ee Al J UPR Entered According to Act of Congress. in the Year 1874, by Street & Sm Vou. XXIX. Nos. 27, 29, 31 Rose St. FRANCIS S. STREET. {PF 0. Box 4896, New York. Aa ate TOO LATE. BY EMMA ALICE BROWNE, Slow dies the day—the haggard darkness falls; Strange shadows cower along the dreary walls; Without a wild lamenting east wind calls, ¢ The ghostly darkness falis! I sit with grief and-vain regret apart, . And memory turns the dead leaves of the heart From whose timeavorn, tear-blotted pages start The spvecters of the heart— Vain dreams, whose morning-gold hath turned to gray The ruined faiths, that lured but to betray, Old hates, forgotten loves, long laid away With youth and hope grown gray. With silent tread they fill my narrow room With the dread chill and prescience of the tomb, Shaping from out the gimmer and the gloom The semblance of a tomb. From-out whose yawning portal seems to rise, Clothed in the mantel of death’s mysteries, A shade, that questions me in awful guise With sad, aceusing eyes! Far off and faint, my shuddering soul divines The hoarse intcning of funereal pines, ‘That chant at you eternal mountain shrines The Litany of the pines. But sadder than all songs of nature’s griei— Than somber rains that weep her summer’s brief, Or hollow winds that wail th¢ withered kaf— The passion of my grief! The slighted harvest blossoms not again— ‘ Vain are regrets, and fruitless tears are vain; We seek in memory solace for our pain, And memory answers—vain |! So! Leave the issme to a higher fate; ‘Where sorrow mourns without the sealed gate, Above the legend of our love and haté God’s angel writes—“‘Too Late!” JUSI COMMENCED. A ROMANCE OF COLORADO. The Rangers OF GOLD STREAM. By Maurice Silingsby, Author of “BUCKSKIN JOE,” “NOTCHES ON THE STICK,” ete., ete., etc. {The Rangers of ColdStream” was commenced last week. Ask your News Agent for No. 10, and you will get the first chapiers.] CHAPTER III.—(CONTINUED.) He had been stopping, while speaking, over the carcass of the defunct buffalo, preparatory to the act of skinning it, when both were electrified by a series of wild whoops and yells, proceeding from where the frightened herd had Jjust-vanished, though a considerable distance farther to ‘the north, ‘Indians, by jimminy!” cried the Buffalo, springing to his feei and grasping his rifle. Asingle glance revealed to the eyes of the two mena dozen savage forms, hideously bedaubed with the cus- tomary war-paint, rushing furiously down on them, The distance to be traversed in reaching our two white friends was not above a quarter of a mile, and to judge from the noisy demonstrations of the savages, they were as confi- dent of their intended victims as though they already had them securely in their power. “Blister my all-factories, stranger, but we’re infor a reg’lar rip-up, up and down muss with the red niggers— we are, by jimminy!”’ : ‘ “Give me your knife, friend!’ cried Kavanah, obstinate- ly, ‘and we'll just show the howling devils our fighting qualities, anyhow.” “J’d as leaves fight the. red skunks as eat, anytime, stranger; but I conceit they are too many for us, and we might get our har lifted, which I don’t particlarly relish. I reckon we'd better show ’em a speciment of our travel- ing propensities, I do, by gracious. Besides,’ continued the Buffalo, confidently, “I Know where there’s a hole, over yonder among the rocks, where we can absquatulate into the bowels of the airth so suddint and mysterious that the keenest scentéd ’Rapahoe couldn’t nose us out in a@ month—I do, by gracious!”’ “Lead on, then,’’ said Kavanah, hurriedly grasping the proffered Knife of the Buffalo, asthe two broke intoa swift run in the direction of a rocky elevation to the right, lying at the distance of near a half a mile from -their “starting point. “Keep clus onto me,” said the Buffalo, cautiously, ‘or I might disappear before you could say Jack Robinson—I might, by gracious!” “Push on!’ cried Kavanah, very composedly, consider- ing their critical situation; ‘‘for ’ve an eye to you, my friend, and am as fleet of foot as an antelope!’ The brief space of time occupied in deciding upon their plan of action, had allowed the pursuing foe to decrease the original distance between them somewhat, and they were how within very nearly a hundred rods of them; but since their starting they had, if anything, gained a little on the sevages, The prairie at this point ran down to a narrow tongue or fork, between the low range of foot hills, leading on to the more mountainous chain, and a swift running, bluff- girted tributary of the La Platte. The Bulfalo was too shrewd to lead the pursuit in the direction of his own shanty, when there was a chance to elude the savages by Making in an entirely opposite course. The low range of rocky hills they were now swiftly ap- proaching were thickly covered in places, with scrub-oaks, firs, and stunted white-wood. If they could safely reach the shelter of these hills, without being fired on by their pursuers, there would be at least an even chance of their escape, providing the Buffalo had known no more about the lay of the country than his companion. The wary foe were evidently apprised of the probability of this, for, as the flying fugitives neared the protecting sheiter of the hills, the disappointed savages redoubled their exertions, and multiplied their hideous yells and screeches, a8 though by this Means they expecred to re- tard them in their flight. Both of our white adventurers were fleet of foot, and the Arrapalioes perceiving they had gained nothing on them sinee their start, and were not likely to, concluded they would try the persuasive power of lead upon them, and several running shots were fired upon the fugitives without any visible effect. But the Buffalo, during this contested trial of speed between pursued and pursuers, had skillfully succeeded in reloading both barrels of his rifle, and after adjusting the caps, he declared his inten- tion of paying back some of the Indians in their own coin, and before his companion could offer a remoustrance to the seemingly rash act, he wheeled, and without appear- ing to stopin his rapid flight, discharged both barrels at the foe in quick succession. Kavanal bestowed a furtive glance over his shoulder, and, to his surprise, beheld two of the savages drop. “I just give’em what the doctor ordered—l did, by jimminy!” triumphantly asserted the Buffalo, as he coolly commenced to reload Is rifle while he ran. “Ireckon they'll stop and have a powwow,” added the swift-footed slayer, with a chuckle of satisfaction, asa dismal howl of consternation and hiatred rose up behind them. ‘“'They’ll respect what we’ve done for ’em this time, stranger—they will, by gracious!” : ‘I don’t Know how the affair will end; but I must con- fess I’m inclined to differ from you in opinion. I think, for one, they'll insist on raising our scabps for us before they are done.”’ 4 The fugitives had now reached a narrow defile, which led in among the rocks; but before entering it the Buffalo Concluded to give them another and parting salute through a couple more of the winged leaden messengers cniniaetereenincgiededion 9 at his command. Each shot flew to the object singled out, and two more Of their painted foes reluctantly bit the dust. ‘“‘Here—quick! follow me!’ cried the Buffalo, dodging in among the rocks. Another dismal yell rent the air asthe fugitives disap- peared from sight. The Buffalo and his companion ran for some distance, dodging in and out among the rocks, till they came to an open space, several rods in dimensions, covered witha low, scraggy growth of timber. The Buffalo stooped on entering the timber, and hastily gathered up an armful of dry pitch-knots. “Whatl!? exclaimed his companion, facetiously, ‘are you going to kindle a fire, turn cannibal, and roast and eat the savages you haveso considerately slain ?’’ * “Wal, I reckon not, stranger, so long as I’ve got other fish tofry. Ifthey’ll omly leave my buffaler alone, Pll agree not to meddle with their greasy pelts—I will, by gracious!’’ responded the Buffalo, dryly. oy} I gather some more of the fuel?” inquired Kava- nah. “No; comealong. The red niggers are almost on to us, by the direction and way they howl. We hain’t no time to spare, if you’ve any regard for your ha’r, stranger—we hain’t, by gracious!" “‘Well, k confess I’ve a civilized regard for my hair, so I may as well follow where you think it best to lead.” To judge from the nearness of the savage yells, the foe had found a shorter cut among the rocks, and were now quite likely to intercept them in their further advance, unless some secure hiding-place could be quickly discoy- ered and reached. “This way—quick!”’ cried the Buffalo, springing in the direction ofa dense clump of firs that skirted the face of a rocky precipice, which shot up almost perpendicularly to the hight of thirty or forty feet. The Buffalo, parting the thickly interwoven branches, forced an entrance through, followed quickly by Kava- nah, just as three or four of the savages turned @sharp angle among the rocks, at not more than tio hundred yards distance from them at the moment they disap- peared, “Down on all-fours!’’ said the Buffalo, ‘and follow me. Keep snug onto me, and I’ll ’gree to bring you safe out o’ this, stranger—I will, by jimminy!’ The two had now commenced creeping cautiously through a low, narrow opening or entrance underneath the rocks, that served as a lower breastwork to the steep, frowning precipice above. The passage grew darker and more obscure as they ad- vanced, while. several random shots were being fired by the skulking foe in the direction of their retreat. “They'll waste their powder—they will, by jimminy!’ chuckled the Buffalo. ‘You always have me in your rear, my friend, so you haven’t anything to fear,’’ responded his conmapanion, ina cheerful tone; for the latter, from the commencement, had exhibited unusual verve and coolness for one in so aritical a situation, t “Blister my all-factories, but it’s getting as black as a coal-pit in here—it is, by gracious? | reckon we'd better stop where we be, and watch what the pizen varmints will do.” ‘Watch developments, and be ready to checkmate them in their devilment,” added the latter, coolly. They had now advanced a distance of perhaps twenty feet directly under the precipice, and here for the present it was settled they should remain. The savages were already in a body at. the opening, and with their tomahawks were hewilg down the firs that ob- structed the passage. They were evideutiy bent upon fol- lowing up their'game. Where the Buffalo and liis companion were by lying flat they could see through to the opening, and could easily bring a rifle to bear upon any object that might attempt to force an entrance. When the savages had completed their work of clearing away in front, one of their number, more daring than the rest, commeuced creeping cautiously in through the nar- row aperture. : Tlie clearing away of the brush in front gave the occu- pants of the underground retreat an advantage that they had not calculated upon. The thick, interlacing branches of the firs had hitherto effectually exeluded the light; but, thanks to the exertions of the savages, il was now as e i ee NEW YORK, JANUARY 19, 1874. ieee Wat ' > +2 ; + 3 4 >; The stranger fired two shots, and tire inter discharged iis second barret. cs ws att . light as day could make it at the mouth of the opening. Both the Buffalo and his friend could plainly distinguish the tufted head and glaring eye-balis of the crawling, snake-like intruder, striving to penetrate through the in- tense darkness that obscured the passage. Inthe meantime the Buffalo had not remained inactive, for he had uncoiled from his sitting posture and straight- ened himseif out at full length, with his deadly rifle pre- sented toward the opening or mouth of the aperture, the forefinger of the left hand resting upon the trigger, while the keen, undeviating eye drew its unerring range along the pqtished barrel of his trusty weapon. The crawling savage, since entering upon his perilous venture, might possibly have advanced some five or six feet, when he was greeted by a deafening explosion, which he probably never lives to hear, for there was no sound uttered to indicate either annoyance or surprise on his part, though there was a how! on the outside. “Blister my all-factories!’? chuckled the Buffalo, ‘‘but he’s swallered the same prescription as the rest on ’em— he has, by gracious. It’sasurer remedy fora red-skin, lead is, than any other yarb you kin give em. That’s my doctrin, stranger, dog-goned if ’taint.” “Better than saffron or camomile tea for little boys, hey ?”? interposed his cynical companion, with an uncon- cerned smile. “T reckon "tis, by jimminy Jerushy!”” CHAPTER IV. THE GOLD STREAM. As the smoke cleared away, our fugitive party beheld the savages drag their unfortunate leader out of the aper- ture by the heels. They could perceive from where they were that the grim intruder waslimp and motionless, which naturally led them to the conclusion that this last shot of the Buffalo had proved as destructive to the foe as any of its predecessors. For a brief space after the dismal howling had subsided a dead silence prevailed, which led our friends to conclude that their enemies had withdrawn for the purpose of consulting upon some other method of attack. “What do do you suppose they will be up to next ?”’ in- quired Kavanah, though: without evincing the slightest solicitude in his tone as he put the question. = - “T dun Know; it’s hard work to tell what the dog-goned reptiles willdo. I reckon, though, they’ll either under- take to starve us out or smoke us out—f do, by jimminy.”’ ““Then: we shall have toretreat furtherin, Perhaps there may be an extensive opening beyond. Have you ever explored it to see?”? “No,. by gracious! But F was ealculating on. that, stranger, when I picked upthis here armful of pine-knots. Thinks Lit may turn out to be some great cave or anoth- er-—dog-gonead if I didn’t!” “How did you first happen to discover this place ?”’ in- quired his companion. . “Pll tell you, stranger,’? responded the Buffalo, refiect- ively. “I wasup here among the rocks one day, two or three years ago, huntin’ for mountain sheep. I happened to wound one clus on to here, ‘an it made a dive through them there bushes that the red niggers have just cut away. I follered on, and found this here same opening under the precipice; but I didn’t get the game, stranger, for the hole was so pesky dark I darsn’t: foller it, and sol guy in on the chase, in course. I thought it too risky, it looked so pokerish—I did, by jimminy!”’ The conversation between our two friends was here cut short by the return of the savages, who began heaping ~~ @ quantity of dry linibs and the tinder-like. stalks of th wild ‘sage till the mouth of the aperture was compietely - choked up. “Blister my all-factories, but they are a goin’ to do it!” exclaimed the Buffalo, ina subdued tone. ‘I s’pected the. pizen reptiles would try an’ smoke us out—I did, by gra- cions))? “Perhaps we had better crawl a little further in,’ sug- gested Kavanah. * ‘I don’t keer if we do,’ assented the Buffalo, doubling himself up so as to turn around in the confined passage. “Perhaps, though we’d better light one o’ the pitch-knots,”’ he added, drawing a lucifer from his pocket and igniting it as he spoke. The torch threw a balefnl, blinding light some distance in advance of them, producing a striking contrast between its immediate surroundings anda the pitcliy, impenetrable darkness beyond. : They crept forward without either uttering a word for a distance of perhaps twelve or fifteen feet, when the pas- sage suddenly became so much broader and higher that they found little difficulty in walking ereet. This gave a fresh impetus to their movements, and they soon found themselves at the entrance of an imipense Yaulted cavern, to which they could discern no perceptible terminus. In the distance they could hear the faint sound of fall- ing water, which satisfied them there was an underground stream running through the cavern, They hurried forward a considerable distance, whem they came. to ghe stream, which made several abrupt turns to accommodate itself to the rocky and uneaven character of the soil. ‘ The water was quite shallow in places, but clear, cold and sparkling as the purest spring could have boasted. “By jimminy, Jerushy Ann}? exclaimed the Buffalo in & jubilant tone, thrusting his fickering torch into, Ue clefg of a small boulder that overhung the stream, “I’m going ‘to. pile in here fora drink, stranger-—l be, by gracious! Ive been almost strangulated ever since I got into this pesky hole for want of a drink, and my m’ards have got frizzied up Hke a burnt buffaler’s tail chased by a perarie oun fire,’ he added, with a grin, as he stretched himself out at full length upon the ground, and commenced drawing in copious draughts of the cooling liquid. “Your comparisons are odd enough, my friend, to drag a ayae out of circuit preacher!’ responded his com- panion. “Look here!’ suddenly exclaimed, the Buffalo, plunging his hand into the stream, and lifting up some small sub- stance between his thumb and finger. ‘What do you call that, stranger ?’? “As lliveitisa nugget of pure gold!’® cried Kavanah, excitedly, weighing the coveted prize caretullyin his hand as he spoke. “Goodness gracious!’’ exclaimed the Buffalo, springing to his feet and greedily eyeing. the dull, yellow metal. *Dog-gone it! what makes you think so?’ “Because, my friend, I have worked in the mines, and have seen enough of it to know,’ responded Kavanah, dryly, his philosophical composure having fully returned after the momentary excitement following the discovery. For the time being the imminent peril of their situation. was forgotten. They had discovered goid, and in imagi- nation anew Eldorado had already opened to them. They eagerly commenced searching the bed of the- stream for more, leaving their torches in the cleft of the- boulder. In that position they afforded enough light, to examine the stream for some distance up and down. The bottom was a hard-pan of a species of soap-stone and clay, overspread with athin layer of gravely sand, so that any object of the color of gold might plainly: be discerned. “Ah! said Kavanah, without manifesting as much .ex- citement as at first, “f have found another, anda larger one than yours, my friend.’’ : “And, by jimminy! here’s another, and a whapper!’’ added the Buffalo, gleefully. “Congratulate yourself, my friend, for youl be as. rich as Astor if this hangs on for a week,'}rejoined : Kavanah in his usual quiet tone, not untinctured with an agree- able sense of worldly satisfaction at the smallest favors which fortune might see fit to confer upon him. ‘I’m in- wardly hoping that they’ll keep turning. up thicker and faster.” “Dll say amen.to that—blister my all-factories if won't, stranger.’? “Zip)? came-a bullet at this juncture, flattening itself against the rearof the boulder, from the cleft of which the pitch-knot torch was still gleaming. “Dod-blast:the red niggers!” cried the Buffalo, angered |" at thus being disturbed in his pleasant dreams of a sack- foll of golden: nuggets, and springing tothe side of the rock where he had left his rifle on ¢ommencing his search after the gold. “The pesky reptiles want.a little more of what the doctor ordered—they do, by gracious!’ “Draw back into the shadow as. far. as possible if you would avoid making a target of yourself!’ coolly suggest- ed Kavanah; “for then you will. have the advantage, if the greasy rascals should attempt to approach us. That is sound philosophy; for. while the. darkness prevents them. from seeing us, they cannot advance much nearer without exposing themselves.’’ “Dog-goned to their ugly pictur’s, I see one on ’em, and he’s got to take his physic—he has, by jimminy!”’ exclaim-. ed the Buffalo, exultingly, ashe quickly brought his wea-J ‘pon to bear upon the skulking intruder. His keen eye flashed like electricity over its polished surface, Then came a deafening. report, followed by.a death-shriek of agony in the distance, accompanied by a :disinal howl from the, survivors of the besieging party. ‘Then, with a few rapid: bounds, the Buffalo sought shelter .in the outer circle of darkness, where Kavanah, more cau- tious, had already preceded him. A dead silence of,nearly five minutes now ensued, fol- lowed by a subdued exclamation from Buffalo Jak¢: ‘Dod rot’em! There comesione of the . red, niggers creeping like a lizard out, of the darkness! Ans, by jim- miny Jerushy! there’s. another of the pesky sarpints, wriggling out clus. onto his heels. Ill just pepper them two first—I will, by gracious!’ “Take care of your aim, for they hug the ground like snakes,’ whispered his wide-ayake compapion, caution-, ing the keen-sighted. slayer, who was now taking delibers, ate aim at the slightly-raised head of the feremost. ° When the. smoke cleared away following the report of the rifle, the plumed head had fallen, but. the body of the savage laiddike a log in the same position. “This way!’ whispered Kavanah.. “A little more to the left. There, that wiildo, A change of position will pre. vent their drawing a bead in the dizection from, whence the shot came,’” The one.in the rear had now turned, and was ereeping hurriedly back into the shelter of the darkness, when the deadly rifle of the Buffalo was again brought into requisi- tion; and the contents of the second barre\ promptly dis. charged after him. Almost simultaneous with his own shol, came the quick flash and report of a second rifle.in the. same range of the exposed sayage, Who was. striving with all the agifity he |, possessed to regain the. oxiginal, shelter he had incautious.- hy helt. commenced. Three Dollars Per Year.}). ; Two Copies Five Dollars. }TRANCIS 8. SMITH. ast No, 11: “Dod blast the red nigger?” eried the Buffalo, ruefully, ‘he’s shot away the tai! to my eoonskin: cap—he has, by . gracious!’ As our two friends changed their position for the sec- ond time, as a_ precautionary measure, they saw that the second savage had made no-faurther movement since the Buffalo fired. He was lying-at a distance of abous twenty. feet from his leader. “Do you suppose they are both dead, or be they only shamming ?? inquired Kavanah,-with stoical calmness, “Wal, I reckon, stranger, ft det’? responded the Buffalo, with a chuckle. ‘You: see, when I tells the doctor here to speak to °em, they jest have to take their physic—they do, by gracious!’ The last words were hardly out.of his mouth when ¢here Farose a blood-curdling yell, mingled with a vindictive, despairing howl! of baffted hate and rage, sueh as could proceed only from threats-of savage, men or beasts. After that there were three or four random shots fired in quick ‘succession, but there was: no attempt made: by.the sur- vivors to recover the. bodies of their dead comrades; which they were sensible: enough to see could not be ac- eomplished without needessly exposing themselves to the deadly aim of the concealed slayer. Afier the first paroxysm of rage had subsided, a pro- found silence ensued, disturbed only By the om, rippling music of the gold stream. GHAPTER V. THE: PANTHER’S LEAP. ‘There are some men, my friend,’ said Ravanah, after & silence of several minutes, ‘‘who-are born philosophers: —human specialties;.as it were, gotten up expressly for the enlightenment ofthe world. Now I have, like every-, body else, I suppose, & comeeited idea that lk was born tor some extraordinary purpose or other. It: might bea So- crates, for aught I know, if ‘might-bes’ wan’t so common, in the world. For instance, we might all, be saints if we- hadn’t been born sinners. But admitting that I wasn’t, exactly borh a philosopher, my friend, F have, neverthe- . less, a very gifted faculty of drawing philosophical con-. clusions from the simplest natural causes. Now what do, you suppose I have been reasoning upon for the last tens. minutes? and what sort of a deduction do you imagine I. have drawn from those reasonings??? “Dod-rot it if} kin tell, stranger,’’ respomded the Buffas, lo, in a mystified tone. “Well, then, Ishall enlighten you. Im the first place, 1: listen to the renning water, and I draw the conclusion, that it finds its source somewhiere above ground. Néw.it; would be a decidedly risky undertaking to attempt get- ting out of this by the way we entered; and it Would, prove equally dangerous to explore the cavern any fur- ther by torchlight; bet we can follow up the stream to its. source, if we siiould meet with ne serkous obstructions, without the aid of a torch.” —— —.**And not stor te any anore of The ‘fterrupt-: ed the Butalos cuefally. , ™ — ‘“‘Not now, my friend; but to-morrow or next day, or whenever we think it safe to dose... You see. we .cannot find the gold: without the aid of a toreh to assist -us; and the savages are doubtless still lurkingat no great distance, watching for some unguarded movement on our part. Let us, then, follow the course of this fertunate stream and see where it will lead to. If it shoa&d chanee-to. conduct us to the surfaee above, the knowledge so gained might be of the greatest importance to us. im a case of emergency like the present.’’ The Buffalo, though reluctant to leave the treasure even for a day, could not but pereeive the force of -his.com- panion’s reasoning; and so, without offering any-fanther eer he expressed his - willingness .to: follow lim. As good luck would have it, they were om. the. up-styeam side of the boulder where their torch. had been. left. barn- ing, So that on starting they would not be forced to ex- . pose their persons within the ea&cumferenco of the light which, still burned bright enough to afforé a distinct view of the smatiest object thus expesed. . With slow and anxious svéps our two. friends com- menced following up the cowrse of the stream, guided by the faint rippling that 1t made in its Gownward passage. Occasionally, in the blinding darkness, they. would acci- dentally step into it, showing them that the water was still quite shailow, while its’ resistance convimeced them that the current was nnusually rapid: ‘9f it continues on a great while longer, in. this way,?? said Kavanah hopefully;. ““we shall soon be abave ground, that is, if there should happen to be- an opening large enough to admit of our.exit.” ‘I hope there’ll be a hole big enowgh for.wg.to crawl out on, for I don’t like the-idea of traveling back. again over the same road. Beside, it will affgrd us a. mew way of getting to our gold-stream.. How hn do. yor think we'd better come back again ?? ‘ “Just the momeus the coast is-clears bam as anxious to commence the search as you are, every, bit. The fact is there is a strong attraction for me in.the-haunts of civili- gation, and I mean. to.be therethe moment we have fairly inspected the bottom of this precious stream. Ihavea daughter, beautiful as an angel, liying in Denver city— -or, at least, 1 suppose she is, though-I. have sadly neglected . her for the last eighteen or twenty: months—partly the. fault of myself and partly of. the Indians. I presume the, dear child supposes me.dead;:but if our gold-stream, turns out as productive as Iyimagine- it will, I shall soon be able to make amends fov nay. past neglect. I hope that no evil has befallen her!’ he added with mucis feeling. They were still groping their wayslowly on through the pitchy darkness, occasiopa@y running against a boulder that protruded over the stream, ov stumbling over loose fragments of rock, when the-observant eye of the Buffalo, always on the alert, detected a faint ray of light in the distance which caused bim.to. give excited utterance to his favorite expression: “Blister my all-fuctorges! if their ain’t a wink of day- light.up yonder, sumywhere. There is, by jimminy. Jeru- shy Annl*- ( “Where. away?’ erfed. Kayanah, adopting 2, nautical phrase. ‘‘Ah!-I see it. Itia a stray gleam. from our upper world, and. no mistake, though at prosent a very feeble one I must ¢ogifess. But any port in a storm, as the naariners say, and this.¢ertainly looks as.though we might be approaghing one of the upper port-holes.of day- ligt. Ifit is only big enough to Jet us.through, we are-all right!’ Since quitting the locality where they had left. the torch burping, they liad. traveled as near as they. could cou- alude a distaace of nearly three quarters of.a mile. The point of light grew broader as they. advanced, till there was no. longer any doubt as toits meaning.. It was the daylight. of the upper world. forcing its way timidly inte the pitehy darkness below.. “It’s all right! well be out of the depths ia, a twink- ling. Rejoice, my friend, for the hour:of ear emanci- pation is at hana? ‘‘Dodeblast the rocks!’? growled the Buffalo, tripping against a loose fragment, and sprawling his full length in the: stmeam. “If Lever get out of this. pesky scrape, Vik keep out of it—I will, by gracious!’ “IT thought. you were anxious awhile ¢go to get posses- sionOf sonie more of those golden. nuggets,’ interposed his companioa. “Wal, L hope we'll have light enough next time to see Something; I do, by graeious!!’: muttered the discom- fitted Buffalo, gathering himselfup, and hurrying on to overtake his companion. They were bow rapidly searing. the-point through which the welcome light was becoming more and more visible each moment. It proceeded from, a narrow reut or fissure in the recks, through which leaped the tiny cascade which was the legitimate source of the-gold stream. | AS our two friends squeeged, themselves through the narrow opening, they heard the fait murmur of human voices at no great distance. Thinking it might be some of their savage foes lurking in wait for them, their move- ments now became extremely cautious and circumspect. The keen eye of the Buffalo took in their immediate sur- rounuings at a glance. “Look!” he exclaimed, ealking his companion’s atten- tion as he spoke, and pointing to a huge rock a short dis- ; tance above. them, anc overshadowed by the branches of | an immense fir-tree. ‘Look! itis Arrowatha, the Dacotah chief I gold yon of, that’s been trying to shine. around Sun- ‘shine, and a young feller that’s been stopping up at ; Boran’s Ranch, and a liunting after specimens of curious | stones, and sich likée.”? ‘ Phe naturalist and his dusky companion were uncon- { gernedly seated on the top of the huge.boulder, busily em- ployed in pounding into pieces somes. fragments of dark, ADT Baas sn LO Sinn € & o * eer oe Teg genes went ae : ® x porous-looking rock, beguiling the time in animated con- versation, or snatches of song. Suddenly the Buffalo felt his arm tightly squeezed by his companion. : : “Look!? he whispered, hoarsely, at the same time direct- ing his finger toward the branclies ofthe tree, about half Way up. “It ig a painter!’ said the Buffalo, not unmixed with alarm. y It was even so. Orouching upon a limb almost directly above the heads of the two occupants of the boulder, was the formidable beast, the terror of our Western wiids, dreaded almost equally as much as the terrible mountain rizzly. It was a monster of its kind—a tawny-hided, flendish-looking brute, fully nine feet from muzzle to tip, its tail swaying-slowly back and forth, with a sort of cat- like movénient; tered jaws half distended, exposing two deadly rows ; stl balls prouruded from their sockets with a vicious, hungry look, that would haye instantly curdled the blood of an ordinary beholder. It was evident from the undisturbed. demeanorof the party beneath that they were not yet apprised of its dungerous presence; and but for tile timely appearance of our two friends, might have continued on as before in their fancied security, till awakened 100 late toa full sense of their peril by the fatal spring of the ferocious monster. The restless eye Of.the panther lad already singled out our two friends, thus diverting its attention from the un- conscious two immediately underneath. Without waiting for auy comments the Buffalo com- menced loading with a celerity that astonished even him- self, Kavanalh watched his proceedings with a much livelier interest than he had hitherto evinced, either in the attack of the savages, or the discovery of the golden treasure. “Won't it be best to call their attention, and warn them of the danger before you fire?” inquired Kavanalh. “Not if the doctor knows his business, aud I guess he does!’ responded the Buffalo, dryly. ‘1 reckon 1 can fotch.the varmint the first shot—l do, by gracious!" Wille speaking he had been taking deliberate aim at the crouching monster, making the space which separated the fiery green orbs the particular spot he would reach, The position which Kavanah had attained was such that the smoke accompanying the discharge of the rifle did not in the least obstruct his view of the scene of terror which ensued. i Simultaneous with the report the \wo men sprang to their feet, just as the panther, maddened by the mortal wound he liad received, made his blind and desperate leap downward, passiug completely over his intended vic- tims, and landing on the rock, several feet below. With its tremendous muscular strength, the incensed brute clung to the smooth face of the rock, turning at tlic game time with desperate suddenness, und preparing to make the second spring; but befure he could leave his base, the young stranger had whipped a revolver from his pocket, and fired two shots in rapid succession, just as the Bulfalo discharged his second barrel. With a howl of mingled pain and ferocity the savage monster relaxed his hold upon the rock, and rolled down to the Jevel plateau upon which it rested, dead. t AS soon a8 the smoke had cleared away alittle, Kavanah and the Buffalo hurried to the spot where the panther lay, and were presently joined by the young white stranger and the Indian. “We are most happy to make your acquaintance, and ofter you our sincere thanks for the valuable service you have just rendered us!” said the young naturalist, cordially extending his hand as he spoke. ‘i fancy we should have stood a poor chance but lor your timely assistauce.”’ “This ig the individual you have to thank,’ returned the philosopher, pointing to the Buffalo, who was already on hig Kuees preparing to skin the panther. «There’s nary occasion for thanks, stranger. I don’t ask nothin’ for the job, only the pelt of the varmint, that’s all,’? coolly remarked the Buffalo, as he commenced his labors. “‘Wel, my friend,’’ said the young gentleman, smiling, “if you won't accept our thanks, you are certainly most welcome to the hide, if that will repay you. Atall events, { shall stuck to my original assertion, that we are most happy to make your acquaintance, My name is Walter > in asubdued voice, cotahs, whom | was fortuuate enougl Lo secure some time ago as a companion aud guide in my wanderings. I am in search of gems, ores, aud minerals, for cabinet pur- poses. Ihave a small cabin in progress of erection just below the rapids, between here and Boran’s Ranch, aud aces be happy to see you there, my friends, at any time.” «Thank you!’ said Kavanah. ‘I will answer at least for myself. I shall embrace the first opportunity that of- fers to visit you. As for my friend here, I don’t know what he will say.” The Buffalo guve an approving nod. Ernstein was a remarkably handsome man—finely form- ed, with delicate, classical features, almost feminine in their expression, with deep, gray, soulful eyes. He was neatly dressed, though the garments he wore seemed par- ticularly desigued for comfort aud durability—suitable, in a word, for roughing it in the busi. Arrowatha, the Dacotah chief, was a splendid repre- sentative of the native aborigiue, tall, finely proportioned and-erect, With-an eye pierciug-as—e ia Ww k’s, and a Car- Tiage proud and stately. His dress was a peculiar mix- ture of the civilized and barbarous, though strikingly nov- ‘el and picturesque in ils general elfect. He was seeming- ly of about the same age as his companion. He stood silently by, with arms folded, regarding the several actors in the scene with a kindof stoical indiffer- ence characterisLic of his race. i When the Buffalo had finished his task of skinning the panther, he rolled up the hide carefully, and getling once more to his feet, signified his readiness to conduct Kava- mah to his shanty. . bedi The partly then shook hands, with many expressions of good will, and separated; Ernstein and the young chief taking up their line in the direction of Boran’s Rauch, while the Buffalo and Kavanah started in the opposite di- rection, {TQ BE CONTINUED. } False Champion. By Mrs. Helen Corwin Pierce. {The False Champion” was commenced in No. 43. Back num- bers can be had from any News Agent in the United States. j CHAPTER LII. The Laird started. A strange awesome look grew in his withered old face as he gazed. He was like one under a spell. The tears began to drip down his shruuken cheeks. He laid his hand upon the young*.man’s curling hair. / «When I was young,’’ he said, tremulously, ‘1 loved a girl called Lettice Rolf—she married my dearest friend. His name was Champion. It was the Champion look took mein Dirck Crawley’s face, but here I see my lost Lettice too. You are the sonof my lost Lettice, and I was near dooming you to an awful death. God forgive me.” He laid his clasped hands on the curls of young Ruble with a murmured blessing. ; The young man did not contradict him. Strange, aw- ful and perplexing thouglits were stirring in his Kuightly soul. If everybody who saw his face for the first time persisted in calling it a Champion’s, what was he to think? Did it not go far to prove that Lord Champion’s wild fancies concerning him were truth alter all? Tie Laird’s servants, at his command and countenance, gathered round the young man, aud while part attended the Luird, the rest escorted him within the castle, where he was shown to one of the most splendid rooms, aud had a change of elegaut garments brought him, in place of his own dusty apparel, until his portmanteau and trunks could be sent jor. He was waited upon to a bath. The laird’s own valet assisted him in his toilet, and then Brenlau, such as he had scarcely seen. The table was spread with the most wonderful service of gold and sil- ver and flashing crystal; the covers when they were lifted showed such epicurean and delicious meats and other exquisitely prepared dishes as only a true gour- mand could have provided or appreciated. The Laird of Brenlau was a very high liver, rich as a Croesus, and self-indulgent, though so uuseltish, He made his appearance dressed in a wonderful suit of silk and velvet, with a shirt of the finest cambric and real lace ruffles, a diamond in his bosom front, powder on his hair, and his hauds jeweled like @ woinau’s, The buckles on his shoes flashed with gems also, and though he had his staff still aud was partially supported by an attend- ant, he moved with a pompous step aud mauner that ac- corded well with his glittering and rich old-fashioued at- tire. Under ali this pomp and gorgeousness Verner Ruble found a warm and tender heaft throbbing, aud as the wine warmed the old man’s veins his wit sparkled aud graceiul words flowing from his loosened tongue present- ed as in a vision to his fascinated guest, that pastin which blooming, beautiful, sweet Lettice Rol&had been the star of hig worship, the adored idealof his romantic soul. Upon the little finger of his left hand Verner Ruble wore a ring set wilh sapphires all the way round, a quaint, pretty iewel, which his uncle, the Count, had given him, Wilh mysterious Charges as to ils sale Keeping, but a few weeks before. ; : ; Upon this ring the dim eyesof the Laird of Brenlau suddenly fasteued in a sort of stupefaction. He extended his shaking jaud furit, and Verner Ruble kindly removed it from his fluger and laid itin his palin. For some moments the Laird could not see the riug tor his fust-coming tears, But all the while he was turning the pretty jeweled circlet in his fingers, and tulking soltly to himself. Presently he wiped his eyes, and counting the stoves from the largest pressed oue. Three of the Slopes flew back and showed engraved on an inner plate the words ‘‘Robin to Lettice.’’ The Laird caught his breath with a choking sob. Then he straightened himself. “We were lu have been married,’ he said, “and then phe saw your father, lad, and loved him, aud seeing that, ITgave her off. Robin Coursie.o’ Brenlau was never the man to take any woman to wife uuwilling. She never asked me, and she grieved a deallest I blamed her for loving another than me. Then I gave her this ring in token that l forgave her freely,and had not a hard thought pgniust her.’? Verner Ruble had not spoken a word. He was struck dumb as it were at the production of this new witness to the truth of Lord Ciauipion's theory concerning himself, for if this ring Was his mother's, how came Count Rubie of gleaniing white teeth; while tlre fierce eye, Ernstein, and this is Arrowatha, a young Chief of the Da-. he went to a banquet in the great superb dining hall of | by it? He must have taken it from himself—he might have done so if Lord Champion was right. He sat shading his face with his hand lest the Laird should see how convulsed it was with emotion. But the Laird did see, and his heart warmed more than ever toward him whom he supposed to be the son of the only woman he had ever loved. ~ ; ‘ The Laird of Brenlau and Verner Ritble were not long in making friends as has been seen. The kind, soft-hearted old man was as romantic and sentimental as any novel reading girl. He was genial also; and what is called for lack of a better name— magnetic. j st The two talked more like girls than men. Verner Ruble had told his whole singular and touching story so far as he kuew it before they left the stately old diniug-room, and the Laird had Jistened with widening eyes, and a grow- ing flash and flush, that showed how deeply\he was in- terested inal They resumed tlieir confidences after they had adjourned to the drawing-room, a luxurious aud elegant apartment, in which—for here the.air was chill enough to make it desirable—a fire had been lighted onthe broad, marble hearth. “] am with Lord Champion,” the Laird said with solemnity, *‘That you are a-Cliampion, I should think no one could doubt who has seen you.. It only remains to prove it, aud if he would, tiat old fellow you call the count could help you do that.’ « Young Ruble sat breathing heavily. A mist seemed on his brain; a weight was on his soul. 1t was impossible that he could be a Champion—more inipossible that, he was that lost Ralph Champion of whom his lordship had told him so much, Yet with all his passionate, fervid soul, he loved Lady Isabel, and-these faucies of the Laird of Breulau aud Lord Champion seemed to himonly the more dreadiul mockery vecause,of his worship of that queeuly woman aud wile. “Why impossible, reasoned the Laird, “you say the Count Ruble, your uncle, himself says that you had a lever which seemed to destroy your memory of the past. How can you guess eyen at what that past ueld? As wellhave held Lady Isabel as nothing. Beside dves not this queen of beautiful women claim you as herown? Has she not always refused that other who Claims her, and who I am very sure from your description is that very Dirck Crawley who tried to murder me?”’ “] believe you are right there. I-am sure the man who passes for Lady Isabel’s husband js entirely unworthy #1 her. J hate him.’! Verner Ruble clenched his white teeth in a strange pas- sion as he spoke. ; The old Laird laughed aloud at this exhibition. “What do my lady’s friends generally say to this fel- how Whom she herself disowns so persistently ?’’ he asked. “They are ready toswear lo him, so faras I kuow, with the one exception of Lord Champion. Sir Robert Calthorpe and lis wife—an uncle aud an aunt of Lady Isabel’s—are his dearest friends.”’ “Hump! My dear boy, go on; you are furnishing link after link in the chain of evidence. At the time ol Lady Isabel’s marriage to Ralph Cuampion, Sir Robert aud he were not friends to my certain knowledge. I have heard Sir Robert himself express the most intense dislike for Ralph Champion. Stop, now 1 remember. Lady Isabel, at the very time of her husband’s mysterious disappearance, went so far as to charge lier uncle with being at the bot- tom of his absence. I got an idea at tle time that she ac- cused him of having caused his death. Lady Calthorpe is the next heir, you know, after Lady Isabel and her heirs. There is motive enough, ifthe man is wicked and unprin- cipled, and [never liked him, but 1 never could believe that he had done so badly as Lady Isabel imagined.” “You kuow Sir Robert Calthorpe?’ exclaimed Verner Ruble in some astonishment. “Perfectly. Until he married Lady Calthorpe he was a poor man. That is, his father left him some money. But he wasted it iu foreign travel and silly expensive experi- ments in Chemistry. After his return from abroad, a poor man, he lived fora year or more at an old tumbie-down place of his not far from Brenlau, You can see the chim- neys from my wall, and very plainly ona fair day.” Verner Ruble mused a momeut. “Thut woman who claimed me for her grandson, down in the village, you remember.”? The Laird nodded. “She is Dirck Crawley’s grandmother. ber.’ : “When I asked her who she took me for, she answered very queerly that 1 was Dirck Crawley, the sou of her son und the daughter of the actress lady—she who is now called Lady Calthorpe.” : The Laird started—his old eyes flashed again with shrewd intelligence, > “I begin to see,’ he said, slowly. ‘The father of the late Lord Cuampion, Lady Isabel’s grandfather, married fur his second wife am actress. Lady Calthorpe was the daugliter of this actress. 1 remember now that there were curidus whispers regarding her at one time, and, though every one here kuew who was Dirck’s father—he was Yes, I remem- mother was. Could there have beeu a secret marriage between Crawley the elder and her who is now Lady Cal- thorpe? I begiu to believe it. Crawley was guod-lovking, had rather good manuers, and a foreign air—he was French on one side. . He used 10 Call himself Co raw- ley, and actualiy passed himself off sometimes. And that’s where “and that is how they came to take tuum to humbug Lady Isabel with. Butit was a daring game—a during game, byy soul. Pity it is my lady uad no children. They, wouid aot have gone so fur, 1 fancy, then.” . Verner Ruble started. ; - a “There is a child—a beautiful little boy—or there was,’’ he dropped his voice; ‘“Heaveu aloné "Knows Whiether ire is stil living. My lady maintains that he is, The child was stolen from her at Dorset the sanie night that her wWaiting-woman was murdered. You must have heard of that’? “] did—I did, but the matter passed from my mind. We remeuiber best what we have kuown inyouth. I had forgotten that unhappy affair, though so recent.’ _ “My chief erraud iuto this part of the coullury now is to look for that lost child. J have Jitue hope, but Ishalttry. What is that?’ ae , Verner. Ruble started up suddenly pointing through one of the tall windows, before which the curtains had not been dropped. A curious, red glow was on the sky in that direction. The old Laird of Brenlau looked a moment, “It must be Calthorpe Towers,” he said, in a moment. “That is the place I was speaking Lo you of—a dismal, tumble-down, old concern—not even a picturesque ruin. How could it take fire? Noone lives there. Stay—l think I heard Allen say there was au old Woman harbor- ing there.”’ The old man turned and rang his bell sharply. It was instantly auswered. He questioned the man rapidly. “Yes sir,’? he said; ‘‘thereis an old womun living there. She’s sister to old Dame Crawley. Like enough she’s fall- en asleep over lier pipe, and set fire tu it herself.’ “Tuke horse and ride there like the deyil! cried the old Laird, in sudden excitement. ‘She may be rvasting now! Lord, Lord, I wish I could go!” The man had already disappeared. The Laird tottered, as he sank into a Chair, Verner Ruble supporting lum to it. **] will goin vour place, if you will permit me, sir,” Verner Ruble said, in some excitement. ; “Go, then!’ gasped the Laird. The young man was gone before he could say the words. ' CHAPTER LIT. He overtook Allen at the stables, and saddled his own horse in wild haste. Three or four of the servants follow- ed pell-mell.. The troop tore away headlong toward Cal- thorpe Towers. So fast they rode that they were near riding down an old woman who came fleeiug from the direction of the Towers, With her gray hair streaming, and her garments fluttering, while at every step she shrieked as thougha legion of demous was aiter her. They were in full sight of the blazing pile now, and stopped while Allen Bane questioned the woman. She ceased ler yells at first, but happening to cast her eyes upon Verner Ruble, she began lo sliriek again, to tear her hair and beat her breast, in an altogether frantic manner. ‘ “What's the matter, dame? You're not hurt?’’ de- manded Allen, impatiently; ‘“‘how did you Manage to set fire to it? Auybody else up there?’ The womau did not stop screaming till he put the last question, when she suddenly became quiet and stood shaking in every limb, her old teeth chattering and her eyes looking ready to drop out of her head with tright. Her skinny cheeks grew livid, her lips were a blue while like the lips of a corpse. Allen and the others could but Stare at her as the-ligit of the blazing Towers showed them how unearthly she looked. ‘| believe some one is up there being burned to death!” Allen cried. ‘You've always had an evil name, you hag; what have you been up to now ?” The woman darted a horrible glance at Verner Ruble, whom she took for her employer, Dirck Crawley. But she did not speak a word. She tried, but her tongue seemed glued to the roof of her mouth.: : “Will you speak?” shouted Allen Bane, suddenly Jeap- ing from his horse and shaking her rouglily by the shoul- ders; “‘it you don’t tell, me the truth ju two minutes Dil carry you to the top of the hill and fling you back into the fire. : ; BOR The woman shrieked again in mortal fear, Then she began to whine in a horrible manner. ‘ “Pil tell you, only let ne Bon she said; ‘itis only a lad, good Mister Bane,'a little lad 1 was keeping for Sir Robert and him’’—motioning to young Ruble—‘‘I’d a got him out it Icould. l—— o>) 2 There wus.acry of horror. : Like an electric flash the truth came to Verner Ruble. “itis Ludy Isabel’s child,” he groaned, and piunged forward up tie hill, the others after hit almost ipstantly. It was a grand and awtul sight. Calthorpe Towers, though not covering a great area of ground, were built high. Partially crumbled though those énce lofty walls were now, Lllere was here aud there a casement left, through which the flames shot forked tongues. The wood-work inside had originally been of a very heavy, subsiantial make, It burned now after so long like tin- der. Already the fire had made such progress as to cause the decaying walls to begin to tumble inward, and as they did so, vast clouds of smoke and ashes mingled with cinders, rose and fell in a shower of sparks about the troop from Breulau. Allen Bane rode up beside Verner Ruble as he was rapidly circling the burning Towers. “If there was any liviug thiug inside there,’ he said “he is dead before now.’ Ab appalling ory from young Ruble checked him. He pointed to the topmost tower of all, round whose flat top a stout stone balustrade ran, ‘He is there; I saw his killed at a horse race—no one ever guessed who lis, ‘so. in. Ving yet tender Dirck Crawley got his} Champion looks,’ the Laird concluded, wjyumphantly; 4} aud “1 will.” Rd FOR DS OU OE BO RREDO 11 DEODE ODE PF DO a strange hoarse voice. The next moment Allen Bat ish, sweet little face spirited in the midst of its terror, shown a moment above the parapit and Vanished. They of the flames made it difficult to tell that. him.” “There is, there shall be,” uttered Verner Ruble. Spurring his horse close to the outer wall, Verner Ruble leaped upon it and ran swiftly round, though the flames scorched him as he looked in vain for some point at which he might enter without being consumed at the out- set. But even his determined frenzy was forced back by the fury of the blaze. He would have been dead in one moment if hehad dar l ful biaze, He t have breathed fire before he could advance ten steps.’ He rau back fairly glaring about for some means of rescue. Suddenly Allen called out shiar , “There is the King Beech, reached from that?! © Verner Ruble uttered an eye fell on the tall giant to which Allen Baue was point- ing. ; ‘ck There had long ago been a grand rance to the Tow- ers on this side—an avenue marshalled on either hand by immense beech trees, once the pride of the country from their age and size. These had gradually disappeared till but three remained, and of these the one nearest the house was fortunately the tallest, and leaned toward if. itdid not look asif it would be an impossible task to reach the child, once in the midst of that tossing, fast- blackening crowu of leaves, But how to get there? The huge trunk, too large to clasp, offered no support for feet or hands. Notevena sailor could have scaled that lofty, bare hight. Meanwhile the fire raged and the boy, driven by the heat {rom within, iad - climbed out upon the stone balus- trade as far as he could. The littie fellow bore himse]f with wonderful bravery. He seemed to comprehend the situation, to understand that they would save himif they could, but that he was beyond their reach. . His boyish, piping voice kept rising above the roar and crackle of the flames: “Tell mamma good-by forme,’ he called often; “if the fire burus me up, tell mamma good-by for me. -My name is Hugh Champion, and my mammais Lady Isabel Cham- pion, and teil her it was the Man who makes me call him papa that brought me here.” ; Verner Rubie was ghastly with horror and agony. But for Allen ana the others he would have made the mad at- tempt to furce his way through the flames to the child. These held him back by main force. Presently the child called again: “Tell mamma I didn’t cry,’ he said; but the little voice broke in a wild wail atthe last: ‘“Itisso hot, the fire burus meso. Oh, can’t you think of some way ?’’, Verner Ruble gunashed his strong, white teeth. He cried aloud in his agony, and wrestled fearfully with those who held him. “Let me go! letme die with him! She will hear that I died with hii if I could not save him.” The weeping of the boy could now be plainly heard. They could hear him now uttering little prayers that his mother had taught him, now moaniug: J “Mamma, mammia,’? i All the time he was crowded by the flames more and more over the edge of the stone balustrade, till lie seemed Lo incline beyond it as he crouched. Suddenly Verner Ruble uttered a shout: . “] have it,’? hé cried, ‘‘obey me and we'll save him yet.”’ Allen Bane and the others stared, but they did as*he bade them. First he placed them all inagroup under the great beech tree, and in a few rapid words, named to them his plan—a desperate one indeed, but they all knew it was the only chance left. Not a word was uttered but every man steadied his lips, as he took position, and not a lieart there buttoits owner beat louder than the roar of the flames. ® Young Ruble stepped out where the boy could plainly see him, und shouted to himin a Clear, strong, voice, that mounted above all other sounds, like a bugle call above the din of battle. : The men below thrilled, the boy stopped his moans of despair and anguish. “Hugh, Hugh Champion!’ called Ruble, in his clarion voice, ‘if you are a brave boy, we willsave you yet. Are you brave enough to do anything 1 bidyou now?’ “Yes, anything,’? wailed the child, “Listen then. Thereis no time to lose, any moment the wall may tumble under you and drop you in the flames. Creep buck to the other corner of the balustrade opposite the tree. Tie fire will not scorch you se much, if you keep close to the wall. When you are nearest the tree, Stand up suddenly and jump. Jump far-out into the tree if possible. If that don’t catch you we will. Now then don’t stop to think or look. Aim for the tree and re- member your mamma.”? ; : There was G@pfaa sileuce except the awful voice of the fire. Evidently) the boy lesitaied and shrank before the peril of that) into mid air as well he might. Ruble hin was wliiter than snow, but jis dark blue *his voice never faltered iu its compel- Lernness. ; : y boy, 1 shall count three. Are youready? » Bland up, at three, jump for your lile. ? \ eyes flushed, “Now then, When I say tw Oue, two, thre Tie child liul§-rose and sank back with ashriek. They thought he had) fallen. into the’ flames. -Buat tlie next in- stant his shrill, scared voice called count it once more, CHAPTER LIV. The men caught thefr breath. Ruble shut his teeth hard uttering the count through them—one, two, three, The boy liimself screamed out the last Count, and with the word shot like a bird straight out from the tower. There was au instant of horrible suspense. He struck the tree, caught at the bows with beth little hands, missed them, aud fell crashing through from Jiuib to limb, now hanging & moment by his clothes, then falling again,” wiiile the yery breath of those below seemed to stop. Their arms outstretched before to receive him, remained so mechanically. They were paralyzed for the moment. Ruble alone retained his self-possession. It was his aruis that received the brave child at last. The shock hurled him to the ground, but the others were lifting him almost as he touched it. At the same moment the last tower, as if it had only waited for the child to be gone, fell witha crash! Notoneof those stout men knew uu. They were crying like women over the boy. Verner Ruble hugged him close, aud kissed him pas- sionately. The boy lay utterly quiet in his arms, his large, innocent, loving eyes going slowly aud gratelully from face to face. Suddenly that tender gaze laded, the silky lashes dropped—he was still. “He is dead!’ cried Verner Ruble, in agony. “He has fainted, and uo wouder,’’ said Allen Bane; ‘his arm is broken, see,’’ and he lifted it. Ruble shuddered, and one of the men muttering, ‘‘Little saint,’ ran for water. He found some near, and they bathed the little, thin, wan face with it. But couscious- ness was long in returning to the long-tried Child. They found old boughs enough toumake a sort of litter, on which they spread their coats ‘then | i it.. Then twoof them lifted him gen swiftly and easily as they could to Brenlan. A third mounted his horse and rede to the village for a surgeon. t ‘Tne excitement at Brenlaw upon their arrival was in- teuse. : ‘ The boy’s romantic and sorrowful story was repeated with numerous exagyerutions and additious—noue worse, however, than the pitiful truth, A Arty Was pluinly enough revealed in his piuctied, thin, litle face, lis shrunken limbs and neglected person. The petted darling of a wor- shiping mother, Lursed in luxury, he had been forced to sleep uu bare stones, and nearly starved. The wonder was that he was alive after it all. As Veruer Rubie lifted him tenderly from the litter at Brenlau, he smiled faintly in spite of the pain, bint love you,’’ he said, and moved his pretty lips for a