Ginn o BY VICKIE SPENCER. The friends of the past—oh, where are they now? Do they think I neglect and forget? Do they deem I wear the seal on my brow Of a happiness never to set? Well would it be, could the mask be so worn As to hide trom the curious eye The sad disappointments we have borne, While the swift, circling years went by. But base is the heart that for ought can forego The charm of a friendship that’s true, In all the false glitter that wealth can bestow, But an empty bauble 1 view. No, I do not forget, in pleasure or pain, The old scenes a charm for me hold; And all I have known I would fain greet again With the hearty welcome of old. Then deem me not cold, if perchance I delay In expressing the warmth I feel; The pen is inadequate to portray All that the tongue would reveal. Of-the purposes high, of the lofty aims, Of all that in years gone we prized, Of the hopes that shone with such dazzling gleams, How much have we realized? Not all that we could have wished siacerely, Not power, or wealth, or fame, Not one of the hopes we loved so dearly, No title or sounding name. But better a life ‘mid the meek and lowly, Whom the Saviour deigned to bless, Whose footsteps through faith we follow slowly, Our guide, His righteousness. 4 : 420) — Wouldn’t marry until her sister is: married, wes” 80 much older, do wen her ap old maid see, - —_ kinder It isn’t just fair, Mr. Masters. seilsk, alee hiecubeain at ihe : “Elien is very poptlat with the gentlemen, and will soon be married,’’ said the other. ° “That's just What I have said to myself, and then [shall begin to pick up & marriage portion for Maude.” , ° “I trust that is the only objection, Mr. Henderson,” said the young man. ' : “Why, yes, you are a promising and respectabie young man, and come of a good family,”’ said the farmer; ‘‘but I can’t let Maude go until I have got together a respect- able marriage portion to give with her hand.”’ “Perhaps you will think more favorably about it," said the lover. “Wil speak with you again.’? ‘All right, Mr. Masters.’ : ; Harry and Maud were very fond of each other, and now talked over the matter very seriously. Maud could not blame her father, and did not herself like the idea of going to Harry without a proper portion to contribute toward their joint partnership in domestic life. “Never mind, Harry,’’ said the handsome young girl; “Elien will soon be married. I have pretty good reason for knowing.” “Ah, but then your father says he wants time to pick up &@ marriage portion for you, and that will take three or four years perliaps.’? “That is a good while, is it not, Harry? said Maud, just blushing a little for fear it sounded forward and bold. “Its ages!’ said the young fellow. ‘Th of waiting three years—whiy, we sliall be old folks by that time!"’ “Not quite so bud as that,” said Maud. “lm sure my hair will be gray by that time.” “Fudge, Harry. Now you are joking.” “T was never more in earnest in my life,’ said he, as he stole a kiss from her pretty lips, and ran away so as not to hear her chide him for his boldness. _—_- “Maud,” said her father, coming into the house from thebarn, “I wish you would ride the sorrel mare into Easton, and get this hundred dollar bill changed at the bank. The workmen have got through with the shingling of the barn and I want to pay them off to-night." “Very well, fathef. Let John put the side-saddle on, and I will be ready in five minutes.” The sorrel mare was brought up to the door and Maud Was soon on her way at an easy hand gallop toward Easton. She had an excellent seat, and was a good horsewoman. As she knew this very well, she would not have objected to have Harry see her just now; but he had gone a few moments before in an opposite direction. When Maud got into Easton she rode directly to the bank, but was unfortunate enough to find that it was already closed. Aftera few moments thought she con- | cluded to try to get the note changed at the grocer’s, or at some of the other stores, and went immediately to do so. Fate seemed against her, for no one had small bills enough to accommodate Miss Henderson. At one of the stores where she stopped, a very gentle- manly-looking person took out his pecket-book and said he thought he could change it for her, and she handed him the bill; but he returned it saying, after all, he had not so much smailmoney. He seemed to regret this, however, and even followed Maud to the door and assisted her to remount her horse. ; She was forced to give up her errand, as she did not like to run about among strangers asking them to change her a bill, especially ‘as no one seemed abie to do so. She therefore turned her horse’s head once more toward home. ‘Searcely had she passed the outskirts of the town when she was overtaken by the stranger who had spoken with her ir the last store, and who at first thought he could change her bill. He was mounted upon a fine-looking ae horse, and saluted her respectfully as he came along side. “Did you get your bill changed?’ he asked. “No. Smail bills seemed scarce,” she replied. “Do you live near here ?” ‘sAbout five miles off.” “Quite a ride.” “Oh, we don’t mind five miles in the country.” “You are an excellent rider.’ “T have ridden since I was six years old,’ she said, ‘but my sister Ellen is a better rider than I am.”? ‘You are generous to admit it,’’ said the strarger. “Why, it’s only the truth,’ she answered frankly. After they had passed over about two miles, they came to a very lonely piece of road, quite removed from any dwelling houses. Still, as the stranger appeared so well, and had addressec her so politely, she had not the least suspicion of any evil intention on his part. Presently he said suddenly: *¥ will thank you for that bill.’ ‘What?! said she, half smiling. ‘Please to give me that bill.*? ‘*What do you mean?” asked Maude. ‘‘Just what I say,’’ he replied suddenly. *t shall do no such thing,” she answered firmly. “am sorry to draw a pistol upon a lady,” he continu- ed, suiting the action to the word, ‘but [ must have that hundred dollar bill at once,” “Do you mean to rob me?” “J must have the money.’ It was still with difficulty that she could realize that the man was in earnest, but when he now cocked his pistol and held it toward her with one hand while he extended the other for the bill, she was forced to yield to the neces- sity of the situation. She was a brave-hearted girl, and even now did not turn pale nor tremble in the least. but a that she could not help herself, and so made the best of it. aes me Rens the bill to him, win ew it into the road and carried it gently several yards from them. The stranger alighted fo. as it, and quick as thought, Maude struck her horse a smart blow in order to get out of the robber’s power. Phe sorrel mare Was a spirited little creature, and sprang into a smart gait at once, while the stranger’s horse which had been left standing beside her, also started off at full speed in her company! Bang! went the robber’s pistol after them, having only the effect to increase the speed of the flying horses, both of whom were now on the dead run. Mande did not care & sudden puff of how fast she rode, the sorrel was as easy as a cradle at that speed, and ten minutes she dashed into her father’s yard followed by the riderless herse. Her story was soon told, and her father was with diffi- culty prevented from starting after the robber with, his pistols and rifle, but he knew that the scoundrel would naturally take at once to the woods, where he could not follow or find him. “Well, we’ve got his horse at any rate,’ said the farmer, ‘and he is wortl more than a hundred dollars.’’ ‘Say, master,’ said the manJohn, who had been taking off the saddie-bags from the strange horse. “What is it, John?” - “These bags is full of something.”’ “J should think so,’’ said the farmer, a3 he unstrapped the leather bags. They were found to contain some counterfeit plates, a quantity of counterfeit money, in various bills, and also a littie over fifteen hundred dollars in good money! “Huzzal” cried the farmer. “What is it, father?’ said Maude. “Why your trip to Baston has proved a profitable one atallevents. Here’sover fifteen hundred doilars, good inoney."’ “Ah, but it will be claimed by the owner.’' “Do you think a counterfeiter will dare to come for the tools that would convict him?—to say nothing of highway robbery.’ “1 didn’t think of that.” That evening farmer Henderson sent John over to young Master's with a message to cali round and see him, to which Harry responded instantly. large, old-fashioned sitting-room, ‘‘you remember what you asked of me this afternoon?”’ “Yes, sir.’? “Well, I give my consent. Maud has just furnished her own marriage portion. Take her, my boy, and be happy!” _A CUBAN ADVENTURE. BY CHARLES DALY DOUGLAS. Twenty-five years ago I was in command and part own- er of one of the neatest, swiltest, and prettiest barks that ever sailed out of Baltimore. I had a crew of a dozen stout fellows, who were well paid, well treated, liked the work, and therefore were strongly attached to me, and always willing and ready to do anything to advance the interests of myself or of the owners. This vessel was usuaily employed in trading between Cuba and Baltimore. The company that owned her were very watchful of the eee Lee on the earliest indication of a scarcity in any article of West Indian growth, off went the Star for the low latitudes, and was generally back with a full cargo before the other merchants had realized that there was any change in the market. In the month of October of that year we were lying at anchor close in shore in one of those lovely inlets that in- duct the southern coast of the island. We had been here some days, and it seemed very likely we were to remain a week longer. I had entered into contract with old Don Gomez Salezar, whose plantation lay about a league from the coast, for five hundred hogsheads of sugar—such sugar as I very well knew could not then be bougit in the Bal- timore market. [had arrived on time, and was expecting toship the freightat once and up anchor again; buta message from the Don apprigzed me that there had been an unavoidable delay in packing the sugar, and that it would not be ready for some days yet. In the meantime he in- vilted me to come up to his plantation and make myself at home. . I was much annoyed by this Intelligence, as every da lost would be an additional risk on ‘the venture, but con- clu ‘that it would be the better plan to accept the in- Vitation, and try te hurry up the Don with his shipment. I went ashore, attended only by my own servant, leaving the vessel in charge of the mate. The distance tothe plantation was, as I have said; fulia league; the weather was hot, andl was not at all inclined to walk. So, dis- posing myself comfortably, fora nap inside an orange- hedge a litue way back from the shore, I dispatched my servant in quest of horses, and dozed off into a pleasant sinteeed. l was awakened by the sound ef voices very near me, and was unable to tell at first where they pro- ceeded from. Presently I perceived that the persona talking wére on the other side of the hedge, and I should have immediately discovered myself to them had not the name of Don Goniez Salezar dropped from one of them. Hearing that, I Kept quiet aud ed cautiously through the hedge. I saw a bold. ing young Caban, very handsome and - desperate in appearance, earnesily talking with the villainous-looking reprobate that it has ever been my fortune to behold, He was black, heav- ily. ed, and rae et his face scarred with cus and Jit with a pair of talk was about as follows: plastid Tal , “So,’? sald.the youuger, “you think you can get your fellows up by eight?” ee ee “Yes. ifthe wind: fails PH land them anywhere on the coast and bring them directly up to the plantation.” “Good; I'll join. you there. But, remember, no violence is to be done to Donna Inez—she is to ve left to me.” “Agreed, provided that you make no trouble about sacking the house. : I've promised my fellows some rich booty.’’ “They'll get it; ‘never fear. Old Gomez is rich as mud, and keeps most of his wealth in the house, locked up in the chests, in sotid milled doilars.”’ i “It's all arranged, then; eight is the hour. What do you want to do with the girl after you get her?’ “If you’ve got room in your craft, l’d like to take her round to the Isie of Pines till she gets over her flurry. Can you take us aboard ?”’ “Yes, if you say so. I don’t like these women very well, but no matter. Farewell till eight.’ The two shook hands and parted, ieaving me to reflect on the details of this most villainous pilot, and to devise means to defeat it, if possible. My servant soon came up with two saddie-mules, and my resolution was quickly taken. Tearing a leaf from my note-book, I pencilied a line to my mate, informing him briefly of what I had dis- covered, and directing him to hasten up to the plantation with every man that could be spared from {the bark, thor- oughly armed. Dispatching -my servant with this, I mounted the other mule and set out for the mansion. .1 reached it about sunset, and Don Gomez met me.at the gate, full of apologies for the deiay, promises for the fu- ture, and warm profiers of hospitality. He conducted me through his grounds, which seemed almost fairy-like in their profusion of tropical fruits, flowers, and shade; and seating meon the cool, breezy verandah, left me for a moment to survey the charming prospect below me. The fertile and abundant plantation sloped down almost to the shore of the bay, presenting a sight of rare beauty and vegetable luxurance, and out on tlie bay I could plainly see the hull and masts of my bark as she lay at anchor. “My daughter Inez, senor.’’ I started up and bowed te the beautifal girl whom the Don had just led to me; and as her eyes dropped and her cheeks flushed, I thought I had never seen anything in womankind half so lovely. She was tail, supple, grace- fuli—dark, as ali Cuban ladies are, but with a vivacity and a depth of emotion in her dark eye and in the curves of her mouth that were new tome, The simple truth is, I was in love in an instant. I made such casual remarks in Spanish as I could command, and had the great satisfac- tion of seeing that the senora was quite as embarrassed as myself. She soon excused herself for a moment on some domestic errand, and turning to her father, I gave him plain statement of the startling conversation I had heard an hour before. " ved ey old Don was smitten with consternation as he sten “Gracious saints,’ he exclaimed in Spanish, “I am rained! Whatcan protect me? That young manis Don Pedro Santillo, the vilest and most desperate reprobate this side of Madrid. Inez rejected his suit, and I forbade him the house; and now in revenge he would carry her off and hand us over to pillage. And the other ——Corpus Christi! do you know who thatis? He is Juan Villamil, the terrible pirate of the Caribean. He will murder us all - cold blood for the sake of my gold. -What can I do The old man wrung his hands in an agony of terror, and frantically appealed to me. A few questions from me-re- vealed the truth that the situation was more serious than I could have supposed. The nearest town where soldiers could be procured was nine miles away; there was no time for that. There were a hundred negroes scattered over the plantation, but they knew nothing of the use of firearms, and a resolute attack by the freebooters would put them ailto flight. Time was pressing; eight o'clock was Only half an houraway. It was useless to think of barricading all the entrances to the great straggling house; half a day would not suffice for that. “But there is the summer house,’’ Don Gomez suddenly exclaimed. ‘It is small and can be securely locked. We Will take to that,and do our best, trusting in Heaven for the speedy arrival of your men.”’ Inez was speedily acquainted with the peril that me- naced her, and her father at first suggested that she might be sent away under charge of one of the servants. To this she strenuously objected; she would not quit her father at such a time, and beside, the pirates might al- ready have drawn their lines around the house, so that aly attempt to escape would be useless. No; she would stay with us, and hope for the best. She was pale now, but there was a heroism in her quiet determination that caused me to admire her more and more. The house-servants were apprised of the danger and directed to go to the upper story of the house. I wanted to arm them, but the Don assured me it was useleas—they were in mortal terror at the sight of frearms. We shut and locked the outer doors, and with a Spanish carbine and half a dozen pistols each, drawn from the Don’s goodly store of arms, we retired to the summer-house, ac- companied by Inez. We provided for her safety as well as we could by putting a protection of benches around her as she knelt on the grass; and then the Don and I crouched low down by the lattice-work and watched the house, which was only about six rods off. We had not long to wait. The dusky shadows of night were replacing the long twilight of the tropics, and the cry of the mocking-bird was swelling on the air, when the Don eagerly gripped my arm, and whispered: “There! there! Do you see them !?! Two dark figures stole cautiously round the corner of the house, and up tothe door. The door was tried and found to be locked. The windows were tried, but they could not be raised. Then a dozen more dark figures crept out of the shrubbery; then at least a score more; and soon a furious assault of kicks and blows fell upon the door, with yells and cries for admittance. “They'll find us, soouer or later,” the Don whispered in my ear, ‘‘Let’s give them a surprise. Shall we fire? Twill draw them from the house.’! “Yes,’’ Treplied, and the two heavy carbines spoke out ‘‘Mi, Masters,’’ said the farmer, as he came into the. several ferocious black eyaa:” Phetr t to hig work, ang in es ‘ man lying near the path as ot THE NEW YORK WEEKLY. together with a ateptiing report. I distinctly saw three of the men fall, and & loud outcry of pain followed. “Pistols,” I witispered. from their ee 1 Four discharges in quick succession followed, anda chorus of cries @ud groans was heard. The attacking party was taken wholly by surprise, and fled in every di- rection. In a Moment, while we were reloading, we heard the voices of their leaders urging them to rally and attack the summer-house. We heard Pedro exhorting them and promising the plunder of the house, while the buccaneer, Juan Villamil, poured out a torrentof the most {frightful oaths and imprecatious that ever defiled the air, The bustle and tumult continued, and I knew by the sound that they were forming their men behind the house for a rush on us, oer whispered a voice near by; “is that you, cap- taln? My heart leaped within me as I recognized the voice of my faithful mate, ‘‘Herbert,’’ I replied, ‘is that you?"? “Yes, sir; here we are, six of us, with good rifles, right along the side of this wall. We came up just as the firing began, but we couldn’t make out which party was yours. Are those the Siackguards over there by the house ??? “Yes,” I whispered, ina glow of excitement, recapping “Pistols! before they recover my pistols. “Lie low till they start to charge us, then give them @'volley, and up and at them with clubbed guns. i had baré}y time to press the senora’s hand and whis- per a word Of encouragement, before the pirates were upon us with a succession of demoniac yells. The Don and I received them with pistols and carbines, firing rap- idly and effectively, as we saw by the number that fell; but in an ingtant the assailants were at the door. It was now when the muzziles of their long rifles, unseen by the pirates, were within six feet of them, that the mate gave the word to his party to fire. The crash that followed must have sounded to the outlaws like the voice of doom. Three of them fell dead in their tracks, three more were mortally wounded, and those who were still unhurt fled in wild terror from the scene, pursued half-way to the coast by my eager fellows, picking them off on the way. As May well be imagined, we were royally feasted by Don Gomez that night, and, indeed, during the whole time our bark lay in the inlet. We found the next morning thirteen of the outlaws, and wounded, including Don Pedro, who had a bullet through his head. All who recovered ‘rom their wounds were hanged in due time. The cargo of sugar that the bark took away from Don Gomez’s plantation turned out to be a very profitable in- vestment; but my share of it did not satisfy me. I found my thoughts continually wandering back to Cuba and the sweet face of Inez; aud buta few months passed before I returned there. -I met with a flattering reception; the father was overflowing with gratitude, the daughter was eloquett with her eyes, atid I quickly saw that I might be happy for the asking. Not to make too long a story of it, she has now been for twenty-three years the faithful and beloved partner of my joys and sorrows, and is looking over my shoulder as I write. A MURDERER ON A JURY. BY LAWRENOE LESLIE, : In the year 1725 a man named William Harper was placed on trial in Essex County, Engiand, for the mur- der of Samuel Carman. His reputation previous to this charge had o¢en that of an honest, industrious man, temperate in his habits, kind in disposition, and truthful in character. The facts developed by the witnesses on trial showed that a neighbor in passing a fleld discovered the body of the murdered man, who had evidentiy come to his death from wounds inflicted by the prongs of a spading fork. A fork of that description, with biood upon it, was ee a upon the ground beside the corpse, with the initials “W. H." cut on the handle, and was subsequently identified as belonging to Harper. Tracks were also found about the murdered man, unquestionably made by Alarper's boots, and it was further shown that some time previously there had been considerable ill-feeling be- tween the accused and the deceased. Early inthe morn- ing of the day of the murder, the accused was dressed in a certain suit of light clothes, but when arrested a few hours after he was in black. He denied’ having changed his garments, but upon asearch of his house, the missing suit, all bespattered with blood, was found hidden away in the interior of the straw bed. Tue accused brought no witnesses intocourt, and when asked by the judge what testimony he proposed to offer, he replied that he “had ne witnesses but God and luis own conscience!” ele ade being questioned he made the following explana- He said that he owen a fidld adjoining that in which the body was found. O. rt tal morning he went early Ngh the eld he saw a d or drunk, and he felt himself bound to see what the man’s condition really was and to offer him succor if he should stand’ in need of it. On examination he found him in a dying condition, with two frightful wounds in his breast, from which a large quantity of blood was discharged. He carefully raised the wounded man and earnestly endeavored to learn from him the name of his assailant. The dying man attempted to speak but the words died in a horrid rattle, the blood gushed from his mouth; and he fell backward dead. ° The shock caused by the sudden death, he said, was in- describable. -He no sooner found himself atone with the dead than he thought of the altercation which had taken place between them, and the fearthat he might be ac- cused of the murder took. entire possession of him. In his terror he ran away, tloughtiessly taking with him the dead man’s fork and leaving behind his own, upon the handle of which the initials‘of his name were carved. His clothes, he found, were besmeared with blood, and he changed and secreted them, that they might not be a wit- ness against him, 80 great was his fear of being accused of the crime. This story the accused told with every appearance of candor, and with the most solemn appeals to Heaven to witness the truth of every word he had uttered. True, he said, he had previously denied all knowledge of the affair, and particularly denied the changing of his clothing; but it was not guilt, but a very natural desire to avoid an ad- mission which would be considered incompatible with his innocence. Falsehood, he said, had only confirmed the suspicions against him, and every effort he had made to conceal itis innocent connection with the affair had only deepened the general conviction of his guilt; but now he spoke the truth. Of course he was not believed. This was all the prisoner’s defense, and the judge sub- mitted the case to the jury, making a very strong charge aguinst the accused. He pathetically enlarged on the atrocity of the crime, and laid no little stress on the posi- tive proof of guilt, notwithstanding the prisoners’ assey- erations of innocence. The accused, he said, had indeed cooked up a plausible story, but in doing so he had ad- mitted that he had previously lied, and thus impeached his own statement. He charged te jury to pay no atten- tion to that statement, but proceed to deliberate only on the sworn testimony, intimating that they might find a verdict without leaving their seats. Upon this, the foreman of the jury, Edward Fenn, arose and suggested to the judge that as this was a case of life and death, they would prefer to retire for consultation, and they were accordingly locked up. It was about two o’clock in the afternoon when the jury went out, and as the case was plain, no difficulty was ap- prehended in arriving ata verdict, so the court concluded to sit until they returned. Hour after hour passed, and nothing was heard from the jury. At nine o’clock the judge’s. patience was ex- hausted, and he dispatched an officer for information con- cerning the cause of the delay. The messenger soon returned and privately informed the judge that eleven of the jury had ‘been for conviction from the first, but the foreman stubbornly refused to ac- quiesce, and insisted, in the face of all the evidence, that the accused was not guilty. Bed Mr. Fenn was a man of strong mind and much persua- sive power, while his associates were endowed with these qualities to a less degree than usual. They also became alarmed at the prospeet of being kept out all night, unless a verdict was reached, and finally yielded, went into court, and through the foreman rendered a verdict of “Not guilty.” as The judge made no attempt to conceal his surprise and disgust at a verdictso contrary to the testimony in the case, and alter giving all of them a severe reprimand, re- fused to have the verdict recorded, and sent them back to their room. .The night was spent in endeavoring to con- vince the foreman, but no impression was made. When moruing came, the weary men‘saw no escape from their unpleasant position but in agreeing, and aguin determin- ed upon a verdict of not guilty, and pledged themselves to adhere to it, whatever the judge might say or think con- cerning it. The judge, as expected, was exceedingly indignant at the finding, but'he was powerless to clauge it, and the accused was discharged. : The conduct of the foreman was soon fully known to the court, and the sheriff was summond-to give any informa- tion he could concerning him. The character he gave the man was so highly favorable that the judge found his curiosity much excited, and he directed him to bring the man to his private office, as he was determined to kuow what honest reason could haveinduced him to struggle so hard for a verdict which was so palpably against rea- son and evidence. On his being introduced, the judge invited him iato his private room, and frankly told him that he felt as though his conduct on the jury had been without excuse or pal- liation, but from the good character which he bore among his neighbors, he was unable to decide that his judgment had been purchased, and he therefore, as a matter of curiosity, desired him to give any reason, if possible, for his singular and apparently unreasonable stubbornness, The juryman responded that he had good and sufficient reasons for the course he had pursued, andif his honor could but know them, even he would consider them valid, and acknowledge that he could not, as a conscientious man, have adopted any other; butas he had heretofore iocwed them in his own breast, and was under no compulsion to disclose them now, he would insist, before such a revela- tion, that his honor should solemnly pledge himself to keep the secret he was about to reveal inviolable. This the judge agreed to, only stipulating that if ‘the revelations should involve matters of public interest he stiould be allowed to make any use of them he chose, should he survive the other.. This was a to, and the foreman made substantially the following confession: He said that the man whe had been found dead, and for whose death Harper had been on trial, was the tithe man of the district, and had that morning called upon him and exacted an unreasonable amount of tithes, and conducted himself generally in a most unjust and arbitrary manner. When remonstrated with he not only replied with abusive and scurrilous language, but in his rage had actually at- tacked him, the juryman, with a fork, and inflicted wounds, tle scars of which he exhibited to his lordship. As his assailant appeared bent on mischief, and tie was unarmed, he closed with him, and wrested the fork from his hands. It was in the struggle to recover his weapon that the deceased received the wounds which caused his death, The shock to his feelings on discovering what he had done, he said he could not and therefore would not at- tempt to describe. He wag satisfied that no human eye had been a witness to the tragic affray, but his first im- pulse was to deliver himself to the authorities. When he considered, however, how long he would probably be confined, awaiting trial, and how his crops and other in- terests would be likely to suffer during his confinement, he concluded not to do so. When, however, Harper was arrested for the crime, he fully resolved to surrender himself, and consulted an em- inent lawyer concernihg the matter. After cousidering the case in all its aspects, he was advised to do all in his power to secure the acquittal of tife accused, but if he should fail to accomplish it, he was then to declare his own guilt, in order to save Mr. Harper. Indirectly he contributed freely to the defense, caused his family to be amply provided for, and finally succeeded in getting himself on the jury, and becoming its foreman. The rest of the story has been told. Mr. Harper never knew who was the perpetrator of the mysterious murder for which he came so near meeting an ignominous death, or suspected the cause of Mr. Fenn’s kindness to himself and family, as he died a few years after the trial, At his death Fenn adopted two of the children and provided liberally for the others. Fifteen years after the confession above recorded, Ed- ward Fenn died, honored and respected by the whole community. After his death the judge made pablic the facts in this most singular case, and added ancther chap- ter to the “Curiosities of Crime.” THE LADY OF BLACK HALL. BY MAGGIE MARIGOLD. A great storm was abroad in the Blue Ridge Mountains; angry flashes cleft the gioom; thunder crasled and was echoed from hill to hill, and the swollen streams dashed headlong, taking rocks and lalien branches in their course to the James. Amid all this distracted nature an observer might have Seen the two lamps of the Amlierst stage coach, gleaming like bleared eyes through the rain, as that lambering ve- hicle, drawn by a powerfu Ispan of bays, dashed along the mountain road en route for Lexington. Suddenly a bright, young face peeped out of the coach window, and a girlish voice cried: “Driver, how near are we to Commodore Develin’s?” ‘Be dar in jus tree minutes, miss. It’s dat are big house on the hill yonder all ablaze like.” A moment more and they were driving into the grounds, Again the infpatient girl essayed to look forth, but receiv- ing acold dab on-the cheek from the wet leaves, she fell back impatiently; and listened to the heavy, wet ‘boughs, as they brushed the’ top and’sides of the couch. a Suddenly the stage stopped, old Nicodemus jumped down in the mud, with a Jantern.in one hand, and fijng- ing open the door with a flourish,.said .loud enough to wake the seven sleepers. : : ‘“Comadore Divilins, miss!’ --*- There were only two sleepers within; however, but they opened their scared eyes wide enough for seven, half ex- pecting to see a highwayman, .but being reassured by Nicodemus’ bobbing wool head and -siniling--biack face, they laid a contented hand on their pocketbooks, and bade farewell to the young lady, who quickly leaped into the mud, and picking up her dress Yan up the broad steps. Nicodemus followed. with. her..trunk,..and taking the quaint, brass knocker, representing a coiled serpent, in lis hand, gave a long, loud knock, which echoed far and near. There was a sound of feet rnnning to the door—it opened—lights dazzled the young traveler, and amid sil- very laughter and exclamations of delight, she was clasp- ed in the arms of her old schoolmate Lena Develin. “The North and Sonth-have met,’ said the commodore; and the little traveter tarned to: behold a superb-looking old gentleman, with a long, silvery beard, white hair, ‘and fine, dark eyes, who held cut a warin hand, saying: “Weicaumie to Black Hall, Miss Grace." “Bring Miss Howard in to the fire,” said. Mrs. Devetin, appearing in the parlor door. oes Although Grace had never before met her triend's family, their warm greeting made her feel very uncere- monivus, so she ran with a smiling face to meet Lena's: sweet, doye-faced, IMtle mother, who advanced, radiant. in welcoming smiles. i RE ust then Lena‘s brother pe postr pe front door. He was a quiet eorits fellow, with mischievous, brown eyes, who, when tn » bowed shyly, biushed a trifle, apd strode on to the dining-room, shaking the rain from his sieuch hat. - .. . + Rots & enti ae , “Now come to my room and get on dry clothes,” said Lena. ‘You look wet and cold,’ and she led Grace up the broad staircase. sane stale “Jesse,” addressing @ colored. man, “bring, up Miss Howard! trunk.’ ” Everything was new and strange to Grace; the dark, wide halls, the colored servants, who peeped at her cu- riously, and lastly Lena’s room, with its dark paneled walis, heavily Curtained windows and bed, and the great wood-fire on the hearth. “Oh, how lovely!’ exclaimed she, throwing herself in- to an easy chair, but on second wWought springing up to Caress her friend. ' S35 ua “You dear darling, I haven't seen you for six months,’ “And I’ve been shut up here all that time,” replied Le- Da, who was 2 tall, quiet blond. “Well, now, I should reatly have enjoyed that,” Grace replied, tossing her damp wrappings over the back of a chair, ‘‘because I adore old houses, and trees, and ro- mance, and ghosts. Oh! have you any ghosts here ?”’ “Well, yes, we have what they call a haunted room in the rear part of the house, but none of us ever slept there or saw the ghost.”’ “Oh, do tell me about it. with it?” “Yes, quite a little romance. Just drop into that chair, close to the fire, and.I’ll tell you the story.”’ Then taking Graee's hand, she began: “Years and years ago, Grace, my great-great-gteat- grandfather, who was an artist, came over from England and settled in this house with his bride, a very young and beautiful girl, who had been hastily married to him by her father to prevent a match between herself and a young Lord Somebody who was her father’s enemy. “This hard-hearted relative of mine married her against her wishes, anc then carried her away, almost broken- hearted, to a strange country, and into this gloomy oid house. He was double her age, and jealous as he could be of her former lover, whom he thought was separated from her forever. But it wasn’t so, Grace. That young Lord Somebody swore that he would rescue her yet, if he had to murder her husband—so he started at once for America, where he spent a long time in yaln search for his lost love.” ‘‘He must have been awful plucky,’ interrupted Grace, with dilated pupils. “Oh, yes, he was—but listen. One day Camitia—that was my great-great-great-grandmother, you know—was weeping in the summer-house, when she sudden!y looked up and beheld her old lover standing in the doorway. She was overwhelmed with joy, and confessed that she was wretched with her husband; and I suppose there occurred quite a little love scene, for her husband, overhearing the affair, rushed in, plunged his dagger in the young lord’s heart, and carried Camilla fainting to her room, where he flung her on the bed, and locking the door, departed. When he returned it was to find lier dead. She had taken her life with her own lite ger.’ “Ohl? gasped Grace; ‘and what then ?” “Then? Why he went insane, of course, although peo- ple didn't suspect it for sometime, and being an artist, painted her picture, which now hangs on the wallof the haunted room.’? “Oh, do show it to mel’? exclaimed Grace, springing up; and Lena took the light and led the way to the un- happy bride’s apartment. : ; “We never useit; ithasn’t been slept in for years,” said Lena, opening the door. ‘itis furnished just as it was wien the tragedy occurred. They call her the Lady of Black Halli.” Grace shivered as she entered the great cold chamber and glanced at the massive mahogany bedstead, with its damask curtains, brought over from England years and years ago. Everything was cheerless, grand and time- worn. “This is the picture,’ said Lena, holding the candle above their heads; and Grace saw before her the fuil- length picture of a young and beautiful girl, within whose great black eyes there shone an expression of intense horror as she seemed about to plunge a tiny dagger with- in her breast; her face was deadly white, ler lips blood- less, her black hair unbound and falling far below the waist of her white dress. — “Horriblel’? exclaimed Grace. ‘‘No one but a madman Would have painted the contemplated suicide of his wife, and dweit so on the horror she feit in committing the deed. But, Lena,’’ she continued, after a pause, in which they heard only the wailing of the wind iu the branches without, ‘‘you don’t believe that she haunts this place ?”? “Of course not,’ and Lena’s sweet lips curled. “Weil, then, do please sleep here to-night and find out for certain,’’ pleaded the other. And soit was arranged; and old mammy built a great fire on the long-deserted hearth, and the commodore and his wife laughed attheir girlish freak, and baskful Bob essayed One long, Curious look at the perpetrator of such a wild scleme, and—at ten precisely the household re- tired. \ Grace locked their door and looked under the bed, in the closet, in theempty bareau-drawers, and the matcli- safe, vases and wasil-pitcher, before jumping into bed, to be sure that no ghosts were being harbored on the pre- mises; and then kissing each other good-night, these two giris fell into a sweet, tranquil sleep. ‘ How long they had siept neither knew, when suddenly both pair of eyes flashed open simultaneously, and they were wide awake. Thestorm had gone down, and the moon shone brightly, and there, standing in the moon- light, near the window, was a woman in white, with long, trailing, black hair. Neither girl screamed, but Le- na Clasped hier friend’s hand convaisively, and the fatter returned it with a steady, firm, warm pressure, which said as plain as words, “‘be Stk quiet.’’ Then the figure turned, and fixing her mournful, biack Is there a story connected eyes on the occupaits of the bed, which fortunately stood in the shadow, sie raised one hand, disclosing a gleaming dagger. Grace. Then the woman walked to the window. Light asa feather Grace slid’ on to the floor, and approaching the figure, caught the long, black hairin one land. Off came a massive wig—the creature turned, with an excla- mation of “By thunder!” and bashful Bob, giving one nonplused look, fled through the door, which he had open- ed with a skeleton key. To CORRESPONDENTS. To BUYERS.—All communications in regard to the prices or the urchasing of various articles must be addressed to the New ORK WEEKLY Purchasing Agency, contain the full address of the writers, and specify the size, quantity or quality of the goods desired. Those ae an answer must have two three-cent ps enclosed. wing to the large increase of letters to be an- sw in this column, a delay of several weeks must necessarily ensue before the answers appear in print. THE PURCHASING AGENCY CxtatoGue —The new and en- larged edition of the NEw YORK WsEKLY Purchasing Agency Catalogue is now ready, and all orders received wiil be filled at once. It will be sent to any address, prepaid, on receipt of ten cents. NorTice.—With every mail we receive a number of letters on various subjects, in which the writers request an answer by mait instead of through the various departments. ‘To do this we are compelled to employ additional help, beside being put to consid- erable trouble and expense to obtain the information. Thisave will cheerfully submit to when the questions are auswéred through oar columns, as the knowledge thus imparted will inter- est and benefit the mass of our readers; but in the future, to se- cure an answer by mail, persons desiring it must inclose a PIFTY- CENT STAMP, lo pay Ws for owr trouble and expense, S@- GOSSIP WITH READERS AND CONTRIBUTORS.— Daniel Smith.—Steam 13 (he vapor or elastic fluid into which water is converted by the application of heat....... J. Mc€.—The term penny, as applied to a cent, though frequently used, is in- correct. A penny is an English copper coin, one-twelith of a shillin worth about two cents. The omer coins issued b, the different States, previous to the establishment of the U. 8. Mint, were called cents........@. Jf—lst. The story referred to is a republication, It was first printed several years ago, and afte ward in acheap novel form. 2d. ‘fo prevent children fro biting their nails, parents usually pat aloes on the finger: You are old enough, however, to stop the habit merety bj exercise of your will. 3d. We will furnish the 4th. The fare to California by rail is $140; will amount to about $40 more. The fare b: : sage, is $100 and $110. This includes m . ‘ should prefer to goby rail. 5th. The leading Plano manstactarers all make good instruments. 6th. We place i reports circulated against any man by his. ical o The purest man living preg censur or when holding office. 7th. We willft twist, double-barreled shot-gun for $14 to . barrels, $23 to $72...... A. DeV.—‘‘Gold. MEM stern t A. L. ZL, columns of daily papers to obtain a position az nurse, ° goods are ey from manufacturers and in lots at Sales......-. . £. B.—The lady resides in this city........D. RB. &. and Foréigner.—ist. Any foreigner who has resided in United States three years previous to his becom of may : nse with the ena = ExmaeSinins and bs oD a ra’ papers ep reaching majority, prov a8 a resident five Application must be made to the District. coe in the State in wt ? ay are liable to arrest and punishment..... ...... Amateur —We will furnish apparatus of all kinds for the ede age of conjuror’s tricks...... De Haven.—lst.—We wit rnish either Munson’s or Graham’s systems of short-hand for $2. 2d. The cadetsin the serwice of the steamship companies are navigation, engineering, and seamanship in all its de- tails. ney must pass a creditable examination in an ordinary public school course of studies........ J. P. R.—The institute is at 7 East aoe i oe eoveve es R.—1st. We will —— youa containing fourteen plays tor drawing-room or par! exhibition for $1.50; and “The Art of Dancing” for 75 cents. There is no work on ballet dancing. 2d. A set of studs or a pair of sleeve-buttons would be ver: sprrennen: 3d. Invite the gen- tleman to call, if destrable. 4th Yes; perfectly so....... B. F. a. ana —A fraudulent concern....:.. Wm. Henry.—All efforts to force a growth of whiskers will prove (utile. Shave fr nt- ly, and have patience........ W. Haverfield.—ist. We will furnish each story, separately, at the totlowing prices: Scout,” 36 cents; “Old Moscow,” 36 cents; “Buffalo BilPs Best Shot,” 78 cents; “Dashing Charlie,” 95 cents; ““Red Dick,” 84 cts. 2d. We cannot say when stories by the authors named. will be blished. announcement from time to time... Speartacus.— Atlanta, Ga.,; via steamer to vannal occupies about three days......W. D. ¢. YORK WSXKELY Purchasing Agency will furnish a complete i for a traveling magician 6n receipt of price. A listof such arti- cles will be furnished on application. First-class performers nak a good living; but it requires practice, even with the mecessury appliances, to make them perfect in the performance of the va- rious tricks....: .Sunn; —The correct orth is Mizpah. Phe is, “The Lord watch between thee and me when we are absent one from another.”.....J. A. G,—lst. Decalcomea- nie pictures cannot be transferred for use on lantern slides. 2d. Some are assorted, others are not. 3d. We will fur- nish the ‘* aity Fowes Book,” with instructions in ridi driving, for $2.25...... —Ist. The Germ considered the Q War -.-Jd. €., Constant Reader.—A 1 such ag desired, will Cost $1.50... .Méw Brut no new engagements, even under the conditi MS., which we returned, is too long fer asl ton and Complex.—The advance sheets of the story by us. The paper referred to,copies it from the r which is some weeks behind th i Smith.—See reply to “New Brunswick,”...... you a card and label press, chase 4 by 5 34 inches, for $22, or a sixteenth medium press, 5 1-2 by 7 1-2 inches, for $35 Backbone.—There is but little opportunity to obtain a clerkship in this city at anything like paying wages. Business is dull, and uneniplo: persons are willing to work for a bare ‘living just now.... seeeee Ftece i one diuck trom Bi ¥- kno , es anda.—ist. If your father took out his naturalization papers previous to your as the age of twenty-one years, you became a citizen by his aet; if not, you will have to take them out for yourself. As you were but seven years of age when you arrived in the country, you are not obliged to make a declaration of inten . 2d, You may learn mar ees teacher. We will send you Brown’s, which & ‘the standard, for $l. 3d. The injudicious use of ury beside salivating a person, produces ulcers, loogena the teeth, the stomach, bowels and liver, affects the bones, and has a - ally debilitating effect both on the body and mind...... A. Jathen, —Ist. There is no standard of hight in the U. S. cavalry service. The period of enlistment is five years and the pay $13a month... _ Marshall and &. C—There is no law limiting the number of terma resilient of the United Oe ao tout fe we tne tad roe may re-e man every four years eitt office than two terma same choose. No man has ever held ‘ fit Julia.—The MB. is declined......5. A. Jink.—Henry original and ome a Billings.’’...... W. Sifaw is the gen eens oe WB. BO ae W. Ve will send you Yor WREKLY or $3 per year is no reduction on a copy, butt will be sent for. $6. 2d. In one or two works on , history of Virginia mention is made of glass works J pletion of which were interrupted an Indian m ention is made in other documenta of establishments of this kind in Massachusetts and Pennsy} The fi which any precise account is given was buikt by Robert , in 1780, av Temple, The y Hewes, of Boston 7 » . lea manufactured in this country was made in Boston in 1793. - He does not write puree for ary paper. W o hand....W. W.—We do not kno have several of his serials i We; _ Longfellow resides at Cam 2d. Alfred Tenn the poet laureate, was born in We do Dartambat.”'.,, foving irish Sen at the pena wtities “Baten ats ¥ Baw. F. Gody) is Alling an ees Meancy - ter, in this city. Wedo not know the whereabouts of “Texas Jack.”.,..Teeas Jack.—Authors have todo with seleet. ing or d the illustrations for their Sea z S—The aeeee ploy, you would be tion; otherwise, we hardly think you would be ing it..... M. J., Franklin.—Adutess a letter to Barnard, Columbia College, this city..... Legal,.— tice is similar in States. 2d. We will furnish Hillgrove’s ““Ball-room Guide” for $1...... S. H. J.—We cannot say. We will fucnish the following articles on ruceipt of price< Mayhew’s ‘‘Horse Management,” $3; “Horse Doctor,” $3; ‘ Horse in the Stable and Fieki,”* $2.50; “La 2 Water Colors,” $8; ‘‘Handbook ot Oil Painting,” $2; Mozart’s “To Die with my Beloved,’ 40 cents; Key to Crittenden’s Ceunt- ing-house Bookkeeping, $I; ‘‘Magician’s Own Book,” $1.50. ETIQUETTE DEPARTMENT. Isabel De B.—When introduced to a married couple at a wed- ding reception it is customary to never ne them, and say the prettiest thing you can think of, but do not wish them many re- turns of the ceremony, as most people do not desire to be mar- ried but once. ZLover,—ist. Three years are not too long for an engagement. Far better to know your bride well before you promise to take her for better or worse. 2d. Yes, you canintroduce a gentleman to a lady thus: “Miss Grey—Mr. Black.” $ &. 10 U. 8.—For an inscription in an engagement ring “Thine forever’’ is often used. For a wedding ring the initials of both parties, and (he date are ailthatisrequired. 4. Q. 4.—Yoa had better call upon the lady in question, and inquire the cause of the misunderstanding, expressing yyulinon resident F. A. P. z regret at your dismissal, and request that you may again a favor. fore the ring is to be put on her finger. the fee from the bridegroom and gives it, after the ceremony or reception, to the minister; he also goes in a carriage fer the Anxious .—lst. An engagement ring is worn either on the first or the third finger. In strict etiquette the first finger is the most proper, but for convenience it is often fitted to the third finger, to be worn as a guard for the wedding ring. 2d. Engagement y set with some ous stone, Diamonds or pearls are the most custo , but sapphires or ru- bies are often substituted. They cost from $5 upward. F. B. H.—You were certaitity in the right to offer your escort te the young lady. Of course you could not a, that the young ge deemed he had a prior right, he was rude to as- sert it in your case. .—Ilst. In introducing your lady friend to a gen- tleman friend, mention the lady’s name first, thus: ‘Miss Mr. Thora.” 2d. A good ar costs from _ $765 to $250; robes, whip, etc., from $10 to $100. Write to New Yors WSEKLY Purchasing ¥. £. B. F.—Better Ss first, and then imvite the lady to somo place of amuseme 9 2 The drama of “ the Sewing-Machine Girl” is owned by. - -} Charles Foster, of thi wery this city, of whom the pe: to it must be obtained know wio is the present owner of the ma of “Maggie, the Charity Child.”....H. F. H.—Addreas a letter to the Land -Agent, Springfield, Mo....&. C., —The MS. was noticed as ac- cepted for Me —Whether At this Lena aimost screamed, but Grace’s little ~ iron hand seemed holding her back, and she lay trembl- ing, white and motionless, in the back part of the bed. “I never heard of a ghost lasting so long,” thought oe j ~ e ; a ~ in a : : ;