uxr OBOWINd OLD. jHSjSd****» indeed, to mo «j«m •trance, my self I fool i)0 change, fcJNotM, In In IT... urn 1 , VI , i |U l iiUII,U, ifv rhat In the friend* whose love I hold K J*ee • something dny>by day dally plainer stems to sa^l L* frlomls yon Ipvo are growing old. A deepening of tti* lines of rum, A Uny wrinkle here mid then'. ■ . *£*•! * silvering of the gold, A shadow underneath the hrowe Betprinkled now with i>nwdered snows, Where clustered dusty looks of old. Jldl »ober gladness they rejoice, Mere mellow grown each merry voice, , V i? lllt’l I,t tu ffluhoh smllo lies bright, loss cold; 8tUl cherished friends us over wo . Hand clmpoth Imuit mow tenderly ■ **' As days go by and wo grow old. Asw*grow old! nh! this is strungo! I Mid I felt In mo no ohungo, Yet plain as those my words have told Upon my board faint streaks of gray Soy silently to me to day Than, with thy friends, art growing old I -Ex. THE PONDALE ROBBERY. . The peace aud tranquillity that had I lorn? distinguished I'otirinlo society was disturbed and ruftlod. llrown, tho postmaster, was first to discover that something was wrong with Jaynes Bruce tho wealthy Insur ance agent; who, instoad of buying the Hampant Republican, as ho had every evening lor the past twenty years, got hold of tho Doflnnt Demo crat and did not discover his mistake till Brown called his attention to it This and other circumstances' gave evidence of abstraction. After care ful consideration tho gossips decided, • without a dissenting voice; that Bruoe had something on his mind. : Bow if Jaynes Bruoe was troubled about anything It was agreed that thero must bo a serious hltoh In tho business or soolal moohnnism of tho place, for ho was president of tho local board of trada and a trustee of tho fashionable church. Tho result of this conclusion Im mediately manifested itself in a slight business depression, first felt by Crane, tho butcher, who failed to obtain dis count on a note until rigid inspec tion had boon made as to its security. Had Pondale known tho truth, its ■octal struoture would have tromblod to Its foundations. Brlofly, tho oausoof Bruco's anxiety was this; On three different oc casions within os many woeks ho had missed from his safe sums of money ranging from fifty dollars to throe timet that amount .Ho was boing robbed, and hero oame the sting: The thief was somo One In his own employ. ! Mr. Bruoe was one of those mon who pride thomselvos upon their ex eoutive ability. His business was performed in tho groovos of a cast iron system. Ills clocks were ma chines, and he had takon care to oon struot all those maohlnes himself. Onoe. however, he had departed from his system to obligo a relative, talcing into his omploy young Tom ' Hyde; the smartest clerk in his es tablishment, but whoso utility Bruce was nevar ready to acknowledge on BOOOunt of his having obtained his .business training olsowhoro. f As soon as Bruce dlseoverod that he was being robbod he at onco suspect ed Hyde, and for no reason except -Ahat he knew his antecedents only through report, which was no reason at all. . Mr. Bruoe was a widower, whose house was kept by his only child, a vary pretty girl, who 'naturally had many admirers, upon alt of whom her father had looked with suspicion until be had dlaoovcred that danger lurked in an unlookod for quarter, and he oonoentrated it upon Tom Hyde. ■ Jaynes Bruoe had good sense enough hot to proceed In the ordinary way. He did not call Miss Kilith and com mand her to repel tho advances of his presumptuous olerk. Sho was of age, had a neat ltttlo fortune in her own right and had also inherited a good share of what her father called •strength Of will” and somo malicious people (what great man has no ene mies P) termed obstinacy. Now that he suspected him, be de tormlnod to wait until he had con vincing proof in his hands and then to show her that Hyde was a villain Of the deepest dye. But as be sat reading his paper be fore the open fire In tho oozy bittlng room. his daughter crochoting with nlmbla lingers on the opposite side of the center table; he could uot forbear to drop a hint that would toll bur ip a delicate way that he did not look upon young Hyde with approval. “My dear,” said ha with attempted ohlmnesa which proved an utter fall yra 'mydear, don't you think that— that young Hyde's conduot toward you Is rather—er. forward and presuming fo'r.one in his posltlonP” She dropped her long lashes to oon Oeal« misohovious twinkle and bent more olosoly over her work. ■•WellP" said she Interrogatively. Bruoe was embarrassed. Ho wished he had not spoken. Ho fidgeted nerv in his chair and took refuge be hls newspaper. f 1 were you.” he managed to av iate; “I wouldn't allow it.” n what way do you consider his uct presuming?” "Well..” said her father, racking his brains for a oase In point— • ■well nt Mrs. Smith's lawn party the other ‘ bight you allowed him—ahem—to en ;H0lrclo your waist with his arm.” ' A peal of laughter was the only answer vouchsafed by his incorrigible daughter to this grave charge. Bruce retired, discomfited, consol lag himself with the thought that he '■. would soon havo ample revenge. Since the discovery of tho first theft, ckily made by himself, he had made a point of being first at his place of business evory jamming, and so no one but himself ^nd \A0 guilty person new aught At the miftter.' he morning teHeWmg the cOttveN a agttyoA a? big —— l ■ /. ■ - •• tto Way had tak*n down hi* shutter*. Hi* o '~c9 bey, however, ' nding himself preceded every morning' for the lost few week* by his employer, hud, with the aid of an ahum clock, managed to get there u few miuulos aht'tul of Mr. Union and v. us sprinkling tho floor when iio arrived. llruco wiilkod straight to tho safe and opened it. A package of marked bills was miss ing. Tho thief had walkod into tho trap, llruco hud niado a thorough soareh of tho promlsos tn order that no posslblo clow might escape him. As Ills eyes foil on the desk ho stopped bnck ft paoo. with ebooks that paled suddenly, and then with a hasty stride he snatchod a paper from it. It was an envolopo in which ho had rocoived a circular tho day before. Written right across it in a bold hand ho road: “HYDB in TilK HI IK I'. ” If thoro had boon any doubts In bis mind as to tho idontlty of tho ihlof before his dlsoovory of this mysteri ous accusation, they were at onoe dis pelled. All that remained to be done was to trace the marked bills. He went out and hunted up the constable, whom ho took into his confidence. This worthy notified all parties with whom tho thief would be at all likely to have any dealing's to bo on tho lookout for tho marked bank notos. Now. a new servant had been re cently addod to the establishment of Mr. Bruce. This was Norn McCor mick, who had not been forty-eight hours on tho place boforo two things had happenod to her. First, she hud made oaptlve the heart of a strapping young countryman of hors, who did odd jobs about tho neighborhood, and who rejolcod in tho name of (irattan Flynn. Whon a now servant was hired, lirucerond the uufortunato a lecture on what was oxpoctod of her. which resulted in tho servant leaving the houso at once in a rage, or taking rofugo la tears and hysterics. In elthor oaso llruco was an objoet of torror over afterward. Tills was tlie second thing worthy of note that had happonod to Norn. It was Nora’s night out, and con sequently into whon tho was oscortod homo by tho gallant nnd nttontlvo Flynn, thoy sat down on tho rustio bench beneath the maple troe. 'I hoy had sat thoro but a fow min utes whon tho chill air caused Nora "to go inside for a wrap." Sho stopped into tho woodshed. Scarcely hod sho disappeared when Flynn ospled some onocoming toward tho true across lots. A moment luter tho moonlight ro vonlod tho foaturos of Jaynes Bruce. Grattan had a wholesome dread of Bruce’s ungor. inspired by tho latter whon Flynn was doing work for him. Kunulng from bohlnd tho tree, which bad hitherto sheltered him from observation. Flynn came to tho odgo of tho long-noffleotod well, now nearly fllled in with broken glass, old boots and odds nnd ends of rubbish, for which it lmd long formed a con venient repository. Into this ho slippod. Abovo tho thumping of his heart ho hoard the footsteps draw nearer. 1’rosontly thnt organ stood still, for a face appeared over the vorgo nnd peorod vacantly into the darkness. Tho owner of the face raised his hand as if to launoh some missilo down upon tho torrifiod Flynn. ••Hold on! I’ll come out!"howlod Flynn, and the next moment ho bound ed from his hiding place, nearly knooktng Bruoe over. A dazed look came into the eyes of the latter. "Where am IP" he asked. Grattan lookod at him sharply, and muttered: "Drunk, bogorra!” Then aloud ho said: "Ton are at tho ojd woll!" Bruce sat down nnd held his head In his hands, while Grattan Flynn noddod and winkod to an imaginary crowd. Suddenly Bruce exclaimed: ••I have it! I’ve been walking in my sleep! I haven’t done it before since I was a boy. and I thought I’d outgrown tho habit. ” A ray of light entered his brain. He turned palo, guspod. seized Flynn by tho arm. and. thrusting a dollar into his hand, exclaimed: "Not a word of this. You under stand?’’ •N’iver a word.” said tho mystified Flynn, winking knowingly and walk ing away. Bruce went quietly Into tho house and procured a lantern, with which he returned to tho old well. Nora McCormick had managed 1 slipvupstairs, and was congratulatln horsMf upon her escape, for she hi seen thp great man approaching. A minute later Bruce learned thi the proverb: "Truth is a jewel hldde at the bottom of a well. ’’ was in h case literally true. There, in the o well, lay the missing money, marki bills and all! Some vqgrant fancy had caused tl somnambulist to rob himself and Mr the booty whore ho discovered i Tho mysterious writing was doubtio: his own work tho fruit of his ui founded suspicions of Tom Hyde. When in deep and. it is to be hope improving reduction, ho returned the houses ho found Miss Edith awai ing him. Her window commanded a view her father's nocturnal exploit ai she hod seen him with the lanter Of course he was forced to oxpia what he would much rather ha' mself, and so .received h nouncement of her e l? in Hyde without a woi i order to bribe h m unpleasant all Hyde to a bus In Stonet in Bos kept to daughter’ gagement Furthe into refr siona h interest 61o FAITH, There comes no voice from Thee, O Lord, Across the inid-sea of the night! I lift my voice mid cry with might-: If Thou keep silent soon a horde Of Imps again will swarm aboard, And I siiull be in sorry plight. There comes no voice; 1 hear no word! Itut in my soul dawns .something bright; There is no sea. no foe to fight! Thy hourt and mine bout one accord, I need no voice from Thee, O laird. Across the mid-sea of the night. —George MeDonald. THE WHETDOCTOK, The Shah of Persia (1500 a. r.) was a widower and ho had a son, a handsome, gentlemanly prince, eigli toen^years of age. This good Shah had also a grand vizier, a haughty and umbitlous person; and u doctor, who was a very clever man. Tho grand vizier hated the doctor, and the sight of tho grand vlzior was very disagreeable to the doctor. Tho doctor had a very protty wife, the handsomest woman at court. It was snld, and a great Hlrt. It Is scarcely necossary to add thut tho doctor was very jealous. At the time that this tale begins, tho court was greatly excited over two evonts: tho mnrriago of tho grand vizier and the illness of the Shah's Bon. Tho grund vizier was about to marry a beautiful PorBian girl and although ho was noarly forty years old. his brido was hardly sevonteon. As for tlic young prince, he had boon ill for two months—very ill. I’ale, emaciated, weak, taciturn, he was a piteous sight lie had no ap petite, and ho could not sleep at night It was heart-brouklng. And, curious to relate, vainly did tho doctor examine the prince's tongue, fool his pulses apply the stethosoopo. The vital parts wore all lu good condition; but still the prince grow woukor. Ills worthy father sent for tho doc tor. and said: "Doctor, you must know what is tho matter with my son. Perhaps you four shooking mo; but I want, tp hear tno truth, and I command you to toll me." ••Mighty Shah." replied the doctor, "I am able to satisfy you, for I know what Is the rauttor with your son." "So you have discovered tho mal ady: and It Is called?" "l.ove, mighty Shah. Tho prince bus no appetite, he cunnot sleep, and ho has lost his spirits, because he is in lovo; and ho will not be able to sloop neither will ho recover his ap petite and spirits until he murrios the woman he loves.” "And what woman does ho love?”(3| ■ 'That Is more than I oan say. The prlnco will not tell me her name." "I will ask him myself." • 'I doubt whether ho will roveal the secret, ovon to your majesty. Hut be not afraid, doctors have means of dis covering tho secrets which patients do not wish to reveal. Before this day onds, 1 plodgo you my word that I will find the woman who has aroused such a violent passion in tho bosom of the prlnco. Your grand vizier is to bo married this very day. and you will have a reception at your palace in tho ovening. All tho ladles at tached to tho court will be thoro. I rnoroly ask you to make them pass In single file before your son. I will stand beside him. and hold one of his hands carelessly, with my linger rest ing lightly upon his pulso. Bo sure, noble shah, that when the loved one passes I will bo notified by the force and rapidity of tho beets. • -That is a capital idea; and when you have made tho. experiment If I permit my son to marry this person, you are suro that ho will be cured?" ••Ho will bo curod." Everything passed off as had been arranged. The reception hall of the palaco was crowded. Every one attached to tho court was there. The doctor’s boautiful wife, elegantly dressed, created a sensation—she out shone even the graceful Persian girl whom the grand vizier had married that day. The Shah was on his throne, and the prince, still pale and sad, was seated on his right. The doctor stood near, holding the prlnoe's hand. The Shah announced to the cour tiers that he was going to allow them the immense honor of kissing his hand. This condescension of the sovereign was enthusiastically greet ed. The ceremony began, the ladles first approaching, and after thorn the gentlemen. Of course. In passing be fore the shah, they passed, also, be fore the prince. At the conclusion of the reception, tho shah retired to his private apart ments and summoned the doctor. The doctor arrived, staggering, hollow-eyed, and looking very sad. The Shah, without noticing the ap pearance of his physician, cried: "Well doctor?" "Your highness, tho experiment was successful!” •<5ood! Then you know the wo man who has excited the passion of my son?” •T know her," replied the doctor sadly, with a deop sigh. "Why do you tell mo that in such a sad voice?" asked the shah, very much surprised. "Because i have no reason to re joice,” replied the doctor, sighing more docply than before. And he continued, in broken tones: ‘Mighty Shah, the woman whom your sea loves is my wife," •■By the trunk of my white ele phant ” said the Shah, gayly, "she is charming, and I understand my son's love." "L too," sadly murmured the doc tor. * 'Let us settle the matter." said the Shah. "Your wife being indispensa ble to the happiness of my son, you will give her to him-■" ."Your majesty, ” interrupted the erector, whose heart seemed to be breaking; *4t la impossible! I love my wife." “The sacrifice will be to much more meritorious.” (••I can never agree.” r'But It is your duty.” • ‘That is questionable. ” "Questionable? I could decide the question in my favor, but 1 wish to act fairly. Are you willing that I should propose the question to my grand vizierP” “With all my heart" “And you promise to do as ho de cides?” "I promise.” repllod the doctor, fnlntly. The Shah sent for the grand vizier. A minute later, the grand vizier en tered. very majestically, as is suitable for a prime minister; after bowing lowly before the sovereign, he looked at the doctor in a manner which did not auger very well for that individual, and waited. Tho Shah briefly explained the sit uation, and the grand vizier, evident, ly charmed, cried: ■What sire; does the dootor hesl tate?' ’ • -lie hesitates. ” said the Shah. ■Can it be possible?” thundered the grand vizier, as if overpowered by indignant feelings which he could not control. “What! when the happiness of the princo is at stake—what do I say—when his life is at stake! Why. under these circumstances the sacri floe is a duty which should bo per formed with joy and rapture. Shamo on you, doctor; li is a crime to hesi tates Everything for tho sovereign. Everything for tho heir to the throne. Everything-" “You see," said the Shah to the doctor. "you can’t do anything else-” Tho doctor stupefied, tried to stam mer on objection. "No, no!” cried, vehemently, the Persian monarch; ’you promised to aocopt the grand vizier's docision. My son shall marry your wife. You will obtain a divorce at onga” The doctor, glancing timidly at the vizier, said to him: “Is that your real opinion; and if you were in my place; would you make tho sacrifice which is demanded of meP” "Gladly!” replied the grand vizier, with a tone of devotion which wont right to the heart of tho Shah. This answer seemed to transform the doctor. His eyes sparkled and his thin lips shaped themselves into a smile. He turned toward tho Persian monarch, and, falling upon his knees; exclaimed: "Mighty Shah, pardon me. I have decolvod you." The Shah started and the grand vizier frowned. "Deceived me?" cried tho Shah. "Yea your royal highness. To be sure, my wife is pretty enough to turn a prince's head; but she did not have that good fortuno.” “It is not your wife? Who; then • Who?” exclaimed the dootor, with a malicious glance at the grand vizier, which caused that gentleman to turn pale. "I will toll you. She is a young and beautiful girl—a girl en dowed with many gifts, since she has captivated the heart of the most pow erful man in tho kingdom, your maj esty. of course; excepted. ’’ The Shah looked at the grand vizier, who was no longer pale, but purple. "In a word,” continued the good doctor, in clear tones, and turn ing toward the grand vizier, "It is this gentleman’s wife." Who was surprised? The Shah. Who was dumfounded? The grand vizier. And who was delighted? The doctor. "This being tho case, ” said the Shah to his prime minister, “you will obtain a divorce.” "Never!" shouted tho grand vizier. “Can it be possible?” thundered the doctor, imitating the tone and gestures of the grand vizier; "What! when the happiness of the prince is at stake—what do I say—when his life is at stake! Why. under the cir cumstances, the sacrifice is a duty which should be performed with rapture. Shame on you sir; it is a crime to hesitate. Everything for the sovereign. Everything for the heir to the throne. Everything—" Well, the grand vizier was a sight just then. Never was there seen a more woe-begone countenance. Tho Persian monarch burst out laughing. As for the good doctor, he rubbed his hands together hard enough to take the skin ofT. He finished his adversary with these words: “You said just now that you would gladly do that which I hesitated to do. Your devotion was heroic. Now you know that a public man (in Persia) is not allowed to contradict himself every two minutes." The grand vizier was conquered. He cast a terrible glance at the doctor, and turning toward the shah, said, slowly: “Master, your will be done." So the young prince, married the pretty Persian girl and recovered his health—The Argonaut. He Feared the Worst. “I have baked my first cako to day, George,” said the young wife; “and I wan’t you to eat some of it" ••lam willing,” said George, as he looked rather suspiciously at the cake; “but I've had my life insured.” “All the hotter, ” laughed the wife merrily. “I don’t know about that" said George; “they might think you had baked the cake on purpose, and refuse to pay the policy. ”—New York Press. What tge All Are After. Judge—What induced you to break into that bai}k? Burglar-y-The money there was in it What yer s' pose? Think I did it for glory? I Ain’t money what we are tfter? 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