THE FARMERS' ALLIANCE. LINCOLN, NEK.. THURSDAY. BEC. 10. ISO!.
TO
J' I"
' "But about tlie town lots." John
asked; "don't you consider tlicm safe?"
"Why, yes; they're safe. They're ns
pood u bonds, and there' immense
profits to bo made of tbijm. Bnt that
aint the question, yon see. Yon didn't
want lots; you wanted to pay the debt
off your farm."
" Well, if the lota are safe and the, rv
tnms as big1 ns Scraps any, why I'm
satisfied with matters as they stand."
"I'm (flad to hear that, Mr. Green,
for the investment Is safe, In my opin
ion, and 1 think that for every dollar
you put Into it now you will take out
fire at the end of a year. So firm Is my
faith in it that I have Invested heaviiy
on my own account, besides advising
my friend in the east to take hold; and
I am glad Scragps let you in. It ta bet
ter than paying the mortgage."
John, thus confirmed In the wisdom
of the turn he had made, went back to
his homo on th prairie highly satisfied
and pleased; while Harry Pearson con
tinued his way to Scraggs' ofllce equal
ly as well pleased as John. The former
felt that Providence and Scrnggs had
opened before him a quick and cn-.y
way of overcoming all his financial
difficulties and placing himself and fam
ily on tbo high road to fortune, v.hila
the latter felt that his toils were being
drawn closer and tighter about his in
nocent and unsuspecting victim. Each
for his own reason, and widely different
reasons they were, was pleased with
the drift of affairs, and each smiled the
mile of triumph.
John, morcver, felt that he owed a
great debt of gratitude to Harry Pear
son for the disinterested Interest he had
taken in his affairs, and he longed for
an opportunity to reptiy him.
CHAITEIt X.
Till SERPENT SHOWS ITS PAKOS.
When Pearson reached Scraggs' office
ho found the agent alone. Ho was Bit
ting at his desk, with his pen stuck
above his car and with his faco buried
in his hands. It was evident from his
attitude and his listless manner that he
was deeply engrossed in study.
"Hatching up somo schomo for plun
dering these poor dovila," Harry
thought as he halted for a
moment in the open door to 'con
template Scraggs. "no's got some
deep laid plan at work, and whatever it
is it'll bring a few thousands to his
pocket at the expense of the settlors."
At that moment Scraggs looked up,
and hla eyes met those of Hurry Pear
ton. "Beg pardon, Mr. Scraggs. I didn't
mean to intrude, so it your meditations
are sacred I'll withdraw."
"Come in and sit down," Scraggs
said in reply. "I was meditating, and
seriously, too, but my thoughts were of
you, and I am glad you came."
"Ho, you are a faithful agent,
Scraggs. Always got my Interests in
mind, and forever studying ouf some
plan for advancing them. What new
scheme are you working up now?"
"I am uut working up any scheme,
Mr. Pearson."
"Yet you were thinking of mo. How
docs that come?"
"I was thinking of you in an entirely
different connection."
"What connection, then?"
"Why, in connection with those
Greens. - It has como across, my mind
that there is somo deep purpose in your
action."
"Ha, ha! Is it possiblo that Scraggs
has got his mind off financial matters
loug enough to let a thought of some
thing so foreign crec,jp in? Come,
Scraggs, stick tto the per cent and the
commissions, and don't go to muddling
your brain alout things that don't
concern you and that will never put a
dollar in your pocket It ain't In your
line, Scraggs, and you'd better lot it
alone."
"Ordinarily, Pearson, I don't meddle
much with things that don't directly
concern me. 1 am counted heartless
and unfeeling, and have been cursed
from Dan to Beersheba by everybody
who bus had any dealings with mo, and
as a general thing peoplo are not to
blame. They have hod room for swear
ing, and not knowing that there was a
monKey in inn ensu are noi to oiamo
for swearing at the cat whoso paw has
been used to rake the chestnuts from
the fire. But I suppose I ought not to
' complain. I am paid for my work, and
it is my duty to shoulder tho blame, that
attaches to it and take the curses it
brings down on my head. Anyhow, I
am willing to go on with that; but I am
not willing to be a party to n worse
crime, and, by George, I won't be. I
say, I won't be, and I mean it"
"Are you through with your sermon,
Scraggs?" t
"For the present yes."
"Tiiru way I ak what deep crime you
refuse to be a party to?"
"Yes, you may. It's tho crime you
contemplate against those Greens; or
rather against Green's girl."
Pearson's face flushed and a spark of
anger lighted his eyes. For an instant
ho gazed steadily at Scrnggs, then slow
ly let his glance fail to the floor. It was
sometime before he spoke, and when he
did he said: . "
"Mr. Scraggs, are you aware what
your words imply ?"
"1 am, most certainly," replied
Scraggs, "and they imply nothing but
the truth. I am not fool enough to
think that your actions towards Green
mean anything good. It would be
hard enough to believe that if your con
duct in his presence was -the only thing
to go by. It is not likely that you
would interest yourself in nnyone'B be
half, unless you had a selfish motive be
hind it It is not in your nature. But
what makes your purpose more ap
parent is the fact that while you are
making a pretense of. fivonng Green,
you are coming in here and command
intr me to bear down on him. At my
expense you are working yourself into
his good graces, and at the same tune
getting him deeper and deeper into your
toils. I know you, and I know your
purpose, Pearson, and I denounce it
Furthur, I refuse to be a party to it It
is all right to rob and plunder these
people with exorbitant interest, and to
break them up with wild speculations,
and so long as it stops at that, I will go
with you; but when ft comes to an at
tempt to trap that innocent jpirl Pin out".
The young man's face changed color
alternately as he listened to this speech.
One moment it was livid with anger
and the next flashed with a sense of
shame. Once or twice he made gestures
for Scraggs to stop, but the agent went
on to the end.
"Well, Mr. Scraggs," narry replied
after a short silence, "I don't admit
anything you have charged, but say you
are correct and it must be acknowl
edged that you are not above reproach.
Your virtuous Indignation don't com
mence quite soon enough. It begins
where the profits leave off. In other
words you are willing to condone my
crimes, an you ehuone to call tut-iu, and
even assist me in executing them, as
long as there is money in it to you. But
the moment they cease to bring a finan
cial return to your pocket you get ter
ribly down on them. You are willing
to help 'rob and plunder the settlers
because It pays you, bat there is no
profit in trapping the girl, so your vir
tuous soul revolts at the idea That is
the size of your honor, Scraggs."
"I admit that appearances do seem
against me, Pearson, for after being a
tool in your hands so long,'' said
Scraggs with emphasis, "it woidd be a
mtraclo if I had an honorable impulse
left In my bosom. But miracle as it is,
I have a spark of honor yet uuobscured.
I would say what I have, and oppose
your designs on Green's daughter, even
if I lost money by it In a case like
this money cuts no figure with me."
"You are very pious all at once,
Scraggs," said Pearson with a light
Inngh. "end I wonder you didn't tura
preacher In your young days. You
would have made an eloquent sermon
Izer. But we'll drop this subject If you
please, for the present and when I
form designs against Green's girl, such
as you mention, and find I am in need
of your assistance in carrying them out
I'll put up the 'stuff' and make you
solid."
"You'll do no such thing," Scraggs
exclaimed with wrath as he arose and
paced the floor. "No money will induco
me to aid in betraying that girl or any
other girl into your power. But I'll toll
you what I will do," Hcraggs said, stop
ping before Pearson and looking him
square iu the eyes, "I'll warn John Green
against you, and I'll warn tho girl
against you."
"You will?" exclaimed the young man
springing up with flashing eyes and
clinched fists. "Yon will, eh?"
' "Yes, I will," replied Scraggs, calmly
maintaining his position.
For a minuto tho two man stood
silently eyeing each other, Scraggs cool,
collected and immovable, and Pearson
at first angry and flushed, but slowly
calming down. At last the latter broke
into a light laugli, and with a toss of
tho head spoke:
"Don't be a fool, Scraggs," he said,
"because that don't pay. I have no de
signs on tho girl, and besides if I did
have your putting in wouldn't do any
good. Do you suppose tho Greens, or
any of tho othor settlers, would take
your word in preference to mine? Of
course they wouldn t It s you that is
known as a heartless villain, while I. In
the shade back of you, am known as a
kind, feeling gentloman. These people
HARRY PKAIWOX, BEWABK!"
don't know that I move you and con
trol your actions, and more it is hardly
likely that they will, know it since
there is no one to tell them but you,
and they'd never take your word for
anything, not if you were to swear to
it So yon see I have got tho advantage
of you, Scraggs, and if you want to do
any warning just go ahead. But you
are making a great fnss about nothin;
anyhow. Wait until I make an attempt
against the girl, won t you?"
. "If you have no dasigns on the girl,
Pearson," asked Scraggs, "will you
please say what your purpose is?"
"Why, what should it be, except to
make all the money we can out of
Green, just as we intend to make it out
of every other settler."
"Then how Is it you do not find it nec
essary to deport yourself toward other
settlers as you do toward tho Greens?
Why is it yon find it necessary to go
there so often?"
"I supposed this was a free country,
Scraggs, and that a man did not have to
explain to other peoplo the reason
why ho chooses to go here or there.
But since you force tho question on me
I don't mind answering it I goto John
.Green's occasionally becauso I like
Louise. To be honest frank and confi
dential with you, Scraggs, I'll go fur
ther and say I love her. I'm speaking
the truth when I say that so help mo
God. I do love Louise Green with all
my heart and soul, and never have and
never shall love anyone else. And now
having gone this far, 111 go further. I
love her, and I'vo 6worn that she shall
be mine. She loves that Paul Mark
, ham, but he shall never have her. I
cannot win her love, but I can get her
In my power, and force her to come to
my arms and submit to my caresses,
and by Heaven I will."
"narry Pearson, beware! This is
going too far, and they shall be warned."
"Go and worn them. They'll not be
lieve a word you say. Pm not afraid of
yon, for you are powerless."
"Alas! that Is too true. I am the
demon and yon are the saint and your
lies will be taken as gospel troth.
while tho truth I speak will be be
lieved, by none. So much for being
yrmr tooL Hot iwvertbrless. It Is my
duty to warn them against yon, and
I'll do it I'll give them fair warning,
and if they don't want to hrd it they
can only suffer tbo consequences. If
yon wanted to marry the girl now"
"Bah! I don't want to marry her, and
I don't propose to do anything of the
sort Yon know that that matto Is
settled for me. The folks at home have
kindly selected a woman for tac, end
all I have to do is to go back and marry
her, which I am going to do in a few
weeks. I don't love her and never did,
but she is rich, and money is what we
are after."
Scraggs made no reply to this, and
Pearson went on:
"I shall go back there and marry that
woman but I will not bo compelled to
stay there with her. I will soon find an
excuse for coming west and once here
I will work to my ends and find my
happiness in the society of ray little
wild flower of tho plains."
CHAPTER XL
cures wants Moan raorrr.
Along in October Harry Pearson
went east for the purpose of getting
married. lie had not gone to 'Green's
more than once or twice after the con
versation between him and Scraggs, bnt
he consoled himself in leaving with the
thought that it would not be long be
ton he was back again; and ho hoped
by that time to bo able to sway Louisa
to his wishes.
Scraggs said nothing to tho Greens of
the young man's iutentlons, for in the
first place he realized that they would
be slow to believe him, and in the sec
ond place ho found it a little diffi
cult to approach them on such a sub
ject Thon again he told himself that
it would bo premature, anyhow, to
speak then, as it was probable that
once married Harry would give up his
designs on Louise, and even if he didn't
it would be timo enough to speak when
Pearson came back. So the matter
rested.
Tho boom at Paradise Park assumed
greater proportions every hour. The
sale of lots grew greater day by day,
and at last the rush of customers was
so overwhelming that Scraggs found it
necessary to take In two extra assist
ants. Several now buildings were pnt
In conrso of erection, and three news
papers, two of them with daily issues,
wore established in tho town.
Many of the lots were sold two or
three times within as many days, and
always at a largo advance. Specular
tion ran wild and option doaling be
came the rago of the hour. John Green
made no effort to sell his lots, for they
were well located, and he felt secure in
holding them. They would go on In
creasing, he thought, and when the
railroad companies began to construct
their lines into tbo place, and all the
other public improvements were pnt
under way, their valuo would go be
yond anybody's expectations. He de
termined to hold thorn, and hold them
ho did.
But Scraggs made an effort to sell
them, and in a short timo ho found a
customer who offered to talcs them at
don bio what John paid. Scraggs sent
for John and laid the offer before him,
saying:
'It is a big profit on the Investment,
Mr. Green, and my advice is to tako it"
'No," said John, "I can do better
than that next year. Wait till the rail
roads como in."
"I tell you, Green," Scraggs went on,
"now is a good timo to sell. You double
your money, and that is profit enough.
Take my advice and sell out I can
loan yonr money where it will be safe
and .where it will bring you good inter
est Make tho change, then when the
mortgage on your farm is due you will
havo tho money to pay it off."
But John shook his head, saying:
"You can get no interest to equal the
profits on the lots, and besides I would
rather not turn usurer."
Scraggs was silent for a little while,
during which he looked hard at the
floor. Then looking up he said:
"Green, I have a purpose in advising
you as I do. I do not like to say what
that purpose is, but I assure you it is an
honest one, and besides it Is well found
ed. For your own good I advise you to
this step. Oct yonr money out of these
lots and keep it out."
John mnde no reply bnt looked at
Scrnggs Incredulously. Tho agent saw
that ho had mado no impression, and ho
continued:
"Will you promise upon your oath.
Green, never to whisper a word of what
I am going to tell you?
"Yes, if it is right that I should not"
"1 don't know that it would bo ex
actly right but I know It would be to
your Interest, and would, if you acted
on it save your money and save you
from a great deal of sutrenng, perhaps.
But bo that as it may, I won't reveal
any secret It wouldn't bo safo. I will
say, though, let those lots go and make
your money secure.
"Isn't it secure where It is?" John
asked.
"You heard what I said, Mr. Green,"
Scraggs replied, "and ought to be able
to draw your own conclusions. I say
tako your money out of the lots and
make it safe. That's all I can say to
you, and it s mora than 1 havo said or
will say to anyone else. I have a
reason for advising you to this step,
and strange as it may seem, it is al
together for your interest that I do It"
It's a little strange, indeed, Mr.
Scrnggs," John said with an incredu
lous shako of tho head, "that you
should feel such nn uncommon interest
in my welfare. I cannot understand
why you should make so great an ex
ception in my favor. Why nm I alone
selected from all your customers to re
ceive tho benefit of your advice? Am I
more to you than any or tho hundreds
of others who havo invested in these
town lots? I don't think so,"
. "You are right Green, yon are not
t me than the others. But it is
not that which Intiuenees me. There Is
not a man amon? all my customers
whom I would not advise as I do you,
were he placed in like circumstances.
But it is folly to talk and argue. Here
Is a customer for your lots. Take my
advico and sell out"
"No," said John, "IU keep them. I
know yonr object Mr. Scratrgs I ean
see through it perfectly. Those lots
are destined to sell for an enormous
price, and you know it You seo a
thousand dollars or so ra them, and yon:
want them. You are the man who pro
poses to buy thorn. You are sly, Scraggs,
and you can hatch ont somo plausible
aohomes, but I understand your motive
in this instance"
Scraggs arose and walked the floor for
a minute or two, then stopping in front
of Green, said:
"John Green, 1 wouldn't pay yen fifty
per cent on the investment yon made
In those lota, 1 don't want them, and
wouldn't buy them at any price. But
talk is useless, so have no more to say
at leant only this. In less than sis
months from lo-dsiy, yon will recall
what I have rani, and yon will say that
for once Scraggs advised you aright
Good day."
These last words ef Scraggs made a
slight impression on John, and be left
the oCico in a halting state of mind.
Once or twice as he walked down the
street he stopped, half inclined to go
back and accept Scraggs' offer.
"If I sell ont," he mused, 'I will
make a large profit and besides being
able to redeem my ana will have a
conple of hundred dollars left towards
bnilding a home. It may be that
Scraggs is right too, and that by hold
ing on I will lose all. Perhaps it would
be safer to sclL"
Then on the other hand be would re
call Scraggs' reputation as a schemer
and an unprincipled shark, and noting
tho improvements that were under way
and tho avidity with which other peo
ple were taking np "bargains" in real
estate, he would conclude that he
was right and that Scraggs only want
ed to get the lots himself because there
was a big outcome to them. Reasoning
pro and con, he finally decided to keep
his lots, and accordingly went home,
perfectly satisfied that he had acted for
the bent
The boom at Paradise Park kept roll
ing on and on, reaching out farther and
farther until tho winter came on and
the severe storms and cold weather put
a check to nil improvement That win
ter was an intensely cold one, and there
was a great deal of snow, so that people i
ventured out but little, and as a conse
quence the excitement at Paradise Park
died down and the sales of real estate
ceased entirely.
The investors felt no uneasiness, how
ever, being assured that with the return
of fair weather the boom would set in
again with renewed vigor. In tho
spring the railroads were to be located
and work was to begin on them at once;
and all the other publio improvements
were to be got under headway, too; so
then tho real boom was to come, and
only a few short months of inactivity
was to come between.
Thus tho winter passed, and by the
middle of March all tho snow was gone
from tho plains, and the tender grass
began to shoot np. The boom at Para-
dlso Park revived, and while real estate
transactions resumed their wonted
strength, the sound of the hammer, the
saw and the trowel were heard on every
hand. Bnsincss blocks, both frame and
brick, were 6tarted np all about the
center of the town, whilo residences
were being constructed in every quar
ter. Unprecedented activity relgpcd,
and Scraggs' prediction that tho place
would have twenty thousand population
within the year bade fair to come true.
But day after day passed, and no
move toward constructing railroads or
other public improvements was made.
Yet the peoplo wero strong in tho faith
and kept the boom rolling.
CHAPTER XIL
A DtmSTED BOOM.
A month passed and then the great
boom at Paradise Park received a sud
den check. A railroad lino was located
through that section of Kansas, but it
came not to or through the place. It
ran within five miles of tho town, and
the company located a depot and laid
out a townsito at the point nearest to
Paradise Park.
As soon as this fact became known as
a certainty the great boom burst and
the embryo western metropolis lay flat
Tho salo of lots stopped short and
within three days the value of real
estate ran down until it was impossible
to sell lots at any price. The noiso of
the saw and hammer ceased, and un
finished buildings were left so.
Then a new town on ttie railroad was
started under tho name of Magic City.
Scraggs, tho inevitable, shook tho dust
of Pnradiso Park from his feet and
went down to Magio City to inaugurate
a boom there; and ho succeeded so
well that within a few days there was
a grand rush of people to the now
town, and a real estate craze rivaling
that of Paradise Park began to rage.
Tho peoplo who owned houses at tho
old town moved them to the new, and
thus within a couplo of weeks the
famed town of raradise Park the
onco provid infant wonder of tho world
was blotted out of existence, and
nothing suvo a few old foundations and
the painted comer stakes remained to
mark the spot whero tho embryo
metropolis had stood.
The collapse had been sudden and un
expected, and hundreds of poor settlers
who had invested their little all in the
hope of making a raise awolec sudden
ly to the fact that they were ruined, and
that their hopes and their money had
gone down together in the great wreck.
Some who had a small amount of means
left invested in tho new town in tho
hope of retrieving what was lost in the
old, but hundreds had nothing left to
invest, and nil they could do was to
mourn the departed, and curse Scraggs.
This latter pleasure, however, was
denied John Green. He could mourn
the fall of Paradise Park, but he had
no occasion to curse Scraggs, for
Scraggs had warned him and hod mado
every effort to get him to save himself.
John took his loss seriously to heart,
and many were the wakeful nights it
caused him. Iho sum of money was
small, but it was all that stood between
his family and want if ho should fail
on his crop the coming season, as tliero
was a fair prospect of him doing
since the season had opened up exceed
ingly dry.
Mary, ever patient and long suffering,
deplored the loss of tho money equally
as much as John did, but mado a pre
tense of considering it a mere triflo.
True wife that she was, she was willing
to bear her own t.onders alone, and be
sides shoulder a largo part of her hus
band's. She saw nothing in the futuro
outlook to encourage her, yet for John's
aln she affected to seo n great deal,
and the more ho regretted tho more
cheerful and hopeful she became, and
the more lightly she treated their loss.
"1 am glad, Mary," John remarked
one day, "that yon take such a happy
view of the situation. The loss of the
money, and the knowledge that it was
my fault is enough to make me despise
myself almost even nt best and if you
had blamed m6 as I deserve to bo
blamed, I believe I'd have gone mad."
"John, there is nothing for which to
blamo you," Mary replied. "You in
vested the money, as hundreds of others
invested, and tried to act for the best
It was a mistake, and nothing more.
Such a mistake as anyone might hn,ve
made, and as almost every poor settler
did make. There is no use to condemn
yourself, or make yourself miserable
with vain regrets. The money Is gone
let it go. We can live over the loss,
and in a short rime won't feel it"
"I hope so," replied John, "bnt it Is
hard' to raise expectations where there
is so little to base them on. There are
poor pronpecU for crops this year,' for it
1 alnrsdy late in the srsaun and then
is not moisture ettoujrh in the grrrnnd
to spront the seeds. If it does not rain
soon we will raise nothing, and again
we shall have to go through the expe
riences of a year ago. Sometimes I feel
1H turning inme and cursing this God
forsaken country from end to end. I
wish we had nerer set foot on Kansas
oiL There is nothing here for na but
suffering, hardships and disappoint
ments. From year to year we have got
jo contend against drought hot winds,
chinch bugs, grasshoppers, irreedy
Shy locks and swindling schemes, and
the settler has a poor showing among
them."
"It is discouraging, John," said Mary,
"but where can poor people do better?
The east is overcrowded, and the poor
man cannot hope to get a home there.
He cannot go into business for himself,
THJt TEARS OF BITTER ANGUISH FLOWED.
and to work on a salary is uncertain.
Thousands do it, of course, and a small
per cent of them get on very well, but
such cases are -rare. We havo had ex
perience in that way, and wo know
what it is to be thrown out of employ
ment and left stranded without money
and with sickness. Wo have hard fines
here, and suffer many privations and
disappointments, bnt I would not ex
change it for tho east, for here wo havo
a hope of a home by and by, and there
wo could hope for nothing, neroyou
are your own master, there yon were
tho servant of your employers, who,
because they paid you a pitiful salary
sufficient to keep yourself and family
alive, felt that they owned yon body
and soul. I'll take Kansas with its
trials, and disappointments in prefer
ence to the cast."
"Yes, so will I," said John, "bnt I do
think tho settlers who come here to
build up liouies and Improve and beau
tiry the land, onght to receive bettor
treatment from the government. There
is no justice in giving up to corpora
tions and cattle kings all tho choice
portions of tho public lands, leaving to
the homescekcrs the sandy, arid plains,
where nothing but sand burs and coy
otes flourish. But the rich men, I sup
pose must be cared for, and whatever
they don't want is tendered to tho
poor. But after all this is perhaps
as good as any place for the poor
man, for he don't seem to bo wanted
anywhere except as a convenience to
the wealthy. It is a truth, verily, that
there Is no place In this world for
the poor. They are cumberers of the
ground."
John and Mary, being heartsoro and
discouraged, were probably prone to
take a melancholy view of the situa
tion, as people ore apt to do under such
circumstances. Bnt after all, who Is
there to say that their view, though
melancholy, was not to some extent at
least based on facts? Who is there to
say that poor men with families
brought into competition with the labor
of all the civilized and semi-civilized
world do not have a hard time of it in the
east and feel themselves fortunate in
nine cases out of ten If they aro able to
keep their dependent ones barely above
want? Who is there to say against
John Green's assertion, that the poor
settlers on tho public lands of tho west
have not been neglected by the govern
ment and forced to occupy the arid
plains passed over by the(rich cattle
men and giant corporations as useless?
Mary and John may havo looked at the
situation through smoked glass, but if
they did. they saw not far wrong.
As John had feared, the outlook for
crops . grew less and less promising
witli each week. The weather con
tinued dry, and day after day the sun
ran his course through cloudless
heavens. The earth became parched,
and tho vegetation that had, in spite of
all obstructions, forced itself into life
drooped, withered and died. For three
long months not a drop of rain had
fallen, and it being now July thero was
no longer any grounds for hope on the
part of the settlers. It was impossible
that any crops could be grown thus late
In the Beason, even were It to rain at
once.
Thero was nothing before the Greens
but a repetition of the experiences of
the winter two years before. Their
store of provisions saved from tho crop
of the preceding year was almost gone,
and they had no money and no means
of raising any. They had not even tho
privilege of borrowing from Scraggs
this time, for they had nothing to
mortgage him in return for his accom
modation. ' Take the most cheerful
view of tho future that they could, and
picture it in the brightest colors their
baoyant fancy could suggest and it re
mained a dark, somber, forbidding
prospect, unrelieved by a single roy of
light
John regretted the loss of his money
now as he had never regretted it before,
and no opinion ho could form of him
self, however low and debasing, was
spared him. With that money all safe
ly at hand he and his family could pass
unpinched through the coming winter,
and havo enough left to pay the debt off
the farm. But regretting did no good, and
so Mary told her husband, though she
was far from free of it herself.
The Greens wore not the only family
that wore thus placed in a precarious
position. Nearly all the settlers In that
section were victims of the Paradise
Park boom, and now found themselves
stranded. Very few of them had three
months' supply of provisions on hand,
and none of them had money. The
farms were all under mortgage to tho
eastern capitalists, so they could not
borrow money, and It was nseless to
think of earning anything in that part
of tho country, for there was no em
ployment to be had.
In thlr state of affairs somebody
called a meeting of the settlers at
Markham's store, and when the day
came around John Green went over to
see what could be done. There were
twenty-five or thirty other men there,
all with sad, bronzed faces and quaking
hearts. The menspoke together inlowj
earnest tows. There was nooa of the
Juicing and laughing In which men thus
assembled u-raally indulge. Not a
smile disturbed tbe frloona that hang
over the meeting. No hopeful light
kindled In the eyes of the poor settlers.
It was s solemn occasion and weighty
matters occupied the thoughts of all
that gathering of stouthearted pioneers.
Before them and their families they
saw nothing bnt starvation, and it is not
to be wondered that thoir cheeks were
blanched and their eyes dull and heavy
with anxiety and fear.
The situat ion was discussed in all its
phases, and innumerable plans of action
were suggested. Some favored giving np
the land and moving away, but a great
many like Green were too poor to go,
and knew of no place where they could
better their condition, even if they
were able to make the change. ' After
a great many had given their opinions
some one called on Green to speak.
"Men," Green began as he arose, "we
are placed in a position where it is
hard to find any way out We have
nothing but our claims, and unfortu
nately they are in the grasp of the
money Shylocks of the east The ma
jority of us are little better than pau
pers. Wo have no money, we have no
provisions, and our land, the only pos
session we have, is being devoured day
by day by that gormand, high Interest
The country In all this part of the state
is in desolation, and there is nothing for
ns to do to earn bread for ourselves and
families. Yet we must eat or die, and
we cannot starve. We mtist find some
way of earning a livelihood."
"That's so," said some one, "but how
is it to be done?"
"That's what I am coming to," John
replied; "but after all, my suggestions
may not bo worth much. There are
some men here who have friends In the
east who are able and willing to aid
them. Those men can get means to
tide them over the present difficulties,
or, if they prefer, can return east with
their families. Those who are thus
fortunately situated need have no
anxieties and fears. But there are
some of us who aro less fortunate and
who have no one to look to for as
sistance. We who are In that condition
must have recourse to our own ener
giea We mnst earn a living, and,
since we cannot do thnt hero, we must
go where it can be done. In short,
men, wc must leave our families here
and go back east in search of work.
Back in eastern Kansas and in Missouri
employment can be had at some wages,
and even if wo earn but little we ought
to feel thankful if it enables ns to keep
our families alive."
When Green sat down several others
spoke, all in indorsement of his plan,
and nt lost it was agreed to by the
meeting. It seemed a hard thing to go
away leaving tho wives and the chil
dren ont there on the bare, brown
plains, without friends or money; but
there was no alternative. It was that
or worse. So it was agreed that on tho
following Monday all those who wished
to go east In search of employment
should meet at Markham's store and
start from there in a body.
After the meeting John went home
and informed his wife of the proposed
plan. Her face paled as ho spoke, and
the tears started to her eyes, but with
an effort she controlled her feelings, and
true to her nature attempted to look
checrf nlly on the arrangement
"I regret having to leave you and
Louise thus," John said, "but I see no
way to avoid it and besides the separa
tion will not last long." I
"Never mind us, John," paid Mary.
"We shall get along all right We shall
miss you and feel lonely whilo yon are
away, but we shall look forward to the
time when you will come back to us,
and the autumn and the winter will
soon pass. Cheer up, dear J olio, ana
don't worry on our account"
(Continued)
An Emperor's Gift.
When tho emperor of Germany was
a lieutenant in the First regiment of
the Foot Guards at Pottsdam, in 1877,
he became well acquainted with Herr
Stuwo. Ho accidentally broke ono
day a beer mug much prized by Stuwe,
and promised to give bim another.
But military and other duties put tha
matter out of his mind.. While talk
ing a short time ago to Colonel Von
KcsseL. tho name of Stuwe was men
tioned. The whole affair of the broken
beer mug came back to his majesty's
recollection, and he immediately or
dered a magnificent beer glass, with a
rich silver lid, bearing the imperial
arms and inscribed: "To Herr Stuwe,
from his friend and comrade Lieuten
ant Willielm." Herr Stuwe now hold
a government post at Chemnitz.
THE FARMER'S SIDE.
" Where we are, how we got here,
and the waij out."
Dy Hon. W. A. PEFFER,
u. s. senator ruox Kansas.
12mo, cloth
Trice, SI. 00.
There It a demand for a comprehensive and
n'.ithoritativo book which shall represent tho
iannsr, udJ set forth liU condilion, the influ
ences surrounding; him, and plans and prospevte
for the future. This book has been written hj
Hon. W. A. Teffer, who was elected to th
United States Senate from Kansas to succeed
Senator Ingulls. The title is The Faesilr's
Side, and this indicates the pui'pot-c ot the T. ork.
In the earlier chapters, Senator l'eCer de
scribes the condition of the furmcr in various
parts of the country, and compares it with tho
condition of men in other callings. He carelully
examines the cost of labor, of living, the prices
of crops, taxes, mortgages, and rates of interest.
lie givos elaborate tables showing the increase
of wealth in railroads, manufactures, banking,
and other forms of business, and he compares
this with the earnings of the farmer, and also
wage-workers in general. In a clear, forcible
stjle, with abundant citations of facts and fig
ures, tho author tells how tlio farmer reached
his present unsatisfactory condition. Then fol
lows an elaborate discussion of " The AVny out,"
which is the fullest and most authoiitative pres
entation of the aims and views ef the Farmers'
Alliance that has been published, including full
discussions of the currency the questions of
interest and mortgages, railroads, the sale of
crops, and other matters of vital consequence.
This book is tho only one which attempts to
cover tlie whole ground, and it ia unnecessary
to emphasize its value. It is a compendium oi
the facts, figures, and suggestions which the
fanner ought to have at hand.
Tms Farmek'i Sim las just been issued,
and makos a handsome and eubrtantial book
of 280 pases. We have arranged with the pub
lisher. for its gale to our readers at the pub
lishers' price. The book may be obtained at
our office, or we will forward copies to any
tddress, post-paid, on receipt of $1.00 per copy.
Address
AXLIAXCC PFB. C., LUeela Keb.
wt1f U fas! I'Montr.
I bsve keen ta rompleUt arrang
men'.a whereby we are better ab.c
than we bare been heretofore to make
satisfactory prices on all grades of
Canon City and J riniriad eoai. as well
as the best grades of No'tliern Colo
rado coaL over any line ef road run
ning oat of Denver or Pueblo. Their
capacity is sutlieient to fpisraau-e
prompt shipment. I i!l keep pnr
rhsAers posted on prices upon applica
tion. The loseht poos'thie wholesale
rate are obtained. Cash nmat accom
pany all orders.
J. W. Haktlet. State Agt..
Lincoln, Neb.
For the Germans.
The first and only work ever written
on currency reform in German is "field"
by Robert Schilling. It is a translation
and enlargement of his' Silverqueutisn"
and sure to make converts The retail
price is 25 cents, hut it will be furnished
to reform orgmizations and agents at a
greatly reduced rate. A sample copy
will be sent for 15 cents Address
Alliance Ptb Co.,
20tf Lincoln, Neb.
Hull!
OUR SPECIAL SALE ON
Cloaks and Furs
STILL CONTINUES.
We also call special attention to our
Bargain Counter.
We are selling io dozen Ladies wool
hose. Other bargains too
numerous to mention.
Be sure and visit onr Bargain
Counter.
MILLER & PAINE,
133 to 139 S llth St., llrcoln, Nebraska.
H. R. BAILEY,
Wholesale Commission
DKALER IN
B'j(ter,E,Poiil(ry,Potat03s
AND
BAILED HAY.
28m6) 1326 U Street, Lincoln, Neb.
IF YOU MEAN BUSINESS.
and intend that our People' movement shall
triumph, you should rally to the supportof
THE LABOR WAVE,
ownpd, edited snd published by tho Assembly
of Nebraska. Knights nt Labor, in the place
of all places where the truth, plainly a-td fear
lessly peken will aocoaapllBh the most good,
Omaha. Subscribe now and put this paperoa
a Hound financial busts. Address ail com
munlcatio'is to Anson H. Bigklow, 8tat
Secretary. 1;W DHirla St. Omaha. Nob.
"ffiUEvNATiONALIST."
Tto jrssoive, Fearless and Spicy.
'tBSCnii'TlOX, - :.'1.00 PEIt YEAll.
A''vr-atifi the 1 1' It 'otlvc, tlio Roforondnm nncl the
l.-.n. menus us prm
' n"vi. :in:-r
W '" Of ' " If
The Alliance Defender
VubUshed at Richmond. Mo., by CttaS. N.
Brown is astralfrhb out PEOPLE'S PARTY
paper. You should send at once and nave it
torwarded to your addrePB. Or.lyfiQoa year.
24w2) ArfdreBS Ai.MANCK Drfendek,
Lock Box 4u. Richmond, Mo.
PENSION
THE DISABILITY BILL IS X LAW.
Soldiers Disabled Since the War are Entitled.
Dependent widows and parents now riepend
ent wbffle sons died Irom effect of army
service are Included. If you wish yourclainr.
speedily and and gURCfssfnlly proseentd,
Lateoner JAMES TANNER
of Pensions. 47-ly Washington, n. C.
THE PERKINS WIND MILL.
NO DOUBT
BUT
mmiP.
mmk FACT
THE PERKINS
Ii the UghtfiHt Running
tv iiia aiiu now Aiaue,
BUY IT I TRY IT I
After Hi years of success Is the manutau
ttre of Wind Mills, we have lately made a
complete change lnonrmill, all parts being
built stronKv-r and better proportioned and s
self lubricant bushing placed in all boxes to
save the purchaser from climbing taiirta tow
ers to oi lit. The same principal ..f self gtiv
trntntf retained. Svery part of the Milh ful
ly WARHANTKD, and wtl run without mak
ing a noise.
The reputation (rained by the Perkins Mil
in t-ho past has Induced some unscrupulous
persons to imitate lh mill and even to take
our nam sand apply it to an inferior mill Be
not deceived, none genuine unless stamped
as below. We manufacture both pumping
and (reared mills, tanks pumps etc,, and iren
eral Wind Mill supplies. Good AgeHts want
ed. Fend for cataloguo and prices. 41-em
FEKKLX8, WIND MILL ft AX CO.,
Mishawaka, lnd.
Mention Farmurs Alliance.
Scientific American
Agency fop
CAVEATS.
TRADE MARKS.
DESIGN PATENTS
COPYRIGHTS, etc.
For Information arrt free Handbook write to
MUNS co an Broadway, Nkw Vork.
Oldort bnrono for serorlns patents in America.
Rvory pa0"1 taknn out by m Is hroiht before
the pulillc by a notice given freo of chareo la tha
I .arrest armlatlnn of n? sclentlne paper In thj
world. Snlendidly Illustrated. No imelllecnt
mm smmld be without i. Weekly 3.00 .-
Tfi fXJa months. Addross MtfNN & CO,
l'UBU8UKR8.a61 Broadway. Sew Tort
AH tttrtf etrtxnw
ItttM hewtwra. Re
fer yaa bar, 4
r 14 TBI! ft WATttUM, aou, CuMtaMtkOiue.
aJ 1 f
jr
