SYNOPSIS. The story opens during: a trip of the “Overland Mail’ through the Rocky mountains. “Uncle Billy” Dodge, stage driver, Alfred Vincent, a young man. and 4* bine as Cadwallader. introduced. They come across the remains of a massacre. Rater at Anthony's station they find the redskins have carried their destructive work there alA-i. Stella Anthony, daugh ter of Anthony, keeper of station, is in troduced. Anthony has been killed. Vincent is assigned his work in unearth ing plans of enemies of railroad being built. Vincent visits town where railroad men ar* working on the road and receives token of esteem from Stella. The old stag*- driver decides to work close to town in order that he may be able to keep fatherly watch over the young woman. She is engaged as a tutor for Vic la Bernard, daughter of hotel land lady. Vincent visits society circles of en emies of the Central Pacific railroad and learns their secrets. He returns to Stella. j each showing signs of love for the other. Phineas Cadwallader. pushing a railroad opposing Central Pacific, reaches mining town. She writes to Alfred Vincent his boast Plying has attentions Cadwallader insults her and she is rescued by Gideon, her father’s servant. In turn he proposes marriage, is rejected, leaves her declaring la- will return the sort of a man she will love. Vincent “shows up" San Francisco and "Washoe road and is praised by gov ernor and heads of Central Pacific. Be- j ing known as agent of C. P. he decides \ to retire to position of a brakeman for a short time. Stella hears from her lover. ; Gideon, and of his phenomenal success. Finds letter of importance involving plans of opposition road. "Unde Billy” returns in terrible stiff- ring from long mountain trip. Plot to destroy company's ship Flora is unearthed and incriminating evi dence against Cadwallader on charge of wire tapping is also found, the letters found by Stella being deciphered by Brakeman Alfred Vincent, who arrives on scene. Impending disarter to Central Pacific is averted by protecting the Flora and sending the ship laden with iron for railroad camp. Phineas Cad wallader fa -s prison on charge of wire tapping and has interview with Gov. Stanford, sponsor for Central Pacific. Phineas signs statement, promising that he will enter the governor’s cause and the latter tells him of a perfect chain of evidence connecting him with plot to blow up “Flora.” Support of San Fran cisco and Washoe railroad is under mined by sale «.f a link t<» Central Pacific. Stella and Alfred show love for each other despite hostility of Gideon. Ball and dramatic performance proves his BO'-ial oeeasion in railroad town. Alfred and Stella pledge their troth and former is compelled to leave on company busi ness. Mrs. Bernard leaves for scene of husband's recent "strike,” leaving Stella in charge. Again the girl repulses Gideon’s advances In showing Miss Hamilton, a niece of a railroad official, ab -ut the camp. Alfred somewhat neg lects Stella, who shows pain at treat ment. CHAPTER XVII.—Continued. “Why don't you buy abroad?" “Our franchise forbids that; and American foundries can t make it fast enough. What we do buy is so long getting here! Twenty thousand miles! That's a sail for you. And the gales, and wrecks! By George! I wish it was quicker and safer." As they neared the camps their conversation changed from railroad to other subjects—the latest book: the newest dance; the poem or picture most in the public eye. From topic to topic they flitted, up and down the polite world of their day. To Stella, striving to lose no word, it was new. intoxicating. "That's my world, too." she thought. “I could say things like those. I know a little of mythology and history." She won dered why she had never used such language with Alfred, why he had not talked with her as he did now with Miss Hamilton. Stella lifted her head in a spirit of rebellion quite new to her. She could never acquire this subtle manner; and she should not stand in Alfred's way. He would succeed. From serving he would soon advance to ordering. He would need a wife like Miss Hamilton. Mr. Crocker called Alfred for some questioning, and in his absence Miss Hamilton turned to Stella. "I'm afraid I'm monopolizing this oppor tunity, Miss Anthony. It's my first visit, you know.” "It is my first visit here, also," Stel la replied. “Your first?" Miss Hamilton's eyes opened wide with not too civil ques tion. “Oh." she laughed, "if you live here and don't care enough to come and see these wonderful things I shan’t let my conscience sit up nights over my monopoly of Mr. Vincent— and the conversation.” She turned to smile at Alfred reappearing, and Stel la was without opportunity to explain that, despite enthusiasm and apprecia tion. the railroad grade was not a proper promenade for a girl alone. The young people lagged, in spite of the call of the leaders, and arrived at the camps to find them already alive with men anti beasts. “Oh. I must see the Chinese camps.” ; Miss Hamilton cried. “I've heard of j them.” They were in time to see the cooks j serving from great cauldrons to each : man his little keeler full of boiling [ water. There was also an array of big i black pots simmering over cam]) fires, ; yet white and savory messes were. within, announced by attractive odors. , "What do they do with those little I tubs?” Miss Hamilton asked, as she saw the coolies disappear within tents or brush shacks. "Each man takes a hot sponge hath and dresses in clean clothes before’ he eats.” “Is to-day any special occasion?” i she questioned, wonderinglv. “They do that every night in the | year. They never sup in their work ing clothes." “What an example to Americans! My respect for the disciples of Con fucius has risen to a hundred." She wished to stay to see the yel low men in “dinner dress." squatting with their little bowls and chop-sticks, chattering over their "licey:” but her uncle sent back a second hurrying summons that held a note of impa tience; and Stella pushed ahead with sure steps, following her temporary es cort. But Miss Hamilton, unused to rough going, and in spite of Alfred's watchfulness, turned her ankle and arrived at the road pale and weak with pain, leaning heavily on his arm. Yet her gay bravery deceived her uncle, though she clasped Stella's ex tended hand sharply as the two men lifted her into the coach. It was quite dark when they drove up into the hotel brilliance. Stella alighted after the others; yet she heard Miss Hamilton's graceful thanks to Alfred, saw the lingering hand shake, the appeal in her eye, while she leaned upon her uncle's arm. Sally B. came out to meet them; and the lantern swinging in the even ing breeze threw fantastic, dancing shadows on the group. Suddenly Stel la felt out of it all. remote; for Alfred, lifting his hat impressively, backed away from the open door and did not see her standing in the shadow, alone. CHAPTER XVIII. The Litile Woman in Blue. Sally B.'s ready skill soon had the an kle rubbed to comparative ease. She prescribed bed: but Miss Hamilton de clared for the banquet even if she must be carried there, and gladly ac cepted Stella's offer of help with the dressing. Miss Hamilton's lingerie was hardly less costly and dainty than my iady's of to-day. White silk hose and satin slippers; multiplied skirts more lace than cambric; the combination of Iac-e and'blue silk tissue that was the filmy little gown—with careful hands Stella unpacked and laid them, a snowy heap, on the bed. The toilet went slowly. Stella had been taught a decent respect for the human body; and her innate love of beauty and order had blossomed into an honest personal neatness. But such complicated hair-dressing, such caressing of eyebrow and lash; such critical attention to hands and nails: the bathing, hot and cold; the rub bing and patting of cheek and arm. be splendiferous!" she exclaimed as they came under the lamp. “Don't she, ma?" echoed Viola, heartily. “Say. honey, them tiger lilies suits you; an' I'd never 'a' thought it. They got colors in 'em like yo' hair an' eyes, shore's vo’re born. Then they're kinder secret an' powerful lookin', like they could do things to all the other flowers." "What an odd idea!" Stella said won deringly. "Is it? Well nobody won't git their secrets a-studyin' of their looks; no more will they your'n. Stella. Your face gits secreter an' eleganter every day.” Sally B. never paused for a word. It might not be the right one, but her meaning carried, as the message of the master in spite of poor instrument and blundering fingers. The band was playing as they en tered. Stella's quick eye noted with sudden aversion the three reserved chairs, and the absence of Alfred and Miss Hamilton. “Let me sit on this side with you and Viola, won’t you, Miss Sally?" she asked softly-. "But there's no seat on this side, chicken." Sally B.’s whisper was far audible. A gentleman rose at once and of fered his, arm. which Stella accepted to save further confusion. She was rosy with embarrassment, though no other hint of it showed in her stately walk around the long table. And Sally B. watched delightedly the fol lowing of admiring eyes. Siella was hardly seated when Miss Hamilton entered, leaning on Alfred's arm in the dependent style of the time. Miss Hamilton had timed her com ing to that awkward instant common to banquets, when all await some in comprehensible delay, and.when any diversion is welcome. The two walked slowly down the long room. Miss Ham iltoii's step and movements so per fectly artful that they seemed artless —young women were so trained then. A hum of admiration went round. Stella had not before seen Alfred in evening dress. The night he wore Romeo's velvet and laces he was more splendid; but this conventional dress, finely displaying his slim figure, belonged to a world she knew not. “You May Come for Me in Five Minutes.” fore lotion, powder, and a wee touch of rouge went on: the examinations at each stage with hand glass and mir ror, Stella holding one of the lamps which she continually adjusted to new angles of reflection—this was an amaz ing revelation to her of Eve-old fem inine adoration at the altar of self adornment. A rap at the door and the hearty voice of Mr. Crocker called from with out: “How's the ankle. Amabel? How soon will you be ready?” ■'Better, thank you, Cncle Charley. You may come for me in five min utes. 1 can do by myself now," she conriued to Stella as her uncle walked down the hall. "It's splendidly kind of you to help me, and so beautifully. If you ever need work I can get you a position as lady's maid. I'll give you a fetching character.” Stella winced, yet chided herself for it. She knew Miss Hamilton was ! only “in fun.” Still, how could this delicately reared city girl believe such a big, awkward creature as herself capable of filling any but a menial po sition ? The real unkindness for which Miss Hamilton failed to apologize, the scant minutes she had left Stella for her own toilet, went unnoticed; for Stella was too generous a giver to count the cost of her givings. In ner own room she smiled to her self while she quickly made ready, coiling as usual her thick waving hair, but adding her “golden combs:” slip ping hurriedly into her simple white gown and its simpler accompaniments. A cluster of tiger lilies, an offering from flower-loving Yic Wah, caught her eye. She pinned them on her breast, and hastened downstairs, meet ing Sally B. and Viola in the hall. “Oh, here you be! What made you so late? I was jest cornin’ fur you. I see they’ve reserved a seat on both sides o’ A1 Vincent's. One's fur you. I reckon. I’m sittin’ third from Char ley Crocker—big bugs is next to him —an'—cut my shoestrings! You look She noticed proudly that he wore his clothes with an accustomed ease, saw also that he was the only man in the room who could fitly escort the dainty woman who floated by his side, a sum mer cloud in her filmy white draper ies. Miss Hamilton seated herself de murely and exchanged salutations with the gentleman at her right. Alfred seized that moment for a word with Stella. "Why didn't von wait for its? I haven’t your permission to mention our engagement, but I wish Miss Ama bel to suspect it. Yet you make it im possible, Stella.” She thought of herself entering be side that perfect pair and was deeply grateful to the chance that prevented it. She noticed Alfred's use of Miss Hamilton's given name, and the omis sion of his usual endearment to her self. and because she was hurt she dared not be serious. “Do let her think the coast clear: it will be such a fine test of your constancy,” she said with a flippancy astonishing to him. He was too thoroughly masculine to fathom the art a woman uses to hide her wound. Neither could he reply, for Miss Hamilton turned to him with some laughing remark. The insistent band, undaunted by two partitions, blared the popular airs of the day; sentiment, frolic, pathos: "When This Cruel War is Over,” “Ever of Thee," "The Maiden's Prayer,” “Champagne Charley," “Last Ditch Polka," the last two accompanied by a soft tapping all along under the table. Sally B. sat opposite Stella, her eyes seemingly on all the waiters at once, yet she found time for the guests and their conversation. A slight commotion at the door ar rested the attention of the guests. There came a gust of subdued yet excited Chinese chatter, a pause, and the entrance of two men carrying a towering white pagoda, surmounted by the word "God." in huge gilt letters. With some difficulty the sugary struc ture was safely landed in the center of the table, and Yic Wah and his as sistants withdrew to the cover of the doorway, where Stella saw the cook peeping expectantly through. It was his master tribute to the occasion. An instant of silence followed: then an inactions snicker ran around the table, in spots breaking into an actual laugh. Stella saw Tic Wah's eyes open wide with astonishment and question: yet in a breath they gleamed with anger.. His face went livid, and he hurried away. But Sally B. saved the moment. “My cook set uit all night to make that cake. Mr. Crocker: please don't laugh!" she whispered past the two intervening guests. At once the host rose, and taking his cue from her anxious face, pro posed a toast to "The Cake and the Cook," that was responded lo with hearty cheers. Vic Wah entered, bowed, and retired with a beaming face. The toastmaster now rapped for order. The conversation and laughter ceased, the soft rustle of serving and eating hushed, and the speeches be gan. Mr. Crocker spoke first, to the gen eral topic: "The Railroad." He told the story of its inception and progress, paying tribute to Theodore T. Judah, to the men who furthered the under taking in congress and legislature, to all the officers, especially to Mr. Greg ory; and closed with a neat compli ment to Altred. Stella ever so gently pressed his arm with her own: but the woman on the other side smiled allur ingly into his face, and pouted at her uncle. "Uncle Charley didn't say half enough about you," she whispered, yet Stella heard it. "I shall tell him he has left his debt of gratitude for me to liquidate." the beauty continued. "Or—or can I pay Uncle Charley's scores?" she ques tioned in mock humility, leaning to ward Alfred till her breath brushed his cheek. "Perhaps my coin is not current in your market." Of course, he had to meet her badin age. She meant her coin should be current with him. and above par; and he would have been Ice had he entire ly escaped the spell of her witcheries. Several speeches followed, among them Mr. Ludlow's memorable toast, "The Pacific Railroad, the Beautiful Belt of the Union, with California as the Golden Buckle.” At the close of the banquet Stella escaped through a door; and from cover of darkness watched knots of men gather and dissolve about Miss Hamilton; marked her every motion and speech: noted her vivacity, her perfect grace, her quick smile; saw flattered Alfred's ready response as she appealed to him prettily for fact or corroboration of her own assertions. The little court melted away at last. Mr. Crocker was buttonholed by Mr. Gregory and led off. Viola disap peared; and Sally R. was already rush ing the transformation that must pre cede the five o'clock breakfast. When the radiant two were alone Stella saw Miss Hamilton's animation fade in a breath; saw her pale and tremble and lift a pathetic little face to Alfred. And Stella marvelled at the heroism that had kept the girl keyed so long to her role. However artificial Miss Hamilton's manner might have been before, Stella recog nized the significance of the dropped mask. Here was perfect honesty, and the sweet appeal of pain courageously borne. How could Alfred resist it, or her trust in him, her beauty, all the subtle intimateness of the moment? “Oh. Mr. Vincent, I’ve nearly died this last hour.” she said unsteadily. "Won't you please find Uncle Charley as soon as you can?” (TO EE CONTINUED.) Agreed With Late Employer For a Time, at Least, Boy Would Not Smoke “Twist.” "Ir. J. M. Barrie, the popular nov elist and playwright, has glorified to bacco more than once, but on a cer tain occasion he tried to induce a smoker to desist. It happened thus: Mr. Barrie returned to his rooms one day and discovered his page boy puffing hard at a dirty clay pipe. “My boy,” said the novelist, "it is very bad for you to smoke that coarse black twist. You will make yourself old before your time.” And so he went on till he had deliv ered a long and what he believed to be a telling lecture. A day or two later the youth left without giving no tice. and shortly afterward Mr. Bar rie brought some friends to his flat. Promising them a special treat, he went to a cabinet where he kept a store of very choice cigars. You can imagine his chagrin when he discov ered that the cigars had vanished, and in their place was the page hoy's clay pipe and the following note: "Dear Sir: I agree with you that it is bad for a boy to smoke twist. 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