Nebraska Newspapers

    THE OMATTA DAILY < hfc SCNDAY , DECEMBEK 2 , 1804.
For Boys and Girls.
LOST OPAL OF MYSO"E , OR THE
SEOBET OF THE QHANT8.
Ily William Murray ( Imyilon.
ili HOI , * > y Wllllnm Murrar Graydon. )
CHAPTER , V.
"TUB VILLAGE IN TMK FOIIBST. "
There was no mistaking the Identity of
the approaching horsemen. Beyond doubt
a troop of Iho rajah's flcrcu soldiery were
in hot chaio of the fugitives.
And to bo overtaken meant sure death
by tulwar or bullets. Llttlo marvel that
Myles and Jack turned pale , or that I'altu
whimpered with fear.
Even Pink TrUcott hesitated a moment
while ho peered right and left Into Iho
dense , Inviting shelter of thejungle - Then
a light broke suddenly on his perplexed mind.
"We must part , lads , " he exclaimed
hastily. "I'll go It alone. I did wrong to
drag you Into such a mess. Walk your
oracs back Into the road we just left , and
then"
"No you don't , " Interrupted Jack. "I go
the way you go. "
"So ( In I , " cried Myles , and I'altu stoutly
expressed a clmllar Intention.
I'lnk made n vehement but futllo protest.
"Well , you are o bull-headed lot , " ho mut
tered , half In anger , half In admiration. " 'Km
BOOS for a race , then. The rajah's cut-throats
nro Just past the village , and that's a mile
behind. Don't spare your 'orsos. Wo must
gain , and 1 believe we can do It. "
Ho Jerked the gray mnro around , and
spurred madly Into the left-hand fork of the
road. The boys galloped after him , and the
chance of safety they had refused was gene
beyond recall.
.They rode on and on through the tllvery
night , whllo m'lo ' after mile of Jungle and
grain field fell bshlnd them. The clatter
of their Dlteds drowned every other sound ,
but once , on a bit of turf-covered read , they
caught the distant pounding of hoofs.
"Do you . 'car that ? " said Pink. "Wo're
'olding our own , lads. Hut they 'ang on like
bloodhounds. "
And every whit as keen on the scent the
rajah's human hounds proved themselves
through the remaining hours of that mo
mentous night.
As often as the ominous ring of hoofs was
heard In the rear the fugitives urged their
Jiorses to greater speed. Toward morning
the country grew more rugged and lonely , and
the road was frequently cut by brawling
streams.
The first glimmer of dawn In the eastern
Bkles found I'lnk and his party more than
thirty miles from Mysore and galloping furi
ously through a forest of gigantic trees.
Steeds and riders were sorely In want of rest
and toad , yet there was but a scant prospect
of obtaining either.
In spite of all that pluck and courage could
do , the grim hand of death was almost upon
them. The relentless chase was Hearing Its
end. Only half a mile behind rode a dozen
savage troops , armed to the tcetli , and
mounted on the pick of the rajah's stables.
Occasionally , when the nature of the road
permitted , the fugitives could see the dusky
horsemen spurring madly onward In the gray
light of early morn. Every minute the
distance lessened.
"We'll soon have to stop and fight , " cried
Jack , whoso pale face was stamped with
terror.
"No use , " replied I'lnk. "Thoy'rd four to
one , and we'd bo shot down double quick. "
"Sahibs let horsego and hide In forest , "
suggested I'altu.
"Yes , that's our last chance , " assented
Pink. "I 'ato to try It , because It means
goodbye to the opal. Come , lads , ono more
spurt. Something may turn up. "
Flvo minutes longer the race continued.
Pursuers and pursued urging their horses to
the very limit of speed , and neither party
made nny visible gain.
Then the narrow road suddenly curved and
n few yards ahead It ended on the bank of
a swirling torrent a rapid and apparently
deep stream , nearly 400 yards broad.
The fugitives checked their panting steeds
at the verge cf the shore.
"This Is a branch of the Cauvery river , "
cried Myles. "It Is fordable In the dry
season. "
"But not now , " muttered Pink. "It Is
sllll high from the rainstorms In ths ghauts.
We're got to cross , though. It's sure death
to stay 'ere. And once we reach the shelter
of the other bank I've got a little scheme to
try on. 'Ero goes , lads. "
The gray mare gallantly led the way and
the others followed. Rapidly the horses
uplashed deeper and deeper Into the Hood.
Soon It reached their bellies , and when It
rose still higher they quaffed the water In
gulps as they struggled on.
Near mldchanncl the bottom shelved down
ward and Instcntly the horses were out of
thcjr depth. The noble brutes owam des
perately across the current , all the while
drifting down stream. It was a perilous and
critical moment. As yet the enemy was not
in sight , but the clattering of hoofs could bo
distinctly heard.
"We'll make It , " cheerfully shouted Pink.
"Keep your weapons and ammunition dry. "
A few seconds later the gray mare and
the two black chargers ftruck bottom and
waded higher and higher through the fast
shallowing waters. Hut the little Afghan
pony , being still out of Its depth , lost
( strength and went drifting away oa the
tide.
tide.Paltii
Paltii tried vainly to urga him to further
efforts. Then he slipped off the animal's
back and swam lustily for shore , holding
Ills rlflo overhead with one hand. He ar
rived safely at IJie same time na his com
panions , and ran nimbly up the sandy beach
at the heels of the horses.
Just as they entered the continuation of
the road Ihe Hindoo troopers appeared on
the opposite bank. They unslung tholr
rlllcs and opened fire.
Out their aim was poor , and the fugitives
quickly got out of range by penetrating a
Krove of date palms for some yards.
Hera Pink made his companions dismount.
"We've gained ono advantage , " he said ,
"and now I'm going to show you 'ow to
gala another. "
He led them back to a dense fringe of
rocks and bushes near the water's edge ,
from which they could command a good
view of the river without being seen them
selves.
They paid but scant attention to the
Afghan pony , whose head was still visible
some fifty yards down midstream. A far
moro Interesting sight was the bunch of
bloodthirsty troopers , now riding eagerly out
from the oppoalln bank. The first ray * of the
ibn shone on their grim faces and foam-
flecked steeds , on their bristling array of
riOes , tulwars ami spear a , on the flashing
metal helmets and breast plates of chain
urmor.
\Vhen th horsemen bad ( plashed lomo
thirty or forty feet across the river Pink poked
his rlflo through the bushes , took careful
aim and fired.
Crack ! the foremost horse rolled over
and drifted helplessly nway on the current.
Its rlJer dlfcntangted himself from the saddle -
dlo and waded shoreward with rapid strides.
Pink could have shot the fellow , but ho
hesitated to shed blood needlessly. Had
ho known the Identity of the ruffian he
would probably liavo pulled the trigger.
The first tcste of real warfare Inflamed
ths boys and they word eager to fire. Hut
I'lnk checked their nnlor by a few Judicious
word. ? .
"I'm not shooting to kill , " ho added. "It
may come to that , though. Watch , now ,
lads. "
He fired twice In quick succession , and the
first that brought n horse to IU knees. The
second ball went a little lee high and hit ono
of the men. The fellow was plainly seen to
reel lit his saddle , but ho did not fall.
"That was a mistake , " muttered Pink ,
"but I won't go In mourning for It ah !
look there , lads. "
As he spoke the troopers pulled up with a
burst of savage yells. Then they wheeled
their steeds about and made for the shore
they had Just left. The loss of two horses
and a man at the start , warned them what
they might expect If they persisted In cross
ing the river.
As soon as they reached the l nlc they
opened a hot fire on the copse of bushes.
Hut by this time the fugitives had retreated
unseen to the grove of dale palms.
"That river did us a good turn , " said
Pink. "Wo're pretty safe now. You see
the troopers won't dare to crosia while they
think we're 'ere. They'll likely ride up
stream to look for another ford. "
"But we're not going to stay here ? " asked
Myles.
"Hardly , lad. Wo'll walk the 'orses for
a bit , so the enemy don't know we're on
the move. Then we'll cut away like a
streak. "
Pink's wise plan was carried out. The
horses were led slowly along the road for
nearly a quarter of a mile. Then , all being
quiet In the rear , the little party mounted
m"Sg&2
/ * # % v *
tT7 * - ,
-7
* . ' cf f e t
PINK POKED HIS RIFLE THROUGH THE BUSHES.
and rode on , I'allu climbing up behind
Myles.
The prospect now looked bright and hope
ful , and when a straggling village was
reached , some half dozen miles beyond the
river. Pink ventured to order a halt.
While the horses were being rubbed donn
and fed , Myles Induced a rascally-looking
Hindco to part with some food for the con
sideration of a rupee.
The rice , eggs and chupatlles ( coarse
cakes ) looked far from palatable ; but
hunger made n keen relish and they were
eagerly devoured.
The natives gathered curiously about the
travelers and watched them depart In sullen
silence.
"Those fellows looked mighty anxious to
cut our throats , " said Pink , as the village
faded from sight. "No doubt they're ex
pecting Iho revolt against British rule. "
"They'll expect in vain If wo get hold of
the opal , " replied Myles.
Pink laughed and then immediately looked
grave. "We musn't be overconfident , "
he said , "Those 'cathen Iroopers will bo on
our track again before the day ends. "
"And what of It ? " exclaimed Jack. "We
ought to show them clean heels. Our horses
have been rested and fed , and we've got full
stomachs ourselves. "
"If wo only had an hour or two of sleep , "
added Myles , wistfully.
"You may get a few winks before sun
down , " replied Pink , "though It's too soon
yet to promise. For my part I don't need
It , but you lads are not accustomed to rough
campaigning. "
"I am. " Indignantly cried Jack. "If rowIng -
Ing ain't campaigning I'd like to know what
Is. "
Pink did not answer. Ho had relapsed
Into sober thought and would not be
roused. He was probably pondering over
thai mysterious barrier of Tlppoo Sahib's ,
Iho naluro of which was yet unknown to the
boys.
So the morning were on whllo the three
slurdy horses pul many a mile behind Ihom.
Wllh every hour that failed to bring the clat-
ler of pursuing hoofs the fugitive ! ) waxed
more confident.
About noon they wera compelled1 to leave
the trunk road , which hero turned west
ward toward Mercara , the chief town of
the mountainous little state of Coorg.
Instead they followed a rude Jungle path ,
where their jaded horses had to move with
much less speed.
The country was now Impressively wild
and lovely perhaps more so than any other
part of India.
The great triangle forming the southern
part of the empire and of which the slnle
of Mysore Is a very small fraction la known
as Iho Dcccan. Along ono coast line run
the eastern ghauts , and along the other the
western ghauli. The name Implies lerraces ,
or steps , and just so do the mountains rise
up to meet the vast tableland which the
Deccan virtually is.
With two exceptions all the rivers of the
Dcccan rise In Ihe western ghauts and empty
Into the bay of Bengal on the cast coast.
Toward thess western ghauts Pink Trls-
colt was now leading his companlors In their
desperate race against the rajah's trooper :
for the magic opal.
The nearness of the mountains was clearly
shown by Ihe succession of ravines , through
which brawled raging but shallow torrents ,
and by the v sl primeval foresls of teak ,
ebony , sandalwood and mahogany thai al-
mosl hid the sky by their mailed foliage.
It was not pleasant for the travelers to
reflect that on alt sides lurked tigers , ele
phants , bison and many other species ol
savage animals.
But thty feared human tigers oven more ,
and through the long , sultry hours of the
afternoon they urged their Jaded horses for
ward , themselves hardly able to sit erect.
Within an hour of sunset they paused on
the coast of a ridge which a hurricane had
partly denuded of timber. In front , at a
dlstonca of ten miles , the countless peaks ol
the ghauts majestically pierced Iho sky. To
the rear . landscape of jungle and forest
stretched seventy miles to Mysore.
The air was very still. There was scarcely
a sound except bird notes or the frequent
cry of some prowling beast. No distant thud
of hoofs alarmed the fugitives.
"I've always wanted to tes those moun
tains close , " Bald Myres. "I had no idea they
were fo big. It looks to in9 as though find
ing the opal was going to b worse than
hunting a needle in a hay rick , "
"I hope not , " replied Jack. But you
haven't oven got a map , Pink , have you ? "
"I don't need one , " said Pink. "I've tot
what I 'eard in the ptlaca that night tucked
nway 'ere , " palling his head , "and I.ve gel
something else , Ico. "
"What Is U ? " the boys asked eagerly.
For answer Pink pointed n finger at Iho dls-
tant mountain ; .
"Da you see those two twin peaks straight
ahead ? They've got flat topj , and there
are n lol of enmllcr pjaks Oils side. Well.
; hal n my landmark , and ones we reach It
the rest won't be 'ard. "
The boys gazed at the Indicated spot with
keen Interest. "The peaks look to ba
pretty well back In the mountains , " Mid
Myles.
"About ten miles , " Pink replied , "or
twenty altogether from 'ere. But If It was'
only five wo oughtn't lo make the stretcli
without real and sleep. Down In yonder
ravine I 'car water. We'll risk It , lads , nnd
snatch n few winks. "
This was welcome tidings. The boys were
haggard from exhaustion , and even Pink felt
tnoro fatigue than he chose to confess to.
So they gladly spurred their horses down the
opposite slope of the ridge.
Sure enough , there was a fuisy Illlle brook
In Ihe trough ot Iho ravine. The thirsty
travelers , brute and human , drank their fill
of the dellclously cool water. Then the
scanty remains of the rico nnd chupattlcs
were eaten , and Pink gave the horses a
plentiful measure of grain , afterwards tying
them to a bunch of saplings.
It was a very lonely place. Along the road-
sldo was n pile of stones , and In It was
Inserted a bamboo staff with n lltlle Irl-
angulnr flag flullerlng from the end. This
Indicated Hint a man had recently been slain
hero by a tiger.
The boys ware naturally nlarmed by the
discovery , but Pink reassured Ihem.
"I'm Rolng to keep watch , " he declared ,
"and no tiger will calch me napping. I'll
take my share of sleep another time. Turn
In now , lads , or you won't 'ave your peepers
shut till I make you opan Ihem. "
His companions were too sleepy to protest
against this unequal division of guard duty.
They spread their blankets In the mlddlo of
the path , and were almost Instantly In deep
slumber.
Pink kept a watchful eye upon them nnd
the horses ns ho paced up and down with his
rlflo over his shoulder.
The brief Indian twilight fell , and ere It
was succeeded by the blackness of night he
built a blazing flre on each side of the little
camp. Between watching and listening and
gathering fuel ho now had his hands full.
"Tho troopers may 'ave taken another
road , " he soliloquized , "though that's 'nrdly
likely. But I'd stake a lakh of rupees that
they ain't within five miles. And unless they
'nvo eyes like bats Ihey won't ride a steeple
chase by night Ihrough such a bit of country.
'Ullo , how about torches ? "
The reflection put him In n quandary for
a moment. He half turned lo waken the
boys , but changed his mind and went on With
the vigil.
An hour slipped by. The savage beasU of
the forests were new out of Ihelr lairs and
prowling about In search of food. But the
ruddy flrea warned them off from the vicinity
ot the camp.
In the' far distance Pink heard weird cries
and dull , crashing noises. Once a tiger roared
and a herd of elephants trumpeted a shrill
defiance.
He rejoiced that It was no worsj. What
he most dreaded to hear was the ring of approaching
preaching hoots.
And at last It actually came a faint , muf
fled clatter , thai rose and fell on Ihe night
air. Thera was a burning wrath In Pink's
heart as he roused the soundly sleeping lads
nnd hastily told them of the danger. While
they untied the horsea he chose a resinous
brand from one of tha firej , and then extin
guished Ihe flames with waler.
A minute sufficed for the fugitives to
mount. Guided by the light of Pink's torch
they crossed the stream and spurred up the
rugged hillside. The boys fell slronger after
their brief sleep and tried to face the situ
ation bravely , but they doubted If their horses
could hold out In n long race.
And the peril was even closer than
they believed. When they reached the
top of the hill and looked back they
saw lights ( lashing on the opposite
ridge. Then the quickened clatter of
hoofs told lhat the troopers had seen
Pink's torch.
Craft and caution were needless now.
There was nothing for It-but a mad dash.
Down the slope galloped the fugitives , reck
less of all obstructions , nnd at the bottom
they found a level stretch of dense timber
through which the road crept sinuously ,
"Don't spare the spurs , " cried Pink. "Our
'or.es ought to bs the better. We must beat ,
lads. "
On nnd on they pounded past the black
coverts of the forest. Pink's torch threw
light ahead , and as often as the ( lames faded
hs stirred them lo fresh life by violent wav
ing.At
At Intervals , when the way was ruffled by
turf or moss , the ominous clatter of the pur
suing troopers could be heard in the rear.
It was some consolation that the sound
scemoj to come no nearer.
But the friendly light could not bo long
depended upon , and It was certain that the
horses would come to grief In the darkness
at their present necessary rate of speed.
When the evil moment was very close the
road came suddenly to an abrupt end before
an arched gate , on each sldo of which a
line of stone wall stretched Into dense
jungle.
The Illlle parly checked Ihslr steeds
barely in llmo to avoid a collision. They
stared In alarm at the obstrucllon.
"A 'osllle village , " muttered Pink , 'ore's a
BO. "
"It may not be hostile , " cried Myles , "one
end of the state of Coorg cuts away Into
Mysore near the ghauts , nnd that's where wo
are now. I'm sure of It , for the place U Just
llko the village my father visited once and
told mo about. It can't belong to Mysore. "
"This no be my people's town. " broke In
Paltu. "Mysore towns no have walls ,
sahibs. "
Pink hesitated briefly. There was no
safe way around through the jungle , and
yet he shrank from so doubtful a refuge.
The noise of hoofs In the rear decided him.
"We'll risk II , lads , " he cried , striking
the gate with Ihe butt-end of n pistol.
There was no response , though lie ham
mered again and again. Then he lost
patience and dealt vigorous blows with his
rifle.
rifle.At
At length quick footsteps wore heard tn
ths seemingly dead and deserted village ,
nnd the gale swung Inward , revealing to the
fugitives a dim vista of the llttlo street of
houses and garden * beyond.
Yet they saw only n solitary Hindoo run.
nlng spryly toward the nearest hut. As he
dived into the doorway he wheeled about
and yelled shrilly :
"Beware , sahibs. Beware of the1 man-
eaters. "
( To be continued. )
NEW TOYS FOR CHRISTMAS.
A world of toys was opened to me yester
day , Carterers for Ihe Irado who spend
monlhs of the year devising schemes to de
light the world of young folk have been busy
pulling Ih'elr heads logelhor to fashion me
chanical toys after the things that people are
doing for the holiday season.
In the line of dolls novelty consists more
In the wnys of dressing Ihem lhan In the
moro modelings. Skirt dancers were there
galore , some made to look exactly like Miss
Lolo Fuller , who Introduced that style of
dancing.
The old negro mammy Is another of the
favorlto dolls. She has on n starched gingham -
ham gown made of bright-colored plaids , a
while collon kerchief folded about her throat
caught by a gaudy Jeweled brass pin. and a
bandanna handkerchief tied about her woolly
head. Usually there goes with her a tiny
flaxen-haired baby , whoie long , lace-trimmed
skirts trail over the gingham one. The arms
of the nurse are made to move up and down
that the Infant doll may be held In any posi
tion.
tion.Another
Another favored slyle nre the little Esqui
maux. These people were known widely
to Americans through their visit to the
World's fair , and the doll makers of the
country have copied them faithfully. Most
ot the small chaps have fe full suit of white
fur on , and high cap covering the head ,
bolng made Into the blouse coat just aa the
Iceland folk wore It while here.
The material U cat's fur , which makes
them very Inexpensive , abut } 1 for ono ten
Imilics high. BlNln , dogi ami trappings can
bo bought with , theie , and I have no doubt
that after.Chrlfitmas has supplied halt the
children wKli tlitm that more Arctic expedi
tions will tip planned than Lieutenant Oreely
or Dr. Katia over meJItalcd.
A lay rmTs'ltrptcco ' was shown In n three-
foe t wnx Pfefir.ot . , who was supp'icd to be
sironad'ng his columbine. Pierrot wears the
artistic black and white that Is tmoclated
wllh him : ' ( Jfi his head leeways scls his
pointed elAUn's1 cap nnd In hU hands Is n
mandolin. IH-1iulcep , with hU head resting' '
on ruff , nnd It/ng wet cylathcs curling tn
his cheeks , Tht crank Is turned nnd three
bolls ring ? They arouse him slowly and
lifting hlfc hcfivy eyelids he plays the
sweetest French love song on his Instru
ment. Wlillc 'doing this he drops to sleep
again and the performance Is repeated , This
Is a mechanical loy that would delight grown
people. Its prlca Is $95.
A huge black bear with steel leading
airings and n big drum slung around its
neck beats vociferously on It when wound
up. ' This Is cnly $30 and Is a most wonderful
to ? .
'Nor were dolls the only artistic toys
shown. There were many wonderful things
for boys ns well hs girls. Tor the former
lias been fashioned a flre department. The
engine with two horses , hook and ladder
outfll , a box Of jolnled firemen and many
Inches of hose. Such an array of fun as
this oulfll offers Ihe np-lo-date boy would
have paralyzed his grandfalher In his youth
ful days. Hardly a playroom of today but
could be fitted up from the factory with all
the semblances of city life. Mall wagons
were there with big Norman horses attached ;
grocery stores with the clerk behind Iho
counter , and the various labelled drawers
nwalllns contents ! large stables stocked with
hayracks and 'horses. Tremendous Iron Fer-
rU wheel ! , with small dolls enjoying the revo
lution , thin aho being suggested by the
World's fair. Full regiments of soldiers with
brass band , cages of canaries that sing , and
miniature stages whereon puppets burlesque
great actors are among the novelties. These
are Just a few of the many delight-giving
things thai are lo please Iho children of the
land on the 25th of this month.
lilt. TIIIJIBLEFINGER AND HIS QUEER
COUSTRY.
111 ! ! Children' * Sl'COIHl Visit.
( Copyright , 1S9I , by Joel ClmnJIer Hirrls. )
PAUT I. UUSTEH JOHN ALARMS MR.
ItAUHIT.
When liuster John and Sweetest Susan
and Drusllla returned 'homo ' atttr tlielr fttst
visit to Mr. Thlmbleflnger's queer country a
curious thing happened. The children had
made a bargain to say nothing about what
they had seen and heard , but ono day when
there was ncbody to hear what they had to
say Sweetest Susan concluded to tell her
mother something about the visit she had
made next door to the world. So she be
gan and told about her Grandmother of the
D 11s , and about Mr. Thlmbleflnger , and , all
about her Journey under the spring. Her
mother paid no attention at first , but after a
whlh she. became Interested and listened In
tently to everything her little daughter raid.
Sometimes she looked serious , sometimes she.
smiled and sometimes the laughed. Sweet
est Susan couldn't remember everything , but
she told eiuugh to astonish her mother.
"Darlinghen did you dream such non
sense as that1 the lady asked.
"Oh , It wasn't a dream , momma , " crleJ
Sweetest Susan. "I thought It waj a dream
at first , bill It 'turned out to be no dream at
all. Now , please don't ask brother about
It , and please * don't atlc Drusllla , for wo
promised me another to say nothing about It.
I didn't Intend to tell you , but I forgot and
began to tell you before I thought. "
A litlloiwnlle afterwards Sweetest Susan's
mother Wav tailing her husband about the
wonderful Imagination of their little daugh
ter , and then itlio neighbors got hold of It ,
and someiof the old ladles put their heads to
gether ever their teacups and sold that It
was a elgn that Sweetest Susan was too
smart to stay , n this world very long.
Ono day , while Drusllla was helping about
the lituse. . Sweetest Susan's mother took oc
casion to nHk.wheroshe _ anfl the children
went the , day they failed to come to din
ner.
ner."Wo
"Wo wuz off gettln''plums , I speck , " re
plied Drusllla.
"Why , there were no plunia to get , " saiJ
the lady.
"Well , 'm , ef 'twant plums hit must 'a'
been hlck'y nuts , " explained Drusllla.
"Hickory nuts were not ripe , stupid. "
"Maybe doy wasn't , " tald Drueilla , stolidly ,
"but dat dtn't hinder we chllluns from
huntln' 'em. "
"You know you didn't go after ihlckory
nuts , Dnisllla , " the lady Insisted. "Now ,
I want you to tell me where you and the
children went. I'll net be angry If you
tell me. but If you don't "
Drusllla could Infer a good deal from the
tone of the lady's voice , but she shook her
head.
"Well'm , " she said , "we went down dar
by de spring branch an' all roun' down dar.
Ef we warn't huntln1 plums ner hlck'y nuts
I dene what . ' "
forgot we wuz. huntln' .
D'rusllla seemed so much In earnest that
the lady didn't push the Inquiry , but when
she went Into another room for a moment
the negro girl looked after her and remarked
to herself :
"I done crossed my heart dot I wouldn't
tell an' I ain't gwlna ter. Ef I wuz tor toll
she wouldn't b'llevo me , and so dar 'tis. "
Sweetest Susan was careful to toy nothing
to Duster John and Drusllla about the slip
of the tongue that caused iher to tell her
mother about their adventure In Mr. Thlm-
blcflngcr's queer country , but who didn't feel
very comfortable when Drusllla told her how
she had been questioned by her mlstrees.
"Ef somebody ain't done gone an' tel * her. "
said Druillla , "she got Eomo mighty quaro
notions In 'er 'head. ' "
Huter John , who had Idsns of his own ,
Ignored all this and raid that ho was going
to put an apple In the hprlng the next day
and watch for Mr. Thlmblellngor.
"Well , cf vou gwlne down < Jar any mo' , "
marked Drusllla , "you can Jes count me
out , knso I ain't gwlno 'long wld yen. I'm
ono cr deze yen kind or quaro folks what
know pint blank when dey done got nuff.
I been shaky ever slnco wo went down In
dat ar place what wasn't no place. "
"I will go. " said Uustor John.
"Huh ! Don't you fcol yo'sclf , honey.
You can't put no 'peu'ence In a ekeercd nlg-
go.1. "
"If you don't go you'll wish you had , "
said Buster John.
"How cOnlfl ? " asked Drusllla.
"Walt and set , " replied Busier John.
The next morning bright and early Buster
John put an apple. In the spring. Ho
I >
y
THE APPLD WAS SEIZED.
watched It float around for a while and then
his attention was attracted by Jomothlng
else , and he ran nway to see about It. Whatever -
over it wa , It Interested him so much that
ha forgot nil about the apple In the spring
and everything else likely to remind him
of fir. Thlmbleflncer'a queer'country.
Buster John went away from the spring
and left the apple floating there. No sooner
had he gene than one of the house servant ]
chanced to como along , and the apple was
seized and appropriated. The result was
that neither Mr. Thlmbleflnger nor Mrs.
Meadows taw the signal.
Buster John , thinking that the apple had
remained in the spring for BOIUO liouia ,
waited patiently for two or three days for
Mr. Thlmbleflnger , but no Mr. Thlmbleflnger
came. Finally the boy grow Impatient , ni
youngsters sometimes do. Ho remembered
thnt the bottom of the spring , wllh tha day
light shining through , wns the fky of Mr.
Thlmhlcnngor's queer country , ami ho con
cluded to give Mrc. Meadows and the rest
n signal thnt they couldn't fall to seo. So
one morning , after water had been carried
to the notion for the cook and the wnihcr-
woman's tubs had been filled , Buster John
got him some short plnnks , carrying them
lo the tprlng one by one. Those he placed
across the top of the gum , or curb , close
together , EO as to shut out Iho light. Then
ho perched hlnuclf on n stump not far nway
and watched to see what the effect would
be. Ho knew he iliad the sky of Mr. Thim-
bleflngor's qucrr country becurely roofoj In ,
and ho latigheu to himself as he thought of
the predicament Mr. Habblt would bo In ,
dropping his pipe and hunting for It In the
dark.
Busier John sat there a long time. Mandy ,
the washerwoman , got through wllh her
task and went toward the lions ? , balancing n
big basket ot wet clothes en her head and
Hinging ai she went. Sweetest guwn nnd
Drusllla had grown tired of playing with
Ihe dolls nnd.were hunllng all over Iho placa
for Duller John , They saw him presently ,
and came running toward him , talking and
laughing. He shook his head and mo
tioned toward the spring. They became
quiet at once nnd began to walk on Ihelr
tiptoes. They teatoj themselves on Iho
slump by Busier John's side and waited for
lilm to explain himself.
Presently Swectesl Susan saw Iho boards
over the spring. "Oh , what have you
done ? " she cried. "Why , you have chut
out the light. They can't see a wink. I
don't think thal's rlghl , do you , Drusllla ? "
"Don't ax mo , honey , " replied DruHlla.
"I ain't gwlno ter gll In no 'spule. Some
body's done gone and put planks on do
spring. Dar dey Is , an' dar ( ley may stay ,
for what I keer. I hope dey cr nallsd
down. "
"Please take the boards oft , " pleaded
Sweetest Susan.
"No , " said Buster John. "I put an apple
plo In Uio spring Ihs olher day nnd Ihey
paid no attention to It. Maybe they'll pay
some attention now. "
Suddenly , before anybody ehe could say
anything , Drusllla screamed and rolled off
the stump. Busier John and Swealest
Susan thought a bee had slung her. But It
wna net a bee. She had no rooncr rolled
from the stump than she sprang lo her feet
rude llttlo prison nt that place was com
pletely environed by their encampment. There
must have been several hundred of them ,
as brawny nnd fierce-looking lot na ono could
hope to meet wllh , even In the then wild nnd
unbroken west The manner In which they
had gotten possession of nil the available
ammunition In the counlry nt once denoted
thnt they were under the guidance of a
leader well versed on all the stratagems of
his people , and , as a natural consequence , Iho
settlers became gravely nlnrmcd. Many at
once began to fortify their homes , whllo
others lo.t the counlry entirely.
Finally n consultation was called nnd
methods discussed ns lo the best way to
nvcrl Iho Impending massacre. The whiles
wera absolutely at the mercy ot the savages.
Uuna they hnd In plenty , but ammunition
none. Thcso were plain , but alarming facts.
It was suggested that trusty men be dele-
Rated to go lo the settlements across Iho
border east nnd secure the necessary muni
tions of war. This , however , meant the lass
of too much time. A distance ot 150 miles
at the very least would hnvo to bo traversed ,
and the fear was that such an expedition , If
It came to the knowledge of the beleaguering
Indians , would only precipitate Iho calamity ,
nnd the meeting broke up without nny plan
for safety being mapped oul. Bul day after
day rolled by and Ihero was no overt act to
show that the savages mcnnl mischief , and
at last the day of the trial arrived. Judge
Maxwell was the presiding judge , and It
must have been with the most
serious misgivings ho took his
teat. Bul Ihe Irlal proceeded wllhoul In-
lerrupllon , Nothing could bo extracted from
the prisoners. They sat like so many stoics ,
silent and motionless as so many Images
carved from stone. The Jury , notwithstand
ing Iho ominous situation , found them all
three guilty of murder In the ilrst degree.
Just as Iho Judge was preparing to senlcnco
them. White Breast , tall , dignified and
nustero looking , strode forward until ho
stood directly In front of the bench. He
fastened his searching eyes upon the judge ,
and then with ono bracelettcd arm out
stretched toward the gloomy prisoners , he
said : ' "These are my people , bul we do nol
want the white men to kill them. If Ihey
muni die , we will kill them ourselves. "
The old warrior then stepped back and
Judge Maxwell passed scnlonca upon the pris
oners. But It was a surprise to all. They
were to be banished to the penitentiary for
life. This was a strategic stroke of the
"DAH HE IS ! "
and cried out : "Dar ho Is ! Look at 'ml"
Buster John and Sweetest Susan turned
to look , and there , upon the stump beside
them , stood Mr. Thlmbleflnger with his hat
In hand , bowing and smiling as politely as
you please.
"I hope you are well , " he said. Then lit !
began to laugh as ho turned to Busier John.
"You may think It Is a creat Joke to come
to the spring , but It's no joke to me. I
have had a very hard time to eet here , but
I just had to come. Mrs. Meadows thinks
thera Is a total ecllpso going on , and Mr.
Rabbit has gone to bed and covered up his
head. "
"How did you get here ? " asked Busier
John.
"Through the big poplar younder , " said
Mr. Thlmbleflnger. "It Is hollow from top
to bottom , but it was so dark I could hardly
find my way. The Jay birds used to go
down through the poplar every Friday until
I put up the bars and shut them out. I had
almost forgotten the road. "
"Well , " said Buster John , "I covered the
spring so that you might know wo hadn't
forgollon you. I dropped an apple In Ihe
other day , but you paid no attention to It. "
"I saw Ihe apple , " remarked Mr. Thlmble
flnger , "but It didn't stay In the spring long.
It disappeared In a few minutes. "
'Aha ! " I know ! " cxc'amed Drusllla. "Dat
ar Mlncrvy nigger got It. I seed her coming
'long calln' an apple , and I boun' you she
de vo'y nigger what got it. "
"Well , well ! " said Mr. Thlmbleflnger. "It
makes no difference now , and If you'll get
ready , we'll go now pretly soon. "
"Why , I thought you couldn't go down
through the spring until nine minutes and
nine seconds after 12 , " suggested Buster
John.
"Tho water gets wet or goes dry with the
tide , " Mr Thlmbleflnger explained. "Today
we shall have to co at nineteen minutes and
nineteen seconds after 9. It was nine
minutes and nine seconds after 12 before ,
and now It Is nineteen minutes and
nineteen ec-cords after 9. Multiply nineteen
by nineteen , add the answers together , and
you get nothing but nines. You see we have
to go by a system. " Mr. Thlmbleflnger was
very solemn as he said this. "Now , then ,
como on. We haven't any time to waslo
When Ihe nines get after us , wo must bn
going. There are four of us now , but If wl
were to be multiplied by nine there would be
nine of us , and nine Is an odd number. "
"How would we be nine ? " asked Buster
John.
'It's very simple , " replied Mr. Tilmble-
flnger. "Nine times four arc thirty-six.
Three and six stand for thirty-six , and sl'i
and three are nine. "
Buster John laughed as he ran to remove
the boards from Ihe spring. In a few mo
ments they wore all ready In spite of Dru-
sllla's protests , and at nineteen minutes
and rlnetcen seconds after 9 Ihey walked
Ihrougli the spring gate Into Mr. Thlmble-
flnger's queer counlry.
( TO BB CONTINUED. )
BURT COUNTY INDIAN SCARE.
Twenty-seven years ago , when Decatur ,
sllualo In the extreme northeast corner of
Burt county , this state , was a thriving fron
tier village , and Tekamah , now the county
seal , bul a mere trading post , the surround
ing and Intervening country itnderwenl ono
of Iho greatest Indian scares In Ihe history
of the state.
About this llmo a son of White Breast , a
noted Wlnnebago sachem , with two other
braves , murdered a white uettler oul on Die
Elkhorn , near where the bustling little city
of Weal Point now stands. The settler was
nt work hoeing In a Held when the three
savages rode up on their ponies and , without
warning , riddled Ihe unsuspecting man with
bullets. A few weeks afterwards the three
Indians were arrested at the Wlnnebago
agency and brought down to Tekamah for
trial. They wera Incarcerated In the rude
jail or guard house and there closely confined
for ten weeks bcforo the authorities were
ready to proceed with their prosecution.
In some way a report got circulated among
Ihe Wlnnebagoes that the thrca prisoners were
to bo killed by the whites , no matter what
the trial might produce , and they were much
Incensed. They would come into the settle-
ir.ents In parties of a half-dozen or more and
buy largo quantities of powder and lead , and
It was but a short tlmo until they had pur
chased every pound of powder and lead In
the varloui towns scattered throughout Uiat
region. The discovery of this fact was a
startling one , Indeed , and the wisest of the
wblto eottlori declared that It boded them no
good. Band after band of armed warriors
passed through Decatur the week before the
trial was to begin , beaded toward Te
kamah , and It wasn't more than
three or four day * befora the
court. Had the death sentence been Imposed
Ihero Is but little doubt but what the scene
would have Instantly been turned Into one
of carnage and murder. But the Indians
were satisfied , evidently not appreciating the
fate of Ihelr brethren In Its full and awful
significance. They shook hands all round ,
then like so many shadows filed away out
of the court room.
There Is llttlo moro to be told. White
Breast's son and his Iwo convicted compan
ions were taken down to Lincoln the next
day and placed In solitary confinement tn the
penitentiary. They withstood the rigid dis
cipline of prison llfo bu.t briefly. Within a
few years consumption had claimed them all.
DOGS AS POLICEMEN.
How's that for a new Idea ? But that Is
an Idea they are developing In Germany ,
and believe It Is going to do great things.
The object Is not to have the dog jump on
a man and tear him to pieces ; any unedu
cated dog can do that. But he Is trained
to knock the criminal down and keep him
motionless until the dog's assistant can
como up with the handcuffs.
The breed they use are bull dogs almost ex
clusively , both on account of tlielr tremendous
deus jaws and because a bull dog loves
a fight as naturally as an Irishman does.
They are very Intelligent , nnd when they
have once seized the Idea , they hold on to
It as Ihey do to everything else. A bull dog
never forgets anything , whether It be a
kindness , or an Insult , or a college cduca-
TRAINING A PATHOLMAN.
tlon , and It Is In this respect qulto unlike the
celebrated Thomas I ) . Macuulay , who boasted
he had forgotlen more things than most people -
plo knew.
The training of the dogs requires a certain
knack , with great kindness , patience and
firmness. For although they are sparing of
the whip , when the dog deserves whipping ,
he gets It , after being made to understand
why he is punished.
The first step In his training is the placing
of a inannlkln behind the door , and making
the dog understand Dial this Is a criminal
whom ho Is to seize. This lesion is not hard
for him to learn , for n bull dog would much
rather jump ul a man than not. Then the
trainer catches the mannlkln by the shoul
der and lowers It slowly to the ground , with
the dog still hanging lo Ihe rag around the
neck. When the dog begins lo lear the
figure , the trainer strides him with tha whip ,
to intimate to him thai that Is not what ho
Is expected to do. Finally he learns that he
la not to lei go , but to hang on without tear
ing the victim. If anyone moves the man
nlkln he has gripped , a ferocious growl warm
all bystander } thai all such nonsense had bel
ter stop at once. When he carries out his
role well ho Is patted and caressed , for kind
ness plays quite as Important a part as the
whip In the school.
As soon as It Is certain that Master Doggy
lias learned his lesson , they let htm loose
on a living model. This experiment Is never
quite free from danger , so the man who feeds
him Is usually chosen for the > Oral experi
ment , aa the dog will not be so likely to tear
him , although In all cases the model puts on
a leather collar around hl neck to guard
aealnst accident. Then those experiments are
renewed on strangers , who naturally demand
pretty good pay for their services , and who
constllute a sort of board of regents. If tui
dog pastes this examination , ho tnk s tht
degree , nnd la ready for work. The UermaB
government hopes to make use of Ihcso dog *
In the service ot the customs , to catch smug *
glers on the frontier.
Apropos of these- dogs , I urn reminded ot
n slory ot n policeman In this country In a
country town , who \\nj always accompanied
on his bent by hi * devoted bulldog , pns
day the policeman discovered two men in n
case of assault nnd robbery. When they
saw him coming they took t : > tholr heel * . Ot
course ho could not jro two ways nt once , so
ho called "Nick's" nttcntlon to ono man ,
whllo 1m made eft nflcr the other. IJo secured -
cured his man , nnd , coming back , found tha
second man prostrnto with "Nick" itandlng
guard.
TRUE HEN STORIES ,
Did you over know Hint snakes nnd hens
nro sworn enemies ? Indeed , chickens bftva
been known to nttick good-sized bl.ok snake * .
This , however , la only n moderate sized snake
slory I nm going lo tell ; lhat Is , the story
ot n medium-sized annko ,
Ono morning n Indy who was visiting lu"
the country looked out of her window nnd
saw an old hen behaving In n most cccontrlo
YuMilon. Knowing what "tolal nbslalnors"
lions nre , she know that the old Biddy was
not Indulging In it spree , EO concluded that
she must bo suffering from sunslroko.
On looking more closely , however , she dis
covered thnt the hen had n veritable case of
"snakes , " In spite of all her temperance
principles. For there , celled ready for a
spring , was a snake some twelve or fifteen
Inches long. As the snake sprang the hen
backed off. Then , while her enemy was recovering - ]
covering Itself nnd preparing for another dart ,
the hen rushed In and pecked Its head most '
vigorously , backing off again as she saw the
snake ready to jump. This maneuver con
tinued until the snake lay stretched to cell
no more , when Iho hen began In a leisurely ,
buslncss-llko way to make n breakfast of
that snake , beginning with Iho head and
swallowing It , Inch by Inch , until nol a , wlg.-
glo of Its slender tall remained In view.
Apropos of the total abstinence habits ot
hens , I am reminded' of a trick played by a
small boy on some stately eld hens , who
stepped haughtily around his father's yard ,
na If Ihey morcly allowed the family to llvo
there for their convenience. He soaked some
bread crumbs In whisky and scattered them
liberally In tilio chicken yard. Now , I uovor
knew a hen who would refuse anylhtng lhat
was thrown to her , from cold roast to n dla- .
inoncl ring. So , very soon the bread crilmbs
had vanished , and In n short tlmo the jolllcst
party of old hens who over got
a jag on were clucking nnd cawk-
ing around , tanglefooted beyond the
wildest experience of unfcathcrcd bipods.
For , being by nature n lltllo cross-eyed In i
their lees , they stepped on tholr own feet , and '
got In their own way , and nil Iho whllo
cackled and jeered nl each other for being
drunk. Ono old rooster In particular was a
sight for gods and men. Ho leaned with limp
tall nnd uncertain head , In n suggestively
familiar fashion , against Iho gate post , blink
ing his stupid little eyes , nnd trying In n
maudlin way to crow , with but Indifferent
success.
I'll wager the whole lot got up with a
headache next morning , and went right oft to
sign a pledge.
Locomotor Ataxia ,
Epilepsy . . .
AND ALL
DISEASES
OF THE
SPINAL CORD
FIND REAOy
AMTUOfiAPON FROM J
THE use OF
MEDULLINE ,
THE EXTRACr OC THE SPIN L CORD OF THE OX ,
PREPARED UNDER THE FORMULA OS
Dr. WM. A. HAMMOND ,
IN HIS LABORATORY AT WAbHINUfON , D 0 ,
Dose , g drops. Price , two drachms , $1.50.
Columbia Chemical Co. ,
WASHINGTON , D. C.
CNO ran noon. m
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