r. PLACED HAMULI PAMHSiiAUrm Of immammm nriwwitmur 'Hl5T0MLli'.W. fit tOKfr S0S6Y ACMtnUBG SCO. of health flushing her cheeks, the Hps parted in surprise, the sleeve fallen back from one white, rounded arm, the' eyes honest, sincere, mysterious. She recognized him with a glance, and her lips closed as she remembered . how and when they had met before. Bat there was no answering recollec- . Hon within his eyes, only, admiration nothing clung about this Naida to remind him of a neglected waif of the garrison. She read all this In his lace, and the lines about her mouth changed quickly Into a slightly qulz- ' steal smile, her eyes brightening. "You should at least hare knocked, sir," she ventured, sitting up on the zrassv bank, the better to confront . elm, "before Intruding thus unin vited." He lifted his somewhat dingy scout ing hat and bowed humbly. "I perceived no door giving warning that I approached such presence, and the first shock of surprise was per haps as great to me as to you. Yet, now that I have blundered thus far, I beseech that I be permitted to venture upon yet another step." She sa t looking at him, a trim, sol dierly figure, his face young and pleas ant to gaze upon, and her dark eyes sensibly softened. "What step?" "To tarry for a moment beside the divinity of this wilderness." . She laughed with open frankness, her white teeth sparkling behind the red. parted Hps. "Perhaps you may, if you will first consent to be sensible,' she said, with returning gravity; "and I reserve the right to turn you away; whenever you begin to talk or act foolish. If you accept these conditions, you may sit down." He seated himself upon the soft grass ledge, retaining the hat in his hands. "You must be an odd sort of a girl," he commented, soberly, "not to welcome an honest expression of ad miration." "Oh, was that it? Then I duly bow my acknowledgment. I took your words for one of those silly compli ments by which men believe they honor women. I am not a baby, nor am I seeking amusement." He glanced curiously at her book. "And yet you condescend to read love stories," he said, smiling. "I expected to discover a treatise on philosophy." "I read whatever I chance to get my hands on, here in Glencald," she re torted, "just as I converse with who ever comes along. I am hopeful of some day discovering a rare gem hid--den in the midst of the trash. I am yet young." "You are indeed young." he said, quietly, "and with some of life's les sons still to learn. One is that frank ness is not necessarily flippancy, nor honesty harshness. However, if you will offer me a topic worthy the occa sion. In either philosophy, science, or literature, I will endeavor to feed your mind." She uplifted her innocent eyes de murely to his face. "You are so kind. I am deeply interested just now in the Japanese conception of the transmi gration of souls." "How extremely fortunate! It chances to be my favorite theme, but my mental processes are peculiar, and you must permit me to work up to ward it somewhat gradually. For In stance, as a question leading that way, how, in the incarnation of this world, do you manage to exist in such a bole of a place? that Is, provided you really reside here." "Why, I consider this a most de lightful nook." "My reference was to Glencald." "Oh! Why, I live from within, not without. Mind and heart, not environ ment, make life, and my time Is occu pied most congenially. I am being faithfully nutured on the Presbyterian catechism, and also trained in the graces of earthly society. These alter nate, thus preparing me for whatever may happen in this world or the next." His face pictured bewilderment, but also a determination to persevere. "An Interesting combination, I admit. But from your appearance this cannot al ways have been your home?" "Oh, thank you. I believe not al ways; but I wonder at your being able to discern my superiority to these sur roundings. And do you know your questioning is becoming quite per sonal? Does that yield me an equal privilege?" He bowed, perhaps relieved at thus permitting her to assume the initia tive, and rested lazily back upon the grass, his eyes intently studying her face. "I suppose from your clothes you must be a soldier. What is that figure 7 on your hat for?" "The number of my regiment, the Seventh cavalry." Her glance was a bit disdainful as she coolly surveyed him from head to foot. "I should imagine that a strong.' capable appearing fellow like you night do much better than that. There Is so much work in the world worth doing, and so much better pay." "What do you mean? . Isn't a sol dier's life a worthy one?" " ! - "Oh, yes, of course. In a way. We M f 1 K 1 I have to" have soldiers, I suppose; hut if I were a man I'd bate to waste all my life tramping around at 16 a month." He smothered what sounded like a rough ejaculation, gazing into her de mure eyes as if he strongly suspected a joke hid In their depths. "Do do you mistake me for an enlisted man?". "Oh, I didn't know; you said you were a soldier, and that's what I al ways heard they got. I am so glad If they give you more. I was only going to say that I believed I could get you a good place In McCarthy's store If you wanted it. He pays 65 and his clerk has just left." Brant stared at her with open mouth, totally unable for the moment to decide whether,, or not-that inno cent, sympathetic face masked mis chief. Before he succeeded in regain ing confidence and speech, she had risen to her feet, holding back her skirt with one hand. "Really, I must go," she announced calmly, drawing back toward the slight opening between the bushes. "No doubt you have done fully as well as you could, considering your position In life; but this has proved another disappointment. You have fallen, far, very far, below my ideal. Good-by." He sprang Instantly erect, his cheeks flushed. "Please don't go without a further word. We seem predestined to misunderstand. I am even willing to confess myself a fool in the hope of some time being able to convince you otherwise. You have not even told me that you live here; nor do I know your name." She shook her head positively, re pressed merriment darkening her eyes and- wrinkling the corners of her mouth. "It would be highly improper to introduce myself to a stranger we Presbyterians never do that." "But do you feel no curiosity as to who I may be?" "Why, not in the least; the thought is ridiculous. How very conceited you must be to imagine such a thing!" He was not a man easily daunted, nor did he recall any previous em barrassment in the presence of a young woman. But now he confronted sotsething utterly unique; those quiet eyes seemea 10 iook siraigm inrougu t him. His voice faltered sadly, yet I succeeded in asking: "Are we, then, never to meet again? Am I to under stand this to be your wish?" She laughed. "Really, sir, I am not aware that I have the slightest desire in the matter. I. have given it no thought, but I presume the possibility of our meeting again depends largely upon yourself, and the sort of society you keep. Surely you cannot expect that I would seek such an opportu nity?" He bowed humbly. "You mistake my purpose. I merely meant to ask If there was not some possibility of our again coming together socially in the presence of mutual friends." "Oh, I scarcely think so; I do not re member ever having met any soldiers at the social functions here except ing officers. We are extremely ex clusive in Glencald," she dropped him a mocking courtesy, "and I have al ways moved in the most exclusive set." Piqued by her tantalizing manner, he asked, "What particular social functions are about to occur that may possibly open a passage into your guarded presence?" She seemed Immersed in thought, her face turned partially aside. "Un fortunately, I have not my list of en gagements here," and she glanced about at him shyly. "I can recall only one at present, and I am not even cer tain that is, I do not promise to at tend that. However, I may do so. The Miners' Bachelor club gives a re ception and ball to-morrow evening in honor of the new schoolmistress." "What is her name?" with respon sive eagerness. She hesitated, as if doubtful of the strict propriety of mentioning it to a stranger. "Miss Phoebe Spencer," she said, her eyes cast demurely down. "Ah!" he exclaimed, in open tri umph; "and have I, then, at last made fair capture of 'your secret? You are Miss Phoebe Spencer." She drew back still farther within the recesses of the bushes, at his sin gle victorious step forward. "I? Why certainly not. I am mere ly Miss Spencer's 'star' pupil, so you may easily judge something of what her superior attainments must neces sarily be. But I am really going now, and I sincerely trust you will be able to secure a ticket for to-morrow night; for if you once meet this Miss Spencer you will never yield another single thought to me, Mr. Mr. " her eyes dancing with laughter "Firct Lieut. Donald Brant." CHAPTER XIII. Silent Murphy.' Brant sprang forward, all doubt re garding . this, young woman instantly dissipated by those final -words of mis chlevous mockery.' She had been play ingr' with 'him as unconcernedly as if he were a mere toy sent for her amusement and his pride was stung. But pursuit proved useless. Like a phantom she had slipped away amid the underbrush, leaving him to floun der blindly in the labyrinth. His in cautious foot slipped along the steep edge of the shelving bank, and he went down, half stumbling, half slid ing, until he came to a sudden pause on the brink of the little stream. The chase was ended, and he sat up, con fused for the moment, and half ques tioning the evidence of his own eyes. A small tent, dirty and patched, stood with its back against the slope "It's None nets. I ders." of Your Damn Bull 'm Not Under Your Or- of earth down which he had plunged. Its flap flung aside revealed within a pile of disarranged blankets, together with some scattered articles of wear ing apparel, while just before the opening, his back pressed against the supporting pole, an Inverted pipe be tween his yellow, irregular teeth, sat a hideous looking man. He was a withered, dried-up fellow, whose age was not to be guessed, having a skin as yellow as parchment, drawn in tight to the bones like that of a mummy, his eyes deep sunken like wells, and his head totally devoid of hair, although about his lean throat there was a copious fringe of iron-gray beard, untrimmed and scraggy. Down the entire side of one cheek ran a livid scar, while his nose was turned awry. He sat staring at the newcomer, unwinking, his facial expression de void of interest, but his fingers open ing and closing in apparent nervous ness. Twice his lips opened, but noth ing except a peculiar gurgle sound is sued from the throat, and Brant, who by this time had attained his feet and his self-possession, ventured to ad dress him. "Nice quiet spot for a camp," he re marked, pleasantly, "but a bad place for n tumble." The sunken eyes expressed nothing, but the throat gurgled again painfully and finally the parted lips dropped a detached word or two. "Blame pretty girl that. The lieutenant wondered how much of their conversation this old mummy had overheard, but he hesitated to question him. One inquiry, however, sprang to his'surprised lips. "Do you know her?" "Damn sight better than any one around here know her real name." Brant stared incredulously. "Do you mean to insinuate that that young woman is living in this community un der an assumed one? Why, she is scarcely more than a child! What do you mean, man?" The soldier's hat still rested on the grass where it had fallen, its military insignia hidden. "I guess I know what I know," the fellow muttered. "What's your regiment?" "Seventh cavalry." The man stiffened up as if an elec tric shock had swept through his limp frame. "The hell! and did she call you Brant?" The young officer's face exhibited his disgust. Beyond doubt that se questered nook was a favorite loung ing spot for the girl, and this disrepu table creature had been watching her for some sinister purpose. "So you have been eavesdropping, have you?" said Brant, gravely. "And now you want to try a turn at defam-' ing a woman? Well, you have come to a poor market for the sale of such goods. I am half Inclined to throw you bodily Into the creek. I believe you are nothing but a common liar, but I'll give you one chance you say. you know her real name. What is it?"' The eyes of the mummy had become spiteful. "It's none of your damn business. I'm not under your or ders." "Under my orders! Of course not; but what do you mean by that? Who and what are you?" The fellow stood up, slightly hump backed but broad of shoulder, his arms long, his legs short and some what bowed, his chin protruding im pudently, and Brant noticed an oddly shaped black scar, as if burned there by powder, on the back of his right hand. "Who am I?" he said, angrily. "I'm Silent Murphy." An expression of bewilderment swept across the lieutenant's face. "Silent Murphy! Do you claim to be Custer's scout?" The fellow nodded. "Heard of me maybe?" Brant stood staring at him, his mind occupied with vague garrison rumors connected with this odd personality. The name had long been a familiar one, and he had often had the man pictured out before him. There could remain no reasonable doubt of his identity, but what was he doing there? "Yes, I've heard of you," and his crisp tone instinctively became ' that of terse military command. "although' we have never met, for I have been upon detached service ever since my assignment to the regiment. I have a troop in camp below," he pointed down the stream, "and am in com mand here." The scout nodded carelessly. "Why ('.Id you net ccnie down there and re pert your presence in this nclgh borheod to me?" Murrhy grinned unpleasantly. "Rath er be dlcne r.o report been over Black Rar.e telegraphed wait or ders." "Do you mean you are in direct com munication v.ith headquarters, with Custer?" The man answered, with a wide sweep of his long arm toward the northwest. "Goin' to be hell out there damn soon." "How? Are things developing into a truly scriou3 affair a real cam paign?" "Every buck in the Sioux nation is makin' fer the bad lands," and he laughed noiselessly, his nervous finger? gesticulating. " guess that means business." Brant hesitated. Should he attempt to learn more about the young girl Instinctively he appreciated the futil Ity of endeavoring to extract informa- tlon from Murphy, and he experienced a degree of shame at thus seeking to penetrate her secret. He glanced about, seeking some way of recross- ing the stream. "If you require any new equipment,' he said tersely, "we can probably sup ply you at the camp. How do you manage to get across here?" Murphy, -walking stHBy, led the-way down the steep slope, and silently pointed out a log bridging tie narrow stream. He stood watching while the officer picked his steps across, but made no responsive motion when the other waved his band from the oppo site shore, his sallow face looking grim and unpleasant. The young officer marched down the road, his mind busied with the peculiar happenings of the morning, and that prospect for early active service hinted at In the brief utter ances of the old scout. Brant was thorough soldier, born into the service and deeply enamored of Its dangers yet beyond this he remained a man, a young man, swayed by those emotions which when at full tide sweep aside all else appertaining to life. His had been a lonely life since leaving West Point and joining his regiment a life passed largely among rough men and upon the desolate plains. For months at a time he had known nothing of refinement, nor en joyed social intercourse with the op posite sex. Yet, beneath his mask ol impassibility, the heart continued tc beat with fierce desire, biding the time when it should enjoy its own sweef way. Perhaps that hour had already dawned; certainly something new something inspiring, had now come tc awaken an interest unfelt before, and leave him idly dreaming of shadowed eyes and flushed, rounded cheeks. He was in this mood when he over took the Rev. Howard Wynkoop anc marked the thoughtful look upon hi pale face. "i called at your camp," explained Wynkoop, after the first words ol ereeting had been exchanged, "as soon as I learned you were here in com mand. but only to discover your ab sence. The sergeant, however, wa very courteous, and assured me there would be no difficulty in arranging a religious service for the men, unless sudden orders should arrive. Xc doubt I may rely on your coopera tion." "Most certainly," was the cordia! response, "and I shall also permit those desiring to attend 'your regulai Sunday services so long as we are sta tioned here. How is your work pros pering?" "There is much to encourage me but spiritual progress is slow, anc there are times when my faith falters and I feel unworthy of the service ir. which I am engaged." "A mining camp is so intensely ma terial seven days of the week that 11 must present a difficult field for the awakening of any religious sent! ment," confessed Brant sympathetica! ly. "I have often wondered how yoi consented to bury your talents in suet a place." The other smiled, but with a trace of sadness in his eyes. "I firmly be lleve that every minister should de vote a portion of his life to the doing of such a work as this. It is both s religious and a patriotic duty, and there is a rare joy connected with it." "Yet it was surely not Joy I saw pic tured within your face when we met; you were certainly troubled over some problem." Wynkoop glanced up quickly, c slight flush rising in his pale cheeks "Perplexing questions which must be decided off-hand are constantly aris ing. And just now I scarcely know what action to take regarding certain applications for church membership." Brant laughed. "I hardly consider myself a competent adviser in matters of church policy," he admitted, "yet 1 have always been informed that all sc desiring are to be made welcome in religious fellowship." "Theoretically, yes." And the min ister stopped still in the road, facing his companion. "But this special case presents certain peculiarities. The applicants, as I learn from others, are not leading lives above reproach. So far as I know, they have never even attended church service until last Sun day, and I have some reason to sus pect an ulterior motive. I am anxious to put nothing in the way of any hon estly seeking soul, yet I confess that in these cases I hesitate." ' "But your elders? Do not they share the responsibility of passing upon such applications?" . . ' -Th flush on Mr. Wynkoop's cheeks deepened,, and his eyes fell. "Ordl- narily, yes; but in this case I fear The County Exchanges tteiRt tf gei:eni interest Selected. Louisville "rom the Courier. Mabel, the little daughter of Mr. anil Mrs. Jake Hennings, is reported as sick. Mrs. Walker is still very low. The local Woodmen lodge secured a trained nurse, Miss Jennings, of Lincoln to take care of her. Otto Peterson has resigned his posi tion at Frater's drug store and will leave Monday for Fremont where he will take a course in pharmacy. Miss Buckley, a graduate pharmacist, will take his place. Wm. Chandler came in from Oregon Tuesday. After shaking hands with his old friends here he took the after noon train for Weeping Wate. He was accompanied by his father who resides in western Nebraska. Chas. Gaebel and Wm. Wendt were at Omaha Tuesday. Bill went up to buy a baby buggy for his new "baby. He says thejlocal dealers do not carry any thing in stock quite nice enough for his girl. Last Friday C. G. Mayfield fell from a load of logs, lighting on. his head. One rib was broken and he was bruised up in general. He has been confined to his room ever since, but hopes to be out again soon. Mrs. G. H. Wood was called by tele- gramSunday to the bedside of her sis ter, Mrs. Hagberg, at Nanvoo, 111. She took an automobile to Plattsmouth and from there to Nauvoo by the first train. Mrs. Hagberg died Thursday morning. She leaves a husband and two small children. Bad Stomach Trouble Cured. Having been sick for the past two years with a bad stomach stomach trou ble, a friend gave me a dose of Cham berlain's Stomach and Liver Tablets. They did me so much good that I bought a bottle of them and have used twelve bottles in all. Today I am well of a bad stomach trouble. Mrs. John Lowe, Cooper, Maine. These tablets are for sale by F. G. Fricke & Co. Union From the Ledger. G. P. Barton left Tuesday morning for Burlington Junction, Mo., to take treatments at the mineral springs sani tarium. Dan Lynn has been laid up for phy sical repairs several days, having a severe attack of stomach and liver trouble, but is reported to be improv ing. Miss Luella Taylor arrived home last week from Los Angeles, Cal., where she has been the last three years enjoy ing the pleasant climate of the Pacific coast. John S. Buck of Colfax, Wash., ar rived Monday night for a visit with his relatives, the Buck. Klepser and Cross families, northwest of town. He was welcome caller at this office Wednes day. Mrs. J. W. Kain of near Murray was visiting here Wednesday. She infor med us that they had secured a good farm at Walthill,and are preparing to move their household goods to that place in a few days. E. L. Daniel and family arrived home Thursday evening of last week from a month's visit at their former home at Marion, Va. They had a most delight ful time, but are willing to admit that they are glad to be back on Nebraska soil. Frank Hughson called yesterday and announced with pride that he is grand- i pa, a son being born yesteraay morn ing to Mr. and Mrs. Tracy Dillard, who have been visiting at the Hughson home their home being at Winnebago, Neb. John McCarroll and Dick Conrad had read about Sann Gifford's "type lice" discovered and came into this office Tuesday to investigate with the usual results, Frank Finkle and Gabe Austin kindly assisting in the demonstration free ofJchare. Special Announcement Regarding the National Pure Food and Drug Law. We are pleased to announce that Fo- ey's Honey and Tar for coughs, colds and lung troubles is not affected by the National Pure Food and Drug law as it contains no opiates or other harmful drugs, ana we recommena it as a saie remedy for children and adults. For sale by F. G. Fricke & Co Nehawka (From the Eejrlster.) Mrs. Wm. Tucker is gradually gain ing strength, and is much better. The wedding bells will soon ring. Keep your ear on the northward. . , Dr. Walker informed ' the editor that the stork visited the home of William Ketch last Sunday and left a girl of the usual weight. Nicholas H almas of Weeping Water 3 froa till Columns if Contenporarlis I was down on a visit to his uncle Geo. Hansen, who has been quite ill. Dr. Pollard reports him very much better. Miss Florence Todd left on tho mid night train Saturday for Kansas City where she joined Mr. and Mrs. V. I. Sheldon and she will go with them from there through California. D. D. Adams went to Omaha on the midnight train Monday via Union. In order to have 8 hours in which to do business, he had to waste twelve hours going and coming. Good service that. Mr. and Mrs. Joe Shrader left on Wednesday morning for Alma, in Har lan county, where they will visit with their son Ben.They expect to visit their daughter in Kansas before they return home. The barber shop again swapped owners. If the rest of Nehawka real estate changed hands as, often as this piece of property does, the real estate men would 'be in clover. Geo. Hugle is the present - owner, and we under stand has leased it to Andy Countz.who will manage the business and employ the barber in the future. Newell & At wood, the quarrymen from Plattsmouth came in on the Fri day morning passenger on a tour of investigation. They had been trying the experiment of stripping their rock by powder as Olaf Lundberg does in the quarry here and made a failure. And their trip was for. the purpose of finding out where they were in error. They remained most of the day. Word was received, at this place on Wednesday that John Trumble, who used to live south of town, near Geo. Harshm.in, jr., and who moved from here to Jewell county, Kansas, had one of his hands amputated. He has been suffering frDm blood poison caused by a bared-wire scratch. Chamberlain's Cough Remedy a 'Safe Remedy for Children. In buying a cough remedy for chil dren, never be afraid to buy Chamber lain's Cough Remedy. There is no dan ger from it and relief is sure to follow. It is intended especially for coughr., colds, croup and whooping cough, and there is no better medicine in the world for these diseases. It is not only a cer tain cure for croup, but, when given as soon as the croupy cough appears, will prevent the attack. Whooping cough is not dangerous when this remedy is given as directed. It contains no opium or other harmful drugs, and may be given as confidently to a baby as to an adult. For sale by F. G. Fricke & Co. Elmwood Krora ttie Leader-Kcho. Two more cases of smallpox are re- ported at Wabash. A daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs. Rung, Saturday. Dean Hulflsh was out in his invalid chair Tuesday afternoon, the first time in five months that he has been out of the house. Geo. Dunkle's were released from quarantine for scarlet fever Tuesday. B. L. Clement went out and fumigated the house Tuesday morning. Dr. I. L. Munger, chairman of the committee on holding a fair this winter, requests us to announce that the Elm wood Park Association will hold their second annual fair Feb. 20, 21 and 22 in Langhorst's opera house. Get ready for a big time. Mrs. Minnie Stark was taken to Lin coln Tuesday to try treatments at the Everett sanatorium. Those accompany ing her were Mr. Stark, Joseph Mulhn, Dr. Munger, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Deles Dernier and Mrs. L. F. Langhorst. One day last week Joe Holderness was pilling up some baled hay in the barn. The bale he was standing on toppled over, causing him to fall, strik ing his side on the manger, putting a couple of his ribs on the bum and con fining him to the house for several days. Mrs. Martin Wolf died Thursday of last week at her home in Kearney. The remains were shipped to Alvo Sat turday and taken to the home of her brother-in-law, I. N. Wolf, the funeral wras held from the M. E. church at 2 o'clock Sunday afternoon. Interment in Belmont cemetery. Deceased was sixty years of age, well known in the vicinity of Alvo, where she resided for a great many years. How to Avoid Appendicitis. Most victims of appendicitis are those who are habitually constipated. Orino Laxative Fruit Syrup cures chronic con stipation by stimulating the liver and bowels and restores the natural action of the bowels. Orino Laxative Fruit Syrup does not nauseate or gripe and is mild and pleasant to take. Refuse sub stitutes. For sale by F. G. Fricke & Co., druggists. For Sale On monthly payments of $8 to $10. For particulars call the of fice of Windham Investment Co. J. 0