #68160] - -Language: English - -Produced by: hekula03, Brian Wilsden and the Online Distributed - Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This book was - produced from images made available by the HathiTrust - Digital Library.) - -*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE BLACK CAT (VOL. I, NO. 3, -DECEMBER 1895) *** - -Transcriber's Note: Italic text is denoted by _underscores_ and bold -text by =equal signs=. - - - - -[Illustration: - - The Black Cat - - December 1895 - - =THE GREAT STAR RUBY.= - BARNES MACGREGGOR. - - =THE INTERRUPTED BANQUET.= - RENÉ BACHE. - - =THE ARCHANGEL.= - JAMES Q. HYATT. - - =ASLEEP AT LONE MOUNTAIN.= - H. D. UMBSTAETTER. - - =KOOTCHIE.= - HAROLD KINSABBY. - - =FRAZER'S FIND.= - ROBERTA LITTLEHALE. - - 5 - CENTS - - THE SHORTSTORY PUBLISHING CO. 144 HIGH ST., BOSTON, MASS. - No. 3. Copyright 1895 by The Shortstory Publishing Co. -] - - - - -[Illustration: - - Mason & Hamlin Co. - -_The Mason and Hamlin Pianos are the only pianos manufactured -containing the patented Screw Stringer, by virtue of which they do -not require one quarter as much tuning as any other piano made: thus -reducing expense of keeping and inconvenience to a minimum._ - -_Full particulars and catalogues mailed free on application._ - - Mason & Hamlin Co. - BOSTON. NEW YORK. CHICAGO. -] - - - - -[Illustration: - - High Grade - Salad for - High Grade - People - -Book about real Olive Oil—Nature's best refined—appreciated by folks -of educated taste—free if you mail us your calling card—we don't want -postal card folks—A. G. Belden & Co., 145 Maiden Lane, New York. - - Importers. -] - - - - -[Illustration: - - Lablache Face Powder - - The Queen of Toilet Powders. - -THE purest and most perfect Face Powder that science and skill can -produce. Makes the skin soft and beautiful and removes Sun-burn, Tan, -Freckles, and all shiny appearance. Invisible on closest inspection. -Absolutely harmless. We invite chemical analysis and the closest -search for injurious ingredients. It is used and indorsed by the most -prominent society and professional ladies in Europe and America. Insist -upon having Lablache Powder; or risk the consequences produced by cheap -powders. Flesh, White, Pink, and Cream Tints. - - Price, 50c. per box. - Of all druggists, or by mail. - - BEN. LEVY & CO., French Perfumers, - 34 WEST STREET, BOSTON, MASS., U. S. A. -] - - - - -[Illustration: - - O - TO - O - -Everything in Carpets, Rugs, Hangings, and Upholstery, from -the Oriental to the Occidental, from the superb antique to the -attractive modern, from the choicest luxury to the plainest every-day -necessity—if it's worth having, you'll find it among our stock, and at -prices that bring wholesale and retail buyers from everywhere. John H. -Pray, Sons & Co., 658 Washington St., opposite Boylston St., Boston, -Mass. -] - - - - -The Black Cat (Vol. I, No. 3) - -A Monthly Magazine of Original Short Stories. - - No. 3. DECEMBER, 1895. 5 cents a copy. - 50 cents a year. - -Entered at the Post-Office at Boston, Mass., as second-class matter. - -Copyright, 1895, by The Shortstory Publishing Company. All rights reserved. - - - - - CONTENTS - - Title Author Page - - The Great Star Ruby. BARNES MACGREGGOR. 1 - The Interrupted Banquet. RENÉ BACHE. 11 - The Archangel. JAMES Q. HYATT. 19 - Asleep at Lone Mountain. H. D. UMBSTAETTER. 24 - Kootchie. HAROLD KINSABBY. 37 - Frazer's Find. ROBERTA LITTLEHALE. 40 - Advertisements. 47 - - - - -The Great Star Ruby. - -BY BARNES MACGREGGOR. - - -IT was late in the evening of Melbourne Cup Day. In one of the -dining-rooms of the Victoria Club three men sat smoking and talking -earnestly together. Certainly the events of the last sixteen hours -furnished ample subject for conversation. Melbourne Cup Day means to -the Australian all that Derby Day does to the Englishman. It means, -also, many things that even the greatest sporting event of the English -year cannot mean to the inhabitants of the compact little island, -provided with so many other facilities for amusement and intercourse. -In this land of tremendous distances—where four million people occupy -an area equal to that of the United States,—in this island continent -of opposites—where Christmas comes in midsummer and Fourth of July in -midwinter, where swans are black and birds are songless,—this is the -one day when all classes and conditions assemble at one place and take -their pleasures as a unit. - -From Victoria and New South Wales, from North, South, and West -Australia, from Queensland, even from Tasmania and the sister colony -of New Zealand, separated from the continent by miles of water, -visitors of all kind and degree had flocked by the thousands. When -the starting flag fell that morning there were assembled about the -track picturesque miners and rugged bushmen, self-made capitalists, -book-makers, and millionaire wool growers, charming women and -well-groomed men, to the number of almost a quarter of a million. -To all of these the occasion was one anticipated and planned for -during twelve months past. It was the occasion when their long pent -Anglo-Saxon sporting taste—for nine out of every ten Australians are -of English ancestry—intensified by the free, out-of-door life, and by -the absence of the outlets furnished in a more concentrated state of -civilization, found exuberant expression. To each it carried, besides, -some special significance, according to his rank and occupation. To the -betting man it meant that a single firm of book-makers had on deposit -in the banks of Melbourne and Sidney wagers to the amount of over one -hundred thousand pounds sterling; for, like the English Derby, this -is a "classical" event, upon which bets are often made for the coming -year the very day after the preceding race has been run. Among the -women it meant triumphs of millinery, gowns that had been ordered from -London and Paris many months or even a year in advance, the fashionable -display of Goodwood, the Derby, and the Ascot all compressed into a -single day. - -Among the mine owners and wool growers it meant journeys by rail, boat, -or private coach, extending over hundreds, sometimes thousands of -miles, and lasting for days and weeks, even months. Australia has well -been called "The Land of the Golden Fleece." Its flocks of sheep are -the largest, its gold mines and coal mines the richest in the world. -Its flocks are counted not merely by hundreds or thousands, but by -hundreds of thousands; and a single sheep station often extends over -a hundred thousand acres. But with this immensity of interests there -is linked the familiar loneliness of grandeur. The greater a country -gentleman's possessions, the farther he is removed from society, until -the largest proprietors are often separated by forty or fifty miles -from their nearest neighbors. For this solitude the one outlet is the -journey to Melbourne for the annual cup races. - -Upon this particular day the fashionable parade had eclipsed in size -and splendor that of any previous year. In addition to the races, -there had been the notable first night of the Grand Opera House, opened -now for the first time to the public; and the day had culminated in an -evening of such brilliancy and distinction that the three men who sat -talking at the Victoria Club found superlatives too weak to express -their enthusiasm. - -"Rather than miss this day, I would have lost five years of my life," -said one of the group. Then, turning to beckon the waiter, in order -that he might emphasize his words by some refreshment, he observed -a guest of the club—evidently a stranger—sitting alone at an -adjoining table. With the exuberant new-world hospitality of a man who -had evidently not been a loser in the day's exchange of wealth, he -stretched out a welcoming hand, with, "Stranger, won't you join us?" - -Without waiting for further formality, the solitary man strode up to -the group and seated himself at their table. - -"Gentlemen," he began, "I couldn't help overhearing what you said. I, -too, would have given a good deal to have been a spectator. In fact, I -had been looking forward to this event for a whole year, and, as luck -would have it, missed it by the delay of an hour. If the steamer from -Calcutta had reached Sydney half an hour before sundown yesterday, -instead of half an hour after, I should have been in Melbourne early -this morning, instead of late to-night. As it is, I arrived only ten -minutes ago, and, having a card to your club from the Wanderer's in -London, I came here to take the edge off my disappointment. The next -best thing to being on the scene of action is to hear about it from an -eye-witness. So I depend upon you to give me an account of the affair. -At any rate, I only hope the races aren't finished." - -"Oh, of course there will be more races," said the spokesman of the -party; "but such a sight as the opening of the Opera House Melbourne -isn't likely to see again. There were stars, of course, but no one -noticed what was going on on the stage, you understand; the real show -was in the house, which was simply packed. Such women! Such stunning -gowns! And the jewels—why, it looked as though half the kingdoms of -Europe had lent their crown jewels for the occasion. - -"In all that gorgeousness it was mighty hard to pick out the handsomest -face or the finest ornaments. But of course there was one woman here, -just as there is everywhere, who carried off the palm. It wasn't only -that she was beautiful, though in her dark, stately fashion she was far -and away the handsomest woman present; and it wasn't only that she sat -where she did in the front of the stage box, with her solitary escort -in the background, when every other box in the theater was crammed; but -upon the bodice of her gown—it was a gorgeous gold and white brocaded -and lace-trimmed affair, so I heard it whispered among the women—she -wore the most striking and gorgeous ornament in the entire audience. -This was a jockey-cap made entirely of precious stones; the peak was a -solid mass of diamonds, the band a row of sapphires, while the crown -consisted of an enormous ruby. 'Twas rather showy, of course, but so -appropriate for this particular race night that no woman could have -resisted wearing it. Of course it stood out wonderfully—it was as big -as a half-crown piece, you understand,—and it wasn't long before every -glass in the house was fixed upon that pin and the beautiful woman that -wore it. - -"I turned my glass on it with the rest," he added, laughing, "and -that's how I got such a good photograph of it." - -"Speaking of precious stones," said the stranger, who so far had -listened without comment, "reminds me of a fifty-thousand-pound ruby -that once involved a daring young Englishman in a series of strange -adventures." - -"Give us the adventures," said the spokesman of the party, scenting at -once a stirring tale that would make a fitting wind-up to the day's -varied excitements. "A jewel always serves as a magnet for romance, -especially if the jewel is a fifty-thousand-pound ruby." - -"To begin with," said the strange man, apparently unmoved by his host's -last remarks, "you must understand that, while there are millions of -rubies mined every year, a really first-class stone is one of the -rarest as well as the most valuable gems in the world. In Ceylon, where -some of the largest ruby mines in the world are located, the Moormen, -who have a monopoly of the gem trade, often bring down from the north -country bullock cartloads of uncut rubies, but probably in handling -ten million gems not one will be found of the desired fineness and of -flawless purity and luster. These Moormen are the shrewdest, with a -few exceptions the most unscrupulous, and always the most wonderful -judges of gems in the world, and they are without exception rich. -They have parceled out the gem-fields in the Tamil districts, and the -natives whom they hire to hunt gems along the river bottoms, where the -finest are found, are subjected to the most rigid scrutiny and daily -search; for, though the diggers are always naked, they often attempt to -conceal gems in their ears, nostrils, armpits, or elsewhere, with the -end in view of disposing of them to rival Moormen. For, though these -Moormen are openly fair dealers among themselves, they cannot resist -buying gems smuggled from their neighbors' fields. Consequently, a -complete detective service is attached to each one of these diggings, -and woe to the Tamil who is caught attempting to smuggle gems across -the lines! He simply disappears, that's all. No one is ever called -to account, and the awful secrecy of his captors and the mystery -surrounding his end appal his fellows, keeping them in a subjection -that is all but slavery, and in some respects infinitely worse. - -"But these Tamil diggers are very wise, and they know when they happen -upon a grand uncut gem. Perhaps they will bury it again and spend a -whole year maneuvering to get the jewel over the lines to the rival -buyers, finally giving it up, and turning it over to the owners of the -fields. As the really fine ones are rarely larger than a hazelnut, and -each is worth from twenty to one hundred times as much as a diamond of -the same size, it is worth the digger's while to make a lifelong study -of the relative values, and then profit thereby. - -"Now, this young Englishman had a curious hobby. For years he had -desired to possess one of these almost priceless rubies, and it was -partly with the hope of obtaining one that he visited Ceylon, where he -had left orders with the Moormen gem dealers to reserve for him the -finest and largest stone that could be found. - -"Meantime he headed an exploring party, whose way lay through the -jungles about a hundred miles north of Kandy, toward the ancient -Buddhist city Anarajapoora, the throne of the famous King Tissa, the -shrine of the oldest tree in the world,—the sacred Bo. It was a long -and tedious march. The travelers usually halted at mid-morning, slept -till the shadows cooled the air a little, then resumed the journey -as far into the night as possible, sometimes continuing till the next -mid-morning, when the sun's heat again brought them to a standstill. -On this particular daybreak they had halted beside a swift stream, -doubtful at which point to attempt to ford it. The leader had sent men -both up and down the stream to search for a suitable spot, and wandered -along its banks, more occupied with the glories of the tropic sunrise, -the sparkle of the dew on the giant spider-threads stretched from limb -to limb, the stir of rare birds and animals with which the jungle was -more than alive, than with the problem of fording the stream. Upon -reaching an inviting nook, he sat down to roll a cigarette, first -taking care to search for any jungle enemies in ambush which might make -him legitimate prey. Suddenly he heard a great crashing of branches in -the thicket on the opposite side of the river. Then, like a flash of -lightning, a naked Tamil, red with blood, a look of desperation and -hopeless despair on his face, plunged out of the avalanche of green -beyond, and, leaping headlong into the water, struck out across the -stream. The traveler had risen to his feet, and stood watching amazedly -the course of the swimmer, which was aimless, like that of a desperate -man wandering through a totally unfamiliar country. His head was shaven -closely, though the natives usually wear their hair long. He swam with -great effort. Indeed, the watcher on the bank saw that it was ten to -one against the swimmer's success, and instinctively his heart went -out in pity. The unfortunate wretch was now being carried rapidly down -stream and toward the man on the bank, who could see the straining -of every fiber in the Tamil's body, even the look of despair in his -bloodshot eyes. Suddenly, just as success seemed assured, the swimmer -threw up his hands, uttered a strange moan, and went down. The man on -the bank rushed down the stream, stopped at a point where a huge banyan -tree spread its branches far over the swollen waters, and climbed out -on a thick limb. A moment later he saw the body of the Tamil rise -almost directly beneath him. Clinging with one hand to the tree, he -lowered himself over the treacherous torrent, and with a mighty effort -seized the drowning man by the ankle and so dragged him to the shore. - -"Back into ambush he half carried the poor wreck, and, laying him -on the sod, began the task of reviving him. In less than ten minutes -the Tamil opened his eyes, discharged a gallon of water, then gasped, -struggled up into a half-sitting posture, and looked about him. When -he saw the Englishman bending over him, and comprehended, he uttered -the most pitiful wails of gratitude imaginable, groveling in the dust, -kissing his preserver's feet. The water had washed the blood from him, -but he was a mass of wounds, scars, bruises, lash marks, and bullet -cuts. How he ever managed to go as far as he must have gone, leaving a -trail of blood behind him, was a mystery. But what specially attracted -the Englishman's attention was a blood-stained bandage around the -fugitive's leg, midway between the knee and thigh, which was the only -rag on the poor fellow's body. He was about to question him, by signs -and syllables, for his knowledge of the Tamil patois was very limited, -when he heard another great crashing of the thicket across the stream, -accompanied by the sound of voices. Instantly, there flashed across -the poor creature's face a look of unspeakable terror, as he panted -out in hoarse gutturals, 'Sa-ya-ta! Sa-ya-ta!' an appeal for salvation -which would have moved a heart of stone. Motioning to him to remain -quiet—an unnecessary precaution, since he was scarcely able to lift -his head from the marshy ground—his preserver gave him brandy; then, -by a circuitous route, ran up stream, coming out directly opposite four -mounted Moormen who were ranting up and down the shore. - -"Upon his appearance, the horsemen approached, and asked if he had -seen any one go by. They were on the track, they explained, of a Tamil -gem-digger, who was smuggling a ruby worth fifty thousand pounds over -the lines of the Bakook-Khan gem-fields, and with the owner of the -fields had chased him sixty miles. The man could be recognized, they -said, because his head was shaven, and he was quite naked, except for a -bandage tied around one leg, in which he had cut a hole and buried the -ruby. - -"To all of this the Englishman answered that he had seen such a man -leap from the jungle and plunge into the river only a few moments ago, -adding that they would better wait until the flood went down before -searching the river bottom, as it would be impossible to find even an -elephant in that muddy water. At this the Moormen set up a howl of -rage, and, after an angry consultation, passed on down the stream, -scanning the river bank. The traveler was about to return to the Tamil, -realizing the man's immediate danger, when another crowd burst through -the jungle opposite, and at the sight of the Englishman approached -him with much the same story as had the first, except that, according -to their tale, the gem-digger had been smuggling from the Sabat-Keel -fields. To them he made the same reply, adding that another party had -just been there from the Bakook-Khan fields, making a similar claim. At -this the spokesman set up a terrific wail, denouncing them as rogues, -thieves, impostors, and heaven knows what not. But just in the midst of -his tirade he was cut short by the approach of still another band of -claimants, and immediately the three groups of angry Moormen were in -the midst of a wrangle over the ownership of the disputed gem. - -"In their absorption the Englishman saw his chance to escape. With an -occasional glance backward to make sure that he was not observed, he -made his way stealthily to that spot in the ambush where he had left -the wounded Tamil. - -"The man was gone! - -"For a moment his rescuer stood nonplussed. Then, as he looked first -one way and then the other, his eye caught the gleam, a few yards -away, of the silver top of the brandy flask that he had left with his -patient by way of a comforter. As he stooped to recover it, he detected -a fresh blood stain on the grass, and farther on still another. -Evidently the Tamil, overcome by his fear of capture, had attempted -flight,—an undertaking that in his enfeebled state meant certain and -early death. Without stopping to consider the danger of following his -ill-fated protégé alone into the unknown depths of the jungle, the -Englishman started in pursuit. Before he had gone five steps, however, -he realized his peril. Beyond him, creeping along on all fours, he saw -the blood-stained fugitive, moving, unconscious of his peril, into the -very jaws of a huge tiger, crouched ready to spring upon his prey." - -"And the Tamil was killed?" cried the party. - -"No," said the stranger; "the Tamil was saved from this horrible -death, though only after his rescuer had passed through a hand-to-hand -struggle with the tiger, in which he was almost killed. As it was, he -lost the use of his right arm for the rest of his life. But, in spite -of all that he could do, the fugitive died a few hours later, overcome -by fright and fatigue." - -"And the ruby?" - -"The ruby, of course, fell into the hands of the Englishman, who, -convinced that, owing to the multiplicity of claimants, it would be -impossible ever to ascertain the stone's rightful owner, concealed -it in his tobacco pouch before he was joined by his party. These, he -learned when he was brought to his senses, had returned several hours -ago from the other side of the river, to which they had retired, -frightened by the many outcries of the mounted Moormen, and had found -their leader only after a long search, which would have been hopeless -except for the blood trail left by the wounded Tamil. - -"For a few days after his return to their camp, wounded as he was, and -weakened by his encounter with the tiger, he gave little thought to the -stone that had fallen into his hands, as if from the sky. But with his -earliest convalescence, his jewel mania returned, intensified by the -actual possession of a ruby that it afterwards proved was, no doubt, -the finest in the world. By the time that he reached Amsterdam, to -which he had taken passage at his earliest opportunity, with the idea -of having his treasure cut by an expert, this mania had reached such a -pitch that it was only with the greatest effort that he could finally -make up his mind to leave it in the hands of a jewel cutter; and from -the moment that it was out of his possession he began to suspect every -person that he met, the jewel cutter included, of a desire to rob him -of his treasure. What gave color to his suspicions was the fact that at -the shop where he left the ruby delay followed delay, and postponement -succeeded postponement, the dealer putting him off each time with vague -excuses and never-fulfilled promises. At length, after five weeks of -these mysterious delays and excuses, almost crazed by wearing anxiety, -he confided his secret to one of a firm of private detectives, a man -whom he employed to watch and investigate the movements of the jewel -cutter. - -"On the very night of the day in which he had taken this step, the -jewel was returned to him; it had proved to be a stone not only -magnificent in size and color, but curiously ribbed with white -rays,—that is, a star ruby, pronounced to be the finest in existence. -But the reaction from his fright and anxiety, joined with the effect -of his recent adventure, from which he had not yet fully recovered, -cut short his joy. He was seized with brain fever, and for days lay -unconscious in the room of his lodging-house, unattended except by his -doctor and landlady. When he finally returned to his senses he found -that the jewel was gone. At a time when his life was despaired of, the -detective employed to protect his interests called at his lodging, and, -thinking the man as good as dead, stole the gem, and—" - -Suddenly the eyes of the listeners turned to the door behind the -speaker. There was a rustle of skirts and the whispered exclamation: -"There she is now." - -The story teller started, flushing at the interruption, but only for an -instant. Then he faced about, leaped to his feet, and, rushing forward -like a maniac, tore from the breast of the mysterious beauty of the -opera the glittering ornament upon which, an hour before, had been -focused the attention of an entire audience. - -"Here," he cried, brandishing a handful of lace and satin from which -gleamed the jeweled jockey-cap, "is the stolen star ruby!—and there," -pointing to a man's figure that appeared in the doorway, "is the -cowardly wretch that stole it!" - -It was not until then that his companions observed that the stranger's -right arm hung useless at his side. - -[Illustration] - - - - -The Interrupted Banquet. - -BY RENÉ BACHE. - - -THOUGH quite familiar with the street, I could not remember having seen -that particular house before. My recollection had been that there was a -vacant lot just there. But I must have been mistaken, for the dwelling -before me was substantial enough, though old-fashioned, with high front -steps and large windows. A trifle out of repair it looked, by the way, -and I even noticed that two or three panes of glass were gone. On the -whole, the mansion presented a somewhat mournful appearance, as if -fallen from an old-time respectability into a condition of decay and -decrepitude. - -I am sure that it would never have occurred to me to enter, had it not -been that the young lady who accompanied me turned and deliberately -mounted the steps towards the front door. Of course I followed. She did -not ring the bell; for, in truth, there seemed to be no bell to pull. -But the portal was noiselessly thrown wide from within, and we entered. -I looked in vain for the servant who, I supposed, would receive our -cards; but, to my surprise, Mabel walked straight ahead through the -wide hall, without hesitation, appearing quite familiar with the place. -There should have been a light, I thought, though it was only two -o'clock in the afternoon; for the interior of this strange mansion was -very dark, and I could only make out in an indistinct sort of way the -faces that looked down upon me from some old portraits, obviously fine -works of art, as I passed. - -Mabel had introduced me to most of her friends, for we had been engaged -for six months and were to be married very soon; but she had never -spoken to me of these people, who, perhaps, were rather out of the -fashion and had been forgotten. As these reflections passed through my -mind, we ascended a broad staircase to the second floor, and then it -was that I heard a sound of revelry which came from a room which I -correctly judged to be the dining-room of the house. The heavy oaken -doors of the room were slightly ajar, and through them was cast a -strong beam of light that fell full upon an object which startled me -for an instant. It was a headless human figure. A second later I smiled -at my own alarm, inasmuch as the figure was nothing but a suit of old -armor without the helmet. - -If I had had a chance, I should have questioned Mabel, in order to -make sure that our unannounced entrance was not an intrusion; also, I -might have asked why, after starting out for a day's yachting trip, we -had returned so early and for so strange an entertainment. But either -query would have been out of place just then. Very likely, I thought, -she had some surprise in store for me,—a lunch party, maybe, arranged -by some friends in our honor; for quite a series of dinners and other -entertainments had been given to us in celebration of our engagement. -Moreover, all that I have related took place within less than a minute -and a half, and in another moment I found myself in the large and -brilliantly lighted dining-room. If the rest of the mansion was dark, -there was no lack of illumination here. I was fairly dazzled by the -numerous lights, clusters of which, arranged in silver candelabra, -helped to adorn a long table, at which twenty-five or thirty people -were seated. There were flowers in profusion, with a great display of -silver and cut glass. - -To my astonishment, not one of the people present seemed to take the -slightest notice of our entrance. Near one end of the table were two -vacant chairs together. Mabel quietly took one of them, and I, deeming -the time hardly proper for an explanation, seated myself in the other. -Soup was immediately placed before us—evidently we were not very -late—and I took two or three spoonsful of it. It struck me as being -singularly tasteless. - -The courses followed each other in the usual mechanical fashion. What -there was to eat I do not remember with any distinctness, for I was so -absorbed in wonder and in studying the other guests that I took little -notice of the viands. Opposite me was a funny-looking old lady in white -silk, cut low at the neck to such a degree, I thought, as would have -been more appropriate to a younger and plumper person. I particularly -recall the fact that she wore camellias in her hair—a fashion which -I had heard of as belonging to a generation ago. It was palpable, -too, that her front hair was false. Withal she was most agreeable and -amiably disposed, as I presently discovered from her conversation. She -was the first person who addressed any remark to me, abruptly making -some inquiry about my grandfather, and stating in the same breath that -she was from Philadelphia. - -At her left sat a gentleman of rather more than middle age, as I -judged, with a remarkably pink nose and a great expanse of shirt-front, -who was devoting himself so assiduously to his plate that not a word -escaped his lips. On the other side of the old lady with the camellias -was an extremely thin man, with a peaked countenance, who so strongly -reminded me of an undertaker that I felt almost tempted to ask him a -question or two about the state of the market in respect to coffins and -other funeral equipments. His necktie was black and likewise his hair, -while his expression was one of extreme solemnity. Mabel was seated at -my right, while on my other hand was a buxom matron of forty or so, -who manipulated knife and fork with an activity that suggested a most -excellent digestion. - -Among the guests these were the first whom I noticed particularly. As -I looked along the table, I was rather surprised to find that not a -face was known to me. There was a cadaverous-looking young man with a -prematurely bald head whom I pointed out to Mabel, asking who he was; -for I had noticed that a sign of recognition passed between them. - -"My brother," she replied quietly and, as I imagined, sadly. - -Now this was a surprise, for I did not know that Mabel had a brother. -Perhaps, I thought, he was not an especially estimable youth, and so -was ignored by her family. If that were so, why should he be present on -this occasion? Here was another puzzle, to be solved when a suitable -opportunity offered for questioning my fianceé. - -On the left of Mabel's brother was a remarkably pretty, though very -pale young lady, who wore in her hair, oddly enough, what looked to me -like a bridal wreath. But the handsomest woman present was she whom -I supposed to be our hostess. She was of regal presence, and, with -her velvety eyes and coronet of black braids, resembled a Spanish -señorita. Though I had never seen her before, I took it for granted -that she must know who I was, and repeatedly I tried to catch a glance -from her; but it was in vain, for her conversation and attention were -addressed almost exclusively to an elderly man on her right, apparently -a foreign diplomat, as half a dozen orders glittered upon his breast. -At the other end of the festive board sat a gentleman with a huge gray -moustache, presumably our host. I heard no remarks from him, save now -and then a request to "pass the decanter," addressed to one or another -of the guests near him. I had no opportunity for speech with him, -inasmuch as Mabel and I were divided from him by almost the length of -the table. - -On the whole, the affair struck me as entirely extraordinary. Here we -were, myself completely a stranger, at a banquet in a house which I had -never visited before! Indeed, had it not been for Mabel's assurance of -welcome and the two seats apparently reserved for us, I should have -supposed that we had made some mistake. Mabel herself was singularly -silent, though ordinarily quite talkative and even jolly, and offered -no explanation of the situation. But perhaps what astonished me more -than anything else was my discovery, some time after we were seated -at the table, of a young man, some distance away, who bore a striking -resemblance to my chum at college. Upon my word, I was on the point of -shouting at him across the board. In fact, the words, "Why, Bill, old -man, how did you get here?" were on my lips, when I checked myself in -time, owing to a remembrance of the fact that Bill had been dead for -eight years, having met a most untimely fate in a railway disaster. - -While engaged in wondering whether the young man could be a near -relation of my former chum's, I was startled at seeing a telegram in -the familiar Western Union envelope laid beside my plate. Some people, -notably stock brokers and newspaper men, are accustomed to telegrams, -and for that reason are not alarmed by them. But habit had not rendered -me thus callous, and with some haste I tore open the envelope and -glanced over the contents. It read:— - - "Mabel died this morning of acute congestion of the lungs. - - "AMELIA PARKER." - -I declare that I trembled as if I had a chill. If Mabel had not been -by my side, I should have been overcome by the shock. Holding the -telegram before Mabel's eyes, I exclaimed in a voice that trembled -with conflicting emotions of horror and anger: "This is carrying a -practical joke too far. Here, some brainless wretch telegraphs me in -your mother's name that you are dead." - -Careless of the almost frenzied energy with which I spoke, I looked -around upon the faces of my fellow-guests as one does who is confident -of sympathy. To my amazement, in response to my speech, there arose -a cackle of laughter which was presently transformed into a general -ripple of mirth. And such mirth! The like of it I had never heard -before, and, please heaven, I hope I never may again. It was not like -real laughter, but rather the empty and strident cachinnation of beings -lost to the feelings of humanity. - -Pale with anger, I rose to my feet and, steadying myself with one hand -on the back of my chair, exclaimed: - -"What does this mean?" - -Dead silence was the only response. Conversation had ceased, but I felt -that every eye was fixed upon me. Aghast, I looked at Mabel, but she -did not return my gaze. At length, the old woman with the camellias in -her hair, who sat opposite, addressed me, saying: - -"Why do you think that Mabel is not dead?" - -"Good God!" I replied. "Here she is. Don't you see her? What do these -people mean?" - -The old woman grinned and waved her feather fan at me, playfully, -saying: - -"Ask her if she isn't dead?" - -I turned to Mabel in wonderment, but she only shook her head sadly. - -"Why, of course she's dead!" said the old woman. "Don't you know that -all of us here are dead?" - -"Indeed, yes; we are all dead," cried the other guests in general -chorus. - -"This is getting beyond patience!" I exclaimed. "You, too, are pleased -to joke with me, but I tell you frankly that I fail to see the fun -of it. Perhaps, since you possess such a fund of humor, you will be -telling me next that I am dead, also." - -Then came that laugh again. I never shall forget it. Beginning with a -cackling titter, it spread until the whole table was in a roar, making -my very flesh creep. Then all at once it ceased, and again there was -dead silence. - -"Certainly you are dead," said the old lady with the camellias. "She's -dead, and all of us are dead. She died this morning of acute congestion -of the lungs, but I have been dead for these twenty years, and he, -too," indicating with her fan the elderly gentleman with the pink nose. -"My own complaint was cerebrospinal meningitis." - -My legs gave way under me and I sank into my chair. As I did so my -hand touched Mabel's, and I grasped hers tightly. It was cold as ice. -Leaning toward me, she whispered in my ear: - -"Don't make a scene! It is all quite true. You were run over an hour -ago by a trolley car." - -Not daring to believe my senses, I replied: - -"And this house—?" - -"Sh—h!" said Mabel. "It is only the ghost of a house,—the phantasmal -reproduction of an old mansion that used to stand on this spot, where -there has been an empty lot for fifteen years past." - -"I—I think I understand," I gasped. Then, though my brain swam, I made -a tremendous effort to summon up my courage and face composedly this -dreadful situation. Addressing myself to the old woman opposite, I said: - -"Perchance you were acquainted with the former occupants of this -dwelling?" - -"Oh, yes," she answered pleasantly. "I am somewhat distantly related to -our host and hostess of this evening. They were drowned—lost on the -ill-fated _Ville de Paris_. This house belonged to them, and not very -long afterwards it was torn down." - -"But suppose that the present owner of the lot were to build upon -it?" I suggested. "It would be necessary to hold these charming -entertainments elsewhere?" - -"Not at all," she said, laughing and waving her fan. "The occupancy of -the site by a real house would not interfere. It frequently happens, -of course, that a building is put up on ground previously occupied by -another dwelling. You must understand, though I might have supposed -you knew it, that, while the material parts of a tenement may be -removed at any time, its astral shell remains in perpetuity. Thus -the ghosts of half a dozen or more dwellings may remain on the site -occupied by a new and substantial structure. They are none the less -real for being invisible to living eyes. The most remarkable instances -of haunted houses that you have heard about are due to conditions of -that sort,—several families of phantasms, perhaps, tenanting premises -topographically coincident with a mansion which affords physical -accommodation to people in the flesh. I trust I make myself clear?" - -"Quite so," I replied politely. - -This conversation was interrupted by the elderly gentleman with the -pink nose, who seemed to be dissatisfied with something. Having poured -out a water goblet half full of sherry from a decanter, he called for -brandy, and with those strong spirits filled it to the brim. Then he -took a caster of red pepper and sprinkled its contents liberally on the -surface of the mixture. Raising the goblet to his lips, he drained its -contents to the last drop and set it down with a sigh. - -"Ah!" he exclaimed, "it has no strength. If only I could get a schooner -of real beer." - -The old lady regarded this performance attentively, with a lorgnette -held to her nose. Said she sympathetically: - -"That is the way with all pleasures in the after world. They seem to -have no savor. Even the milk is chalk and water." - -"I suppose that is why this mince pie tastes so insipid," I responded, -toying absently with a bit of pastry on my plate. - -"Of course it is," she said. "Don't you see it is only the ghost of a -mince pie." - -"Then it seems that—" - -But at this point the banquet was suddenly interrupted by a convulsive -swaying and creaking of timbers. The table rocked, the lights in the -silver candelabra flickered, and all was darkness. Then, through a ray -of brilliant sunlight, I saw the strange dining-hall, the gleaming -table, the ghostly banqueters all fade into the distance. Another -moment of utter darkness, of creaking and swaying, during which I -made a desperate effort to grasp and steady Mabel's chair. To my -bewilderment, my hand touched a coil of rope. I heard familiar voices. -There was a burst of sunlight. I sat propped up by cushions on the -deck of the pleasure yacht _Undine_, surrounded by solicitous friends. -Mabel, with her warm hand reassuringly clasped in mine, told me of my -half hour's unconsciousness. I had fallen overboard in my attempt to -recover her hat, and had been rescued only after sinking for the third -time. Not until I had heard all this, could I banish from my mind my -horrible experience in the house of the dead. - -[Illustration] - - - - -The Archangel. - -BY JAMES Q. HYATT. - - -CRAWFORD and I had gone up into the foot-hills of the Sierras to shoot. -It was autumn; yet the sun unscrewed us so immediately when we walked -abroad that we were forced to seek the shelter of pines and dusty scrub -oaks, as often as they fell across our path. - -We were lying, one afternoon, under a row of young firs on the crest -of a ridge, when the gaunt figure of an old man labored up the slope -toward us. - -"If all the world'd lay about in the shade like you 'uns and me—not -interferin' with Nature—she'd get her hand in again on her own hook," -he said, throwing himself down beside us. - -What he may have looked like when his features were normal we never -knew. At this advanced period he wore so inflated a nose of such -eccentric modeling that his eyes couldn't count for much, and his mouth -was only suggested under a flippant gray beard. - -"I'm the Archangel," he said sweetly, and smiled at us. - -Crawford shrugged himself a trifle nearer his gun and smiled back again. - -"There's no crack," he assured us immediately. "That's been my title -for three years. I got it because I held my hand from gorin' a man -under false provocation." - -"Tell us about it," we said. - -He found a stone to rest his back against, and threw open his shirt at -the throat. - -"These hot summer days sizzle just as they did then—crisp your throat -like coals curl bacon. I'd mined all this country in the gold days, and -held my own with the dizziest dog of 'em all in findin' the color and -epicuring the liquids. I run a drinking fountain in opposition to the -Dead Falls, up Mokelumne way, and counted on Joaquin and his band for -makin' a pot for me regular once a week—but t'aint what I started out -to say." - -The old man fell into a reverie. He seemed to see only the ends of his -toes. - -"About the Archangel," Crawford prodded. - -"Yes—the Archangel. That's a matter of three short years aback." - -This gentle old man stood up, and hitched savagely at his trouser band -before he sat down again. - -"Adolphe—his name'd tell you, wouldn't it? Chin beard—juicy -voice—and hands a-curvin' through the air. Well, Adolphe and me set up -backin' and minin' together five years aback. I stayed on and on with -him because his bread'd make you hungry in your sleep. - -"'Twas flour for that very bread that I went a-ridin' into town for, -one summer day. There was a real estate dude'd come up. 'Socks' -we called him. Actual—he went round in wormy-lookin' things held -up by garters! Well, Socks, he tucked a folded newspaper under my -saddle-flap, just as I was tightening up to go home. - -"'Read that,' says he. 'It's time all you fellers settled down -to raisin' families, so's we could have a population, and school -districts, and churches, and sich. Never no hope of doin' anything with -a lot of bachelors.' - -"Well, d'you know, it struck me like wisdom from the mouth of babes? -I rode along a-tryin' of my best to read that paper. Not bein' over -profuse in acquaintance with learnin', and the sun strikin' the white -clay like a lookin'-glass, I tucked it away and whistled till the -barkin' of the dog realized me I was home. - -"Later, when the smoke went out of the chimney, curlin' through the -trees, Adolphe and me sat out on the saw-bucks a-readin' of that -paper,—the _Matrimonial Messenger_. - -"By your names, sirs, there was three pages of 'um saying how -enchantin' they was! - -"Tall women and short women, and young women and old women, women with -children and women without, women that could work, and sew, and cook, -and women that could sing, and dance, and talk. Every blamed one of -'em willin' to send their photograph, swearin' their faces was their -fortunes all their life! - -"'Twasn't long before we'd settled between two of 'em, but Adolphe, he -was for one, and me for the other. - -"'What's it to you?' sez I. 'You aint marryin' of her, are you?' - -"He couldn't but admit the fact. - -"'Still—there's my livin' round her,' he says. - -"'Twas a widder, I remember, Adolphe was set on. She'd raven locks, -and what she'd most pride in was her cookin', and her sewin', and her -lovin' heart. I argued long. I needed him favorable, if it was to be -peaceful-like. I remember tellin' of him that we didn't need cookin' -and sewin', being used all our lives to managin' these. What we wanted -was somethin' amusin' and up in learnin', so's we could feel spiritual -proud, you know. I asked him if we'd ever strike it rich, what'd we do -with a wife that couldn't go dance and talk with the best of 'em. - -"Anyway, seein' it was my business, and I was set like a jumper on a -claim, Adolphe, he give in. The woman what made my heart feel empty -said she was eighteen. She was decorated with yellow hair and eyes like -copper-ore. She could talk French, and understood German, and could -play the pianner. She'd marry a man that wanted a companion and not a -cook. - -"Sez I to myself continual: 'That's you, Daniel.' - -"Well, Adolphe and me, we talked this thing, wakin' and sleepin'. I'd -more plans than a cow has capers. - -"We got up a letter'd melt snow, and then we waited. - -"First, nuthin' was said to the boys, but when they caught on to my -hangin' round the post-office they began to josh. I always stepped up -gallant to the post-mistress, sirs—I've turned the cheeks of most -women pink in my day—and I said, said I: - -"'Letter, please?' with a doffin' of my hat, and a risin' inflection -very polite but understandin'. It got to be so that when there never -was anythin' handed out the boys'd take to coughin' down a laugh. - -"After awhile it grew so's none of 'em turned up or paid any attention. -Even Adolphe—he took to goin' to sleep when I talked her. - -"Then a whole year ran out to summer again, and I couldn't unthrone her -that reigned in my heart. - -"One day I said to Adolphe, a-workin' away: - -"'Blamed if I can forget her, the ornamint,' I said. - -"Adolphe he went in for grub that day and came out late, a-holdin' of a -envelope. - -"'Here's your letter,' he called. - -"Sure enough! I went out on the saw-buck and read it alone. Then he sat -down by me and we read it over again. - -"'Twas only that she'd arrive on the afternoon train on the fifth, and -to have a Methodist minister. - -"Well, sirs, it meant a good deal for me to supply the necessaries for -a sparklin' jewel—let alone the settlin' down for her to sparkle on! -but luck come my way. There'd been a milliner up from San Francisco -and fitted her a elegant place. She'd failed, and quick's a winkin' I -bought her lookin'-glass and red plush easy-chair. You'd ought to seen -that cabin! There hung the thing opposite the stove, all shinin' an' -smilin' and gildin'. Right in front of it my red plush chair, so's you -could set down and put your feet up on another an' see how you'd look -in heaven. - -"On the fourth, Adolphe revealed he'd business in a little town a mile -up the railway. He suffered a crampy kind of desperation not to be on -hand to support me, he said, but he'd come in with the girl. Then he -baked up bread and a cake and rode away. - -"Sun come up on the fifth like a bull's-eye lantern. I'd set up all the -night before, not to disturb anythin', and there was the mornin' for me -to shave and git into my riggin'. A calf-skin vest, with the hair on, -aint a thing to slight, sirs, ceremonies or no ceremonies. - -"When I rode my mule up to the depot the boys was out, to the puniest -scrub of 'em all. They give me cheers that'd blast rock. - -"And there was an arch, sirs—all flowered! My legs wanted to sit down -more than me! - -"The train whistled in the distance. There was no slaknin' off round -the corner, for the boys braced me everywhere. - -"Out she stepped, sirs, and whether she was the sorriest or the -likeliest lookin' critter, I couldn't 'a' told for the flunk I was in! - -"After the blackness I see her long yellow hair and red cheeks. All the -conquerin' of my youth rose up within me, and I up and held her to me -for a kiss. - -"By the great snake mine, but women don't shave beards off and drink -whisky! - -"I dropped her like a nettle, but she went forward with the crowd, -smilin' an' smirkin' through the cheerin' an' the uproar. - -"'To the parson's,' the boys yelled. - -"I was forced off my feet, but out came my gun. - -"'Halt!' I cried, in a voice that brought 'em all on their haunches and -still as colts raised on the spur. - -"'I mean to shoot the wig off your head and the paint off your face, -Adolphe Lefevre, and leave you for the slimiest viper that crawls -without legs.' - -"The sight of my gun lay between his eyes an' the crowd was as still as -the barrel. - -"Of a sudden came a voice in my ear. To this day God only knows from -where. - -"'Be like unto the archangels.' - -"My arm fell to my side. They lifted me onto their shoulders. - -"'The Archangel,' they sent out a-echoin' in the hills. - -"And it stuck, sirs, from that day to this, though I've lived alone, -sirs, ever since." - -[Illustration] - - - - -Asleep at Lone Mountain. - -BY H. D. UMBSTAETTER. - - -IT occurred nearly fourteen years ago, yet I never enter a sleeping-car -without being confronted by that innocent face. It clings to me all -the more because I have always looked upon partings and leave-takings -as mile-posts of sorrow in the journeys of life. I dislike good-bys. I -hate farewells. - -I had just returned from Australia and was about to start on my journey -across the continent. In company with two old friends who had crossed -the ferry from San Francisco to Oakland to see me off, I sat chatting -in my sleeper, when two Sisters of Mercy hurriedly entered the car. - -Just what it was in the appearance of the newcomers that arrested the -attention of the earlier arrivals—whether it was their humble yet -characteristic attire, so suggestive of charity the whole world over, -the apparent anxiety betrayed by their manner, or the fact that a -sleeping child, clasped tenderly in the arms of one, was their sole -companion—whether it was any or all of these things that caused a -sudden reign of respectful silence in the car, I am unable to say. -Certain it is, however, that their coming was not unnoticed; neither -was the circumstance that the only visible baggage of the trio -consisted of a small square bundle neatly done up in a gray shawl. - -Upon being shown to seats in the section directly opposite the one -occupied by myself and friends, they at once entered into earnest -conversation with the sleeping-car conductor. At the first few -whispered words the man's manner showed unmistakable surprise. He -appeared either unable or unwilling to comply with some request -they had made. Although the nature of the request was not apparent, -the occupants of neighboring seats could not fail to note from the -conversation, which now and then became quite audible, that it bore -some important relation to the sleeping member of the party. The -evident fact that the sisters felt much concerned respecting the safety -and welfare of their youthful companion served only to increase the -mystery of the situation. - -After patiently listening for some minutes to appeals first from one -and then the other, and after glancing over a railroad ticket and -letter they had handed him, the conductor consented to meet their -wishes, declining, however, to accept a sum of money they repeatedly -tendered him. Before leaving them the man spoke a few words of -reassurance and encouragement, which were cut short by the shrill -whistle of the locomotive announcing the train's departure. The -sisters arose instantly, hastily expressed their earnest thanks to the -conductor, and then, sinking upon their knees before the child, which -had been aroused from its slumbers and sat innocently gazing about, -first one and then the other clasped the infant in fond embrace, and, -amid sobs and kisses, showered upon the little being the most fervent -blessings and tender farewells. Then, covering their tearful faces with -their hands, they arose, still weeping as though their hearts would -break, and hurriedly left the car, which was already moving slowly out -of the station. - -No sooner had they gone than all eyes were directed towards the -diminutive stranger who had caused the scene just witnessed. Too young -to realize what was going on, he sat motionless, as though spellbound -by fear or astonishment at his strange surroundings. In an instant -the child became an object of intense curiosity. More than that, its -extreme youth and utter helplessness aroused, on the part of its -fellow-travelers, feelings of genuine sympathy and pity—feelings which -the heroic silence maintained by the little innocent, in spite of the -now swiftly moving train, only served to intensify. - -Neither memory nor imagination can suggest to me a more touching -picture than the one presented by that plainly clad handful of human -loneliness, as it sat there in meek silence, its tiny hand timidly -resting on the little bundle by its side, while its eyes remained -intently fixed on the door which, a few moments before, had closed upon -its late companions. Whose child was this? Who was to care for it? What -was to become of it? Was one of the nuns a relative? Was the younger, -perhaps, its sister? Or was either neither? These and similar questions -could be easily read on the countenances of the wondering passengers. - -Some minutes elapsed before the conductor again made his appearance, -when he was at once besieged with questions concerning the mysterious -stranger. And, as if determined that not a word should escape their -ears, each of the twelve or fifteen occupants of the car crowded about -him as he seated himself beside the lonely child. - -The story they heard was brief and pathetic. The little boy was as much -of a stranger to the conductor as he was to the passengers. His mother -was dead. His home was in one of the smaller manufacturing towns of -New England, where his father, who was to meet him on the arrival of -our train at Omaha, lived in humble circumstances. The conductor had -promised the sisters to protect and care for the child during the five -days' journey. It was, however, not the little fellow's first trip -across the plains, as nearly a year and a half ago, when but a few -weeks old he had come to California with his invalid mother. The latter -had survived the long journey but a very short time, and died among -strangers in one of the foot-hill towns near San Francisco. The Sisters -of Mercy of that city had by correspondence arranged with the father -to adopt, or, rather, to provide a temporary home for the little waif, -until he should be old enough to make the long return journey. And now, -although the boy had reached but the tender age of eighteen months, -the distant parent, craving for his presence, had begged the sister -to enlist in his behalf the sympathies and care of some kind-hearted -East-bound passenger or railway employee. Their repeated efforts in -the former direction having failed, they had at last applied to the -conductor. - -In relating the child's sad history, the sisters had, the conductor -continued, so feelingly solicited his kindly offices and paid such -glowing tribute to the almost angelic disposition and exceptional -bravery of the infant that, however disinclined he had been to assume -the responsibility, a persistent refusal of their unusual request -seemed almost inhuman. He had therefore undertaken the strange charge, -and trusted, he said, that the passengers would in no wise be -inconvenienced thereby. From that moment on, every one who had less -than half an hour before witnessed the scene of sorrowful parting, -which had so touchingly told how completely the little fellow had -walked into the hearts of his benefactors,—from that time on, every -one felt a personal responsibility for the comfort and safety of the -boy. Introduced under circumstances that rendered him a hero at the -outset, at the end of the first day he had already become the pet of -the passengers and the object of their kindliest attentions. - -While the claim that this child was remarkable for beauty and -cleverness might lend sentiment and romance to my simple narrative, -the fact is that he was neither handsome nor bright. In appearance -he was simply a plain, plump, red-cheeked, flaxen-haired baby boy, -with apparently little to be proud of, save his evident good health -and a pair of large blue eyes that seemed frankness itself. His -accomplishments were few, indeed. He was still, as the sisters had -said, learning to walk. His vocabulary included but three or four -imperfectly spoken words, and he was conspicuously deficient in -that parrot-like precociousness so common and frequently so highly -prized in little children. But what our youthful companion lacked in -attractive outwardness was more than made up by the true inwardness -of one accomplishment he did possess. That was silence. This virtue -he practised to a degree that soon won for him the admiration and -affection of all. Though exhibiting no sign of embarrassment at the -friendly advances of the passengers, and while not unmoved by their -tender attentions, he maintained through that long journey a humble air -of mute contentment that lost its balance on but three occasions. - -His quiet ways were a theme of constant comment, while his presence -proved not only a source of increasing pleasure to our small band of -tourists, but did much to relieve the monotony of the tedious journey. - -One important detail in the boy's eventful history was missing. Cared -for by strangers from earliest infancy, deprived of his mother's love -and father's care, he had thus far not even received that all-important -parental gift,—a Christian name. To the sisters he had been known -simply as "Baby." By that infantile appellation he had passed from -their gentle mercies to the conductor's care. And only as "Baby -homeward bound" was he spoken of in their letter addressed to his -father. - -Before he had spent a day among us it was suggested that his exemplary -conduct entitled him to a more dignified name—at least during the -period of our companionship. And this suggestion led to one of many -amusing incidents. By what name should the boy be known? After the -question had been eagerly answered a dozen times in as many different -ways, with apparently little hope of a unanimous choice—for every one -felt that his or her preference was peculiarly appropriate—a quiet -old man, whose appearance was strongly suggestive of the pioneer days, -offered a happy solution of the difficulty. He proposed that, in view -of the humble circumstances of the child, the privilege of naming -him for the trip be sold at auction among the passengers of our car, -adding, by way of explanation, that the sum thus realized might "give -the little fellow a start in life." - -The average overland tourist is never slow to adopt any expedient to -relieve the tedium of the journey; and here was, as one chap expressed -it, "A chance for an auction on wheels, and one for charity's sake, at -that." So the proposition was no sooner stated than acted upon. The -auctioneer found himself unanimously elected, and, placing himself in -the center of the car, heard the bidding, prompted by every generous -impulse that enthusiasm and sympathy can give, rise rapidly in sums -of one, two, and three dollars until thirty-five was called. There it -halted, but only for a moment. The situation had become exciting. The -auctioneer himself now took a hand in the competition; and a round -of applause greeted his bid, made in the name of his native State, -"Ohio bids fifty dollars." It was regarded as a matter of course that -this sum would secure the coveted privilege. But no! Some one remarks -that yet another county remains to be heard from. The voice of the -weather-worn pioneer,—the suggester of the scheme,—has not yet been -heard in the bidding. He has been a silent looker-on, biding his time. -Now it has come. As he rises slowly in his seat he is intently watched -by every eye, for somehow the impression prevails that he hails from -"the coast," and that consequently there can be nothing small in -anything he does; In this no one is disappointed. The heart and purse -of the gray-haired veteran are in the cause. Besides, his "pride is up" -for the State he worships, almost idolizes. As his clear voice rings -out with: "California sees Ohio's fifty, and goes fifty better," he is -greeted by a storm of cheers that he will remember as long as he lives. -And when the auctioneer announces: "California pays one hundred dollars -and secures the privilege of naming the boy; what name shall it be?" -the answer comes back quick as a flash: - -"Grit! That sounds well and seems to fit well." - -The passengers thought so, too, and very plainly showed their approval -by overwhelming the man with congratulations and good wishes. - -Reports of our proceedings were not slow in reaching the passengers -in other parts of the train, whose curiosity or compassion led to -numerous daily visits, while thoughtful sympathy found expression in -liberal gifts of fruit, photographs, and a variety of Indian toys, -as curious as they were welcome. To the old Californian, whose great -liberality had secured for him a place in the respect and good-will of -the entire party which was second only to that held by Grit himself, -these continued attentions proved a source of special delight. Though -he bore his honors with becoming modesty, he found early opportunity -of proposing the health of the boy, who, as he aptly expressed it, -"had been rocked in the cradle of misfortune, but had at last struck -the color." Equally happy was his reply to a party of jolly cowboys, -whom curiosity had led to solicit "a peep at the silent kid," while the -train was delayed at one of the eating stations along the road. Their -request having been granted, one of their number felt so highly elated -upon receiving a handshake from Grit that he insisted upon presenting -him with his huge cowboy spurs as a keepsake, proclaiming as he did -so—with a trifle more enthusiasm than reverence—that in "paying a -hundred to nominate the cute little kid, 'old California' carved his -own name upon the Rock of Ages." - -"Bless his little heart," replied the grizzled miner; "I'd give ten -thousand more to own him, now that he has won his spurs." - -Among the recollections of my personal experiences with Grit, the -second night of the journey stands out with especial clearness. At -that time we were passing through the famous snowshed section on the -eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada, our train running at a high rate of -speed in order to make up lost time. It was here that the bravery of -our little hero was put to a cruel test. Some time after midnight I was -awakened by a child's frantic screams, that rose loud above the train's -thundering noise. And, though up to this time there had not been a -single tearful outbreak on the part of the young Trojan, there could be -no mistaking the source of the piercing shrieks that now met my ears. I -lost no time in hastening to his assistance, for I knew that, by way of -experiment, he had been quartered in a "section" entirely by himself, -the previous night having been a sleepless one to both the conductor -and his charge. Furthermore, it was evident from his agonizing cries -that I was the first to hear him. Finding the car in total darkness, -the lights on both ends having gone out, I met with some delay in -feeling my way to the terrified child, calling to him as I went; and -at the first touch of my hand the trembling, feverish little form drew -close to me, its chubby arms closed wildly about my neck, while loud, -hysterical sobs told more plainly than words can express the agony -that the child had endured. Only one who is familiar with sleeping-car -travel over mountainous country, who has found himself suddenly aroused -by the terrific roaring and swaying of a swiftly running train, and -who, unconscious for the instant of his surroundings, has felt his -flesh creep and his heart stand still, as he imagined himself engulfed -by a mighty torrent or hurled over some awful precipice, only such an -one can realize the position of this terror-stricken child. - -Arousing the porter, who had gone to sleep while blacking the -passengers' boots, I carried Grit to my own berth, where my endeavors -to soothe his disturbed feelings proved so highly successful that the -re-lighting of the car was greeted by him with loud laughter, through -the still lingering tears. But go to sleep again he would not. No -matter how often I tucked him beneath the blankets and settled myself -to pretended slumbers, he would as often extricate himself, and, in -a sitting posture, silently contemplate his surroundings. Fearing to -doze off under the circumstances, I finally concluded to sit up with -the little fellow until sleep should overcome him. Making his way to -my side as I sat on the edge of the berth, and placing his face close -to mine, he imparted the cause of his persistent wakefulness by a -gently uttered "dwink!"—repeating the word with more emphasis after -a moment's pause. Happily, ample provisions had been made to meet his -wants in this direction, and, procuring from the porter's "baby's -bakery," as the well-provided lunch basket we had presented him at -Sacramento had come to be known, I helped him to a glass of milk, after -drinking which he fell quickly to sleep. - -After that night's experience, Grit singled me out as his particular -friend; and, as a consequence, he was nightly permitted to share my -section with me. In these closer relations I found him the gentlest, -most loving, and best-behaved child I ever met. It seemed as though -he knew and felt that he stood sadly alone in the world, and that the -less trouble he gave to others the better he would get on. His spirit -of contentment and faculty of self-entertainment were phenomenal. While -cards, books, conversation, and sleep served as a means of passing away -time among the other passengers, he would for hours at a time remain in -sole possession of a favorite corner seat, silently musing over some -simple Indian toy. Again, an illustrated time-table or railway map -would absorb his entire attention, until he had apparently mastered -every detail of the intricate document. To watch the little toddling -figure, after these prolonged periods of self-amusement, as, clad in a -long, loose, gray gown, it quietly made its way along the car on a tour -of inspection, proved an appealing study. Finding his arrival at my -seat unnoticed at times—by reason of my absorption in a book or game -of cards—he would announce his presence by a series of steady pulls -at my coat, and make known his wants by a sweetly mumbled "Mum-mum." -Repeated falls, incurred during these excursions, never caused him to -falter in his purpose, nor did these, at any time, result in any other -than good-natured demonstrations. - -On but one occasion, aside from that already alluded to, was he moved -to tears—an unlucky incident that happened while our party was taking -breakfast at Cheyenne, sadly upsetting the remarkable tranquillity -of his mind. We had scarcely seated ourselves at the table, with the -boy, as usual, perched in a baby chair in the midst of the party, when, -espying an orange that a little girl next to him had placed beside her -plate, Grit, innocently unmindful of its ownership, proceeded to help -himself to the inviting fruit. No sooner had he grasped it than a sharp -slap from his fair neighbor's hand sent it rolling along the floor. -The child started, trembled; keenly hurt in more ways than one by what -was, no doubt, the first punishment he had ever received, he burst into -heart-rending tears. - -Turning to me with outstretched arms, his piteously spoken "Mum-mum" -cast a shadow over the festive occasion, and to some of us, at least, -placed the further discussion of the meal beyond desire. Taking him -back to the car, we were quickly joined by the conductor and our friend -from the coast, who, after denouncing the "outrage" with frontier -fluency, insisted that he should demand an apology from the offender, -who was "plenty old enough to know better," and whose indignity to -Grit, "right before a lot of strangers, was nothing short of an insult -to our entire party." He "would rather," he continued, "fast a whole -month" than sit by and again witness such conduct from one whose "sex -and insignificance prevented a man from even drawing his gun in defense -of the most helpless and innocent little creature on earth." - -Something in the old man's manner, as he uttered these words, left -little doubt in the minds of the passengers, now returning from the -hurriedly finished meal, that, had Grit's tormentor been unfortunate -enough to belong to the sterner sex, the novel experience of serving -on a coroner's jury in the cowboy country would doubtless have been -afforded us. This tension of feeling was happily relieved, however, -by the appearance of the offender in person, who, accompanied by her -mother, tearfully presented, not only her humble apology, but that bone -of contention, the tropical product itself, which she insisted should -be accepted as a peace offering. - -As the journey progressed, each day brought to our party frequent -reminders of their constantly increasing attachment, not only for the -little hero, but for each other. And it became more and more apparent, -now that the Rockies had already been left behind, and our thoughts -turned to the inevitable breaking up of the happy band, that Grit's -presence had been the unconscious means of forming among his companions -a strong bond of friendship and good-fellowship—one that could not be -severed without sincere mutual regrets. - -The morning of the last day found us still speeding over the seemingly -endless cattle plains, where the frequent spectacle of immense grazing -herds, guarded by picturesque bands of frolicking cowboys, added -novelty and interest to the monotony of the scene. - -It was in the early part of the afternoon of that day, while Grit was -enjoying his customary mid-day nap, and the final games of whist and -euchre so completely enlisted our interest as to render unnoticed the -locomotive's shrill notes of warning to trespassing cattle, that a -sudden terrific crash, followed by violent jolting and swaying of the -car, breaking of windows, and pitching about of passengers and baggage, -caused a scene of consternation and suffering. - -Mingled with shouts of "Collision!" from men, and the screams of -panic-stricken women, came the engineer's piercing signal for "Down -brakes!" and before the car had fairly regained its balance upon the -rails and the occupants had time to extricate themselves or realize -what had happened, the train had come to a standstill. - -More frightened than hurt, people instantly began bolting frantically -for the doors, questioning and shouting to one another as they went. -In the midst of the wild confusion arose cries of "Save Grit! Look out -for the baby!" The words sent a shock to the heart of every hearer. -Fear vanished. Personal peril was forgotten for the moment. Not a soul -left the car! Though women had fainted and men lay motionless as if -paralyzed, but one thought filled the minds of those who had heard the -appeal: Was Grit safe? - -In a moment the answer to this unasked question fell from the lips of -one whose intense affection for the boy he had so appropriately named -needed no appeal to carry him to his side in time of peril. "The child -is hurt! Somebody go and see if there is a doctor on the train!" In -willing response, several men rushed out among the excited throng that -poured from the other cars. - -Before us, on a pillowed seat, to which he had just borne him, -lay Grit, half unconscious, pale, limp, and breathing with painful -difficulty. The sudden shock which had almost overturned the car -had rudely thrown him from his bed to the floor. There, between two -unoccupied seats on the opposite side of the car, we had found him, -convulsively gasping for breath, one little hand still grasping tightly -the Indian doll-baby that for days had been his cherished companion. -Though an examination of his body revealed no marks of violence, he was -evidently in great pain. Applying such restoratives as were at hand, we -gradually revived consciousness. Every attempt, however, to lift him or -change his reclining position visibly increased his suffering. - -Word soon came back that no physician could be found, that the accident -was caused by the train coming into collision with a band of stray -cattle. So far as could be hastily ascertained, one man had been -fatally injured, while many persons had sustained serious bruises and -strains. From the train conductor it was further learned that neither -the locomotive nor any of the cars had been sufficiently damaged to -prevent our proceeding to Omaha—still some five or six hours distant. - -After a brief stop for the purpose of a careful examination of all -parts of the train, we were again under way; the engineer having -orders, in view of the injured passengers, to make the run in the -fastest time possible. - -The remainder of the journey was, even to the most fortunate, -associated with sadness. But whatever the suffering on that ill-fated -train, memory carries me back to but one sorrowful scene,—the -bedside about which lingered the friends of the little stranger whom -we had learned to love so well. In the presence of his suffering our -own lesser injuries were forgotten, and all efforts were bent upon -securing for the little sufferer every comfort possible under the -adverse circumstances. With a view to lessening the painful effect of -the constant jarring and shaking motion, a swinging bed was speedily -improvised in the middle of the car, and here, surrounded by his -sorrowing companions, lay Grit, enduring in silence the pains that his -pale, sadly troubled face so keenly expressed. - -Late in the evening the train reached its destination, without further -mishap. - -It had not yet come to a standstill in the station when, accompanied by -the sleeping-car conductor, the father of Grit entered the car. Early -in the day it had been resolved by the passengers that three of their -number should meet the father upon his arrival, for the purpose of -exonerating the conductor from any carelessness, and also for offering -their assistance in caring for the child during the night. Now, -however, reminded of their former happy anticipation of the meeting -between parent and child, a shudder of sadness caused them irresistibly -to shrink from a scene of welcome more deeply sad, even, than that -sorrowful parting which they had witnessed on entering upon their -journey a few days before. - -As the stranger, deeply agitated, anxiously made his way to the central -group, however, earnest sympathy found ready expression; and ere his -eye had met the object of its search a friendly voice checked and bade -him be calm and hopeful. "Your child, sir," continued the speaker -reassuringly, "has not entirely recovered from the rough shaking-up -we got a little while ago. He had a lucky escape, but now needs rest -and quiet, and—you and I had perhaps better go for a doctor, while -our friends here convey the boy to the hotel, where we shall join them -shortly." And as the uneasy parent bends over the little bed and with -inquiring look seeks from the calm blue eyes some token of recognition -or sign of hope, the voice, more urgent—as though suddenly stirred by -memories of an eventful past—again breaks in: "Let us lose no time in -making the child more comfortable." - -A few moments later Grit's friends stood around his bed at the -neighboring hotel, listening to the verdict of the physician hastily -summoned by the big-hearted pioneer. Internal injury of an extent -unknown, but whose nature would probably develop before morning, was -the verdict given after a careful examination. Alleviating measures, -however, were suggested, which the distracted father hastened to put -into effect. It was during one of his absences from the room that the -big-hearted pioneer, drawing the doctor to one side, appealed to him in -faltering tones to save the child "at any sacrifice or any cost." - -But the appeal, though touching, was unnecessary. Higher considerations -than those of personal gain prompted the kind doctor to exercise his -utmost skill. After his first visit not an hour passed but what his -footsteps brought to the watchers reassuring proof of his deep interest -in the case. And finally, yielding apparently to the soothing remedies, -Grit fell into slumber that brought encouragement to his friends, none -of whom could be induced, however, to forsake his bedside. - -During the vigils of the night the father was repeatedly moved to speak -of the sorrows of his life; of the sudden, fatal illness of his loving -young wife; and of her ardent assurance that her last thoughts were -solely of himself "and baby," coupled with the fervent wish that the -two might "some day find a home in California, where in their final -rest all three might once again be side by side." - -Towards morning the boy grew suddenly restive, and violent coughing -spells brought back the condition of semi-unconsciousness of the -previous day. The doctor, evidently expecting a crisis, now remained -constantly at his side. - -The change came at last. - -Just after dawn a beam of light broke softly over the little face, -and new hope came to the anxious watchers. But, mistaking the silent -messenger's approach for the herald of returning health, they had hoped -in vain. The peaceful smile lingered but a moment, then returned once -again, as though the beckoning spirit - - "Was loth to quit its hold," - -and Grit had fallen asleep. - -As a token of affection for her child, and in compliance with the -dying mother's wish, the friends of Grit secured for the husband and -father—chiefly through the generosity of one whose deeds shall outlive -the recollection of his name—a permanent home in California; while -the boy sleeps by her side, where the peaceful silence be so sweetly -symbolized is never broken save by the weird lullaby of the waves that -gently rise and fall over the distant shadows of Lone Mountain. - - - - -Kootchie. - -BY HAROLD KINSABBY. - - -THE east wind had failed to put in an appearance that evening, and the -thermometer registered ninety-five under the stately elms of the Boston -Common. - -The family had gone away for the summer, and Buttons and the butler -were out for an airing. Both were so well fed and so little exercised -that they needed something to stir their blood. - -Buttons was a sleek, fat pug, with a knowing eye and oily manner. They -called him Buttons because the harness he wore about his forequarters -was studded with shining ornaments. - -His companion was likewise sleek and fat, and the amount of lofty -dignity he stored under his bobtailed jacket and broadcloth trousers -told everybody that he was the butler. He carried a wicked little cane -with a loaded head, and seemed to own the greater part of the earth. - -As the two strolled proudly through the Beacon Street Mall, fate -favored Buttons and the butler. There was a cat on the Common,—a pet -cat without an escort. This cat belonged to one of the wealthy families -who at the tail end of winter board up their city residences and go to -the country to spend the summer and save their taxes. The owners of -this particular cat had speeded missionaries to the four corners of the -globe to evangelize the heathen, but their pet puss they had turned -into the streets of the modern Athens to seek its own salvation. With -no home or visible means of support, but with true Christian fortitude, -the dumb creature now haunted the doorstep of the deserted mansion and -grew thin. Hunger had at last driven her to the Common in the hope -that she might surprise an erring sparrow, or, perchance, purloin a -forgetful frog from the pond. - -The instant Buttons spied her he gave chase and drove her for refuge -into a small tree. Then he stood below and barked furiously, until -the sympathizing butler shook the tree and gave him another chance. -This time the cat barely succeeded in reaching a low perch on the iron -fence, from which with terrified gaze she watched her tormentor. - -"Why do you torture that cat?" angrily asked a quiet gentleman who sat -on one of the shady benches holding a yellow-haired little girl on his -knee. - -"Oh, me and Buttons is having a little fun," answered the butler. -"Buttons is death on cats." - -The quiet man said nothing, but got up, helped the frightened cat to -escape to a safe hiding-place, and then resumed his seat. - -That night puss went to bed without a supper, while her owner presided -at the one hundred and eleventh seaside anniversary of the Society for -the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and punctuated the courses of a -fish dinner with rare vintages of missionary port. - -The next evening the same heat hung heavily over the Beacon Street -Mall, and Buttons and the butler were again taking an airing and -looking for fun. - -As Buttons neared the scene of his former encounter, he pricked up his -ears, and sniffed the air for the scent of game. Presently his anxious -eye was attracted by something his pug nose had failed to detect. On a -bench near by sat the quiet gentleman whose acquaintance Buttons and -the butler had made on the previous evening. The same yellow-haired -little girl was seated near him, intently watching the rings of cigar -smoke he puffed high into the evening air. Between the two a huge -inflated paper bag was surging to and fro. It was this paper bag that -had caught the eye of Buttons. It interested him. Drawing himself all -up in a heap, he proceeded with cautious, measured step to satisfy his -curiosity. As he slowly approached the curious object, his low, fretful -growls seemed to rouse it to renewed gymnastics. This frightened -Buttons and caused him to turn tail and flee. His curiosity had, -however, got the better of him, and, returning to what he deemed a safe -distance, he began barking furiously. - -"Cat, Buttons, where's the cat?" came from the butler, who was -leisurely bringing up in the rear, unconscious of Buttons's find. - -With renewed courage, the pug rushed towards the paper bag. He had -almost reached it when the quiet gentleman gave the bag an opening -twist, and, as a furry head with a pair of fiery eyes shot out, he -exclaimed: - -"Hi, hi, Kootchie!" - -The earnestness with which Kootchie hi, hied became instantly apparent -by the piteous howls that rose from out of the murderous clawing, -snarling mass of flying fur and silver ornaments. And the speed with -which Buttons's companion hastened to the rescue with his loaded cane -proved that even a Boston butler can get a move on. Before he could -interfere, however, the quiet gentleman took a hand in the game. - -"Stand back," he demanded, in tones that showed he would brook no -interference. "Buttons is death on cats. Kootchie is death on pugs. You -like fun. I like fair play." - -In less than twenty seconds a crowd of loungers, newsboys, nurse-girls, -and pedestrians hurried to the scene. In the confusion somebody -thoughtfully told a policeman to ring for the "hurry-up" wagon. But -before it arrived the butler was permitted to carry home in his arms -what there was left of Buttons. - -"Cheese it, der cop!" shouted a newsboy, as the butler picked up his -limp and disfigured companion. And, as the crowd scattered, every one -was amused to see a fine, gray, stumpy-tailed cat make its way to the -yellow-haired little maid on the bench. - -As the latter lovingly stroked her shining coat she remarked proudly, -"Kootchie is my little pussy tat. Papa say,'Kootchie, put Buttons to -sleep.'" - -And the policeman winked with ghoulish satisfaction when the father -spoke up, "Kootchie is a regular California cyclone. She is a young -wild cat a friend in Tiger Valley sent me. I'm fond of pets, you know, -and as she felt a bit homesick this evening I brought her out here to -give her a picnic." - -[Illustration] - - - - -Frazer's Find - -BY ROBERTA LITTLEHALE. - - -THE midnight stars glowed through the broken blackness of a winter's -sky down upon the roof of a house where a man sat alone with his arms -stretched over an empty bed. Such of his thoughts as were within -his control were focused on the life and the death of his past. The -bare branches of the willows scraped to and fro on the shingles, and -the water in the reservoir lapped softly against the piles of the -foundation. There was no light in the room to show the already hopeless -untidiness of inanimate things, and the quiet figure of the aging man -seemed carved out of rock. - -To the youth of him, physical and mental, he returned, and remembered -that he had been modeled on lines which made people expect the things -for which they willingly yielded him affection and consideration in -advance. It was in the tempered pain of the hope of fulfilment that his -family and friends had speeded him from New England to the practise -of his profession of law in a Southern city. It was in their early -triumph at having counted on him truly that the fever of the California -gold days got into his veins. It had been no struggle to him to throw -everything over and make for the life that beat fastest and fullest -in incident. The struggle had lain in separation from a woman whose -saneness and spirit he felt he could not live without. But in the -end he had disregarded her opposition for the sake of the beckoning -fortunes and joined an ox-train caravan over the plains. The dragging -slowness with which the days went by had been broken only by the -alertness of his own fancy, until the discovery, one blistering Arizona -night, of the loss of his money-belt. He had bathed only five miles -farther back, and he had no memory of having restrapped the hot and -heavy buckskin about his waist. Ignoring the danger of Indian attack, -he rode over again in the starlight the miles to the little creek in -the wilderness. It had been so much of a relief to find it safe. He -stood strapping it about him, and he could hear as distinctly now as -then the sound that fell on his ears. It was the hot and hopeless -sobbing of a human voice. He had stood immovable, conscious that a -group of cacti on his right sheltered a prostrate body. Then he had -hurried over and found a slender boy, a slight, nervous, black-eyed -Mexican, with a sunburned fairness of skin revealing his mixture of -Castilian blood. - -He had raised the boy quietly, and the child had hung about his neck, -frenzied and fainting. The weakness of his condition made anything -impossible beyond literally riding with him in his arms back again to -camp. The boy's clothes were torn and dirty and his flesh was bleeding, -but his delicate Southern beauty was none the less strongly in evidence. - -Frazer remembered the interest and assistance of his comrades. They -had hovered in the silence of men's earnestness until the boy was able -to make himself coherent. His father, and mother, and brothers had -been seized by the Indians, and only the accident of his having been -sent after a straying mare had saved his life, by enabling him to hide -himself successfully from the raiders. - -His extravagant affection for Frazer made a shadow the only simile -of his constant presence with him. The boy's nervous timidity and -gentleness had found its chief outlet in the watchfullest care of him -and the things he cared for. He had seemed wholly lacking in the lore -of his class regarding life in the open. He had never gone among the -horses or cared to use a gun, but had taken upon himself the cooking -and domestic duties of camp life. - -The men, in their vigorous courage and spirit, had found the boy -monotonous except in the satisfaction he picturesquely afforded, and -Frazer had accepted his homage with a mind so absorbed in his own -affairs as to be little short of indifferent to the lad's presence. - -As they had traveled heavily on over the Texas plains and slept under -the Texas stars, Frazer could remember the softness of the small hand -that had wakened him from sleep in its searching for the comfort of -his presence. And one night the child had crept close to him. - -"Señor——" - -Frazer had wanted to sleep; he had answered nothing. - -"Señor!" The boy's hand lingered this time in an earnest pressure upon -his own. - -"Yes?" he had said. - -"It is only—may I stay always with you?" - -It had seemed a simple thing to promise to keep him with him, and -Frazer had gone to sleep in the very midst of the passionate little -torrent of Mexican gratitude. - -In the excitement of his early months in California the boy had seemed -vastly a nuisance in transportation. Frazer had stayed only long enough -in San Francisco to acquire an outfit and vocabulary, and hurried off -to the southern mines. The boy rode closely by his side, indifferent -to fatigue, his cheerfulness clouded by the fear that he might be -overlooked and left behind. - -Those months of feverish toil, and exaltation, and depression! As they -lengthened into years, with the pot of gold still at the inaccessible -end of the rainbow, and the blunt unloveliness of the frontier life -rusting the vigor of his finer fiber, Frazer remembered his sense -of restless resentment because the woman whom he loved and had left -would not make any acknowledgment of his mistake or his failure. The -impersonal tone of her early letters had been easier to bear than the -silence she was beginning to make him endure. It seemed to him the -tensity of his resolve to wrest the success of yellow gold through the -clustering difficulties had only taken its firmest hold of him before -the illness came that had hastened a revelation perhaps unfortunately -delayed. - -He remembered through the first hours before unconsciousness had come -to him how glad he had been to feel that the boy was with him. They -were living in the roughest of cliff cabins, alone, and he had ordered -him off to camp for a doctor. The boy had given him whisky, and then -had stood in so irresolute a fright and suffering that Frazer had sworn -him into action. - -He knew now that he had lain four weeks near death; but when he -opened his eyes upon that mellow October twilight, long ago, he was -unconscious of anything but a pair of dimming Mexican eyes that -dropped tears on his gaunt face, and an intense feminine sobbing -mingled with expressions of love for him shaken out of the abyss of a -suffering woman's heart. The hot cheeks that rested on his own were -those he was used to in the boy. The clothes on her limbs in all -their pitiful poverty were the masculine ones he had liked to see so -picturesquely carried, but the strain in the voice and the music of its -words were new, and amazing, and appalling. - -In the silence of weakness he listened, and over and over again he -heard the reiteration of her resolve. - -"There is nothing, beloved, that can drive me from you but the death -from your hand which will not kill." - -And after awhile he had said to her: - -"Little one, why did you do it?" - -But he had known it was the wisdom of the wisest before she had -answered him, that for a girl this life offered greater perils as well -as fewer chances. - -She did not light their candle, but remained on her knees by the bed, -getting his medicine at intervals by the lingering light that came in -from the window. - -"It will be just the same," she had whispered; "it need make no -difference, señor." - -And Frazer had lain there, facing the fact of the very great -difference, in a regret that could fancy no arrangement not death-doing -to this woman who had nursed him, and had loved him, and had told him -so. - -"The woman at the hotel—the landlady," he had said to her in his weak, -thin voice, "she would care for you if I paid her, or you might go -East. You might go to school." - -But the helpless poverty of his present condition had forced a wan -smile on his dry lips, and the girl was writhing as with actual -physical pain and would not listen. - -In his weakened condition he could not concentrate himself sufficiently -to adopt any decisive measure. He had felt the tumult of her emotions -gradually still itself as he laid his hand on her short, black hair, -and when her breathing was even and quiet he had asked her, feeling a -revolt within him, "The doctor, and the boys—have they guessed it?" - -But how had he expected her to know anything of any man but the one she -loved? She did not know, she had answered him; she had not thought to -think of it. - -And she had not slept through the long night hours, nor had he, and in -the morning the fever was high again. - -In the dragging feebleness of his convalescence both had avoided any -reference to the revelation that night. Things went on as before, -but the humble devotion and care of Frazer's Mexican protégée was as -properly interpreted by the quick camp instinct as it was immediately -acquiesced in and forgotten. - -From this time Frazer had little communication with the civilization -he had deserted, and none whatever with the woman who waited in the -South in silence and the suffering of doubt. He remembered the utter -emptiness of his life and his hope as the following years of his toil -and alertness yielded him only bitterer disappointments. There came -children now, little dark miniatures of their stout, faded mother, -whose heart was as full of reverence and love for him as was her girl's -heart, and who seemed not to know that the hours which he lived with -her were lost hours. - -It was on his way home to her one night, in the gentleness which masked -his hideous unrest, that his eye discovered the ledge of quartz which -had more than laid the foundation of that success he had early strived -for. It had not taken long to form a company, and before the year was -out gold came to his pocket in as unsweated for a fashion as the air to -his lungs. - -The men, his partners, had thrown back their shoulders and inflated -their chests. The blood ran in their veins to more composite measure, -and they planned diversion and further manipulation after their -different natures. Three of them were for the East and the world -again—and, O God! but the frenzy in his own brain. They had come to -him seriously as man to man and explained their sense of his absolute -insanity in throwing up the entire future of his career by life in this -place, tied down in his fashion. Other men,—they themselves,—were -under obligation, but not so deeply that money would not bridge it -and—damn it!—friends and family must have some consideration in -successful men's lives. - -That night had been another so strongly accented that its impression -would, never fade. He had sat at the oilclothed table, in the little -cabin, and tried to sufficiently detach himself from the children and -himself to get an unbiased view-point. He could see only the light of -her love in her eyes, the child-love in theirs, and, through their -gentle subjection, their genuine faith in and dependence on him. The -shabbiness of his environment she did not permit to become slovenly, -but the common vulgarity of it all surged through his eyes like light. -He had sent the children from him and gone out into the pines, until -the vast, sweet silence of their majesty laid more on him than he could -bear. - -As he came in the door she had handed him a letter left by a miner -on his way from camp. She had lighted two candles, and pulled up his -chair, and hushed the talking of the children in their bed. She had sat -near and searched his face for what the actual possession of the letter -could not have given her, and felt only misunderstanding because she -had never seen a struggle between the spirit's life and death. - -Frazer had read, "Whatever the mistake, we can yet outlive the pain of -it. I am waiting for you." She had signed the name he had made for her, -and he could not look at it twice for the blinding tears under his lids. - -Geraldine was waiting for him! - -Geraldine's mouth, which drooped at the corners and created the dimples -she hated, when it fell a-smiling, was ready to yield to him! - -Geraldine's face, and beauty, and spirit were true to him! - -He could not tell how long it was before he got possession of himself. -The candles were dripping low in their tin sockets, and one of the -women who loved him was still in her chair near his elbow, frightened, -and quiet, and intense. - -He had held out a hand to her and she had come over and knelt at his -side. - -"Little one," he had said, "this life is not right for our children. -To-morrow we must get the priest and be married. There is money now, -and they must be taught to live more cleverly than their father and -their mother." - -He had left her perplexed in her relief, while he threw himself on the -bed for the sleep of utter exhaustion. - -The burden of life would be doubly worse with the material leisure -money could bring, but Frazer had never stopped toiling all his days. -He could not. - -Money in the helpless hands of his wife meant only unwelcome care for -her, and their exclusion in a larger, isolated home was in no sense -different from life in their cabin. - -Frazer held himself aloof from the movement of the growing towns and -cities, and watched the weak physical fiber of his children, marked by -their unambitious Southern strain. Energy for acquirement of any sort -was not theirs, and for his family his money meant only the material -supply of food and clothes. - -From this very home on the reservoir banks he had gone to his mines -with a regularity interrupted only when it was necessary to follow the -coffin of one of his children to the rocky, shrub-dotted cemetery on -the hills. There had been three of them, and none of the apparently -sturdy children had escaped the fatal collapse of consumption. - -That morning he had driven there the fourth time. The body of his wife -was laid under the ground after her thirty years of faithful care, -according to her light. And Frazer was alone with his money, and his -love, and the suffering he had made it his business to bear. - - - - -ADVERTISEMENTS. - - - [Illustration: ℞ _Drink Londonderry_ - - Copyright, 1895, by Londonderry Lithia Spring Water Co., Nashua, N. H. -] - - - - -[Illustration: - - GOFF'S BRAID - IS THE - BEST MADE - - "For ... - Dress Binding - ... it is ... - Unequaled." - -This is the opinion of experienced Dressmakers who have tried so-called -substitutes during the past thirty years. - - =Red Spool=, five yards, mailed for 8 cents, or =Black Spool=, three - and one quarter yards, 6 cents (stamps may be used), if you cannot - find the proper shade where you trade. - - D. Goff & Sons, - PAWTUCKET, R. I. -] - - - - -[Illustration: - - You? - - Twitching of the eyelids or eyebrows. - Noises in the head. - Despondency. - Unnatural thirst. - Weak back or knees. - Nervousness. - Capricious appetite. - Deranged digestion. - A dull pain in the back. - Swelled feet. - Weak feeling. - Uncertain sleep. - -Any one of these may be the only warning it gives of its presence, and -its presence means Death, unless the only remedy yet discovered is used. - -Besides the above, there are _other symptoms_ of Bright's Disease, but -there is only _one cure_ for this and other kidney diseases, and that -cure is Hunt's Remedy. - -If you have any of these symptoms, do not delay. Arrest disease and -make the kidneys healthy. - - Write Us, - and we will advise with you free of cost. - - Hunt's Remedy Co., Providence, R.I. -] - - - - -[Illustration: - - WHEN YOU SEE COMING DOWN THE ROAD AMONG A LOT OF LITTLE LIGHTS ONE - THAT LOOKS LIKE A RUNAWAY BONFIRE THAT'S - THE 20TH CENTURY HEADLIGHT - AND IF THE WIND DOTH BLOW OR THE ROAD BE ROUGH AND YOU SEE THE LESSER - LIGHTS GO OUT ONE BY ONE UNTIL ONLY ONE BIG LIGHT REMAINS. THATS THE - SAME - - THE 20TH CENTURY HEADLIGHT - - THE BETTS PATENT HEADLIGHT CO. - 10 WARREN ST. NEW YORK -] - - - - -[Illustration: - - The Baby's Life - -DEPENDS ON THE FOOD IT GETS; this is true in more ways than one. -=Insufficient nourishment= is the cause of much of the fatality among -infants. Improper food brings on indigestion, which brings all sorts -of troubles. If the digestion is good, summer complaint need not be -feared, and teething is easy. If the food is right, the digestion will -be good. - -If a little study, and care, and trouble are necessary to secure the -right food, it really saves trouble in the end—serious, painful -trouble, in which remorse plays no little part. - -=RIDGE'S FOOD requires special preparation.= It has to be =boiled=, -a matter of three minutes' time, and you have to take some care of -it; but it is the =best food in the whole world for infants=. There's -nothing "just as good" or "nearly as good." The best is none too good -for little babies, and a mother who will risk her baby's health and -life, just to save a little care, either does not truly understand the -case, or else is a very queer mother. - -=RIDGE'S FOOD= is the only perfect substitute for mother's milk. It is -a complete food by itself, and does not depend wholly on milk to make -it nutritious and wholesome. It is readily assimilated and is =neutral= -in its =effect on the bowels=, thereby avoiding many troublesome -complications. It produces sound, solid, healthy flesh, and helps baby -grow up into a strong and useful man or woman. =RIDGE'S FOOD= is sold -and used wherever the English language is spoken. A better food is -impossible—so far none has been produced that can compare with it. - -If you care to know of actual experience with =Ridge's Food= please -send for voluntary testimonials to - - Ridge's food . . - Used for 30 Years, - Still Unexcelled. - - WOOLRICH & CO., Sole Mfrs., - Palmer, Mass. -] - - - - -[Illustration: - - The Imperial Hair Regenerator - - NO MATTER HOW GRAY YOUR HAIR IS—OR BLEACHED—OR FADED—MAKES IT - BEAUTIFUL, NATURAL, HEALTHY LOOKING—IT - - RESTORES Gray Hair to its - Original Color. - - REGENERATES Bleached Hair. - -Gives it new life and vigor, and makes it any color desired. By the use -of the REGENERATOR once in every few months, the hair is always glossy, -beautiful, and natural. - -It is guaranteed by court tests absolutely harmless—and genuine. There -are many substitutes. Refuse to take them. - - No. 1.—Black. - No. 2.—Dark Brown. - No. 3.—Medium Brown. - No. 4.—Chestnut. - No. 5.—Light Chestnut. - No. 6.—Gold Blonde. - No. 7.—Ash Blonde. - - IMPERIAL CHEMICAL MFG. CO. - 292 Fifth Ave., New York - Between 30th and 31st Streets. Take Elevator. -] - - - - -[Illustration: - - Houghton, Mifflin & Co.'s - - Autumn Fiction. - - -A Singular Life. - By ELIZABETH STUART PHELPS, author of "The Gates Ajar", etc. 16mo, - $1.25. - A story of remarkable power and significance, depicting the heroic - career of a singularly conscientious minister among fishermen, and the - sublime success he achieved. - -A Gentleman Vagabond, - And Some Others. By F. HOPKINSON SMITH, author of "Colonel Carter of - Cartersville", "A Day at Laguerre's", etc. 16mo, $1.25. - A book of short stories by a man who always has exceptionally - interesting stories to tell, and who tells them wonderfully well. - -The Life of Nancy. - By SARAH ORNE JEWETT, author of "Deephaven", "A Native of Winby", etc. - 16mo, $1.25. - A book of short stories as good as Miss Jewett has ever written, and - who has written better? - -The Village Watchtower. - By Mrs. WIGGIN, author of "The Birds' Christmas Carol", etc. 16mo, - $1.00. - Several short stories containing admirable studies of New England - village life—bright, witty, extremely readable. - -The Wise Woman. - By Mrs. BURNHAM, author of "Sweet Clover", "Miss Bagg's Secretary", - etc. 16mo, $1.25. - The aim of this charming story is to promote a more sincere social - life. - -The Coming of Theodora. - By ELIZA ORNE WHITE, author of "Winterborough", "When Molly Was Six". - 16mo, $1.25. - The scene is a semi-rural neighborhood, the characters true to life, - the incidents natural, and the narrative fresh and attractive. - -Clarence. - By BRET HARTE. 16mo, $1.25. - -In a Hollow of the Hills. - By BRET HARTE. 16mo, $1.25. - "Clarence" is a story of wartime, and introduces President Lincoln. - "In a Hollow of the Hills" is a story of far Western life, in which - figure robbers, a mysterious lady, a lonely young girl. The incidents - are highly dramatic, and the story is told as only Bret Harte can tell - such a story. - -The Mystery of Witch-face Mountain. - By CHARLES EGBERT CRADDOCK, author of "The Prophet of the Great Smoky - Mountains", etc. 16mo, $1.25. - A book of several powerful stories of the region and characters which - Miss Murfree knows so well and plays so effectively. - -A Question of Faith. - By LILY DOUGALL, author of "Beggars All", etc. 16mo, $1.25. - An English story, which a religious speculation makes very interesting. - - _Sold by Booksellers. Sent, postpaid, by_ - - _HOUGHTON, MIFFLIN & CO., Boston._ -] - - - - -[Illustration: - - When the wild waves of ocean break upon the sounding shore, - Or when the choicest china breaks upon the kitchen floor, - Faint not, fair heart, nor leave these wrecks this stainless - strand to strew; - But quickly join the pieces with =Le Page's Liquid Glue=. - -Wood, Glass, China, Marble, Ivory, Fancy-work, Toys, Books, even -leather,—they're all mended to STAY with Le Page's Liquid Glue. Isn't -that what you need? - -It is beyond all for strength. It is free from acid, and never injures -the most delicate fabrics. It is ready without any heating. A lady can -use it without calling on the man of the house. Take no substitute. - - LE PAGE'S - LIQUID READY FOR USE GLUE - - BOTTLES, 10 CENTS. - - SOLD EVERYWHERE. CANS WITH PATENT COVERS FOR MECHANICS. -] - - - - -[Illustration: - - Stock - Buyers - and - Bankers - -Take care of money—subject to check—give interest on deposits. - -Buy and sell for cash or margin ONLY the securities listed on New York -Stock Exchange - -Investors of money - -Givers of stock information, by mail or wire. - -A member of our firm always on floor of Stock Exchange. - - Wayland Trask & Co., - 18 Wall St., New York. -] - - - - -[Illustration: - - HYACINTHS TULIPS - - ELEGANT FLOWERING BULBS. - - _Sent by Mail, postpaid, at the following special prices._ - - 3 named =HYACINTHS=, different colors, fine, for 10c. - 5 " =TULIPS=, lovely sorts, all different, " 10c. - 4 " =NARCISSUS=, " " " " 10c. - 3 =JAPAN LILIES=, " " " " 10c. - 10 =CROCUS=, 5 sorts, named, - - - " " 10c. - 10 =FREESIAS=, fine mixed sorts, - - " " 10c. - 1 =BLACK CALLA=, new, from Palestine - " 10c. - or the whole 36 Bulbs, postpaid, for 50 cents. - - Our Catalogue, - -=ELEGANTLY ILLUSTRATED=, of all kinds of Plants and Bulbs, for Fall -Planting and Winter Blooming, also new Fruits, Shrubs, etc., is now -ready, and will be mailed =FREE= to all who apply. Choicest Hyacinths, -Tulips, Narcissus, and other Bulbs, at greatly reduced prices. Write -for it at once. Address - - JOHN LEWIS CHILDS, FLORAL PARK, N.Y. -] - - - - -[Illustration: - - Free Magic Lantern Book - -All about lanterns, stereopticons and views, for Public -Exhibitions—Schools—Home amusement and for everybody. How to make -money—265 page illustrated catalogue free.—Send to McALLISTER, 49 -NASSAU STREET, NEW YORK. -] - - - - -[Illustration: - - The Barta Press - - Printers of The Black Cat. - - Artistic, Original, and Unique Typography. - - Boston, Mass. -] - - - - -[Illustration: - - Copyright, 1895, by The Shortstory Publishing Co. - - The Black Cat - FOR - January, 1896, - -Will contain the seven following original stories. All for Five Cents. - -These stories are all complete, all interesting from beginning to -end, and all "fascinating tales, cleverly told." They are neither -translations, borrowings, nor stealings, and represent the best money's -worth ever offered by any magazine at any price. - -In Solomon's Caverns. By CHARLES EDWARD BARNS. - The astounding experience of a man lost for many days in the ancient - cave under the city of Jerusalem. - -An Angel of Tenderfoot Hill. By FREDERICK BRADFORD. - Being interesting chapters in the career of Mr. James Hewson, of - Blackhawk. - -In Miggles' Alley. By HERMAN BROWNSON. - A dramatic episode of a tenement housetop. - -The Missing Link. By JAMES BUCKHAM. - A series of startling events connected with a mysterious donation of - twenty-five thousand dollars. - -Unchallenged. By KATHARINE MORROW. - The amusing account of a real midnight ride by which two California - girls won a wager of a twelve-mule threshing machine. - -Aidu. By HERO DESPARD. - A beautiful Hindoo waif adopted into the family of a medical missionary - in India is the heroine of this mystical love story. - -Mrs. Emory's Boarder. By C. MARIE MOTT. - The affecting romance of a maiden dressmaker. - -THE BLACK CAT is sold by newsdealers at five cents a copy. If yours -hasn't it and won't get it for you, get another newsdealer. But if you -haven't a newsdealer, send fifty cents to the undersigned, and you will -receive THE BLACK CAT, postage paid, for one year. - - The Shortstory Publishing Company, - Boston, Mass. -] - - - - -[Illustration: - -To give you some idea how entirely different the - Bridgeport "New" Rochester -=is from all other lamps=, we give the No. 2 burner photographed exact -size; are these draft holes likely to get filled up to endanger your -life? - -We cannot tell you here _why_ there is =no climbing= of the flame, =no -soiling= table covers, =no breaking= of chimney springs, =no running -over= in filling, etc.; but our new Catalogue will—and give other -important information which every lamp user _ought to know_—free for -the asking—but mention this publication. - -=Don't jeopardize the life of your family=, as we can supply new fonts -to fit your old unsatisfactory and unsafe lamps. - -_Don't mistake and think we are advertising a burner; this illustration -shows that part only of the central draft_ =Bridgeport "New" Rochester -Lamps=—_the Catalogue explains everything you want to know; send for -it now, please_. - - Bridgeport Brass Co. - Bridgeport, Conn., - or 19 Murray St., N. Y. -] - - - - -[Illustration: - - =If you are thinking= about advertising in any newspaper, magazine, or - program =anywhere=, send to - - DODD'S - Advertising & Checking - AGENCY - - {916, 915, 914} - {909, 903, 902} =Carter Building=, - Cor. Washington and Water Sts., - =Boston.= - - Directly opposite the old location. - -_We write and illustrate - advertisements for our clients._ - - RELIABLE DEALING. - CAREFUL SERVICE. LOW ESTIMATES. -] - - - - -[Illustration: - -_It cures from head to foot._ - - Puritana - - Trade Mark Registered. - - Nature's Cure - - For diseases of the =Stomach= - =Liver= - =Blood= - =Kidneys= - And for =Weak Lungs= - =Starved Nerves= - =Fagged Brain= - -It cures after everything else has failed. It cures cases that have -been given up as hopeless. It cures pleasantly. It cures positively. It -cures permanently. - - _It cures from head to foot._ - -Puritana is the prize formula of Prof. Dixi Crosby, M.D., LL.D., for -over 30 years at the head of Dartmouth Medical College. - - If you are a sufferer, get of your druggist this great - disease-conquering discovery (the price is $1 for the complete - treatment, consisting of one bottle of Puritana Compound, one bottle - of Puritana Pills, and one bottle of Puritana Tablets), or write - to the undersigned, and you will bless the day when you heard of - Puritana. The Puritana Compound Co., Concord, N. H. - - The Story of - Puritana. - -Prof. Dixi Crosby, M. D., LL. D., who for thirty-two years was at -the head of Dartmouth Medical College, belonged to the famous Crosby -family of physicians, which for several generations has furnished more -distinguished medical men than any other family in America. His father -was Dr. Asa Crosby, of Dartmouth, who procured the charter of the State -medical society, of which he was for thirty years a conspicuous member; -one brother, Dr. Josiah Crosby, invented the invalid bed and the method -of making extensions of fractured limbs by adhesive strips; another -brother, Dr. Thos. R. Crosby, was chief surgeon in Columbian College -Hospital during the war, and later professor of animal and vegetable -physiology at Dartmouth College; while Dr. Dixi Crosby himself was -the inventor and discoverer of various important improvements in -medicine and surgery, including a new and unique mode of reducing -metacarpophalangeal dislocation, opening of abscess at hip-joint, etc., -etc. - -At the early age of twenty-four his extraordinary skill and success in -overcoming disease had already attracted the attention of medical men -throughout the world, and won for him the highest honors. His greatest -achievement was the discovery of an original method for perfecting -and compounding in permanent form what has become known as his "prize -formula," and which, under the name of Puritana, is legally protected. - -The foundation of this remarkable medical discovery consists of simple -New England roots and herbs, and the original family recipe for it has -descended to the long line of Crosby physicians from their Puritan -ancestors. Its peculiar vegetable composition rendered it necessary to -brew it whenever needed in the early days of its history, and after -the scattering of the Puritan families to remote localities, where the -necessary ingredients were not to be found, many attempts were made to -put it up in permanent form, all of which failed until Dr. Dixi Crosby -discovered means and methods, the result of which is: Nature's Cure -compounded in the laboratory of Common Sense. -] - - - - -[Illustration: - - Hair Cloth Crinoline, - -NOTWITHSTANDING the great number of imitations and substitutes -advertised to be twice as wide and twice as cheap, has a hold upon the -fashionable dressmakers and fashionable women that cannot be shaken. -It was only a matter of time for the old adage, "_The best is the -cheapest_," to be proven, and now the demand for the genuine Hair Cloth -Crinoline, of which every strand of the weft is _pure hair_, promises -to exceed the output. Experience has also taught the best manner -of using it, and the fault of shrinking or cockling, which by the -unthinking ones has sometimes been attributed to hair cloth, without -for a moment looking for the real cause, _that of putting two fabrics -of different nature together, either of which may shrink a little_, has -been overcome by scientific methods of interlining. Shrinking, ironing, -and binding hair cloth before putting into a dress has also produced -satisfactory results, more than compensating for the little extra -trouble in so doing. To make certain of the genuine hair cloth take out -a few strands of the weft, pull them, and if found to be elastic it is -hair cloth, otherwise imitation. - -It is quite easily understood why hair cloth is so elastic and -resilient if one will only stop to think that, no matter how many ways -human hair is combed, whether twisted, curled, braided, crimped or -frizzled, wet or oiled, it will resume its natural position, and, so, -too, will Hair Cloth Crinoline, having a weft of _pure hair_, resume -its normal condition. - -Such HAIR CLOTH CRINOLINE as above referred to is made by the American -Hair Cloth Company, of Pawtucket, R. I., the largest hair cloth -manufacturers in the world, whose goods are recognized as the leaders -throughout the country, and are superior to any foreign or domestic -make. They manufacture several grades, suitable for skirts and sleeves, -for both day and evening dresses; =10/4=, =14/4=, =10/5=, =200/4=, -=98/3=, usually sold for Skirts; =84/3=, =146/3=, =170/3=, =200/4= for -Sleeves. - - American Hair Cloth Company. - - PAWTUCKET, R. I. - - CHARLES E. PERVEAR, Agent. -] - - - - -[Illustration: - - "GOLD MEDAL AND DIPLOMA, CONSTITUTING HIGHEST AWARD, - MUNICH INTERNATIONAL EXPOSITION, 1895. AN UNPARALLELED VICTORY IN THE - VERY HOME OF BREWING." - - THE HISTORY OF BREWING BEGINS WITH EGYPT - - PABST MILWAUKEE - - SUPREME AWARD WORLD'S FAIR - - Life's - ...Struggle - -Becomes more and more intense as the Nineteenth Century advances. -Mentally and physically we must conserve our energies, build up our -strength, and equip ourselves for the contest. We must have sleep, good -digestion, steady nerves, bone and muscle, clear minds. These can be -secured, maintained and enhanced by the use of - - Pabst... - MALT EXTRACT - The "Best" Tonic - - MILWAUKEE BEER IS FAMOUS PABST HAS MADE IT SO. -] - - - - -[Illustration: - - Copyright, 1895 by The Shortstory Publishing Co. - - The climax of the story-telling art.—Boston Herald. - - Entirely original, interesting, thrilling,—nothing borrowed and - nothing stolen.—Chicago Times-Herald. - - A new departure in story telling. Unique, fascinating, attractive, - original.—New York Tribune. - - Its fascinating inwardness consists of complete original stories, - every one of which is a gem.—Rochester Herald. - - More entertaining fiction for five cents than a whole year's - subscription to other magazines secures.—Manchester Union. - - The Black Cat - -The sale within three weeks of the entire edition of one hundred -thousand copies of the first number of THE BLACK CAT is entirely -unprecedented in the history of periodical publication. - -No other magazine ever published anywhere at any price has met with so -flattering a reception. This immediate bound into popular favor shows -that the public appreciates A REAL STORY MAGAZINE devoted exclusively -to FASCINATING STORIES CLEVERLY TOLD,—stories told on their own -merits, not floated on the reputation of writers. - -The January issue of THE BLACK CAT will be made up of as clever and -original complete tales as story-telling genius can devise and money -can buy. As the edition will be limited to two hundred thousand, every -one desiring a copy should place his order in advance of publication. - - THE BLACK CAT is sold by newsdealers at five cents a copy. If yours - hasn't it and won't get it for you, get another newsdealer. But if you - haven't a newsdealer, send fifty cents to the undersigned, and you - will receive THE BLACK CAT, postage paid, for one year. - - The Shortstory Publishing Company, - Boston, Mass. -] - - - - -[Illustration: - - Queen Victoria - -Was ordered to cease drinking claret, champagne, etc., by the -celebrated physician, Sir William Jenner, who prescribed _pure_ whisky -and water—four parts of water to one of whisky—and the greatest -benefit resulted from so doing. - -The reason is that the saccharine of the champagne, the acid of claret, -and the alkaline properties of ale, beer, and porter are injurious, -especially to ladies, elderly people, dyspeptics, and invalids. The -only absolutely pure whisky is Heather Blossom Pure Old Malt. Taken -with water, as above, and a lump of sugar, it is the finest tonic in -the world. - -"Heather Blossom" differs from all other whiskies in the following -vital points:— - - =1. It is made of different materials.= - =2. It is made by an entirely original process.= - =3. It contains no fusel oil or other poison.= - =4. It tastes different.= - =5. Its effects are different.= - -The analyses of the foremost chemists, the experiments of the ablest -physicians, and the personal experiences of thousands of men and women -prove this. - -Our pamphlet: - - Whisky Wisdom, - -contains "Facts about the Drink that Kills and the Drink that Cures," -which every one ought to know. - -A copy free by mail to all who write for it. - - If your dealer won't supply you with =HEATHER BLOSSOM PURE OLD MALT= - let us know and we'll see that you get it.... - - B. H. R. Distillery Co., - PROVIDENCE, R. I. -] - - - - -[Illustration: - - COASTING - IN THE DARK - IS SAFE - IF YOU HAVE A - SEARCH - LIGHT - -The only Bicycle Lantern -that does what you want it to do. Use it once you will use it always. -Burns unmixed kerosene ten hours. Insist on having the "=Search -Light=": if your dealer can't supply you, we will prepay delivery -charges for list price, =$5=. Send for circular. =Bridgeport Brass Co., -Bridgeport, Conn.=, or 19 Murray St. N. Y. City. -] - - - - -[Illustration: - -_Every Description of Printing Plates made by us, by every process._ - - C. J. PETERS & SON, ... - - Finest Half-Tones a Specialty. - - Photo Engravers - Electrotypers - Wax Engravers - Typographers - - BOSTON, MASS. - - _Special Designs and Drawings made to order. - References in all parts of the United States._ -] - - - - -[Illustration: - - Story Tellers - -Will simply waste time and postage in sending us manuscripts which do -not in every particular meet the following requirements:— - -We can use only such stories as, both in plot and handling, are of -striking originality and universal interest, stories which never, -either in whole or part, have appeared in print before, and which are -free from padding, commonplace and attempted fine writing. No dialect -stories, poetry, or translations will be considered. The Black Cat will -give space only to - - Fascinating Tales, Cleverly Told. - -To receive attention, all manuscripts must bear the writer's full -name and address, together with the number of words, which may range -from fifteen hundred to five thousand, but must in no case exceed the -latter number; they must be very legibly written, sent unfolded, and -accompanied by sufficient stamps for their return. Manuscripts will -be received and returned only at the contributor's risk. All stories -will be judged purely on their own merits, and the writer's name -or reputation will carry no weight whatever. Payment for accepted -manuscripts will be made not according to length, but according to the -editor's opinion of their worth. Manuscripts will be paid for on the -day of acceptance. - - THE SHORTSTORY PUBLISHING CO., 144 High St., Boston, Mass. -] - - - - -[Illustration: - - Specimen pages, etc., - sent on application. - -_The Best - Christmas Gift_ - - or the best addition to one's own library is WEBSTER'S INTERNATIONAL - DICTIONARY - - _Successor of the "Unabridged."_ - - =Standard= of the U.S. Gov't Printing Office, the U.S. Supreme Court, - and of nearly all the Schoolbooks. - - =Warmly commended= by State Superintendents of Schools, and other - Educators almost without number. - - THE BEST FOR EVERYBODY - - =It is easy to find the word wanted.= - - Words are given their correct alphabetical places, each one beginning - a paragraph. - - =It is easy to ascertain the pronunciation.= - - The pronunciation is shown by the ordinary diacritically marked - letters used in the schoolbooks. - - =It is easy to trace the growth of a word.= - - The etymologies are full, and the different meanings are given in the - order of their development. - - =It is easy to learn what a word means.= - - The definitions are clear, explicit, and full, and each is contained - in a separate paragraph. - - G. & C. MERRIAM CO., PUBLISHERS, - SPRINGFIELD, MASS., U.S.A. -] - - - - -[Illustration: - - "_Dandruff - neglected_ - - _Ends in - Baldness._" - -Eminent physicians tell us that: "The chief requirement of the hair -is cleanliness—thorough shampooing for women once a fortnight, and -for men once a week." And that: "The best agents for the purpose -are 'pure,' 'mild,' 'antiseptic' soap and water. Packer's Tar Soap -comprehends these qualities." - -PACKER'S TAR SOAP is a pure, mild, antiseptic and delightful shampooing -agent for cleansing the scalp and maintaining the strength of the hair, -and is a constant protection against contagion. Hair-dressers use -it. Physicians recommend it for its valuable antiseptic and remedial -qualities in treatment of Dandruff and Baldness. - -Sold by Druggist. -] - - - - -[Illustration: - - The Hook - That's - Flat - -The Hook that shows isn't so good as the Hook that doesn't. There's no -show to the Singer Hook and Eye. Sold everywhere. - - Singer Safety Hook & Eye Co., - GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. -] - - - - -[Illustration: - - The Ink - used in - printing - The Black Cat - is manufactured - by - Geo. H. Morrill & Co., - Boston, Mass. -] - - - - -[Illustration: - - _It cures from head to foot._ - - Puritana Nature's Cure - - _OFFICIAL._ - -[Illustration: Seal of New Hampshire.] - -The cures effected in this State by Dr. Dixi Crosby's prize formula -Puritana are so astonishing and the results with which we personally -have used this remarkable medical discovery are so entirely -satisfactory that we deem it our duty to accord it our public -indorsement and private recommendation. - - Signature of the - _Governor of New Hampshire._ - - Signature of the - _Ex-Governor of New Hampshire._ - - Signature of the - _Secretary of State._ - - Signature of the - _R. R. Commissioner._ - - Signature of the - _Mayor of Concord._ - - Signature of the - _Sec'y Board of Agriculture._ - - Signature of the - _County Solicitor._ - - Signature of the - _Insurance Commissioner._ - - Signature of the - _Cashier Merrimac Co. Bank._ - - Signature of the - _Practising Physician._ - - Signature of the - _Treas. Loan and Trust Savings Bank._ - -Puritana has cured case after case that had been given up as hopeless. - -It has cured case after case from head to foot, whether the suffering -was due to disordered _Blood_, _Liver_, _Stomach_, _Kidneys_, _Lungs_, -_Brain_, _Nerves_, or _Skin_. A trial proves its worth. - -If you are a sufferer get of your druggist this great -disease-conquering discovery (the price is $1, for the complete -treatment, consisting of one bottle of Puritana Compound, one bottle -of Puritana Pills, and one bottle of Puritana Tablets), or write -to the undersigned, and you will bless the day when you heard of -Puritana. The Puritana Compound Co., Concord, N. H. -] - - - - -[Illustration: - - USE IT - EVERY - DAY - IN THE - WEEK - & - THEN - REST - ON - SUNDAY. - - S MONDAY - - A TUESDAY - - P WEDNESDAY - - O THURSDAY - - L FRIDAY - - I SATURDAY - - O SUNDAY - - - Armstrong & Co. Boston, Mass. -] - - - - -TRANSCRIBER'S NOTES. - -1. Table of Contents created by the transcriber. -2. Retained anachronistic and non-standard spellings as printed. - - -*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE BLACK CAT (VOL. I, NO. 3, -DECEMBER 1895) *** - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the -United States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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