Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, December 02, 1894, Part III, Page 19, Image 19

Below is the OCR text representation for this newspapers page. It is also available as plain text as well as XML.

    THE OKAIIA DAILY BEE : SUNDAY , DEO BRIBER 2 , 180-1.
CLARENCE.
By Bret Harte.
( Copyright , 1831 , l > r Orel Itnrte. )
. PART I. CHAPTER II.
„
ffho laugh that Instinctively broke from
Clarence's lips was so sincere and unaffected
( lint the msn was disconcerted , and at last
joined It , a little shamefacedly. The grotesque
blunder ot being taken for a fugitive from
justice relieved Clarence's mind from Its
acute tension , lie was momentarily diverted ,
nod it was not until the boatman had de
parted and he was again alone that It seemed
to have any collateral significance.
Then an uneasy recollection of Susy's threat
that she bad the power to put his wife in
JTort A'catraz came across him.
Could she have already warned the muni
cipal authorities and this man but he quickly
remembered any action from such a warning
could only have been taken by the United
States marshal , and not by a civic official , and
dismissed the Idea.
Nevertheless , when the stage with Its half-
spent lamps still burning dimly against the
morning light swept round the curve and
rolled heavily up to the rude shanty which
nerved as couch ofllce , he became watchful.
A single yawning individual In Its doorway
received a few letters and parcels , but Clar
ence was evidently the only waiting passen
ger. Any hope that he might have enter
tained that his mysterious predecessor would
emerge from some seclusion at that moment ,
was disappointed.
As ho entered the coach he made a rapid
Burvey of his fellow travelers , but satisfied
himself that the stranger was not among
them. They were mainly small traders or
farmers , n miner or two , and apparently a
Spanish-American of better degree and
personality.
Posslb'y the circumstance that men of thin
class usually prefer to travel on horseback
and were rarely seen In public conveyances
attracted his attention , and their eyes met
moro than once. In mutual curiosity ,
Presently Clarence addressed a remark to
lilm In Spanish. Ho replied fluently and cour
teously , but nt the next stopping place lie
asked a question of the expressman In an
unmistakable Missouri accent.
Clarence's cirloslty was satisfied ; he wa
evident y 01 c of Iho o early American tcttlcn
who had been so long domiciled In southcrr
California aa to adopt the speech as well as
the habiliments of the Spaniard.
The conversation fell upon the polltlca
news of the previous night , or rather seemec
to bo lazily continued from some prevlou :
moro excited discussion , In which one of thi
contestants , a red-bearded miner , had sub
Bided Into an occasional growl of surly dls
sent.
It struck Clarence that the Mlssourlan hat
been an amused auditor and even , judglni
from a twlnklo In his eye , a mlschtevou :
instigator ot the controversy. He was no
eurprlsed , therefore , when the man turnei
to htm with a certain courtesy , and said :
"And what , sir , Is the political feeling li
your district ? "
But Clarenca was In no mcod to be drawn
and replied , almost curtly , that as ho hni
como only from San Francisco they wen
probably as well Informed on that subject a
lilmsolf.
A quick and searching glance from tin
stranger's eye made him regret It , but In th
ollcnco that ensued the red-bearded pas
eengcr , evidently still rankling at heart , sav
Ills opportunity.
Slapping his huge hands on his knees am
loaning far forward , until he seemed t
plunge his flaming beard like a flrebrand-
Its into the controversy , he said , grimly :
"Well ! I kin tell you , gen'1'men , thla ! I
ain't goln' to be no matter wot's the polltlca
feeling hero or thar It ain't goln' to be n
matter wot's state's rights 'and ' wot's fedra
rights It ain't goln' to be no qUestlo ;
whether , the gov'mcnl's got the right to re
llovo its own soldiers that those sccesh 1
-besieging In Fort Sumter or whether the
liavon't but the fln > t gun that's flrcd at th
' flag blows the chains off every d n nlgge
south ot Mason and Dlxon's line ! You hen
mo ! I'm shoutln' ! "
There was an angry start In one or two c
the scats. One man caught at the swtngln
Bide slrap and half rose , and then all a
suddenly subsided.
Kvory cyo was turned to an Inslgnlfican
figure In the back seat. It was a. woma
holding n child on her lap and gazing on
of the window with her sex's profound ur
concern in politics.
Clarence understood the rude chivalry c
the road well enough to comprehend that th !
unconscious but omnipotent figure had , mot
than once that day , controlled the passion
of the disputants. They dropped back wcarl !
to their scats and their mntlerlngs rolled o
In tha rattle of the wheels ,
i Clarence glanced at the Mlssourlan. II
was regarding the red-bearded miner with
singular curiosity.
The ruin had ceased , but the afternoo
shadows were deepening when they at la :
reached Fair Plains , where Clarence oxpecte
to take horse to the rancho. He was n
tonlshed , however , to learn that all tl
horses In the etablo were engaged , but r
momberlng that some of his own stock we :
In pasturage with a tenant at Fair Plains or
that he should probably have a better seh
tlon , ho turned his steps thither.
Passing out of the stable yard he recoi
nlzed the Missourlan's voice In whlspen
conversation with the proprietor , but tl
two men withdrew Into the shadow as 1
approached.
An Ill-defined uneasiness came over hln
ho knew the proprietor who also seemed
Unow the Mlssourlan , and this evident aval
"YOU WILI , NOT. ! "
nnco of him waa significant. Perhaps I
reputation as a doubtful unionist had p
ceded Tilin , but this would not account
their conduct in a district so strongly sou
cm in sympathy as Fair Plains ,
More impressed by the occurrence than
cared to admit , when , at last , after some <
lay , he had secured his norse and was 01
more In the saddle , ho kept a sharp lei
out for his quondam companion.
But here another circumstance added
lila suspicions ; there was a main road le ,
Ing to Santa Inez , the next town , and I
rancho , and this Clarence had purpos
taken In order to watch the Mlssourlai
but there was a cut-off directly to i
nxucho , known only to habitues ot
rancho.
After a few moments' rapid riding on
mustang much superior to any In the he
stables , ho waa satlinej that the stran
mutt hayo taken tha cut-off. Putting sp
to his horse 'he trusted still to precede I
to the rancho 1C that was his destination
As ho dashed along the familiar road.
O strange perversity ot fancy Instead of till
Ing ot his purpose he found himself recall
the first time he had ridden that way in
fluih of hU youth and hopefulness.
The girl sweetheart ha wu then going
rejoin wn now the wife ot another ;
Woman who had been lier guardian was t
MI. own wife. Ho had accepted wlthou
pang the young girl's dereliction , but K i
through her revelation that he wai r
About to confront the dtrellctlon ot his c
,
And thlava the reward ot his youtl
trust and loyalty ! A bitter laugh broke from
his lips. It was part ot his still youthful
self-delusion that ho believed himself wiser
and stronger for It.
It was qulto dark when ho reached the
upper field or first terrace of the rancho. He
could see the white walls of the casa ililng
dimly out of the green sea ot early wild
grasses , like a phantom Island.
It wan here that the "cut-off" Joined the
main road now the only one that led to the
casa. He waa satisfied that no one could
have preceded him from Fair Plains ; but It
was true that ho mutt take precautions
against his own discovery.
Dismounting near a clump of wlllonra he
unsaddled and unbridled his horse , and with a
cut of the rlata over its haunches sent It
flying across the field In the direction cf a
band ot feeding mustangs , which it presently
Joined. Then , keeping well In the shadow
of a belt of scrub oaks , he skirted the long
lesser terrace of the casa , Intending to approach
preach the house by way of the old garden
and corral ,
A drizzling rain , occasionally driven by
the wind Into long , misty , curtain-like waves ,
obscured the prospect and favored his de
sign. He reached the low adobe wall of the
corral In safety ; looking over he could detect ,
In splto ot the darkness , that a number of
the horses were of alien brands , and even
recognized one or two from the Santa Inez
district.
The vague outlines of buggies and carry
alls filled the long shed beside the stables.
Thcro was company at the casa so far Susy
was right.
Nevertheless , lingering still by the wall ot
the old garden , for the deepening of night ,
his nervous feverlshness was again Invaded
and benumbed by sullen memories. There
was the opening left by the old grille In the
wall , behind which Mrs. Peyton stood on the
morning when he thought he was leaving
the rancho forever where he had flrsl
clasped her In his arms , and stayed ; a turn
of the head , a moment's Indecision , a slnglo
lanoo of a languorous eye had brought this
ulmlnatlon.
And now ho stood again before that ruined
grille , his bouso and lands , even his name
misused by a mad , scheming' adventuress ,
, nd himself a creeping spy of his own dls-
iOn.or.
He turned with a bitter smile again to the
; arden. A few dark red castlllan roses still
eaned forward and swayed In the wind with
Irlpplng loaves. It was here that the first
morning of his arrival he had kissed Susy ;
he perfume and color of her pink skin came
jack to him with a sudden shock as he stood
here ; ho caught at the flower , drew It toward
Im , and inhaled Its odor In a long breath
hat left him faint and leaning against the
vail.
vail.Then
Then again he smiled , but this time more
.vlckedly . In what he believed In his cynl-
Ism had sprung up the first Instinct of
evenge !
It was now dark enough for him to ven-
.urc across the carriage road and make his
way to the rear of the house. His first
iharacterlsttc instinct had been to enter
iponly at his own front gate , but the terri
ble temptation to overhear and watch the
: onsplracy unobserved that fascination com
mon to deceived humanity to witness its own
ihame had grown upon him. Ho know
hat a word or gesture of explanation , apol
ogy , appeal , or even terror from his wife
would check his rage and weaken his pur
pose.
pose.His
His perfect knowledge cf the house and
he security of Its Inmates would enable him
from some obscure landing or gallery tc
participate In any secret conclave they might
liold In the patio the only place suitable
'or ' so numerous a rendezvous. The ab
sence cf light in the few external windows
pointed to this central gathering. And lit
hod already conceived his plan of entrance ,
Gaining the rear wall ot the casa he begar
cautiously to skirt its brambly base , until
lie had reached a long , oven-like window
half obliterated by a monstrous passion vine
It was the window of what had bnce beer
Mrs. Peyton's boudoir ; the window by whlcl :
lie had once forced an entrance to the house
when It was In the hands ot the squatters
the window from which Susy had signalled
icr Spanish lover ; the window whose grating
had broken the neck ot Judge Peyton's pre
sumcd assassin.
I3ut these recollections no longer delayet
him ; the moment for action had arrived
Ho knew that since th * tragedy the boudoli
had been dismantled and shunned ; the serv
ants believed it to bo haunted by the assas
sin's ghost.
With live aid of the passion vine the Ingress
gross was easy. The Interior window wa !
open ; the rustle of dark leaves on the ban
floor as he entered , and tha whirr of i
frightened bird by his ear told the stor ;
ot Its desolation and the source ot .the strangi
noises that had ben heard there.
The door leading to the corridor \va
lightly bolted , merely to keep It from rat
tllng in the wind. Slipping the bolt will
the blade ot his pocket knit ? , he peerei
Into the dark passage. The llgh
streaming under a door to the left and th
sound ot voices convinced him that his conJecture
Jecturo was right , and the meeting wa
gathered on the broad balconies around th
patio.
Ho knew that a narrow gallery , face <
with Venetian blinds to exclude the sun
looked down upon them. Ho managed t
gain It without discovery ; luckily the Wind
were still down. Between the slats , hlmsel
invisible , he could hear and see tverythln
that occurred.
Yet even at this supreme moment th
its first thing that struck him was the almos
P6' ludicrous contrast between the appearanc
ro : of the meeting and its tremendous object.
th Whether he was Influenced by any pre
vlous boyish conception of a cloudy an
gloomy conspiracy he did not know , but h
le- was for nn Instant almost disconcerted b
ICi tha apparent lovtty and festivity of the cor
ICik ) clave. Decanters and glasses stood o
small tables before them ; nearly all wer
t drinking and smoking.
id They comprised fifteen or twenty mei
idh : some whoso faces were familiar to him.
' 1- Occupying a characteristically central posl
- tlon was the famous Colonel Btarbottle c
Virginia. Jaunty and youthful looking In hi
mask-like , beardless face , expressive and die
nlQcd In his middle-aged port and carrlagi
ho alone retained something ot the tmportanc
albeit illghtly theatrical and affected <
the occasion.
Clarence , In hl first hurried glance , had c (
In observed hla wife , and for a moment bad fe
relieved.
Hut as Colonel Starbottle arose at thi
moment , and with a studiously chivalrous an
courtly manner turned to his right , he ea
that she waa sitting at the further end ot tt
balcony , and that a man , whom be recognize
th as Captain Plnckney , wai standing beak
thow her.Tho
t The blood quickly tightened around h
vu : heart , but left htm cold and observant.
0 It was seldom. Indeed , remarked Colon
0W Starbottlo , placing hU tat white flngtra I
the frill ot his shirt front , that a movemei
fu like this was graced with the actual present
ot a lofty , Iniplrlng , yet delicate spirit a
Doadlccn Indeed , he might cay a Joan of
Arc In the person ot their charming hostess ,
Mrs. Drant !
Not only were they favored by her social
and hospitable ministration , but by her active
and enthusiastic co-operation in the glorious
work they hod In hand. It was through her
correspondence and earnest advocacy that
they were to be favored tonight with the aid
and counsel of one of the most distinguished
and powerful men In the touthern district ot
California , Judge Hceswlnger ot Los Angeles.
He had not the honor ot that gentleman's
personal acquaintance ; he believed he was not
far wrong In saying that thla was also the
misfortune of every gentleman present , but
the name Itself was a tower of strength. He
would go further and Bay that Mrs. Urant
herself was personally unacquainted with
him , but that It was through the fervor ,
poetry , grace and genius of her correspond-
cnco with that gentleman that they were to
have the honor of his presence that very
evening. It was understood that advices had
been received of hla departure , and that he
might bo expected at Hoblcs at any moment.
"But whnt proof have we ot Judge Beep-
winger's soundness ? " said a lazy southern
voice at the conclusion of Colonel Starbottle's
periods. "Nobody here seems to know him
by sight ; is it not risky to admit a man to
our meeting whom wo are unable to Identify T"
"I reckon nobody but a fool or some pryIng -
Ing mudsill of a Yankee would trust his skin
here. " returned another , "and If ho did we'd
know what to do with htm. "
But Clarence's attention was riveted on his
wife , and the significant speech passed him as
unheeded as had the colonel's rhetoric. She
was looking very handsome , and slightly
flushed , with a proud light In her eyes that
ha had never seen before.
Absorbed In the discussion , chc seemed to
be paying little attention to Captain Plnck-
noy , as she rose suddenly to her feet.
"Judge Beeswlnger will bo atUiulvl here
by Mr. MacNIel of the Fair Plains hotel , who
will vouch for him and Introduce him , " she
said In a clear voice which rang wi'h nn 1m-
parlousness that Clarence well remembered.
"Tho Judge was to arrive by the coach from
Martinez to Fair Plains , and is due now. "
"But is there no Gentleman to Introduce
him ? Must wo take him on the word of a
common trader by Jove , a whisky seller ! "
continued the previous voice sneerlnuly.
"On the word of a lady , Mr. Brooks , " said
A BURST OF APPLAUSE.
Captain Plnckney , with a slight gerturi
toward Mrs. Brant , "who answers for both. '
Clarence had started slightly at his wife1 ,
voice and the Information It convoyed. Ill
[ allow -\assenger and the confidant ot MacNle
was the man they were expecting. If the ;
liad recognized him ( Clarence ) would they no
warn the company of his proximity ?
He held bis breath as the sound ot voice
came from the outer gate of the court yard
Mrs. Brant rose , but at the same moment th
gate swung open and a man entered. It wa
the Mlssourlan.
He turned with an old-fashioned courtes ;
to the slnglo woman standing on the balcony
"My fair correspondent , I believe ! I an
Judge Beeswlnger. Your agent , MacNell
passed me through your guards at the gate
but I did not deem It advisable to bring hlr
Into this assembly of gentlemen wlthou
your further consideration. I trust I wa
right ! "
The quiet dignity and self-possession , th
quaint , old-fashioned colonial precision c
speech , modified by a soft Virginian Intona
tlon , and , above all , some singular Indl
vlduallty In the man himself , produced
profound sensation and seemed to suddenl
give this gathering an Impresslveness It ha
lacked before.
For an Instant Clarence forgot hlmse !
and his personal wrongs In the shock of Ir
dignatlon ho felt at this potent addltto
to the ranks of his enemies. He saw hi
wife's eyes sparkle with pride over her a (
qulsltlon , and noticed that Plnckney ca :
a disturbed glance at the newcomer.
The stranger ascended the few steps t
the balcony and took Mrs. Brant's lian
vrlth profound courtesy.
"Introduce mo to my colleagues dl :
tlnctly and separately. It behooves a ma
at fluch a moment to know to whom he li
trusts his life and honor , and the life an
honor of his cause. "
It was evidently no mere formal courtes
of the stranger. As ho stepped forwar
along the balcony , and under Mrs. Brant
graceful guidance was Introduced to eac
of the members , bo not only listened wit
scrupulous care nnd attention to the nan
and profession of each man , but bent upc
him a clear , searching glance that seems
to photograph him In his memory , wit
two exceptions.
Ho passed Colonel Starbottle's expandir
shirt frill with a bow ot elaborate precislc
and said : "Colonel Starbottle's fame r
quires neither Introduction nor explanation ,
Ho ntopped before Captain Plnckney ar
paused.
"An officer of the United States army ,
believe ? "
"Yes. "
"nducated at West Point , I think , t
the government , to whom you have takt
the oath of allegiance ? "
"Yes. "
"Very good , sir , " said the stranger , tur ;
Ing away ,
"You have forgotten one other fact , sir
said Plnckney , with a slightly supercllloi
air.
"Indeed , what is it ? "
"I am , IIrot of all , a native ot the state
South Carolina. "
A murmur of applause and approval ri
round the balcony. Captain Plnckney smll
and exchanged glances with Mrs. Brant , b
the stranger quietly returned to the centr
table beside Colonel Starbottle.
"I am not only an unexpected delegate
this august assembly , gentlemen , " he beg ;
gravely , "but I am the bearer of perha
equally unexpected news. By my position
the southern district I am In possession
dispatches received only this morning
pony express. Fort Sumter has been besiege
The United States flag , carrying relief to t
beleaguered garrison , has been fired upon
the state ot South Carolina ! "
A burst ot almost hysteric applause a
enthusiasm broke from the assembly a
made tha dim , vault-like passages and c <
rldors ot the casa ring. Cheer after chc
went up to the veiled gallery and the mis
sky beyond ; men mounted on the tables a
waved their hands frantically , and In t
midst ot this bewildering turbulence ot cou
and motion Clarence saw his wife mounted
a chair , with burning cheeks and llashl
eyes , waving her handkerchief like an I
tplred priestess.
Only the stranger , still standing bcsl
Colonel Starbottle , remained unmoved and I
passive. Then with an imperative gesture
demanded a sudden silence.
"Convincing and unanimous as this demc
itratlon Is , gentlemen , " he began quietly , '
Is my duty , nevertheless , to ask you If y
have seriously considered the meaning of I
news I have brought. It Is my duty to t
you that It means civil war. It means I
clash of arms between two sections of
mighty country , it means the disruption
friends , the breaking of family tloi , the te ]
ration ot fathom and sons , ot brothers a
sisters even perhaps to the dlsieverment
husband and wife ! "
"It means the sovereignty of the soutl
and the breaking of a covenant with low-bi
traders and abolitionists , " said Captain Plni
ney.
ney.It
It there are any gentlemen present , " ci
tlnued the stranger , without heeding the
temipllon , "who have pledged this state to
the support ot the loutli in 'thli ' emergency ,
or tt ) the establishment of A Pacific republic
in aid and sympathy with It , whoso names
are on this paper , " he lifted H sheet ot paper
lying before Colonel Starpbttlc' ' , "but who now
feel that the gravity of tha news demands
a more serious consideration.of the purpose ,
they are at liberty to withdraw from the meet
ing giving their honor , ns southern gentle
men to keep the secret Intact. "
"Not If I knew It , " Interrupted a stalwart
Kentucklan as he rose to his feet and strode
down the steps to the patlo. , "For , " he added ,
placing his back against ( ho gateway , "I'll
shoot the first coward that backs out now. "
A roar of laughter and npprsval followed ,
but was silenced again py the quiet , unlm-
passloned voice of the strangpr.
"If on the other hand , " he went on
calmly , "you all feel that this news Is the
fitting culmination nnd consecration ot tbo
hopes , wishes , and plans ot this meeting , you
will assert tt again , on your own signatures ,
to Colonel Starbottlo at this table. "
When the Kentucklan had arisen Clarence
had started from his concealment. When ho
now saw the eager figures pressing forward
to the table ho hesitated 'no longer.
Slipping along the passage he reached the
staircase which led to the corridor In the
rear of the balcony. Descending this rap
Idly he not only came upon the backs of
the excited crowd around the table , but
oven elbowed one of the conspirators aside
without being noticed.
His wife , who had risen from her chair at
the end of the balcony , was already moving
towards the table. With a quick move
ment he seized her wrist and threw her back
Into the chair again.
A cry broke from her lips as she recog
nized him , but , still holding her wrist , ho
stepped quickly between her and the aston
ished crowd.
There was a moment of silence , then the
cry of "Spy ! " and "Seize him ! " rose quickly ,
but above all the voice of the Mlssourlan was
heard commanding them to stand back.
Turning to Clarence , he said quickly :
"I should know your face , sir. Who are
you ? "
"The husband of this woman , and the
master of this house , " said Clarence , as-
quickly , but In a volco he hardly recognized
as his own.
"Stand aside from her , then , unless you
are hoping that her danger may protect you , "
said the Kentucklan , significantly drawing
his revolver.
But Mrs. Brant sprang suddenly to
her feet beside Clarence. "We are
neither of us cowards , Mr. Brooks , though
he speaks the truth and , more shame to me , "
she added , with a look of savage scorn at
Clarence "Is my husband. "
"But what la your purpose In coming here ? "
continued Judge Beeswlnger , with his oyw
fixed on Clareno ? .
"I have given you all the information , " said
Clarence , quietly , "that Is necessary to make
you , as a gentleman , leave this house at once
and that Is my purpose. It Is all the In
formation you will get from mo as long as
you and your friends Insult my wife with
your uninvited presence. What I may have
to say to you , and each of you hereafter
what I may choose to demand ot you , accordIng -
Ing to your own code of honor" ho fixed his
eyes on Captain Plnckney's "is another ques
tion and one not usually discussed before a
lady. "
"Pardon me. A moment a single mo
ment. "
It was the voice of Colonel Starbottle ; It
was the frilled shirt front , the lightly bufonoJ
blue coat with its expanding lapels , like burstIng -
Ing petals , and the smiling mask of that gen
tleman rising above the table and bowing
to Clarence Brant and his wife with Infinite
courtesy. i
"The er humiliating situation In which we
find ourselves , gentlemen the reluctant wlt-
nesMjlpf er what we trustis only a tern-
porarjS lsagr < ; ement between our charming
hostesrand the er gentleman whom she has
recognized under the highest title to our con
sideration Is distressing itoi us all , and would
seem to amply Justify that gentleman's claims
to a personal satisfaction , 'which I know we
would all delight to give-.1 But that situation
rests upon the supposition that our gathering
here was of a purely social or festive nature !
"It may be. " continued fhe-colonel , with a
blandly reflective air , "that the spectacle ol
these decanters and glasses , a'nd the nectai
furnished us by our HelMko hostess"lit
lifted a glass of whisky and water to his lips
while he bowed to Mrs. Brant gracefully
"has led the gentleman to such a deduction
But when I suggest to him that our meetlnj
was of a business or private nature. It strike :
me that the question of Intrusion may bi
fairly divided between him and ourselves
We may be even Justified In view of tha
privacy In asking him It his or entrance o
this house was er coincident with his op
pearance among us. "
"With my front door in possession estrangers
strangers ? " said Clarence , more In reply ti
a sudden , contemptuous glance from his wlfi
than Starbottle's Insinuation. "I entered tin
house through the window "
"Of my boudoir , where another Intrude :
once broke his neck , " Interrupted his wife
with a mocking laugh.
"Where I once helped this lady to regali
possession of her house when It was held b ;
another party of Illegal trespassers , who
however , were content to call themselve
'jumpers' and did not claim the privacy o
gentlemen. "
"Do you mean to Imply , sir , " began Colone
Starbottle , haughtily , "that "
"I mean to Imply , " said Clarence with qule
scorn , "that I have neither the wish to knov
nor the slightest concern In any purpose tha
brought you here , and tlia ( when you quit th
house you take your secrets and your prlvac ;
with you intact , without let or hindrance fron
me. "
"Do you mean to say , Mr. Brant , " sail
Judge Beeswlnger , suppressing the angry In
terruptlon of his fellows with a domlnan
wave ot his hand as ho fixed his eyes o
Clarence keenly , "that you have no sympath
with your wife's political sentiments ? "
"I have already given you the Informatlo
necessary to make you quit , this house , an
that Is all you have a right to know , " re
turned Clarence with folded arms.
"But I can answer for him. " said Mr ;
Brant , rising with a quivering voice and curl
Ing lip. "There Is no sympathy between u :
We are as far apart as the poles. Wo hav
nothing In common but the house , and hi
name. "
"But you are husband and wife bound tc
gethcr by a sacred compact ! "
"A compact ! " echoed Mrs. Brant with a bll
tcr laugh. "Yes ! the compact that bind
S-iulh Carolina to Massachusetts ! The con
pact that links together white and blacl
the gentleman and the trader the planter an
the poor white the compact of those Unite
States Bah ! that has been broken , and t
can this ! "
Clarence's face paled. But before he coul
speak , there was a rapid clattering at tl
gate and a dismounted vaquero entered c ;
cltedly. Turning toMrs , Brant , he said hu :
rledly :
"The casa la surrounded by a rabble i
mounted men , and there U one among thei
cen now who demands admittance In tl
name of the law. "
"This Is your work , " sald Brooks , facln
Clarence furiously ; "you have brought thei
with you , but. by God , -they shall not aa\
you ! " Ho would have clutohpd Clarence , bi
the powerful arm of Judge , Beeswlnger Inte
vened. Nevertheless hu still struggled i
reach Clarence , appealing to the others ; "Ai
id you fools to stand there and let him trlumpl
idr Don't you see the cowardly Yankee trick he
r- played upon us ? "
rer "Ho has not , " said Mrs. Brant , haughtll
ty "I have no reason to love him or his friend
id but I know ho docs not lie ! "
ie "Gentlemen ! Gentlemen ! " Implored Colon
id Starbottle , with unctuous persuasion , "may
an er remark that all this Is far from jl
IE question. Are we to be alarmed because t
n- av.-kward rabble , DO matter whence thi
nde come , demand entrance hero In the name
den the law ? I am not aware ot any law In tl
n- state of California that we are Infrlngln
nhe
hen By all means admit them. "
The gate was thrown open. A Blngl
n- thickset man , apparently unarmed , ni
n'It dressed like an ordinary traveler , followed 1
an halt a dozen other equally unpretentlo
he looking men , entered. The leader turned
Ell the balcony.
he "I am the chief of police of San Franclsc
hea
heot I have warrants for the arrest of Color
ot Culpepper , Starbottle , Joshua Brooks , Ca
la tain Plnckney , Clarence Brant and Alice , I
land wife , and others charged with exciting
ot riot and unlawful practice calculated to dl
turb the peace ot the state of California a
its relations with the federal government
said the leader In a dry , ofllclal voice.
Clarence started. In spite of Its mono !
nous utterance It was the voice of the re
bearded controrerslatlst ot thn stage coac
But where were hla characteristic beard a
hair ? Involuntarily Clarence ctanced at Judge
Becswlngtrj that gentleman was quietly re
garding the stranger with an Impassive face
that betrayed no recognition whatever.
"But the city of San Francisco has no juris
diction here , " said Colonel Stnrbottlc , turnIng -
Ing n bland smile toward his fellow members ,
"I am sorry to Inform you that you are
simply trespassing , sir. "
'I am here also as deputy sheriff , " returned
the stranger , coolly. "We were unable to
locate the precise pa"e ! of the meeting , al
though we knew ot Its existence , I wns
sworn In this morning at Santa Cruz by the
judge of this district , and these gentlemen
with me are my" posse. "
There was a quick movement of resistance -
anco by the members , which was , however ,
again waved blandly aside by Colonel Star-
bottle. Leaning forward In a slightly foren
sic attitude with his fingers on the table , and
a shirt frill that seemed to have become of
Itself erectile , ho said with pained but polite
precision :
"I grieve to have to state , s'r , that even that
position Is utterly untenable here , I am a
lawyer myself as my friend here Judge
Beeswlnger eh ? I beg your pardon "
The officer of the law had momentarily
started , with his eyes fixed on Judge Bccs-
wlngor , who , however , seemoil to be quietly
writing at the table.
" " contlnusd Colonel
"As Judge Beeswlnger ,
Starbottle , "will probably tell you and , as a
jurist himself , ho will also probably agree
with me when I also inform you that as
the United States government Is an aggrieved
party , It Is a matter for the federal courts
to prosecute , and that the only officer we can
recognize Is thp United States maishnl for
the d'strlct. When I add that the marshal.
Colonel Crackenthorpe , Is one of my oldest
friends , and an active sympathizer with the
south In the present struggle , you will under
stand that any action from him In this matter -
tor Is exceedingly Improbable. "
The general murmur ot laughter , relief
nnd approval was broken by the quiet voice of
Judge Beeswlnger.
"Let me see your warrant , Mr. Deputy
SherllJ. "
The o Ulcer approached him with a slightly
perplexed and constrained air and exhibited
the paper.
Judge Beeswlngcr handed It back to him.
"Colonel Starbottlo Is qulto right In his
contention , " he said quietly , "the only officer
that this assembly can recognize Is the United
States marshal or his legal deputy. But
Colonel Starbottlo Is wrong In his supposi
tion that Colonel Crackenthorpe still retains
the functions of that ofllce. He was re
moved by the president of the United States ,
anJ his successor was appointed and tworn
In by the federal Judge early this morning. "
He paused , and , folding up the paper upon
which he had been writing , placed It In the
hands of the deputy. "And this , " he con
tinued , In the same even voice , "constitutes
you his deputy and will enable you to carry
out your duty In coming here. "
"What the devil docs this mean , sir ? Who
are you ? " gasped Colonel Starbottle , recoiling
suddenly irom the man at his side.
"I am the new United States marshal for
the southern district of California. "
( To bo Continued. )
IlWll TIDK AT nKTTl'SHVIia.
Published by Request.
A cloud possessed the hollow field.
The gathering battle's smoky shield :
Athwart the gloom the lightning Hashed ,
And through the cloud some horsemen
darned.
And from the heights the thunder pealed.
Then , at the brief command of Lee ,
Move < l out that matchless Infantry ,
With I'lckett lending grandly down.
To rush against the roaring crown
Of those dread heights of destiny.
Far heard above the angry Rims ,
A cry across the tumult runs ;
The voice that mug through Shlloh'i
woods.
And Chlckamauga's solitudes ,
The fierce south cheering on her sons.
Ah , how the withering tempest blew
Against the front of 1'ettlsrul
A khamsin wind that scorched and singed ,
Like that Infernal flame that fringed
The British squares nt Waterloo !
"Once more In Glory's van with me ! "
Virginia cries to Tennessee ;
"Wo two together , come what may.
Shall stand upon those worka today.
The reddest day In history ! "
Hut who shall break the guards that wall
liefore the awful face ot fate ?
The tnttered standards of the south
Were shriveled at the cannon's mouth ,
And nil her hopes were desolate.
In vnln the Tenncsseenn set
Ills breast against the bayonet ;
In vnln Virginia charged and raged ,
A tlfrress In her wrath uncaged ,
Till all the hill was red and wet !
Above the bayonets mixed and crossed ,
Hen saw a gray , gigantic Khost
necedlng through the battle-cloud.
And hennl across the tempest loud
The death-cry of a nation lost !
The brave went down ! Without disgrace
They leaped to Ruin's red embrace ;
They only heard Fame's thunder wake ,
And saw the dazzling sunburst break
In smiles on Glory's bloody face !
WILL H , THOMPSON.
Kl > OVA TJOXA I. .
The enrollment of the University of Chicago
cage Is now 1,100 , and It Is expected tha
it will reach 1.600 before the close of th
present year. This will be twice as man
as were enrolled last year.
Andover Theological seminary Is seekln
for a successor to the late Dr. Pease a
professor of Honilletlcs , and the place ha
bsen Informally offered to Hev. Dr. Charle
Cuthbert Hall , pastor of the First Presbj
terlan church of Brooklyn.
Work on the great Methodist unlvers.lt
at Washington will begin next spring. .
donation of 1250,000 has been made recent !
with which to construct the first building.
Dr. J. J. Hoblnson. LL.D. , who has reslgne
from the Yale law school , with which he ha
been connected for twenty years , will becom
dean of a now school of philosophy ot th
Catholic University of America at Washing
ton. His resignation takes effect January
and It Is expected that he will go to Was !
ington soon afterward. The new deparl
mcnt of the university will not be opened t
students until next fall , when the McMaho
hall has been completed.
The Board of Education of Passalc , N. J
recently made the teaching of cooking a regi
lar part of the curriculum for the upp <
grades in the female schools. List wee
twenty or thirty girls In one of the schoo
made a salad. They then Inadvertently al
It , and every blested one of them w !
promptly taken sick. Hereafter they wl
probably give the manufactured product i
the poor.
The first colored woman to receive tl
decree of M. A. In the United States w :
Miss Mary Patterson , who was graduate
from Oberlln college In 18C2. In speaking i
her. The Woman's Era of Boston says : "Tl
schools of the district have sustained an I
reparable loss In the death of Miss Patte
son , who for twenty-five years rendered vali
able service as a teacher. When Oberlln colic ,
opened its doors to women she was cou
ageous , Indeed , who dared to bravo publ
opinion by taking what was commonly call
the gentleman's course , on the principle th
It belonged exclusively to the lords ot ere
tlon , and no women need apply. Only youi
women ot the loftiest ambition and the kee
est thirst for knowledge presented themselv
as candidates for the degree of A. B , Ml
Patterson was among the first to prove
the world that Greek and the higher math
matlcs could bo mastered not only by youi
women of the favored race , but by the
sisters ot the oppressed race as well. Not
Ing better reveals < he fine spirit , the rcsolu
will and the strong Intellectuality of Ml
Patterson than her decision to take and coi
plete the classical course at that period. "
"Equal pay for service' Is the slogi
of the women teachers in t
Philadelphia schools. Although the Boa
cf Education allows $950 a year to me
graduates of the school of pedagogy In t
Central High school , appointed to teach t
eleventh and twelfth grades , a young worn
graduated from the Normal School a
School ot Practice Is paid only $520 for h
first year , and after flvo years gets but { C
( n the eleventh grade and 1820 In the twell
grade. After five years ot teaching , thei
fore , the salary of a. woman teacher in t
twelfth grade is $130 leas th
what a man teacher would be pi
fresh from the High school ,
strong effort is being .made for the increi
of the salaries of women principals , and eqi
energy Is to be directed in the way ot del
Justice to the assistants , mr.ny of whom i
of marked efficiency , and lack nothing si
opportunity to permit them to act u or
clpals and draw pay as such.
TRIED AN EASTERN DRUG
Effects of Hasheesh Upon a Young
Man About Town ,
NOW HE KNOWS WHEN HE HAS HAD ENOUGH
Ho Tnkoi It In the Itooiu of n Mctllcnl
Student ) Sees About Kverytlilnf ; on
i : rth nnil Thru Itolls Homo
In a C'nb.
"Did you ever experience the effects of
hasheesh ? " mUeil n certain you UK man
about town of a nee reporter one evening
during the past week. On receiving a nega
tive reply , he said : "Well , you have lost
half your life. It Is the greatest thing I ever
run up against , and the sensations of the
opium smoker Is not In It with this peculiar
drug. I have tried bolli , and know .whereof I
speak. Come over to this corner nnd I'll tell
you all about It , but you must not give me
away. "
A comfortable settee was found In a dark
ened corner of the 1'axton corridor , and after
a short pause the young man about town be
gan by saying : "I have a young medical
student for a friend , who Is about as harum-
scarum sort of a fellow as you would meet In
a day's Journey. Ho has recently been visit
ing In the east , and stopped nt several of the
larger. cities. His reported escapades have
filled our clique with envy , but when ho told
us about trying the hasheesh we could stand
It no longer , and prevailed upon him to send
and get some of the drug so that we all could
have a test of this new form of dissipation.
Finally he did so , and a few evenings ago the
stuff came. All the fellows belonging to our
crowd were notified , and It was arranged to
test the sensations In the medical student's
rooms the next evening. At n given hour we
assembled hero and went with the young
sawbones to his rooms , not many blocks
away.
"There wo found everything nlqcly ar
ranged. potted plants here and there , a soft
light diffusing mellow shadows over a table
on which an excellent supper had been spread ,
with just enough plates for our party. Aa
soon as wo were seated the student brought
In a box containing several small packages
which he opened , and disclosed a greenish
compound , which he explained was the de
sired hasheesh. It was In two forms , the
powdered and the oleaginous. The powdered
drug was for smoking , and the other to be
eaten with the supper. It was skillfully concealed -
coaled In the sweets and Jellies which we had
to eat. The medical student gave us a sorl
of preliminary lecture on the manufacture ol
the drug , and told us of Its effects. Most ol
It comes from Cairo and Port Said. Wo Be
came Impatient to begin the drugged feast
and some Impertinent questions shut off the
lecture. The first thing wo were served will
was strong coffee , which our friend explained
would assist In rapidly developing the effect !
of the hasheesh. If the drug Is token upor
an empty stomach , It requires several houn
to attain Its full sway on the system.
TRIED THE DHUG.
"After drinking the coffee we were eacl
served with a teoEpoonful of the oily com
pound. These doses were flavored with some
thing that tasted pleasant , and as I was de
slraus of taking a full dose I asked fcr aiuthe
spoonful , which was given .me. We proceeded
ceedod to enjoy a good supper , and when tin
demlstasses of coffee disappeared and we hai
lighted our cigarettes I was beginning I
think that our medical friend had played ;
Joke on us or else had tried to hoax us
Whllo we were talking I soon began expert
cnclng a sense of delightful warmth , and th
blood seemed to surge back and forth In in
veins with Indescribable emotions. Our con
vcrsatlon had been lively , each mem
ber Joking his side partner , nn
many good stories were told. While llstenln
to one of the stories I found that my alien
tlon was beginning to wander and the vole
of the speaker seemed to be receding fror
mo , until It soon sounded like it was In an
other room. I became drowsy and every
thing appeared to be ridiculously funny. On
of the party dropped a goblet and every on
laughed Immoderately. I remembered a Jolt
which I had heard years ago and bega
laughing until It secmedi as If I would neve
slop. I turned around to look at the other
of the party , and found that my neares
neighbor resembled a cookoo , not of th
Cleveland variety , but the genuine artlcl
with feathers. The man next to him slow !
took on the appearance of a huge torn ca
hla mustache lengthening out Into felln
whiskers and his eyes assuming a beautlfi
yellow. I told my neighbor that he looke
likn a bird , and he called me. a monke ;
claiming that I was a near relation to tli
chimpanzee family. Wo both laughed , an
one of the boys threw his cane across tl
room. I picked It up and became filled wit
. a will ) desire to ride up to the moon on tl
stick. I reclined In my chair and soon fe
myself soaring to unlimited heights. I ai
cended slowly over the city , looked dow
from my point of vantage and could si
clouds of smoke pouring forth from tl
smelters and large buildings , and felt a sort i
relief from all worldly cares. The stlc
vanished as If by magic , and I thought I wi
In a balloon. I was traveling faster tha
the wind and thought I was about to enti
some celestial kingdom heretofore unknon
to mortals. How long I continued In th
state I do not know , but about 10 o'clock
came back to earth and drowsily opened n
eyes and passed my hands over my feveri
brow , thinking that the drug had worn 1
self out , forgetting what the medical studei
had told us about Its Intermittent effects.
GOT IN ITS WORK AGAIN.
"I concluded that I would go home , but
had no more than gained the foot of tl
stairs until the hasheesh got In Its woi
again , and I didn't know whether I wi
afoot or on horseback. My feet seemed
weigh a ton and It required my who
strength to lift them from the sldewal
Finally I anchored against a convenient lam
post , and hanging on to It let the chill nig
air cool my heated head. Then as Soi
as this attack paised away I became Dili
with the Idea that I was as light as
o
feather and the least little breeze seem' '
as If It was going to blow me off the facci
Mio earth. I wanted to fly , and Itseenv
an If my arms bad been transformed In
wings. I tried to walk , but saw a pollcenn
watching me , and knowing that I was a la
gcrlng a good deal I concluded to stop for
while within the friendly shade of a bull
Ing. I gazed up at the stars , and th
seemed to come so near that I wanted
pluck one from Its firmament and fasten
Into my coat lapel. I became sick , b
as soon as the nausea passed off I felt as
I was growing big and strong enough to 1
a six-story building. I wanted to test r
strength , and started In to upset a fi
squatty four-story structures , but before
could accomplish my desires I began growl
small , and for a time thought I was
larger than a mouse and was afraid tli
some dog or cat would pounce upon me a
devour me. Then I eat down on the cti
and began weeping over my sad fate. Wh
I came to myself a hackman , whom I kne
was standing over me trying to bring me
and get me to go home. I heard him nil
tcr , 'you d d fool , you won too much
the election and have not been sober for
week. ' I told him to take me home and
shoved me Into his cab. The noise of t
wheels seemed as If hundreds of fret :
trains were ruining along the pavcxl stree
Then I became uncomfortably warm a
in thought that I was In p. house that was
te fire. I began burning and was wonderl
ted how I was going to get out allvo when I
n , hack stopped at my residence and the hat
10 man helped mo to my room. I fell on 1
10 bed In a etupor , from which I did not BWI
in until about 10 o'clock the next day. I 1
id pretty tough , I can tell you , but I wa t
or rlbly hungry , and until I had ( towed aw
ro a huge steak I did not begin to realize tl
th I was an inhabitant of this mundane spin
the In the afternoon I met the medical studi
tie and wo compared notei. Strange to say
in experienced nearly the same lensntlona , 1
Id he did not liuvo the tame distressful a !
IdA effects that I did , for ho did not take
milch of the stuff. Out I want to tell :
se
sea | that I don't go against any more such ft
Illinois. I know when I have had cnoi
a * of a good thing , and my advice to you
re to let tills Htuff severely alone. It may
va Ml right for the heathen to eet a Jag on wl
but it don't do fofr native born Araerl
citizens. "
77
DR. HUMPHREYS'
-ron-
COLDS
Dr. A. Conan 1)0)IP , the creator ot Bherlock
Holme * nt the Ixjtos Club dinner , until : "That
on the tlrnt day of my arrival I Inquired fur the
lilfthe t bulltllng , I ancrmletl It In nn elevator
nt lent they iw ure < l ma II wn < im rlevnlor. t
thought nt tint I had wnntlerrd Inlo the dyna
mite Kim. "
The contrast betncen nn KXPlUISfl elevntor
In New York Cltj'n lilih ; Inillillnirti , mul nn Knit-
llh 1,1 PT , la no Kirnter Ihnn the comtrnat l > e-
twcen Iho oM-fnsliloned iimllcliiei and Dr.
Humphrey' * "TTi" 8PiCIPlC for CQI.US ,
ouit'i'i : , iNrunN7.A , OATATIHH , TAINS ,
nml Horcne-ui In the Ileml nnd Client , U > niRh ,
Here Tliront , tlenernl rn lrnllon nnJ 1'evw.
Hut why enumerate the kinds of roMn Hint "T7"
renchesj " 77" IS A 8PKC1K1C" from the nr t
chill or Rliudilor to the wont klnil of obstlnato
coKli "Hint linnu on "
With a \ IA ! of these plenfinnt pcllelfl In your
pocket you neeil not fenr Iho coM , il.imp wenllier ,
or juddon chniiRes In t'.io teniiwrnturo ( nuoli nn
v > a arc now li.i\lnKi ) A few ilcttoa of " 77" will
check llie > first Bjinploms of I'over or Cold , nncl
Its contlnuetl u o will complete the cure.
BE SURE TO GET
H-U-M-l-H-R-E-Y-S--
A Binnll botllo of plon.iant pclleU Ills yntir
vent inirket. Hold by ilrUKKlitu , or sent on rr-
eelpt of price. Sioj 6 for tl , lll'MPIIUKYH *
MKUH'tNi : CO. , rorncrVllllum & John alrects ,
New YoiU.
9
CHICAGO , ILLINOIS.
Ay J'/-JA" ,
266 to 274 S. Glark S ? , ,
A' . 13. ' 7. . ( VGI 1//iS * . Miiff'r.
Klcctrlc Llfilit nnd Steam lloat In
every room two imssiMiRcr vIurutorH.
This hotel has just been thor
oughly renovated and re-furn
ished.
It is now In much better condition
than ever before.
Since Its opening , 1888 , It lias been
the favorite Mopping place for ont-of-
town merchants. Its location Is more
convenient to the wholesale business
districts than any hotel In the city. *
It is a thoroughly fire-proof
building , modern In every respect.
Hates for rooms , $1.00 per day and
upward. First-class restaurant In con
nection , at popular prices.
The Mercer Hotel
Cor. 12th and Howard Strootn , Mi
Under now iimmiccmoiit. will furnUli 11KT-
TKIt MEALS nml 1IKTTK1C"UOOMS ( all stoiim
liuiiivil nnd electric llk'liUMli tluin any hotel In
Oiimlm for tliR rat of S2.0O per tiny. Rooms
\vllli U.UIil..r.OuMclW.OJ.
Trv the Murcor next tlmo you visit the city.
Tiiko the Iliirnoy street cir : lit Union 1 Input
to 1'Jlli street , from Webitor street Depot
tnko car to Howard slreut.
Jt. HILIMWAY , STanager.
Efl 7HIO CUT
D OUT
and send It tocBwIlhyournamotmd
' rc9 > auilwonlllciuUyoutlili acli !
express for examination. A
sent with It. You cxnmlno It
i-.HllfJon think It n bargain
piyour eainplo prlco 81.8/i
and It Is yours. UlsUieuaml-
somrst u-.J best timekeeper
,111 , the wcrld fcr the money
ami bctlorlban manynatcbci
sold for four times thoprlco.
. ,
UL 1.11UI U 1 * iUlVtU1U l' * VX >
ctmlnandrhnrm.ahOGurblg
calnloguo full of Ixirnntna.
'U'rltoto-dny.tUlsorrcrwIU
ootcppear again. Address ,
EASTLAKE MFG. CO. ,
Cor. Adams and Clato Sts. .
CHICAGO , ILL.
k
.8 0 A NEW LINK CUFF
iec.
c.
> -
itd
a
id
idf
) f
id
.0
.0n
.
V.
V.a
1-
1y
> y
to
It
Jt
it
ft
ly
lyw
i
Tills extraordinary Rcjiivenalor Is the most
IB wonderful discovery of tlio BKC. It has been
10 endorsed by tholeadlnRKcleiUlllomonofKuiopo
at end America. - -
id Hudyan is
rb purely Togo-
in table.
inw
w , Iluilyan etopi
tot Prematureness
t-
tjn nfthodUclmrge
jn
jna | in 20 days.
lie Cures
lie BIKOBS I O SI * AKIEtt
lit
Is.
Is.nd Constipation , DIzzlnus. Falling Benutioni ,
on Nervoua Twilcliiiiu of the ryes and other ports.
Btrengtboni , Invigorates and tones tl.a en tli o
ng
BTitcm. Hod you curea Debility , Ncrvousncii ,
ho mlulon > , ami covelopci mid restores weak
khe orgaui. raiua In the back , louts by day or
he nlKut are Hopped quickly. Over 2,000 pnvato
ke endorsements.
elt 1'rematurenen means Impotency in the Drat
ctage. It it a ymptouiof emluaUTe kne i nd
sr-
sray barrenneia. 11 can be mopped In 20 dsjra by the
ay UseofIludTft.il. (
iat The new discovery wutoado by thoBrtcIel-
re. litioftheold famouslludian Ucdloal Juntl-
re.mt lute. Itli thoitroDKCct vlUUier tn&de. Ills
we
mt
ler you buy ell boxca and are not entirely cured ,
BO alx tnoro will bo tent to you free of all charges.
OU Bend for circulars aud teitiraonlaU. AddreM
Ol- '
OlSh Is HUDSON MEDICAL INSTITUTE ,
ba 1032 MABKET ST. ,
th ,
: an SAN FRANCISCO , CALIFORNIA.