ay wD eoesen PP 2 rere “ig sid. IRR UN ee 5 ‘ Ts Ronueerrt NTUR Subscription Price, $2.50 per year CONTAIN- VAL AND { Y 897 TION NA q S "A 7. ¥ Aé > F Dok Ld LE’ » A sign Clarke "OUR Com ; by En ECEMBE ee Peril of the i oa 2 Vy) Le 3 & <| é ae 2) a (x) x. iY?) hy, Hed | LJ 2 hoe A mn From ‘‘ ( ( 4344060040006 CADET MONUMENT, WEST POINT MILITARY ACADEMY. ARMY AND NAVY: ; = A WEEKLY PUBLICATION POR OUR BOYS. Issued weekly, By subscription, $2.50 per year. Entered as Second-Class Matter at the New York Post Office (yi STREET & SMITH, 238 Wailliam Street, New York. Copyrighted 1897. Editor, - - »- ARTHUR SEWALL, December.4,1897. Vol. 1. No. 25. Price, Five Cents. CONTENTS OF THIS NUMBER: PAGE. A Peril of the Sea (Complete story), Ensign Clarke Fitch, U. S. N. : ; CASA Mark Mallory’s Treasure (Complete story), Lieut. Frederick Garrison, U. S. A. se 1166 ~ How Jake Saved the Guns (Short Story) Kendall Robinson. : ; f eo hegs In Forbidden Nepaul (Serial), William Murray Graydon . ; : : 3 . 1180 Tom Fenwick’s Fortune (Serial), Frank -H. Converse. ; : : 5 - 1183 A Young Breadwinner (Serial) Matthew White, Jr. ; 4 2 ; : a7 FEST The Major’s Monkey (Sketch) . .~. ; : : ; ; : : we TOI = Dogs of Constantinople (Sketch) . : : é ; ‘ : g ; ac bO3 Brief Anecdotes of Famous Personages ; ‘ : ; ; ; ; ao BIOS Editorial Chat, es. ; : ‘ : : ‘ é Department 1194 Athletic Sports, ; y : : : : ; ; - Department 1195 Items of Interest all the World Over : ; : . ; é Department 1196 Correspondence Column, : 3 : : ; : : : Department 1197 Stamps Column, . : : , 5 ; : ie Ses : Department 1197 Amateur Journalism. ee : : : : ; Department 1198 Our Joke Department i eo ; ; : ; ss ; : en SE TG9 SPECIAL NOVICE, HE “Criticism Contest” in which we requested the views of our readers on ten of the military and naval cadet stories is now concluded. The letters sent in will be examined at once, and the prizes awarded in time for the Christmas Holiday week. error A Peril of the Sea. Being Two Foicodes of Man-of-War Life as Experienced by Clif Faraday, Se ee Cadet, U.S. N. 5d 5 By Bnsign Clarke Hitch, U. S. N. ope CHAPTER § A MAINTOP HAZING. She t he’s coming !”? so W here 2)? ‘‘Up the port rigging.’’ » ‘How far is he?”? ‘‘Just past the top of the—confound it! he has stopped.”’ ‘Our luck, blame me! wed sive the little rat What’s he doing now?” “Looking out© to sea. Guess he's caught sight of a porpoise or—there he comes again. Hurrah! Chris, we’ll get him now!’ Judson Greene slipped back from where he had been peeping over the edge of the maintop of the United States Naval Aca- demy practice-ship Monongahela, and chuckled gleefully. His companion, Chris Speridly, who was crouching against the mast, echoed his mirth. ‘We won’t do a thing ‘to him,’’ he said, brutally. ‘**We’ve been. waiting a long time to get square with Nanny, and we’ll do it this trip.’’ Both youths laughed again, and their mitth was not pleasant to hear. Neither wete well-favored in appearance, their faces bearing the unmistakable stamp of dissipation and evil passion. That they were enabled to wear the uniform of a United States naval cadet I was in hopes a good lesson. was due more to the political influences of their fathers than to any merit of their own. It was a warm sunny day in the latter part of July. There was hardly a breath of air, and the old practice ship rolled sluggishly upon the long alimost imper- ceptible swell which scarcely moved the glassy surface of the sea. It was the afternoon watch, and the heat, stifling down on the broad spar deck, seemed, but little better up here at the maintop where Judson Greene and his precious crony, Chris Spendly, were lying in wait for a small slender cadet who was toiling languidly up the port main shrouds. The little lad, as well as Judson and Spendly, was a plebe, ur ‘‘May’? cadet, at the, Naval Academy. ‘The three to< gether with Clif Faraday, Joy, Troiley and several others with whom these true stories have treated, had entered the Acad- emy in May, and the following’ month sailed with the first, third and fourth class cadets on the annual summer cruise abroad. After a brief Bul eventful stay at Lis- bon, Portugal, and an equally brief stop at Funchal, Wadeira. the Monongahela — had raised anchor for America. She was now two days out from Ma- deira, and drifting listlessly in the grasp Of a ‘‘dead-calm.”? Word had been passed after dinner that members of ‘the new fourth class, or ‘‘May cadets,’’ could exercise themselves aloft. The heat of the day ees the order to be made optional, and at first only Judson and Chris had obeyed. a latter sport when ih GE a This prompt compliance with orders from aft was not characteristic of their nature. Far from it. They had concluded that the maintop would be a good place to hatch plots, and it was for that purpose solely that they had crawled aloft. Aiter awhile they had éspied. irttle Nauny, an admirer and protege of their @special eneiny, Clif Faraday, make a start up the port shrouds, and the discov- ery had suggested an opportunity to se- cure some amusement and incidentally do a little bullying. Judson and Chris were adepts at the the bullying was on boys smaller than themselves. ‘Is the little beggar still I wonder?’ said Spendly. mighty long time.” He peered down through the ene S hole,’’ then sprang back with a war ng whisper. ‘He isright below. Quick! get on the other side of the mast.”’ **What will we do with the little rat?” breathed Spendly, when they were once in hiding. ‘*Bind and stuffing out of with a scowl. coming up, ‘‘He takes a beat the ed ee the sniveling gag ee and him, = rephe “17H teac oH tl kid to take Clif Faraday S pat tte? - ‘*He will split to ete t lui? ‘‘Not he. He would be seared of his life. Sh-h-h! there he is. Now get ready to grab hiin.”’ A head surmounted «by a cadet cap ap- peared above the edge of thie top. Beneath the cap was arather de elicate, effeminate face, but one stamped with honesty and good nature. A slight body came -in view, and Nanny drew himself up on the broad top with a sigh of relief. ‘“Whew!’? he exclaimed aloud, vigor- ously mopping his as 9 ace. “That was hot work. Gee! the ocean ljooks like a brass plate. There’s a little wind up here, though, and that’s more than can be-said down below.”? He seated himself upon a large {‘top’’ chest and leaned lazily against the rail- ing, entirely oblivious of the fact that two pairs of cruel eyes were watching him from behind the mast. ARMY°AND NAVY 1155 Presently he began to sing softly and in a boyish voice: ‘‘ In slumbers of midnight the sailor-boy lay, His hammock swung loose at the sport of the wind. But watch-worn and weary, his eares flew away, And visions of happiness danced o’er his mind. ‘‘F¥e dreamed of home, of his dear——”’’ The words stopped in a gasp as a blouse was thrown over his head. He felt an arm-wound tightly around his neck, then he was forced backward full length nor the chest. ‘ “Tie his hands and feet, Cliris, 4 said a well-known and eortially ated voice near his ear. ‘*’Tie ’em fast while I hold his blooming mouth closed.’ Nanny struggled to free himself, ‘but he was powerless in the grasp of his two tormentors. The bight of a rope was passed about his legs and wrists and deftly fastened to the railing against which he had been leaning. Then the blouse was taken away and he looked into the menacing faces of Chris and Judson. “Tf you so much as whimper I'll break your neck,”’’ threatened the latter. ‘Tet me- oo, will youl” retorted Nanny. ‘‘You havent any right——”’ ‘‘Oh, shut up... -We’ll teach you to go sniveling about that cad, Faraday. You think he runs the earth. ae twake you think so when he hears of this,’’ said the little ob apie edly. ‘‘And he’ll make you snivel, too.’ ae Judson thrust his right hand down Nanny’s collar and gave the cloth a twist. A gasping cry came from the victim, but ae was stifled ‘by Spendly’s brutal fist. ‘‘Now will you keep Ge confound Vou? demanded Greene. “If you open that trap again, Tl choke the breath out ol your, “(We'd better hurry up, or some of the other. chumps’ ? Pasa ee TT TT TT RET, Ne a ie Peet ra Rr < es aK 1158 incidentally impressing certain poe of past history upon him. ‘‘It is time you and that fresh deck Clif Faraday know that there are others mi the navy,,’ he snarled. * Yon fel- lows think you own the earth.’ ‘He don’t own much of Chris,’ chuckled Judson. few more whacks for luck.” Which Spendly did with great custo. Nonny squirmed and wriggled under the rope’s end, but he could not escape from his tormentors. He tried to cry out, to make his voice heard in protest, but his mouth was stuffed with oakum held in place by a strand of yarn. ‘Oh, just wait until—ouch!—I get free,”? he groaned. ‘‘I?1l tell Clif. and— and he’ll make those cowards suffer.”? The two plebes, at last tiring of the rope’s end, proceeded. to wind up the torture by a worthy feat. ‘‘We’ll shut him up in the top chest,’ suggested Judson. ‘‘And let him rest awhile. Then we’ll take a snooze up here and give the little devil another dose of rope “to finish it. Here, Chris, hold him while I raise the lid.”’ They did not see a lithe active figure noiselessly descending the -maintop shrouds, nor notice the swaying of the tatlines almost with reach. Chris lifted Nanny and held him while his companion threw open the chest cover. Then just as they were in the act of dropping the youngster upon a varied col- lection of blocks and belaying pins with- in, a heavy hand was placed on Judson’s shoulder. it now, ‘*Give him a As He clanced tip- with a ery of sur- prise he found himself reeling backward so violently that he barely escaped falling over the eage of the top. ’yust Delay that will you,’ said’ an even voice. ‘‘Cast off those ropes and release him.’ lee ent CHAPTER Iik. A COWARDLY: BLOW. ‘“Clif Faraday!’’ gasped Judson and Spendly in unison. B Nos, al vour service,’ repled the ‘““nandsome plebe, coolly. ‘‘Didn’t expect an interruption in your little fun, did you? You are a sweet pair of cowards, aren’t you? ARMY AND NAVY Why didn’t you select some fellow of your own size??? ‘‘What right have you got to inter- fere?’? demanded Judson, beginning to bluster. Clif smiled grimly. ‘“That’s a question that does your in- tellect credit, my dear fellow,?’’ he re- torted. ‘‘Of course the fact that you are il-treating a boy smaller than yourself, and that boy a chum of mine doesn’t give me the right. to protect him. - Oh, no. Well, we’ll see about that.”’ He made a menacing gesture with his hands, then leaned over Nanny with the intention of releasing him. Chris and Judson exchanged glances. . The same thought had suddenly flashed into the minds of both. Clif was their enemy—the lad whom they hated more than any other on earth. They had hated him since their entrance into the Academy—in fact, before, for the three were from the same city, Hart- ford, Connecticut. They had tried to injure him, to ‘‘get square,’? more than once, but the at- tempts had always failed. Singly they feared him, but here was an opportunity by which they might set- tle old scores. They were alone in the top. ‘The dis- tance to the deck and the heavy awnings concealing them from the eyes of the officer on watch rendered interruption improbable. Why not make a combined attack upon their, common enemy, and give him a sound drubhing ? Or—here both cowards fairly chuckled —why not serve him as they had intended to serve little Nanny? Knock him down, bind him,-then chuck him into the chest for a few hours. Faney bazine Clit. Faraday. Raney hazing the ‘‘fresh’’? plebe who had suc- cessfully combated the whole third class and who had yet to receive his first dose of hazing. Judson’s and Spendly’s mouths wa- tered. [he very prospect of so much glory was dazzling. oa ey forgot that they were members of the same class, that by all rules and tra- ditions they should have felt proud of Faraday for his clever defiance of the Achsanli jails eee ae il 4 ' iy LRMY AND NAVY 1159 hazing third. They lost sight of every- thing save the overwhelming desire to gain a petty revenge over their enemy. But then they were tank cowards at heart and possessed of very small natures, so nothing else could be expected of them. All this flashed through their minds in very short ordef. ‘To make a resolve re- quired even less time. ‘‘Tet’s jump him,’’ Spendly signaled. Judson nodded. Both gave a last glance about them. The,coast seemed entirely clear because at that moment Joy. had gained the deck on. his way to the maintop, the feat of crossing as Clif did not being to his lik- ing. Faraday, totally unsuspicious of dan- ger, was trying to untie the knots which rendered Nanny a prisoner. He had just unfastened one rope when suddenly, he felt a heavy weight descend upon his shoulders. The surprise was so complete that he was sent -sptawling headlong upon Nanny. ‘Tie him quick,’’ he heard Chris say. *€1?1] hold him down.”’’ It was a task easier said than done. Clif Faraday’s muscles were as iron. Con- stant exercise and care had given him a strength of which any athlete could be “proud. And he knew how to use his strength to the best possible advantage, which was one thing in his favor. His surprise quickly passed. When he realized that Chris and Judson had made a cowardly attack on him from the rear his indignation knew no bounds, Drawing himself together, he gave one mighty upwatd spring and~ struggled erect with Chris still clinging to his back. : ‘“That’s your game is it?’’ he panted. **You’ll—you’ll see that two can play sim With the last word he sent out his clinched right hand-and caught Judson fairly in the face. The fellow staggered back with a howl of pain. The tope he was holding dropped upon the top grating and he be- gan to tenderly feel his nose, which had received the full force of Clif’s blow. ‘‘Jump in, you fool!’ edsped Spendly, struge ling fiercely to hold Far- aday. ‘‘Jump him or we’ll get the worst of it. Don’t stand there like—ouch!”’ The last exclamiation was called forth by a sudden bump which Clif had given him against the mast. Spendly’s howl seemed to instill a little courage into Judson, and he snatched up a block lying — upon the grating. “11 fix you for this!’ he hissed, springing toward, Clif. ‘‘IIl break your head.’ Faraday’s arms had by this time been clasped¢by Chris, and he could not place liimself upon the defensive. He tried to dodge, to sway around, but the effort was vain. The block descended, striking him a glancing blow upon the head. With a low cry he staggered away from Chris, reeled heavily against the light railing surrounding the top, then disappeared from the affrighted gaze of Chris and Judson. While the twain cowered in stupefac- tion and horror, a peculiar thud followed by a loud splash, came to their ears. ‘‘He’s overboard,’ whispered Judson,- ‘‘We staring wildly at his companion. have killed him.’’ Spendly’s face was white and drawn. His parched lips moved, but no words came forth. horror, he crawled toward the edge of the top. Judson followed and the twolooked | down just asa loud outcry sounded be-~] low. **Man overboard! Man overboard!’ There was a noise of scurrying foot- steps. A jumble of excited voices fol- lowed, then came a creaking and rattling of boat falls. The life-boat’s crew was at work. Judson felt a touch on shoulder. He glanced upward into. a delicate face. fairly pallid with horror. It was Nanny. The little plebe’s bonds, started by Clif, had given way before f fantic efforts to escape. ‘‘Murderers!’? he gasped, “You have killed Faraday.’ ‘ Judson and Spendly shuddered and huskily. The picture of fright and- | | turned dully away to look down once “| 1160 more upon the spot where Clif’s had van body n o ul ible when peaied. It was a human head, ‘‘There he is now!’ screamed Judson. “He’s not dead. He is swimming.’’ A circular, white-painted life preserv- er had been hastily tossed into the sea by the quartermaster on watch. Toward it Clif was slowly making his something round and dark ap- way. Hewas certainly swimming, but. his arms moved sluggishly and it was evi- dent he had but little strength. Suddenly the watchers in the maintop saw the practice-ship’s life-boat shoot out from the side of the vessel. But at almost the same moment some- thing else appeared. It was a triangular- shaped fin projecting above the surface of the water. And it was moving rapidly toward the swimmer. ‘A hoarse cry of consternation welled up from below. Nanny, white-white- faced and trembling, gave a shrill gasp and tottered backward. The gasp was echoed by both Judson and Spendly. bo iS a Shark!” saddét the scarcely above a whisper. ‘Took!’ alinost shrieked Judson, star- ing downward with fascinated eyes. ‘‘It’s got him! My God! it’s got him!’ latter, CHAPTER AV. CLIF’S PROPOSITION. Clit had discovered the presence of the terrible man-eater. Warning cries from the men crowding the Monongahela’s tail caused him to glance behind. The sight sent a thrill of terror cours- ing through his veius, and he gave an involuntary shout for help. The helplessness of his situation soon returned to him, however, and he speed- ily realized that safety depended upon his own exertions. He was unarined, weak from the effect of Judson’s dastardly blow, and compelled ‘to devote all his strength to the battle with the waves. He was almost within reach of the life preserver, but the boat was still some ARMY AND NAVY sles and ripples were still vis- distance away. lad’s brave heart almost failed him. It has been stated by those who have undergone the experience that no feeling can equal that horrible anticipation of -being bitten by a ravenous shark. An attacking animal on land can be seen, but in the water nothing is visible when the shark has gone down for the final assault. The agony crowded into the seconds after that could not be measured by years. Each movement of the water about the threatened victim is death, each fear a whole lifetime of torment. Clif felt all these things. A shudder ing cry burst from his lips as he saw the sinister fin disappear beneath the surface. He struck out blindly, wildly with hands and feet. He uttered shout after shout, and maintained the tumult by sheer power of will. And it was that. which ultimately proved his salvation. Sharks are easily frightened. They are the bullies of the sea who prey upon smaller fish, and retreat at the first sign of danger. Clif, feeling in imagination the sharp teeth of the monster, continued to beat the water with all his power. Encouraging cries came from the rap- idiy approaching cutter. A man arined with a sharp boathock stood poised in the bow ready to strike. Another, apt in emergencies, rose from his oar and hurled a small water breaker. into the sea alongside of the imperiled cadet, < The officer in charee urecd the crew on with quick stern words. It was a moment of anxiety and excite- ment for all. Suddenly the fin reappeared and it was moving directly toward Clif! ‘The shark, momentarily scared away, had returned to the attack, On, on itcame, cleaving the water like a knife. “Ten. feet, five feet, three feet, then as it turned over for the bite, its hor- rid teeth flashing in the sun’s rays, the cutter dashed alongside the threatened lad and a half-dozen oars struck the surface of the sea like so many flails. At the same moment willing hence reached down and dragged Clif to safety. The cheer which followed echoed As he noted all this he ieee ay a i { SS ————— i ARMY AND NAVY through the roomy old frigate like a battle paen of victory. e ° e e e e ° Up in the maintop three lads were fac- ing one another, the faces of two pallid and worn, and the other simply transfig- ured with joy and relief and gratitude. Thev had risen to their feet limp and trembling with a revulsion of feeling. Judson and Spendly cowered before 1161. heart when you did it.. You will be given _ your just deserts, no fear of that.” “T-didu’t knock him overboard,’’ said Judson, sulleuly. ‘‘He fell himself.’ ‘It was the result.of your cowardly blow, and that excuse won’t help you,” retotted the little lad. He swung himself over the edge of the top and hastened below to greet Clif, who was standing surrounded by a group ‘of officers on the quarter deck. | Nanny’s accusing finger like the verita- ble criminals they were. ‘They had seen the rescue with intense relief, but they felt assured that speedy punishment would nevertheless be their portion. “It is no fault-of yours poor Clif did not meet with a horrible death,’’ Nanny exclaimed, in ringing tones. ‘‘You struck him down and. you had murder in your AS CLIF LEAPED FROM THE STERN THE SHOT STRUCK THE WHALEBOAT WITH A CRASH (page 1165). ‘We inight as well follow,’’ said Jud- son, gloomily. ‘‘We are in for dismissal from the navy at the very least.’”’ ‘“Can’t'we bluff out of it ?’’ said Chris, glancing over the edge of the top. ‘‘Say we didn’t do it or something.” : ‘Not much. ‘That little brat is a wit- ness against us.”’ “Well, you struck him, I didn’t.” ic Sreaenmenete err ea taal ear fe ho ar net ee ob dadiets maser Mle i aa Spit ARE a eat lg A Se Ns ote igg SE 1162 With which cool word of self-consola- tion Chris prepared to descend to the - deck. A few moments later the two boys were within hearing distance of the group on the quarterdeck. The captain and the majority of the officers and a number of the crew were listening to Clif’s explanation. Judson and Chris approached with guilty steps. They expected every minute to listen to the story of their misdeed, and to feel the weight of the first lieutenant’s nands upon their shoulders. ‘‘But how did you fall from the top, Mr. Faraday ?’’ asked the captain, rather impatiently. ‘‘We know all about your rescue.” The two culprits listened for the reply with the eager fascination of the criminal in the dock. Tt came at last. Clif said: ‘It was purely an accident, sir. I was too near the edge and [I fell.’ Judson and Chris stared at each other incredulously. . Did they hear aright? Was it possible Clif Faraday was trying _ to shield them? - They saw little Nanny attempt to ex- postulate and observed that Clif checked him, then they turned and hurried for- ward, almost overwhelmed by relief and a revulsion of feeling, but with. little of gratitude in their hearts for the generous action of their eneiny. _‘‘What a chump he is,’’ was Judson Greene’s comment as* they reached a se- cluded spot on the forecastle. ‘‘He had Slowly and distinctly _. the chance of his life to down us, and he didn’t take it.’ ‘‘l always told you he was a fool,”’ said Spendly, looking aft. ‘‘Just watch him now. He’s surrounded by all the other plebes and he’s making a speech. Why don’t he go down and get off those wet clothes ?”? ‘‘He has drawn ‘Trolley and Joy and Toggles aside. Nanny has joined them. The little begger seems excited. der——”’ ‘“They are looking this way,’’ interrup- ted Spendly, in alarm. “Dll bet that cad, Faraday, has. told them all about it,’’ exclatmed Judson, excitedly. ‘They are coming toward the forecastle.”’ I won- ARMY AND NAVY The two precious rascals instinctively looked about for a chance to escape, but there was no way to leave the forecastle save by the ladder leading to the spar deck, and Clif and his friends were ap- proaching that. A moment later they were surrounded by a group of plebes whose ominous glances betokened trouble. ‘‘Tudson Greene and Chris splendly,” — said Clif sternly. ‘‘I havea proposition to make to you.’ “I don’t want “to hear any of your propositions,’’ retorted Chris sullenly. “Oh, you will be. glad to hear this,” said Clif grimly. ‘‘It will mean a great deal to. both of you. I will tell you in the first place that my friends here know all. I did not report you to the captain, as I should have done, because I did not care to see your naval careers ruined. But I will see that you do not escape all pun- ishment.”? ““They ought to be hanged,’’ said Tog- gles, a tall, good-looking cadet. ‘‘That so,’’? chimed: in Trolley, the Japanese student. ‘At home we put them in prison. = ‘‘My proposition is this,’’? continued Clif imperturbly. ‘‘You can have your choice of two punishments. You will either submit to a good rope’s ending from Nanny and inyself, two dozen lashes each, or ]’]l inform the captain of your cowardly actions in the top. What do you say ?”’ ‘“You sha’n’t touch me with a rope’ s end,’’ cried Judson, passionately. ‘‘I’'ll die first.’? Spendly remained silent. He was rather shrewd in a way and he realized that the chance held out by Clif was worthy of due consideration. He fet that a revelation of the real facts to the captain would insure certain dismissal, and he was not in love with the idea of leaving the service, ‘’Then you decline to submit??? said Clif coldly, replying to Judson’s outburts. **Ves, I do,’’ was the defiant response. ““P]] see you hanged——”? He was interrupted by Chris who drew him aside and whispered earnestly to him. The two held a brief. but animated argu- ment, then Chris turned and said with an angry gleam in his eyes: Pea S ay ‘day’s careless reply. ARMY AND NAVY 1163. ‘(We'll consent, but I'll tell you right now that you will pay——”’ ‘No threats,’’ interposed Clif. ‘‘You ought to be down on your marrow bones this very minute ee me for letting you off so easily.’ After a few further words Clif calmly led the way to the sail-locker, a small apartment below decks. What transpired there was the subject of considerable dis- cussion among the plebes for many a day, but it was certain hat both Judson and Splendly emerged looking red and un- comfortable and wild with humiliation. The two youths held aloof from their shipmates, and it was noticed. that they spent many hours in deep and earnest conversation. ‘*Guess they are hatching a plot, Clif,”’ said Joy the day following the whipping. “Oh, I hardly think so,’’ was Fara- ‘“They surely have had enough of plots by this time.”’ He had reason to recall the words be- fore many hours had passed over his head. CHAPTER V. THE HAND ON THE LANYARD. One of the most important requisites of a man-of-wat’s man is good marksman- ship. To handle the heavy gun’s effi- ciently and to shoot straight is absolutely necessary. On board all war vessels the crews are exercised weekly in manipulating the heavy batteries and once each month tar- get practice is held. The day following Clif’s little adven- ture with Judson Greene, Chris Spendly and the shark, proved to be the day stipu- lated in the drill schedule as ‘‘target practice with great guns.’ Shortly after quarters in the morning the ship’s carpenter and his assistants prepared a regulation target. This consisted of a stout raft made of casks and boards, in the centre of which was a stumpy mast supporting a triangu- lar shaped canvas target. A iarge black bull’s-eyes was painted on the canvas. When this was in readiness the guns crews were called to quarters. The target tear ae rrseeriiiapeen ins (Si A ABE, was lowered over the stern and cut loose from the ship. Shortly it was far enough distant for the commencement of practice, and the battery opened fire. . Clif, Nanny and Joy were stationed at the forward starboard broadside gun. Judson Greene, ‘Trolley and Spendly were part of a similar gun’s crew at the next one on the same side. Each gun was allowed five shots, different members of the crew being per- mitted to act as gun captain. The first four shots fired by the star- board forward gun went wide of the mark, the range not being found with any degree of accuracy. When the piece was loaded for the fifth shot the young cadet gun captain called out to Clif; ‘““VYou can have a try this time, Mr. Faraday. Take your station at the firing lanyard.’’ ‘‘Now watch him blow the whole bot- tom out of the sea,’’ sneered Judson at the other gun. ‘He do better than you anyway,’’ ex- | claimed Trolley wrathfully. ‘‘You no got _ medals even if you can shoot you mouth.’’ The Japanese youth’s use of American slang was one of his quaintest character- istics. Judson growled some inaudible reply and turned with his crony Spendly to witness Clif’s effort at marksmanship. The latter was as cool as if he had merely a pocket pistol to aim. Rivalry runs high on board war vessels, and the honor of possessing the highest score is eagerly sought. The poor cube already made by the forward gun’s crew lent an added in- terest to this eet shot, and Clif’s action, were carefully watched. He manifested no excitement, but di- rected the different tackle men to pull on this rope or that until at last the heavy broadside gun was bearing toward. the distant target. As seen “along the gufi surface the tri- angular canvas looked discouragingly small. Clif watched carefully and as the Monongahela rose upon a long swell he | gave the firing lanyard a sharp tug. There was a deafening report, a white cloud of smoke rose from the muzzle, 4i64> © ARMY AND NAVY ' then as it cleared away a cheer burst from the gun’s crew. ‘Hurrah! hurrah! he has hit it!” “CA marvelous shot!’ “Superb !?? ‘“The upper part of the target is gone: Bravo !”’ The officer of. the division commanded silence. Placing his truinpet to his lips the first lieutenant called out from the bridge. ‘CA splendid shot, Mr. Faraday. Asa reward we will give you cominand ot the repair patty. “Take the whaleboat and pull over to the target.”’ This was an unprecedented honor for a plebe who had not been in the Academy three months, and Clif flushed with pieas- ure.. As he took charge of the whaleboat and pulled away for the target there were many envious glances cast after him. But none so malignant as those from Judson Greene and Chris Spendly. “YT wish the boat would sink with hiin,’?? commented the latter savagely. ‘‘T wish he would never come back.”’ That Judson agreed with this generous wish was made evident by his expression of hatred: He glared after the whale- boat with such an intensity of feeling that even Spendly marveled. The different gun’s crews were still at their stations. Judson stood near the breech within reach of the firing lanyard, which. hung down over the polished metal. He looked at it strangely for a moment, then he muttered to himself: ‘The gun’ is loaded. One little jerk and it can-be fired. Oh, if only I dared do it, if I only dared do it.’ He stared through ‘the pom. “ihe whaleboat, with Clif sitting proudly in the stern, was within a short distance of the target. It presented a fair mark, and was now directly in range. Judson cast a furtive glance about him, The crew was engrossed in watching the progress of the boat, and no one observed him. The boy’s face was ghastly pale. He trembled like a leaf, but the desire to ac- complish the desperate deed was strong within him, and his hand stole out, clutching the end of the lanyard. A brief second of hesitation, then the stanch old frigate quivered under the effect of a thunderous report. Clif’s thoughts as he took charge of the ‘‘repair party’’ were of a very pleas- ant nature. ‘Io be thus honored was ren- — dered more agreeable from the fact that it was entirely unprecedented. Never be-- fore had a “‘plebe,” a“‘function,’-a cadet. not even assigned to any class, been given cominand of a boat. Clif smiled cheerily as he sat in the a stern. Several times he was fainto glance | back at the group of figures visible on the practice-ship. He knew that among | them were many friends who rejoiced in his good fortune, but he also knew that enemies were there, too—enemies who | bore him only ill-will. But he did not know or even suspect that one was even at that moment staring after him with grim murder in his heart. Presently the whaleboat neared the — target. It was seen that Clif’s lucky shot had carried away the upper part of the pole. The shattered fragment now hung : down with a weight of torn canvas. ‘Pr hat’s easily repaired, Sit,” spoke up as the carpenter. ‘‘We can fix——”’ He was suddenly interrupted by a startled cry from one of the boat’s crew. Every man instinctively turned his eyes toward the Monongahela. A puff of white smoke was showing at the forward port.. With one accord the crew of the whole boat sprang and dived and scrambled overboard. : : Clif, astounded beyond description, was ARMY AND NAVY the last to go. As he leaped from the stern a shot struck the whaleboat with a crash. The next second Faraday disappeared below the surface of the sea amid a show- er of splinters. When he again emerged, puffing and blowing, he found the shattered frag- ments of the wrecked boat just sinking from view. About him the sea was dotted with the heads of a dozen swimmers. “‘Make for the target,’’ cried some one. Fortunately, all were at home in the water, and it was not long before the en- tire crew was gathered about the tossing platform. Hach man found ample sup- port by simply placing one hand upon the wood. ‘That was a mighty queer act,’ splut- tered the carpenter. ‘‘First time I ever heard of a gun being fired like that.’’ A gtuinbling.chorus came from the other men, some of whom were still badly frightened. “It’s certainly an accident,’? said Clif, cheerily. ‘‘It couldn’t be otherwise. Our poor boat was not a hostile cratt.”’ ‘Tt shows gross carelessness anyway,’?’ growled the carpenter. can be explained. ’’ ; Two -cutters were seen to shoot out from under the stern of the practice-ship, and in the course of a half hour the crew of the wrecked whaleboat were in a place of safety. An investigation was in progress on board when the party regained the ship. ‘‘And I hope it 1165 It was found that none had seen the gun fired, and Judson, who was proved to have stood nearest the lanyard, strenu- ously and with tears in his eyes, denied having touched it. : Captain Brooks tried every possible means to discover the culprit, but with- out success. He was finally- compelled to give up in sheer despair, and the mat- ter lapsed into a nine days’ wonder. ‘There were somne on board, however, who had their own suspicions. Clif, him- self, alwavs generous to his enemies, would not even discuss the subject with his chums. ‘‘No, it can’t be possible,’’ he replied to an insinuation from Nanny and Joy that Judson Greene was not altogether innocent. ‘‘I know he hates me, but he wouldn’t do such a horrible trick as that, and especially in cold blood.”’ ‘(Well see sooner or later,’’? responded the little plebe, nodding his head wisely. — “They say ‘murder will out,’ and that was pretty nearly murder.’’ The incident placed a damper on the target practice for that day at least, and the old Monongahela resumed her course. toward the Bermudas, the next port of call on the cruise. [THE END. | The next Naval Academy novelette will be entitled ‘‘Clif Faraday’s Combat; or, Fighting for His Country’s Honor,’ by Ensign Clatke Fiteh, U: 3, Army and Navy No. 26. ea eS ea a Nae al ; ‘mor OA ig GP ES IEE OES Signy Oe) las 2 ae ee Mark Mallory’s Treasure ; A Midnight Hunt for Gold. Bw Lieut. Brederick Garrisom, U.S.A. CH APT RRL PARSON STANARD, THE GEOLOGIST. ‘A cave! It can’t be possible.’ The exclamation, which was one of surprise and incredulity, was in a light, girlish voice. The speaker was a young lady of singular beauty, with shining golden hair, and a white dress that scarcely matched the purity of her com- plexion. She was sitting upon the piazza of the hotel at West Point, talking to one of the cadets, a fine, sturdy looking lad, clad in the regulation plebe fatigue uni- form. He was “laughing as he an- swered. ‘It may not be possible, Miss Fuller,’’ he said, ‘‘but it is certainly true. I have been trying my best to get over to tell you about it, for I was sure you would be interested. We found it early this very Saturday afternoon. And I do not think I ever met with a much more exciting adventure in my life.”’ The girl was gazing at him with a look of interest upon her face. ‘agi Sule sie said, 1f- it is the most exciting you ever had it must be worth listening to. For I do not think I ever knew of a plebe at this Academy who’s had more adventures than Mark Mallory, and I’m sure the cadets all agree with me.’’ Mark Mallory smiled at that, and then continued. ‘‘T and my friends, the Seven Devils, who have done nothing ever since they made me their leader but resist and tor- ment the cadets, have gotten rather tired of hazing and being hazed recently. The cadets have been gallant enough to stop, since they dislocated my shoulder a few days ago by the beating they gave me. I gtiess they are waiting’ for me to get well again. -At any rate, the Seven Devils saw no prospect of any fun with them this afternoon. We had to have some ex- citement, so finally we decided to go and take a walk back in the mountains. We couldn’t find any beauteous damsel (a bow to the girl) to capsize out in the middle of the river and let us rescue her, so we had to furnish our own fun.”’ ‘“You niean to let you rescue her,’’ put in Grace Fuller, shuddering at the recol- lection of her peril. : ‘fAs you. please,’’ laughed Mark. ‘“‘Anyhow, I and the rest of the Seven Devils took a walk and we found this mysterious cave we were talking about. Now, remember in the first place you must. keep very quiet about this. We wouldn’t have the cadets know about it for the world. I am telling you be- cause you are a member of the Seven Devils.’”’ ‘‘And why don’t you want the cage to know ?’’ inqnired she. ‘We think we havea first rate place to haze them in,’’ laughed Mark. -‘‘So not a word. ‘fossilizing,’ as he calls it, when he found this big black hole in the sidé of a cliff. It is so covered by bushes that no one would have noticed it but for him. Well, we couldn’t see a thing inside, and I tell ‘you it fook us a time to eetiu.. Wee thought of bears and snakes and what not else. We got up courage to climb in And now for the story. The Patson, our geological member, was finally; we found a huge cavern, all beautifully furnished.”’ “Burnished !? cried the girl. Yes,’ “said Mark: ‘‘eyen carpets... It seems that this place was once the den of a gang of counterfeiters. I see you open your eyes in surprise. We found all their dies and molds and everything.”’ “But how do you know they aren’t there still??? inquired Grace Fuller in alarm. ‘That is the gruesome part of the story. They are all dead. We found that the cave was divided bya heavy iron door. I went into the other part and the door slammed and shut me in. Iwas scared almost to death, far more than I was the day I swam out to help you. The rest of the fellows opened it at last, and I found that I was shut in with six skeletons. I don’t wonder you look hor- rified. ‘Those criminals had been trapped accidentally in their own cave, just as I was, but they had been suffocated. And there they had lain, we found out after- ward, for forty or fifty years, which is the story of the Seven Devil’s Den.”’ “It is perfectly terrible!’? gasped the girl, her cheeks pale. ‘‘I don’t see how you will ever dare go into the place again.”’ “it is a-big temptation,” laughed Mark. ‘‘You see if the cadets continue to try unfair tactics in their efforts to haze us poor unfortunate plebes we can scare sonie of them into submission up there. And besides, our learned Boston friend, Parson Stanard, has gotten the goid fever. He vows he’s going on a treasure hunt in that cave.’ ‘(A treasure hunt!”’ “Ves, You see its probable those men had some money, to say nothing of all the bad money they made. And it'll be a case of ‘finding’s keepings..’”’ ‘“T see,’’ said Grace thoughtfully. And then suddenly she broke into one of her metry ringing laugns that compelled Mark to join. “T think the Parson’s such a queer old chap!’ she cried. ‘‘isn’t he comical? He’s so solemn and learned. I can just imagine him prying all about that cave, the same way he does for his fossils. ”’ “*T never shall forget the day I first met the Parson,’’ responded Mark. “*It was ARMY AND NAV Y- 1167 when we were just getting up the Seven Devils to try tostop the hazing. The yearlings had tied his long bony frame in a sack. He had gotten out and chased the whole crowd of them about the parade grouud. _And he came into my room in Barracks perfectly furious with indignation. Yea, by Zeus!”’ ‘He found out I was interested in geology,’’ said Grace. ‘‘I studied it once, and he’s never ceased to give me lectures since he found that out. And | never hear anything nowadays but shistose slates, and sandstone conglomerates, and triassic eras, and- orohippusses and perto- -dactyles and brontotheriums. ”’ “‘He gives us long discourses over in camp, too,’? laughed Mark. “‘I-can seq his lank, bony figure now.- It was anore comical still when he wore his ‘geology coat? with huge coattails and pockets for ~ fossils. Anyhow, he gets very much worked up when he’s telling us about the glories of geology. And poor Dewey, who’s such an inveterate joker, always has to get into trouble by interrupting him. Yesterday for instance, the Parson was telling us about sea shores. He didn’t see how any one could fail to ap- preciate what a wonderful thing a beach was. Here was being written a record that men might read millions of years later. It would be hardened then into imperishable stone. Here for instance was the track of a bird. Little by little sand would be scattered over it; more sand on top of that; and so on until it was crushed into rock. ‘That is the way all sandstones are made. Huge convul- sions of the earth would bring that up to the surface; men would find it, break it opén,-and there the track of the bird! Wonder of wonders!”’ Here Mark paused for breath, and began to laugh. : “What did Grace. ‘‘He wanted to know if the Parson would classify the summer girl as a bird. He said he’d seen lots of their tracks on the beach. Then he wanted to know ifa ~ Jearned geologist could tell the track of a Chicago girl from that of a Boston girl. Then he went on to imagine the contents | of a Cone¥ Island sandstone. The Parson | had told of Megatherium’s bones and teeth | Dewey say ?”? inquired 1168 ARMY AND NAVY and skeletons. how about empty sarsaparilla bottles and peanut shells, and tickets to the Turkish Dewey wanted to know dancers and ~ Shoot. the Raine’s law sandwiches, furters.”’ ‘‘What did the Parson say ?”’ laughed the girl. - “Oh, he just said something about being frivolous,’ But the climax camea few ininutes later when the Parson told how Cavier and other famous scientists had became S0 wondrously learned that they could tell what an animal was from the tiniest bit of its skeleton, its frame, as he called it. And that started Dewey. He put on his most serious face and told us how he’d read of a great mystery, a - geologist who had found the frame of an animal hard as iron and almost smashed tu pieces in some rocks. There was what looked like the body of a man lying near. The first-mentioned thing, so Dewey said, had eighteen teeth in front and seven behind. And the geologist didn’t know what on earth it was.’’ Mark interrupted himself here long enough to indulge in a little silent laughter and then he went on. ‘Well, the Parson took it seriously. He put on his most learned air, and looked it up in Dana, his beloved geolog- ical text book. ‘Highteen in front and seven behind? ‘The rear ones must be molars. Probably then it was a Palaeo- there, but they were extinct before primaeval man appears. And it couldn’t be one of the Zenglodons, and surely not a Plesiosaurus. Oh, yes! Why, of course, it must be an Ichthyornis!’ And the Parson was smiles all over. ‘How stupid of that geologist not to have guessed it! An Ichthvornis!’ But then Dewey said no, it wasn’t. ‘Then what is it?’ cried the Parson, 7 ‘‘And what did he say?’’ laughed Grace. ‘‘He said it was a ’97 model, seventy- two gear, and the rider had coasted down the hill on it. The teeth weren’t molars, they were sprockets. And the Parson wouldn’t speak to him all day.”’ The girl’s merry laughter over the Chutes, and atid trank- story was pleasant to hear; it was a great deal more pleasant to Mark than the original incident had been. | ~ Jaugh. ‘*T think it’s a shame to fool him so,’’ said Grace. ‘‘T‘he Parson is so solemn and dignified. And it hurts his feelings.’’ ‘*He gets over it all,’ laughed Mark, ‘‘and then he enjoys it, too, else we wouldn’t do it; for every one of us likes our old geological genius. I don’t see what we should do without him. He knows everything under the sun, I’m sure, especially about fossils.’? ‘I don’t think it would be possible to fool him,”’ said she. Mark chuckled softly to himself. ‘“That remark of yours just reminds meof somethito else,’ he sar. =" 2ae seven Devils and I have put up a job to try. 2 ‘‘Try to fool the Parson, you mean ??’ cried Grace. By way of answer Mark fumbled under his jacket where the girl had noticed a peculiar lump. stone and handed it to her. ‘What would you call that?’ he asked. ‘‘Tt looks for all the world like a fos- sil,’’ she said. “‘Ves.”? said Mark. ‘“That’s what we all thought. Dewey found it and it fooled him. ‘He thought it was the bone of a Megatherium, or one of those outlandish beasts. Parson, only I had the luck to recognize it. It’s nothing but a bit of a porcelain jug. And then Dewey suggested that we try it on him, too.’? ‘‘T should like to see how it goes with the Parson,’’ responded Grace, with a “I wish you’d try it while Um around.”’ The two as they had been talking were gazing across froin the piazza in the ‘direction of the summer encampment of the corps. And suddenly the girl gave an ~ exclamation of surprise, as she noticed a. tall, long-legged figure leave the camp, and proceed with great strides across the parade ground. ‘“There he goes now!”’ cried she. Mark put his fingers to his lips and gave a shrill whistle. The Parson faced about and stared around anxiously; then, as he saw a handkerchief waving to him from the hotel, he turned and strode in that direction. A minute later his solemn face was gazing up at the two. He drew forth a bit of We were going to give it to the ~ Ean ech APA ERPS PB at CE PE LONE LO TET REALL IT EEA RE INTER ART ARENT IT ARMY AND NAVY 1169 ‘What is it?’? he inquired. ‘‘I dare not come up there. No, tempt me not. The little volume of instructions desig- nated as the Blue Book denies the pleas- ure of visiting the hotel without a permit. I fear exceedingly lest be violating some regulation by standing so near the for- bidden ground.’? ‘‘T’m quite used to getting permits to visit here,’? langhed Mark. ‘‘I think I'll ‘*I’ve got a fossil to show you,”’ called © the other. The Parson stared incredulously for a moment at the object Mark held up. He suspected a ruse. And oblivious to duty, danger, demerits and all the rest of the universe, he gave a leap, dashed up the stairs, and fairly pounced upon the two. ““&*fossil!’? he cried, ‘By the .1m- THE ‘* PARSON’’ FLUNG THE DIRT IN SHOWERS ABOUT THE CAVE (page 1175). order them by the wholesale soon, that is if Miss Fuller stays much longer.”’ ‘1711 bet,’’? Mark added, whispering to the girl, as he noticed the Parson edging of, “lll bet 1 can make: him break -.a rule and come up here.”? ‘*How ??? inquired the girl. “Parson! Oh, Parson!’ cried Mark. “Come wp here}? ‘“Tempt me not!’’ protested Stanard. ‘The danger is great and——”’ mortal gods, a fossil! me see it!’? vour that ‘fossil.’ Yea, by Zeus, let CHAPTER II. PARSON STANARD’S DEFIANCE. The Parson seemed about ready to de- He seized it and But no, it was a fossil! plumped himself down in a chair with a thud. He paused just long enough to de-. posit his Dana upon the floor, and to draw | | i | 4 , a iS 1170 : ~ ARMY AND NAVY up his learned trousers to the high water mark, disclosing his pale, sea-green socks. And then with a preliminary ‘‘Ahein!”’ and several blinks he raised the precious relic and stared at it. The two conspirators were watching him. gleefully, occasionally exchanging sly glances. ‘The Parson, all oblivious of this, surveyed one side of the fossil and then turned it over. He tapped it on the arm of his chair; he picked at it with his finger nail; he even tasted it, with scien- tific public-spiritedness and zeal. And then he cleared his throat solemnly and looked up. ‘Gentlemen,”? said he, ‘‘er—that is— ladies—this 1s a most interesting speci- men we have here. I regret that with the brief analysis possible to me I cannot classify itasI should like. A microscopic exainination would be undoubtedly essen- tial for that. But some things I can say. This is evidently a fossil. bone, a portion of the thigh bone, I should say, probably of some gigantic animal like the Ichthy- osautus. As you wiil notice from the compactness of the structure and the heaviness, it is much solidified, thus indi- eating a very remote age, probably the upper Cretaceous at the very least, or possibly the Silurian. Jam not able to say positively because——”’ The Parson stopped and gazed about him with a surprised and rather injured air. Really the rudeness of some people was amazing! Here were the two he was talking to actually leaning back in their chairs ‘and giving vent to peals of laugh- ter, what about he had no idea. This -was really too much! It was at least five minutes before either Mark or his companion could manage to stop long enough to explain to the puz- zled geologist that he had been classify- ing a porcelain jug. And when they did and he realized it he sat back in his chair and gazed at them in utter consternation. He never said one word for at leasta minute; he simply stared, while the idea slowly percolated through his mind. Grace Fuller, ever kind-hearted and con- siderate, had begun to fear that he was angry, and then suddenly the Boston scholar leaned back in his chair, opened his classic mouth, and forth there from came a roat of laughter that made the —————— Se SS ny ae aes sentries way over by camp start in alarin. 'Ho,.ho, hol shouted he, *"to; het ina, hal he, he! A jue! Vea, by Zens a jug! By the nine immortals, a jug!”’ Mark stared at him in undisguised amazement. During all his acquaintance with that solemn scholar, he had never seen such an earthquake of a laugh as that. And evidently, too, the Parson was not used to it, for when he stopped he was so out of breath and red in the face that he could hardly move. And that was the first, last, one and only time that Parson Stanard was ever. known to laugh. It took a peculiar sort of a joke to move the Parson. It took also quite an amount of sputter-_ ing and gasping to restore the gentle- man’s throat and lungs to their ordinary normal condition. That spasm of hilar- ity which had plowed its way through him like a mighty ship through the waves had left little ripples and gurgles of laughter which bubbled forth occasion- ally for the next ten minutes at least. It passed, however, at last, to return no more, and Parson Stanard was the same, solemn and learned Parson as ever. ‘‘Gentlemen,’’ said he, ‘‘er—that is— ahem—ladies—that was indeed a most ~ extraordinary blunder for a student of geology to make.”’ ‘*Tt fooled us all,’’ said Grace, consol- ingly. “Ahem !?? responded he, with crushing severity. ‘‘That was to be expected. But one who has pursued the science as the study of his life should not thus be de- ceived. Gentlemen, I am tired of being fooled, Yea, by Zeus!’ ‘*Do you mean,’’ inquired Mark, ‘‘that you want us to stop playing jokes on you??? Mark had been a little conscience stricken during that last prank. . He ex- pected the Parson to answer his question in the affirmative, and he meant in all seriousness to agree to stop. But.the Par- son’s answer was different. sional pride had been awakened. “T mean nothing of the kind!’ said he. ‘‘I mean that I no longer mean to let you. I mean that a man who has so long resisted and outwitted our enemy, the yearlings, ought now to be beyond decep- tion. J will no more be fooled!’ His profes- — ina a — — a eae NOT SA Sap ie He al aT et renter Ia fe La Cer ey emnmentoetl on eran ance erage mini le emma mac 7 ARMY AND NAVY There was quite an exciting adventure destined to grow out of that scholarly defiance, an adventure that none of those present had the least suspicion of then. “Do yo. mean,’’.. inquired. Mark, laughing, ‘‘that you defy the Seven Devils to fool you again?”’ “Wea--by Zeus!”. said the. Parson, emphatically. ‘‘And I mean not only geologically, but in any other way what- soever, logically or illogically.’? Mark chuckled softly to himself at that. MU try it some day,’ he said. “0H give you a chance to forget it meanwhile.’’ He said nothing more about it then, and a minute or so later the Parson rose to go. ‘Ahem!’ said he. ‘‘Gentlemen—er— that is—ladies—I bid you good afternoon. I really fear to incur further risk by yielding to the charms of the siren’s voice. Farewell!’ Mark and the girl sat in silence and watched his ungainly figure stride away down the path; and suddenly she fell to laughing merrily. ‘‘The Parson’s dignity is insulted,”’ she said. ‘‘He is getting bold and de- fiant.?? ‘‘And I see room for noend of fun just there,’? responded Mark. ‘‘I had an inspiration a few moments ago, watching him. And I havea perfectly fascinating _ plot already.”’ ‘(Do you mean,’ inquired Grace, ‘ that you are going to take his challenge up so soon ?”? “Phat’s just what-1 do,” laughed Mark. ‘‘I mean to do it this very night, before he’s expecting it.” OW at is it??? ‘‘T told you'a few moments ago, didn’t I, that the Parson was excited over the possibility of finding a treasure?” The girl was staring at Mark witha look of interest and curiosity. That single hint was enough for her quick-witted mind, and her beautiful face was lit up with excitenient in a moment. “*Jeminy!? shecried. ‘‘That’s sa! Oo! Let me help, won’t you? We’ll fool the Parson with a treasure !”? During the next half hour thase two conspirators, completely oblivious of everything, just sat and whispered and chuckled. They were off in a lonely i ye att pene ener 1171 corner with no one to overhear them, and they put their heads together and concocted schemes by the bushel, getting more and more excited and hilarious every moment. And then suddenly Mark sprang up with a cry of delight, said good-by in a hurry and rushed away. ‘‘T must tell the rest of the Seven!”’ he laughed. ‘‘This is too good to keep! And oh, say, if we can work it! Whoop!’? oe ree ee CHAPT ERLE PARSON STANARD’S STRANGE VISITOR. Dress parade, which ‘took place inme- diately after the above occupied the time until supper. It was growing dark by the time the battalion marched back from. Mess Hall, and the plebes sighed and realized that one more Saturday half holiday was gone. Parson Stanard, with whom we have todo at present, looked around for his fellow members as soon as the plebe company broke ranks. He found to his surprise that they had dis- appeared suddenly, gone he knew not where. They had gone to put into exe- cution the plot to fool him, but Stanard did not know it. He turned and strolled away by himself in the gathering dusk. Near Trophy Point, just west of the | camp, stands Battle Monument. North | of it stretches one of -the finest views that | the Hudson Valley affords, a winding river reaching the horizon’s end with the mountains of the Highlands sloping to its very shores. .The Parson liked that view especially at this ‘‘hour of peace,’’ the Parson was won’t to preach long sermons to himself upon the sublimity of Nature and the insignificance of man, etc., whenever he walked out there, And so now he seated himself in a quiet nook and soon forgot where he was and everything else about himself. Others knew where he was, however, and from a safe distance were eyeing his meditative form. It got darker and darker, stars began to come out one by one, and the moon began to turn from white to golden. All this was lost upon the solitary philosopher, who would prob- ably have remained hidden in his own thoughts until tattoo sounded, had it not been for one unpleasant interruption. Now the Parson did not ‘like to be | interrupted; he looked up with an ob- _ the ground, but he had flung back his 1172 ARMY AND NAVY vious expression of annoyance, when he becaine aware of the fact that a figure was approaching him, had stopped and was staring at him. But when the Parson surveyed the figure, he forgot to be an- noyed, for it was a very peculiar looking figure, and moreover it was acting very peculiarly too. From what the Parson could see of him in the darkness he was an old pack ped- dler. His figure was bent and stooping, and he bore upon his back a heavy load. As to his face, it was so covered by a growth of hey black hair and beard that the Parson could see nothing but a pair of twinkling eyes. Such was the man; to the Parson’ s infinite amazement he was setting down his pack and pre- pating to display his wares to him—to him, the refined and cultured Boston scholar. “Shoe-laces, suspenders?’ muttered the curious creature, in a low, disagree- able voice. ‘"No!’? said the other, emphatically. ‘‘Matches, collar-buttons??’ “Nol? cried the Parson, angrily. ‘*Socks, combs, brushes?’ ‘‘No! Go away!?? ‘‘Hairpins, needles, necklaces?’ “T tell you I don’t want anything!” ex- claimed the cadet. ‘‘You disturb my meditations, Yea, by Zeus, exceedingly! I have no money. I don’t want any- thing!” The strange old man paid not the least attention to these emphatic and scholarly remonstrances. He was still fumbling at his pack, about to display the contents. And so the Parson, who was exceeding provoked at having been interrupted ina most valuable train of thought, seeing the man was persistent, sprang up and started to hurry away in disgust. And then suddenly he was brought to a halt again, completely, as much startled as if he had been shot through the back. For the old man had raised his voice commandingly and called alond: atop? Completely mystified and not a little alarmed by that extraordinary act, the Parson turned and stared at the weird figure. The peddler was still bent half to this time bushy head and extended his hand ina gesture of command. ‘Wh—why!’? stammered the amazed cadet. “By Zeus)! The old man continued to stand, his piercing eyes flashing. And then suddenly he dropped his hand. and in a low, sing- song voice began to mumble, as if to himself. His very first words rooted the Parson to the spot in amazement and horror. *¢ Deep within a mountain dreary Lies a cavern old and dark; Whiere the bones of men lie bleaching In a chamber, cold and stark.’? The Parson had turned as white as any bones; he was gasping, staring at the horrible creature, who knew the secret that the Parson had thought was his friends’ alone to tell. His consternation it is difficult to imagine; the crouching figure saw it, and took advantage of it in- stantly. Without making another sound he backed away, beckoning, the Parson following instinctively, heiplessly. They stood beneath the protecting shadow of some high bushes, and there once more the weird figure raised his arins, and the amazed cadet quailed and listened: *¢ T'was a secret not for mortals Hidden by that cavern walls For beyond those gloomy portals——”’ *‘In the name of all that is holy!’ cried the Parson, suddenly. ‘‘By the nine Olympians, by the nine Heliconian muses, ITabjure you! By the three Cyclos, by the three Centimani, the three Fates, the three Furies; the three Graces!. By Acheron and the Styx! By the Pillars of Hercules and the Palladium of Troy. By all that man can mention, Yea, by Zeus, I demand to know how you learned this!’ The Parson gasped after that; and the old man went on: ‘* Silence, rash, presumptuous mortal, Seekest thou the Fates to know? At whose word e’en Zeus doth tremble, — Sun and earth and moon below.’ There was nothing like a classical allusion to awe the Parson; convinced of the strange man’s superiority, then, he . dared not a word more. oe AND NAVY 1173 “© Bold and ecllces those who entered, Risks they ran they never knew. But, once entered their’s the secret, Secret that I tell.to you. ‘* At the hour of midnight venture To that cavern black to go. Fear not! I protection give thee, Keep thee safe from every foe ‘€ Bear a spade upon thy shoulder; Take thy friends to give thee aid, Deep to dig in search of treasure Once beneath its carpet laid. ** Find a lamp—by you ’twas lighted When you first beheld those halls. ’Tis the secret I shall give thee— Dig—wheree’er its shadow falls!”’ The old man stopped abruptly. The amazed cadet was staring at him inthe utmost consternation. And then suddenly the man raised his hand again. ‘'Go!? he said. The Parson followed his finger; it was pointing to the camp; and hesitating but a moment more Stanard turned and started away, his brain reeling sothat he could hardly walk, his ears still echoing the words: ‘Tis the secret I shall give thee— Dig wheree’er its shadow falls!’? He never once turned to look back at that mysterious figure. If he had he might have been more surprised than ever. For the figure, hiding behind the bush, flung off its pack, stepped out of the old man’s rags, tore off a heavy false beard and wig and emerged— Mark Mallory! He whistled once, and a drum orderly, bribed for the occasion, ran out and hur- ried off with the things. And Mark rushed over and burst into a group of cadets that stood near. “It. worked! It worked!’? he eried. “Oh, you should have seen how it took himin! And he’ll go assure as we’re aves” 7 And just then tattoo sounded and the six villains set out on a run for the camp. Now Parson Stanard’s scholarly feat- ures were solemn enough under any cir- cumstances; when there was anything to make them still more so he wasa sight to behold. This was the case that even- ing, for the Parson, when he fell into iine, was looking as if the future destiny of the universe were resting upon his shoulders, and his hilarious conirades were scarcely able to keep from bursting into laughter every time they glanced at him. He was too busy with his own thoughts to notice them, however. He was so much occupied by speculations upon the mys- tery of that weird old man that he forgot for a moment to answer to his name at roll call, and had to be poked in the ribs to wake him up. Then the line melted away, and still solemn he marched into his tent and gathered his ‘‘wondering”’ fellow devils about him. ‘‘Gentlemen,’’? said he, ‘‘I have a tale to tell you. I have this day, this very hour, met with an adventure, preter- natural or supernatural, that exceeds the capacities of the human intellectual- ities to appreciate. Gentlemen, Iam no believer in signs or avguries; but never did the oracle of Delphi or the Sibyl of Cumea promulgate a prophesy more ex- traordinary than one——’’ ‘What on earth’s the matter?’’ cried the six, in obvious amazement. ‘Vou séetr a ghost?’ inquired ‘“Texas,’? Mark’s chuin, the ex-cowboy. ‘“‘No, gentlemen,’’? said the Parson. ‘But I have seen some one or something that I should be glad to know was a ghost, something more marvelous than any hitherto recorded, spiritualistic mani- festation. And Iam sorely perplexed.” After this and a little more of similar introduction the Parson finally managed to get down to business and tell to his horrified (oh yes!) conte the tale of his adventure. ‘‘Say look a here, Parson,’? demanded Texas, when he had finished, ‘‘you ex- pect us to believe that aire yarn?”’ “That’s what I say | !? added Mark. **He’s trying to fool us. **Gentlemen, ’’ San the other, ‘‘do I look like a man who was joking?” He didn’t for a fact; he looked like a man who had been through a flour mill. ‘‘But that don’t make any difference,’? vowed Mark. ‘‘You’re just putting on thet face to help deceive us.’? ‘*By Zeus!’’ exclaimed the Parson. ‘*Gentlemen, I swear to you that I am 1174 ARMY AND NAVY serious. Iswear it by the bones of my grandfather. I swear——”’ ‘(Make it grandmother,’’ hinted Texas, “(Tl swear it by the poisons of Colchia,”’ continued the other indignantly. ‘“‘By the waters of the Styx, by the sands of the Pactolus, by the spells of Medea, by the thunderbolts of Jove, by the sandals of Mercury——”’ The Parson would probably have con- tinued swearing by everything known to mythology, keeping up until ‘‘taps’’ stopped him. But by that time the con- spirators saw fit to believe him. “This is an extraordinary state of affairs,’ said Mark solemnly. ‘‘Really, fellows, do you know I think we ought to go.”? ‘‘B’ eee, so do I,’’ cried Dewey. “J was about to extend you an invita- tion,’’ said the Parson. ‘‘For my part I ain determined to go this very night. Nothing shall stop me, gentlemen. My mind is made up. That treasure, revealed to me under such extraordinary circum- stances, 1am determined to secure, and that in spite of whatever dangers I may ineet, whatever foes may oppose me, whatever——”’ “Bully for the Parson!’ whispered Texas. ‘‘Durnation, he’s gittin’ spunky. ”’ ‘‘We are by no means the first,’’ said the solemn scholar, to undertake a dangerous search for wealth. The ancient poets sang of Jason and the Argonauts and the Search for the Golden Fleece.’’ ‘(This yere’s the biggest golden ‘fleece’ of any of ’em,’’ observed Texas, slyly. But the Patson didn’t hear that. He continued all innocent and unsus- pecting as ever. And when the Seven Devils went to sleep at last it was with a solemn promise on their lips to be up and doing in time to reach the ‘‘cave’’ by midnight. As for the Parson, he did not sleep at all; he was too excited. The Parson was ina regular Captain Kidd humor that night. Gold! Gold! He waited impa- tiently until the ‘‘tac’? had inspected after taps, and then he turned over on his back and stared at the roof of the tent and lay thinking over the extraordinary adventure he had met with, and the still more extraordinary adventures that were ~ likely to result from it. He was even going so far as to speculate what he was _ going to do with his wealth. He’d divide it among the rest, of course. And what magnificent fossils he was going to pur- chase with his share! He had not long to dwell over that, however. It was two good miles through the woods to that cave, and it might take them some time to find it besides. And not to be there at twelve would be a calamity indeed. The Parson hadn’t a very clear idea why he must dig at mid- night particularly, but he thought it best ~ to obey orders and ask no questions. So very soon after he heard the sentry call the hour of half-past ten he sprang up and awakened his fellow treasure hunters. ‘‘Indian’” one of the seven, was on guard that night; and so the six remain- ing who were to conduct the expedition, found no trouble in stealing out of camp. They arose and dressed hastily, and then, not without some little nervousness lest their absence should be noticed, they stole across their friend’s sentry beat and madea dash for the woods. Parson Stanard’s gold hunting expedi- tion was started. CHAPTER IV. A MOST UNEXPECTED RESULT. The walk through that mountain forest was one to be remembered for some time. In the first place, the Parson had been provident enough to fee a drum orderly to steal him a spade and hide it. The Parson insisted upon carrying that spade himself, for that was what the old man had said. And the Parson was careful to carry it upon his shoulder, too. It was surprising how superstitious he had sud- denly become; during the dismal trip he enlivened them by a_ classical discussion of the scientific evidence for and against ghosts, goblins, and magic. “‘But, gentlemen,’’ he said solemnly, “fone such experience as this of mine convinces a man more than ten thousand arguments, Yea, by Zeus!”’ Here Texas went into a roar of laugh- ter, which fortunately wound up in a coughing fit and so excited no suspicions, — Did you ever try to walk through a black woods. at night—a really dark night? Rocks and logs seem just built to catch your shins; bushes and cobwebs srr eect pet are a see OE = POPS ALON EE Leas Mia LR ALES ARMY AND NAVY 1175 for your eyes. And every one in the party vows that the way they ought to go is off there. ‘Ihe six wandered about des- perately, time fairly flying and the excited guide and treasure hunter getting more and more fearful lest the hour should have passed. It seemed almost by a miracle that they finally reached the cliff in which lay the cave. ‘he entrance was a bush covered hole in the rocks some ten’ feet froin the ground. ‘The Parson lost*not a moment in clainbering up and getting in, for he was in a hurry. The five others, still chuckling joyfully over the success of their deception, fol- lowed him in one after another. The party had plenty of matches and candles provided this time, and so one of the lamps*in the uncanny place was soon lighted, and then they were ready for work. : The Parson, business-like and solemn, hauled out his watch. ‘Three minutes,’’? he said. tine, |? : He passed the watch to Mark without another word. Mark held it in his hand to give the signal and the Parson whipped off his coat and seized the shovel with a desperate grip. ‘“‘Vou'll have to cut the carpet,’ said one of them. The Parson had thought of that; he hauled a huge clasp knife from under his jacket. Mark considered it a shame to spoil the place that way, and for a imo- ment he thought of telling and stopping the fun. But by that time the thoroughly excited geologist was down on his knees carving outa slice. He had lit the lamp, according to the directions. It’s shadow, of course, fell right underneath, and there the Parson was about to work. ~ There was a strange scene at that mo- ment, if any one had been there to see it. First there was the mysterious dimly lit cave; underneath the solitary light stood the excited figure of the long, haired Boston genius, his eyes glittering, his hand trembling. He clutched the spade with determination, and gazed anxiously at Mark, like a racer awaiting the signal. The five others were standing about him, winking at each other slyly, and egging ‘Just in the Parson merrily on: Oh, how they did mean to make him dig! It wasa solemn moment for the Parson. To say nothing of the treasure he meant to find there was his scientific interest in the experiment; testing the old ‘‘wiz- ard’s’’ learning. ‘Then suddenly Mark Mallory looked up. ¢ **Now!?? said he. And the Parson jammed his spade into the ground the same instant. ‘The great treasure hunt had begun. Fairly bubbling over with fun, the five conspirators gathered about him, stooping down and staring anxiously, jumping about and exclaiming excitedly, and above all urging the workman to still greater haste. “Dig! Digl” they eried, And you can rest assured the Parson did dig! His long bony arms were flying like a achine’s. Beads of perspiration gathered on his classic brow; his breath caine in gasps that choked off his numer- ous learned éxclamations. And yet he kept on, flinging the dirt in showers about the room until the place began to look as if asandstorm had struck it. ‘The Parson was working as never had a parson worked before. The others gave him little chance to rest, either; they kept up his frenzy of excitement by every means they could think of. But such working’as that was bound to end soon, for even geological muscles can’t stand everything. In this case the end came of its own accord, for the simple reason that the hole got too deep. In his wild excitement Stanard had dug only a narrow one; and by and by he got down so far that he could barely reach the bottom with the end of his shovel. ‘Then he stopped. ““By Zeus!’ he gasped, ‘Gentlemen, this is—outrageous!”’ ‘(A shame!’ cried Mark. ‘*What are we going to do? Hurry up, it’s way after midnight.”’ The Parson gazed around him wildly; he was as anxious to hurry as anyone, but he didn’t know what to hurry at. “‘Durnation!’’ growled Texas. ‘‘Why don’t you fellers hurry up thar. Dog gone it! Whar’s that air treasure? Did you bring me way out hyar to git nothin’ ?” This and dozens of similar remarks 1176 ARMY AND NAVY got the Parson very much discouraged and disgusted indeed. “‘(Centleman!?’ he protested, ‘‘I cannot help it, I really cannot! Iswear to you by all the inhabitants of Tartaeus that if I knew what to do I should do it with all ossible celerity. But what——’’ “‘T don’t believe there’s: any treasure there,’’ growled Texas. ‘‘It’s all a dur- nation fake.’ ‘“"That'sowhat 1 say, too, b’gce!” ctred Dewey. ‘‘I just believe the Parson wanted to show us he knew how to dig graves. I wish I were asleep in my tent! Reminds me of a story I once_ heard, b’gee——”? ‘‘Ton’t tell us any stories,’’? exclaimed Mark with feigned anger. ‘‘The Parson has told us enough for one night. This is outrageous.’ The poor Parson had sunk into a chair in exhaustion and resignation. Evidently there was no more fun to be gotten out of him, Mark thought, and was about to propose returning to camp, when sud- denly another idea flashed across him. “‘Tove!’ he exclaimed, excitedly. ‘I didn’t think of that!’ The Parson sprang up again witha sudden renewal of interest and life. WWW haw isat ?)? heeried.. (*Wihatus.it?”? “lve got an idea!’’ shouted Mark. “Ye gods! Why didn’t I think of that before. I know why we haven’t found “the treasure!” The Parson’s excitement was genuine; the others joined in with his exclama- tions to keep up the effect. M\Vonat is it?) they cried,:yet anore loudly. ‘‘Did that wizard tell you to light the lamp?’ Mark demanded of the Parson. ‘' N--no,’? stammered the other, ob- viously puzzled, ‘‘but how else could it have a shadow ?”? For an answer Mark sprang forward and extinguished the lamp. Then he turned and cried triumphantly: tT OOK })? In the partial darkness the light of the moon, coming in through the hole, alone was visible. It struck the lamp right full and cast a deep black shadow over in one corner of the cave, close to the wall. “Ha!” exclaimed Mark dramatically. ‘“There’s the spot!?’ : **B’ gee!’ cried Dewey, falling in with the scheme. ‘‘Soitis! And that’s why he told you to dig at midnight, b’gee!”’ Already the Parson had seized his spade and made a regular kangaroo leap for the place. Before his hilarious com- rades could even start to follow he had broken ground once more and was fling- ing the dirt about with even more reck- - less eagerness. P70 it, eo itl’) tdared the gear The five gathered about him in a circle, clapping their hands, dancing about, and shouting like ‘‘rooters’’ at a _ baseball gaine in the oft-quoted case of “‘the ninth inning, two out, score a.tie, ete. And never did a batter ‘‘lam her out’? with more vigor than the treasure hunting scholar lammed her in to that ground. They reached the two foot mark, and then began the same trouble of in- ability to reach the bottom. \obetter.. makev it brewer bee,” laughed Dewey. ‘‘Don’t give up. If it don’t work this time, b’gee, we’ll light every other lamp in the place and try their shadows. And then——”’ And then with an exclamation of ex- citement the Parson sprang back. ““T’ve struck something!’ he cried. “*Whoop!”? roared the five chuckling. “We've found the treasure! Hooray!’ “It's hhard,’?panted « the. excited Stanard. ‘it’s hard as, a rack: ien7t ite)”. eave Mark, with a sly wink. And then he added under his breath, ‘‘A rock it is.” But the Parson was too busy to hear that. He was working feverishly, plung- ing his spade into the ground, flinging out the earth, occasionally hitting the object with a sharp sound that made him get more overjoyed and the rest get more convulsed with laughter. Truly the solemn Parson digging a trench was a most ludicrous sight; his next move was more ludicrous still. He got down on his stomach, flat, -and reached into the ground. ‘“Whoop!”’ roared ‘Texas, ‘it’s “good he’s got long arms! Hooray, we've got our treasure!’ ‘Ves, .by Zeus!” cried’ the Parson, springing up and facing them. His next words almost took them off their feet, and no wonder. ‘‘Gentlemen,’’ he said, Seaicstepi re: i Ta ARMY: AND NAVY 1177 solemnly, ‘‘we have got a treasure! It’s got a handle!’ The five stared at each other in dumb amazement. mAs handle!’ handle!’? ~And then Mark flung himself to the ground, and reached in. When he got up again it was witha look on his face that struck the others into a heap. ‘*Fellows,’? he cried, ‘ got a handle!”’ The Parson of course was not in the least surprised; it was what he had been expecting all along. What surprised him was their surprise, and incredulity, and blank amazement. Eacn one of them must needs stoop and verify Mark’s ex- traordinary statement, learn that there was something down there with a handle for a fact. And then, as completely sub- dued and serious as ever were five merry they.” echoed. “tA ‘as I live, it has jokers they took the spade from the ex-_ hausted Stanard and set to work to dig with real earnestness, and in silence. No exclamation they could think of came anywhere near expressing their state of mind. They widened the hole the Parson had made, and thus exposed one corner of the object, which proved to be a wooden chest, of what size they could not tell. And that discovery completed the inde- scribable consternation of the five. There never was a joke stopped much more abruptly than that one. They continued digging; to make a long story short they dug for half an hour steadily, and by that time had succeeded _ in disclosing the box which was over two feet long and surrounded by-hard clay. Having freed it, Mark sprang down and tried to lift it; he failed, and they dug the hole yet wider still. Then, fairly burning up with excitement and curiosity and eagerness, the whole five got down into the ditch and lifted out the chest. It cost them quite an effort even then; but they got it out at last and gathered around it, staring curiously, whispering anxiously. It was locked firmly, that they could see. But the wood was rotten and Mark seized the shovel and knocked the hinges off the back with one quick blow. ‘Then the six stood and stared at each other, each one of them hesitating fora moment before revealing that un- canny mystery. That did not last-very long; however. Mark grasped the lid firmly and wrenched it back. And as one man the six leaped forward to glance in. ‘“Gold!”” The cry burst from throats of every one of them at once. They sprang back and gazed at each other in amazement. For that huge chest was fairly brimming over with five dollar gold pieces! Oh, what a scene there was for the next ten minutes. The cadets were fairly wild. ‘They stooped and gazed at. the treasure greedily. ‘They ran their fingers through it incredulously; they danced about the cave in the wildest jubilation. For there was in that chest money enough to make each one of them rich. And then suddenly an idea flashed over Mark. ‘This was a counterfeiter’s cave! is.it genuine?” he cried, Quick asa wink the Parson whipped two bottles from under his coat. “IT thought of: that,’’ he said..." Yea. by Zeus! One is for gold, one silver.’ He wrenched the stopper out of one bottle and stooped eagerly, the seven staring in horror, ‘'Boit’s gold,’ he cried, “10H surg green!”? He snatched up one, and poured the acid over it. And the six broke into a wild cheer as they saw the color come. ‘“Try another!’ cried Mark. For answer the Parson sprang forward and poured the contents of the bottle over the coins. Everywhere it touched the tarnished metal it showed the reac- tion. And the six locked arms and did & war dance about the place. We're rich?) they. erted. ‘(Weta tich! Hooray for the Seven Devils!” And then they stole back to camp again. Notasoul of them has ever yet told the Parson of that joke. [THE END. | The next West Point novelette will be entitled ‘‘Mark Mallory’s Misfortune; or, The Theft of the Counterfeiter’s Gold, ’ » Lieut. Frederick Garrison, U. S. A. A RS EE a ate ea ; HOW JAKE SAVED THE GUNS. An Incident of the Joannesburg Rising. BY KENDALL ROBINSON, A AKE WILLIAMSON pulled his grey mare to AS 6 a halt at the corner of Frederick street, and mionds street an excited body of men, a couple of thousand strong, was escorting the six newly-arrived Maxinisto their appointed quarters. Johauuesburg was convulse|. Jameson had crossed the border, and Boer burghers from Rusten- burg and Wakerstroom had gone into laager on the fringe of Hospital Hill. ' Down a by-street went the Maxims, with their tu- multuous escort, giving place to a kaleidoscopic Vision of troop upon troop of armed civiliaus galloping down Comunissioner street. Jake kept his eyes on the scene, and unsuccessfully tried to recall anything of a similar sort that might have fitted into the short ciain of his experiences on the Pacific coast, from: whose golden shores his father had come some time before to be chief engineer at the White Rose mine—the show property of the mighty Mai Reef range. ‘Lurning on to the ground of the Wemmer Mine, Jake found that they were testing Gatling guns which had been lashed to the head-gear. Volley after volley of blank shot rattled out, firing with unhealthy enthusi- asm the thousand or more naked. Shangaans and Matecbopis from the Hast Coast, confined under an armed guard within the limits of their compound. The white employes of the mine had gone into camp on the further boundary near the old) Kimberley outspan, and Jake stopped in his gallop and gave good-day to one of the workmen whom he knew. ‘¢You look ready enough here, Tarbutt,’’ he said. ‘*Yes,’? said the old miner; ‘‘we expect to get in some useful work to-night. I hear that the camp at the White Rose is a regular daisy; but why the dickens the committee stored all their surplus ammunition and rifles up there, so far out of town, is more than I can well make out. Have you heard anything about a body of Dutchmen getting through the lines away out at Elandsfontein?”? _‘*No,?’ replied Jake. ‘J thought you might have heard, coming from that quarter—heard whether the report was true or not,’? ‘“(No: I rode in at three this morning.’? ¢ <¢Well,,I hope you’re all alive out there, because you’ve got a powerful lot of stuff on hand that wants looking after.’ ‘‘Oh! trust dad for that,’’ said the lad as he rode off. Away inthe far distance the Maxims came again into view, but the crowd had grown until if poured down the thoroughfare like a swollen river that bad broken its banks: and over all suddenly fell the Afri- -ean night, silently and swift. The guns having been bestowed, Jake rode leisurely back into he city. The central thoroughfares of Johannesburg were in a state of complete congestion, which reached its highest point of accentuation in the neighborhood of the offices of the Consolidated Goldfields Company, from the baleony of which bareheaded men were haranguing the excited multitude with torches in their hands. Jake edged his horse toa scrap of pavement some distance away and listened. It was news of Janreson that was being imparted. As he sat in the saddle wondering how his father and the others at the White Rose were faring, teu miles out of town, a hand a + 6 ET Lr gave all his attention to the scene before, him. Two or three hundred yards down Sim- eps EM was placed upon his knee, and he heard his name spoken in a low voice. He looked down, but the light in the street was so dim and uncertain. that he failed to distinguish the face of the speaker. ‘*You are wanted out at the mine at once,’’ said the stranger. ‘‘Your father told me to tell you, if I came across you in town.”? ‘“What else did dad say?’’ asked Jake, ‘cOnly that he wanted you. IJ should make. all the pace you kuow, sonny, if 1 were you, or he will be getting anxious.’’ ‘Very well. I’m off right away as soon as I can get the mare out of this contounded fix.”? He turned the animal, and, shouting to the people on foot wedged up against his horse’s Hanks, gradually worked his way out toa less crowded thoroughfare, and so into the side street which led to the Wolluter, Junipers, and Geldenhuis mines, and thence on to the White Rose. It was a dark night, in which Jake could hardly see a foot in front of hin. when he had ounce left the lights of the city behind. But he knew the rough and ritted road by heart, and he gave the mare ber head and put her to a canter. The electric lamps on the head-gears of the different properties shone far away and high up like stars, and followed hard oue upon the other, un- til, in.conibination, they looked like a fiery. snake which curled and curled away beyond the horizon. About a mile from the White Rose the track was crossed by three vleis, or small water-courses, which flowed down from the Hospital Hills away into the fiat open country south of the reef, and here the sudden dips made it necessary for Jake to slackem his pace. As ne did so, he fancied he heard the impact of the hoofs ofa galloping horse not far behind. Reining in the mare and listening, he niade sure that soniebody was indeed following immediately in his rear, and at— no uncertain pace. ‘That fellow’s coming at a terrible tear,’’ said Jake to himself. ‘‘If he don’t pull up, he’ll break- his neck in the vlei.’’ The rider’s recklessness, however, was no affair of the lad’s, who walked the mare cautiously into the cool waters of the first stream. As he did so, a_ horse and rider came bolting down the declivity, and, be« fore Jake could realize that the stranger was upon him, he felt a large wand placed over his mouth, and another on his arm, which yanked him out of the saddle and flung bin) heavily into the water beneath. Quick as thought the unknown man had dismounted, and-there they both wrestled immniersed to their mid- dles; and although Jake struggled violently, and made desperate efforts to arouse the attention of some neigh- boring sentinel, the boy found himself obliged to sub- mit to the mastery of the strong arms, which bound his own with stout cord firmly to his sides, and placed a bandage over his mouth, making a shout inaudible. No word had been spoken on either side so far; but now, as the other broke the silence, Jake recognized the voice of the man who had laid his hand upon his crupper in Commissioner street. “I?m sorry to have to. do this, Williamson,’’ said the stranger; ‘‘hut I guess you don’t mind a little in- convenience in a good cause.”? ey Jake listened stolidly, powerless to reply. Meanwhile they had gained the top of the opposite bank, the stranger holding the boy’s arm in a vice-like grip, and walking the horses by their bridles with his other band. Once on the summit of the rise, he led the way a eis i i ose x re ARMY AND NAVY on to the open veldt, gradually leaving the main road farther and farther behind. Jake wondered whither they could be going. He knew they were shaping for the country, for the ant-hills multiplied under their feet, aud walking became more difficult. ‘‘The White Rose isa regular arsenal, Williamson, isn’t it?’?’ said the stranger, after a lengthy pause. ‘¢Riflesand ammunition to no end? Four wagon-load of guns went up last night—eh? Now, it’s very wrong to have all these things stored there, defying the gov- ernment, aud the president, and all the other good people who have made it a real pleasure to live on the Rand, and as easy as falling off a log to make money here,’ The stranger bit off a chew of tobacco, and resumed: ‘¢Your dad’s a rebel, Williamson, That’s as clear as mud—a rebel, guilty of high treason, aud liable to be shot, And he knows more about this ammunition and stuff than aaybody, they say. Your dad’s a bad man, Williamson. He don’t forget the kick-up be had in toe battery cutting with Ike bellingham, I?ll bet. Neither do I. 1 want to get back on him now. See? And I want you to put us on to these things right smart, like a good boy, or I shall have to speak sharp to you.”’ Jake felt the cold barrel of a revolver pressed against his cheek, and shuddered: Sutidenly, at this nioment, he was also conscious of the presence of a number of mounted men, who rode gingerly behind. For half an hour they made slow progress in the dark, and Jake knew from the position of the light on the White Rose head-gear they were descending on the mine—Bellingham and his mounted friends—on the northeastern corner, the opposite side of the property to that on which the camp was pitched. Jake strained his eyes for a picket and his ears for a_ demand for the word, but in vain, and the group passed without hin- drance through the gate in the barbed wire fence, and ‘so on through the black night in the direction of what he knew ‘must be the battery shed. Bellingham, thought the boy, must surely have been an old em- ployee at the mine. Heseemed to be familiar with every foot of the ground. The lights of the camp burned dimly half a mile away, down by the dam, and in the higher reaches of the property all was as still and silent as the grave. At the corner of the slime-pits the group halted, and for the first time the accents of the hard Boer tongue fell on Williamson’s ear. The Boers were through the lines, after all, then; and this treacherous scoundrel had engaged with a party of them, apparently, to hand the stores over, or at least to destroy them in proper form before wit- - Desses. “T want to get at this stuff quickly, youngster,’’ said Bellingham in a low tone, and touching the lad’s neck now and again with the muzzle of the revolver. **1?ve got enough dynamite handy to blow up the whole main-shaft. Now, where is it? In the mill, the power-house, the slime-pits, the levels, or where? Get along, and remember you’ve got to go straight; I won’t have any kid-play. I nmiean business all the time.’’ At this moment there arose the sound of firing at the camp, and Jake could observe unusual activity in its neighborhood. Then the lights were extinguished; the White Rose men were answering a_ hostile fire pretty smartly. Jake could swear to that. The spirit rose in Li the boy asthe sharp, clear crack of the answering rifles came ever and anon through the still night air, ‘“‘Only a diversion to keep ’em occupied,’? said Bel- lingham. ‘‘Lead ou!?? Jack made up his mind in a moment, and headed straight for the engine-house. ‘‘In the power shed??? asked Bellingham. Jake only kept right on for reply. A dozen mounted Boers followed close on his heels as he entered the place. One solitary small incandes- cent lamp burned ina corner of the battery shed, through which their route led them. Its light fell upon two men— White Rose men—bound and gagged, lying on the floor beside the amalgam tables. Tis had been very carefully arranged, this desperate plan of Bel- lingham’s! The captives gazed at Jake mutely as he passed, and he at them. The Dutchmen, mostly young men, off-saddled and hitched their horses to the sluice-plates; and then, afoot, the party went on into the engine-house; where not a single ray fell upon the great wheels and pistons of the show mine of the Rand. ‘Do you need a light, youngster??? asked Belling- ham, striking a lucifer. The boy shook his head in the negative. ‘(Ts the stuff under the floor?’ The boy shook his head in the affirmative. The light expired. Jake had seen that in his hand Bellingham carried a heavy package of dynamite, and now he heard the man go down on hands and knees searching for some interstice into which be might thrust the ex- »plosive. In a moment or two, and working in the dark, the traitor had made his arrangements. Jake heard him lay the time-fuse across the floor and. éall in Dutch to the others to stand clear, Not a moment was to be lost! Working loose the hand which he had been endeavoring to disengage for the past half-hour, Jake pee his fingeys on the throttle of the great engine. he cylinders filled, the piston rods rushed to and fro, there was a great straining of the crank-shaft, and then every thousand-pound stamp of the hundred and fifty in the mill came beating down with rapid strokes into its empty mortar-box, its metal shoe ringing on the metal plate beneath and filling the quiet night air with the din and noise of five hundred clanking ham- mers. Jake had given the alarm! There was a spot behind the dyamo where Jake’s father kept a revolver to frighten obstreperous niggers with. Ina moment the boy’s hands had closed upon the weapon, and as Bellingham turned on the electric light to get a true aim at the youngster who kad de- stroyed his scheme, Jake caught sight of a dozen Dutchmen scurrying. into the mill-house to secure their horses and make good their escape. Lying close down into the coil of the motor, Bellingham’s bullet glanced comfortably over his head. Again the weapon sang out, but harmlessly as before. And then Jake, taking careful aim, brought his man down in a clean and masterly manner. On the instant shouts filled the outside air. There was a sharp interchange of rifle-shots, and. a hundred White Rose men poured into the power-shed to find Jake stamping’ out the spark with which Bellingham, wounded and spent thuugh he was, had contrived to fire the fuse on the floor. It was a wonderfully near thing; but Jake had saved the guns. go SON qe Y A sot, OF MNS A By William Marray Graydon Author of ‘A Legacy of Peril,” ete., etc, (“In FORBIDDEN NEPAUL” was commenced in No. 15. Back numbers ean be obtained from all newsdealers.) CHAPTER XXXI. THE PLAN THAT FAILED. iT’ was a short ride, and for the most part a sil- ent one, There was no sound but the gentle and regular dip of the six oars, the gurgle of troubled water in the boat’s wake. Rapidly and steadily the torch-lit craft moved up the subterranean river, deep under the courts and buildings of the monastery. The six priests—for such they doulitless were—swayed in uni- son at their task, like mechanical figures. They seenied to take it ill to heart that they bad been chosen for this menial work, even at Vashtu’s bidding, for their eyes rested haughtily and sullenly on the supposed emissaries of Matadeen Mir. Were not the Maharajah and.all his court but the puppets of the priesthood of Durgadeva? ‘‘Thedron gate is out of sight now,’’ Nigel finally whispered to his companion. ‘(Tt’s strange that everything is so quiet about here,’’ said Nigel, a moment later. ‘‘I thought that by this time the priests would have been searching for us in boats on the river and lake.’’ ““T thought so myself,’? Hawksmoor. whispered, ‘tand that such is not the case proves two things pretty clearly—first that we are supposed to have been drowned after falling through into the river; second, that the rickety old boat which we took from the ledge outside the gate has not yet been missed.’’ ‘(Then the chances are more in our favor than if we were believed to be still alive.’’ ‘“‘Ves, of course. But stop talking, Davenant, and think of the ordeal before you. Wemust be getting near our destination, whatever it is.”’ Hawksmoor was right. He had scarcely spoken when the rowers began to slacken speed, dipping their oars lightly and lazily. Then just ahead a flat ledge with stone steps rising above it loomed out of the darkness in mid-channel. Skilfully the boat was swung broad- side against the ledge and there moored fast. All stepped out, and two of the priests removed the torches from the brazen supports. A moment later the Englishmen and their escort were ascending the steps, which were long and broad, and bordered on both sides by a carved parapet. Reaching the top, at a height of about forty feet, a door was stddenly thrown open. The strong light dazzled the eyes of the visitors for an instant, and then they saw that they were in a square court open to the sky. Right, left and in front passages branched off between the walls of polishd red granite. The door leading to the subterranean river was closed, and the torches were extinguished. Five of the priests turned aside, and the sixth motioned to the Eneglishmeu that they should follow him. With forced composure they obeyed, and were guided into the pas- sage straight before them. It was long and narrow, paved with white marble, and with an arched ceiling of exquisite beauty; light was admitted by windows of stained glass. For several hundred yards the three paced the corri- dor in silence, hearing only the echoing tread of their own footsteps. Then they paused hy a heavy crimson curtain embroidered with gold. This the priest drew partly aside, motioning the Englishmen fo pass be- yond; and when they had done so he dropped the cur- tain and vanished behind a great marble column on the right. With all that they had heard of the wonders and riches of the monastery, Nigel and Hawksmoor had assuredly never dreamed of sucha sight as now met their half-incredulous eyes. They stood on the thresh- old of a large and lofty chamber, the floor of which was undoubtedly of pure gold laid in sheets, and with a rambling mosaic pattern worked in jewels. The Englishmen were at first struck dumb. They stared speechlessly, with dilated eyes, wondering if what they saw was not a delusion. They forgot the interview on which so much depended. ‘*Good Heavens, can this bereal?’’ gasped Nigel. “It is all real,’? Hawksmoor said, hoarsely. ‘‘The gold, the diamonds, the rubies—why, there is enough wealth here to’ buy the thrones of Kurope!”’ ‘To buy the world!’’ muttered Nigel. ‘‘But where can it come from?’’ Just at that instant a door was heard to open across the room, and without warning the high priest Vashtu appeared from behind the golden pillars, then pausing in a dignified and expectant attitude. Masking their emotion as well as they were able, Nigel and Hawks- moor advanced to where he stood. They knelt humbly at his feet for a moment, and rose up when he bade them do so. ‘For what purpose, Dost Khan, hath the Prime > Minister sent you here to demand speech with the Feringhee maiden??’ curtly began the high priest, who held in his hand the letter and Matadeen Mir’s seal- ring. ‘“To try what my eloquence can do in this extrem- ity, O Vashtu!’’ Nigel replied, speaking the Hindo- stani tongue fluently. ‘‘Know that Iam reputed to have the gift of a silver voice with women, and there- fore his Highness Matadeen Mir sends me to put the mém sahib in a better mind about the marriage, to picture to her the glory of being the wife of the Prime Minister, and to escort her for a brief space to th town of Yoga.’’ i “Why to Yoga??? demanded Vashtu. Briefiy Nigel explained the cunning device which he and Hawksmoor had concluded they might employ to the best advantage. ‘CA strange thing has happened, O Vashtu,’? he said. ‘¢Matadeen Mir has lately held speech with Brabazon Sahib, the Feringhee engineer, and the father of the girl, and has told him all. The sabib, being an ambi- tious man and wise, now favors the marriage and -will persuade his daughter to that end. He was to leave Katmandu in disugise for Yoga at an early hour this morning, accompanied by Matadeen Mir. I am. to bring the mem sahib to them at the Durbar House, where they are doubtless waiting.’’ Vashtu glanced at the letter, ‘‘Why was no report of this thing written to me?’’ he asked. ‘¢Would his highness have trusted so grave a matter . on parchment??? replied Nigel, shrugging his shoulders. It was impossible to judge whether Vashtu was satis- fied or not. ‘“‘And after the interview at Yoga?’’ he asked, curtly. ‘Thea, the girl having yielded entirely, we will bring her back to the monastery,’’ said Nigel. ‘‘She will embrace the true religion of Durgadeva, and will wed Matadeen Mir as soon as you desire.”’ ‘It is well,’’ replied Vashtu. ‘‘If ye gain the mai- den’s consent to the step, ye may take her at once to Yoga, and I will send along four priests for safety.’’ Again his keen eyes rested on the letter. There was a moment of silence, during which the Englishmen could with difficulty repress their exultant feelings. They had succeeded better than they hoped, and they trusted to find an easy way to. outwit and get rid of the escort of priests and escape to the moun- tains with the girl. ‘‘The maiden awaits you, Dost Khan,’’ Vashtu said, abruptly, as he folded the parchment. have speech with her alone.’’ “(Tt is important that my companion, Hafiz, be pres- ent also,’’ Nigel replied, firmly. ‘‘He knows Brabazon Sahib, and will bear witness to his coming to Yoga. Are not two tongues better than one?’’ / “Tt is true,’? admitted Vashtu. ‘‘I yield consent.’’ He turned aud led the way between the columns to the golden door from which he had come. He opened this for the Englishmen, and when they had passed over the threshuld the door was closed sharply, cut- ting them off from the high priest. With fast-beating hearts they looked about them. The room was just like the outer chamber, but much smaller. Near a door on the further side, from a couch of gold and ivory, the figure of a woman stood sud- denly up. 1t was Muriel Brabazon, and to Nigel’s eyes she seemed more- lovely than ever. The rich, clinging gown of native silk that she wore showed the curves of her graceful figure. Grief had ravaged her face but little, and she confronted the supposed Hindoos de- fiantly and proudly. Nigel stepped quickly up to her, ‘¢As you wisi: for life and freedom, compose your- self,’? he whispered in English. ‘‘If you betray emo- ‘ tion—if you are thrown off your guard for an instant —all may be lost.”’ The girl started, trembling visibly, and a wave of color flooded her pale cheeks. But as quickly she be- came calm, and only the great joy in her eyes showed her feelings. ‘tT believed God would help me,’’ she said, rever- ently. ‘‘I knew my prayers would not bein vain. I recognize your voice—you are Nigel Davenant.’’ How sweet his Christian name sounded from _ those lips! It sent a wild thrill to Nigel’s heart, “*T am glad you know me, Muriel—Miss Brabazon,”’ he replied. ‘‘My companion is also an Englishman— Travers Hawskmoor.’’ A strange look passed over the girl’s face at the mention of Hawksmoor’s name. ‘‘How did you escape after I saw you in the gar- den?’’ she asked. ‘‘It was madness to venture back again.’’ ‘¢There is no time now to explain,’’ Nigel answered. ‘¢We are here in disguise to save yvou—here to take you from the monastery. All you need do is follow the in- structions I am going to give you.”’ ‘““T don’t deserve it,’’ the girl interrupted, in a voice full of emotion. ‘‘If I had only heeded your advice that night at the Residency! How cruelly I treated you—how unjustly! And now you are heaping coals of fire on my head! I know what bardships you must have endured to reach this place. Why have you risked your life to save me??? Nigel’s fortitude gave way; he forgot that Hawks. “Nou may” ARMY AN) NAVY 1181 moor was close behind him—forgot all but the won- derful glow of gratitude in the girl’s eyes. : ‘¢Because 1 love you,’’ he said, hoarsely; ‘‘because life was not worth living without you, Muriel, my darling !”’ ‘¢Hush!?’? came Hawksmoor’s stern voice. ‘‘ Listen !’’ With sudden alarm the three looked towards the door leading to the large room. They heard strange sounds —a patter of feet, the rattle of arms, and a hum of angry and excited voices. An instant ‘later the door was thrown open, and over the threshold of the inner roon) poured half a score of fierce-visaged men. First the real Dost Khan, still clad in Nigel’s discarded clothing; then Vashtu and Pershad Singh, followed by armed. priests wearing the crimson and white of the second degree! : Dost Khan strode up to the Englishmen, his face swollen with fury. ‘‘Weringhees, it is my hour of triumph!’? he cried. ‘¢Know ye that I succeeded in spitting your vile gag from my lips! I skouted for help, and my voice was heard by soldiers who chanced to be near in a_ boat. By them was I rescued and brought in haste to the monastery. I denounce you, impostors and murderers !’? With a sneering smile Hawksmoor composedly folded his arms. Muriel gave one piercing cry, an: fell faint- ing to the floor. Nigel stooped to pick her up, but the girl was wrested brutally from him by Pershad Singh. ‘¢Seize the Feringhee dogs!’’ he commanded. ‘Ay, seize them!’’ Vashtu shouted, passionately. ‘To the dungeovs with them, and see to it on your lives that they are kept safely to await the vengeance of Durgadeva!”?’ Resistance was useless, and Hawksmoor submitted quietly, though Nigel gave the priests a hard struggle. But in the end he was overpowered, and dragged, bruised and bleeding, from the room with his compan- ion. -And as he looked back for the last time, he saw Pershad Singh holding Muriel in his arms, and heard the ruffian’s mocking laugh of triumph. CHAPTER XXXII. IN THE CELL OF THE PENITENT. It was two weeks to a day after the unexpected and dramatic appearance of the real Dost Khan had un- masked Nigel and Hawksmoor and thrown them hope- lessly into the power of the priest they had tried se daringly to outwit. The time was close to midnight, and the scene was a gloomy little cell in that part of the monastery reserved for those who had attained the third degree—a bare, narrow, walled cell, furnished with a pallet and a stool. On the stool, with his back to the partly-open stene door, sat Bhagwan Das, dressed in a monkish garb of coarse grey cloth. By the glow of a bronze lamp he was reading, or pretending to read, a manuscript copy of the ancient code of laws. His was a strange posi- tion indeed. He had finished two weeks of a month’s seclusion in this penitential cell—a penace imposed upon him by custom, because the traitor whom he had slain at the command of the monastery was a blood relation. He was supposed to have killed himself! That is toe say, he had so far played with success the part of his brother Panta Lal, the priest of the third degree. And had not Panta Lal been sent forth to slay the recreant brother, Bhungi Lal, forty years before condenned to death in the monastery, whose existence in the outer world had recently been made known? As yet the priests had no suspicion that Panta Lal lay dead and buried in the Terai, and that he who had returned was Bhungi Lal, otherwise named Bhagwan Das. But the truth could not be hidden long, as Bhagwan Das well knew. While his penance lasted—while tie was left to solitary meditation in his cell, he was safe; but he looked forward with dread to the end of the month, when he must take his place among his fellow. priests of the third degree, and go through without hesitation the daily rites and ceremonies to which he had been a stranger for forty years! And then would come sus- ~ picion, exposure, death in a horrible form! Of these things and of others Bagwan Das was think- ing as he absently turned the pages of the missal. On that first day he had found it impossible to escape and seek for his companions at the trysting-place under the monastery, and it was equally impossible on the fol- lowing day, when be took up his above in the cell. From time to time he had heard meagre reports of what had happened during the past fortnight, and was aware that the Englishmen were prisoners in the mon- astery, awaiting the inevitable punishment of death. He knew also that Muriel Brabazon was still a cap- tive, and it was a strange coincidence that the girl’s native attendant, the Hindoo woman Rana, was _ his own sister.. Younger by a year or two than her broth- ers, Panta Lal and Bhungi Lal, she had lived unmar- ried all her life in a village near Yoga, And because she was of a priestly family she had been chosen for this task of guard and attendant to the English girl. Rana doubtless knew that her brother had returned to the monastery, for more than once she has passed by the door of the penitential cell, and glanced in at the occupant coldly and angrily. So Bhagwan Das grew uneasy, for he felt sure that a woman’s wit had already suspected the trick he was playing. But such was not the cause, and the true solution of Rana’s fierce looks was even now about to be revealed to Bhagwan Das, as he sat toying indifferently with the yellow missal. Sleepless, absorbed in bitter thoughts of the future, it is little wonder that his ears had lost their cunning. He failed to hear the slight creak of the opening door, the gentle rustle of steps behind him. But when aniov- ing figure was suddenly reflected in the polished side of the lamp he sprang swiftly to his feet and turned around. Rana stood before him, and he had barely time to seize the wrist of her right hand, in which a glittering knife was clutched. The weapon dropped to the floor, its fall muffled by striking the man’s foot. ‘*Rana, my sister!’ he said, softly. ‘‘Cursed be the day when J was born a sister to you, Panta Lal!’? muttered the woman, who was more disanpointed than frightened. ‘‘1 own no kin with you—assassin, murderer of thy brother !?’ A strange light broke on Bhagwan Das’ mind, but he was too crafty to speak till he had a certainty. ‘‘Woman, would you be false to your vows—to the ancient faith of Durgadeva?’’ he asked. ‘‘The high priest sent me to slay my brother, Bhungi Lal, and did he not deserve death for bis treachery in the past? Yet, for doing my duty, you would have driven a knife to my heart!”’ ‘Ay, IT would kill you now if I could!’’ Rana said, passionately. ‘‘What is the law of the priests to the love of a brother? I hate the monastery; I hate its mockery of a religion; I hate this land of Nepaul! And I hate you, Panta Lal! You were ever unkind to me when we were children in the green valley otf our birth! But Brongi Laland Ll loved each other, and my heart is sick to flee to the land of his forty years exile of the jungle grave into which you thrust him——”? She paused abruptly. Bhagwan Das, while she was talking, bad slipped to the door, and closed it noise- lessly. Now he stood before her, his left arm hared - to the elbow, and on it the pale, whitish mark’ of an old scar. With a sharp little ery Rana fell on her knees, and kissed thé spot. “Tt was I did that,’’? she whispered, hoarsely, with tears trickling from her eyes—‘‘more than forty years ago I struck at you in sport.with a knite. Yes, I know you! You are not Panta Lal—you are Bhungi! Is it not so, my brother??? “Tt is true,’? he replied, gently lifting her. ‘‘I am Bhungi Lal. And thou art my sister Rana, beloved of ola.’ ‘* And j;ou—you are here in Panta Lal’s place. You killed him, then?’’ ‘¢Ves; in self-defence. It was his life or mine.”’ ‘*T forgive you,’’? said Rana, her arms about his. neck. ‘‘You did well, my brother. But what madness brought you back to the monastery? That is beyond my understanding.”’ “‘T came with the sahibs.’’ ‘‘With the two Feringhees?’’ she exclaimed, in wonder. Bhagwan Das nodded, and then he did a wise and a shrewd thing. He briefly told his sister the whole storv—how of the two Englishmen the one had been a good master to bim, and the other had saved him from Panta Lal; how he had been induced to help them to rescue the mem sahib: and that he now desired to escape from the monastery and take with him Hawks- moor and Nigel and Miss Brahazon. ‘*And you shall go with us, my sister,’? he added. ee ae 1182 : ARMY AND NAVY ‘(In the great world of Lower India—which [I know well—you and I will live happily, and hide from the vengeance of the priests.’? ‘“‘Gladly will I do your bidding,’’ replied Rana; ‘hut we must go alone, brother. The n.em sabib this night is taken out of my care. She has consented at last to embrace the religion of Durgadeva and to wed the Prime Minister, and the priests are now preparing her for the ceremony, according to the custom. It. is to take place at dawn, in the Court of the Ruby Crown.’’ ‘So the girl has consented??? ‘¢Ves, my brother.’’ ‘And by what persuasion?”? Rana told all that she knew, and the words brought an angry sparkle to Bhagwan Das’ eyes and a deep furrow to bis brow. ‘It is evil work,’’ he said, ‘‘and surely the girl is beyond saving. But what of the Feringhees? Wheie do they lie?’’ : ‘Tn the dungeons under the middle court,’’ was the answer. ‘‘Ali Mirza is there also, and the three are to die to-morrow, when the marriage is over.’? “‘T will take no risk with Ali Mirza,’’ said, Bhagwan Das, ‘‘but the Englishmen shal] share my freedom. 1f must deceive them about the girl at first, telling them that Matadeen Mir bas'taken her from the monastery, for otherwise they will refuse to flee with me. When they know the truth they will forgive the lie.”’ ; ‘“But bow can you rescue them?’’ asked Rana. “There are walls and locked doors between, and a guard is always in the passage by the dungeons.’’ ‘‘T do not fear the guard,’’ replied Bhagwan Das, ‘‘and the rest depends on you, my sister. Do tke great bunch of keys still bang in the apartment of the high priest???’ Ve 66Veg,9? ‘““You must get them for me, Rana; they will not be missed until the day has dawned, and with them I can not only release the Feringhees, but I can command the choice of two ways of escape from the monastery.’? Rana hesitated only an instant. ; “‘T would yield my life for you,’’ she said, tenderly; ‘Shut indeed I believe it will be easy to get the keys. Vashtu is an old man, and takes no part in the rites to-night. Long since be bas retired to bed,\ and is doubtless sleeping soundly.’’ “Jt is well,?? said Bhagwan Das. ‘‘T trust to your cunning, sister. And what of Matadeen Mir? Is he al- ready here?’?’ ; ‘(His highness arrived scarce two hours ago,’’ was the reply, ‘‘and he leaves with his bride for Yoga im- niediately after the marriage. ‘There the army will await him under Pershad Singhb.”’ “Tt will not be a_ bloodless revglution, I greatly fear,’’ said Bhagwan Das, shaking his head. ‘‘Is the Prime Minister fo be crowned after the marriage?’’ ‘(So I have heard, my brother.’?’ ‘ Bhagwan Das reflected a moment. ‘‘“Knough! We are wasting time,’’? he muttered ‘(But stop! I have a plan in mind.. If you. are cunning, no suspicion will fall upon you concerning the theft of the keys and the escape of the prisoners; so it will be better for you to remain here for the present, instead of sharing the perils of myself and companions.’? Rana saw the wisdom of this. ‘“‘But how shall I find you, my brother?’’ she asked. ‘« After the marriage you will be sent away from the monastery,’ replied Bhagwan Das. ‘*Go then to your village, and after a fortnight—if you hear not that we are taken—slip, disguised, across the frontier by aon tbe trade route. Beyond the Himalayas I, or one sent — by me, will meet you with tidings.’’ “Tt is well, brother, I shall keep thy words in mind. And now I go to seek the keys.’” ‘(May Brahma help you and bring you back quick- ly. Go! I will await you here, Rana.’’ The woman glided lightly across the floor—though nearly sixty years old she was straight and agile—and - the door closed silently behind her. And Bhagwan Das, standing erect in the lamplight, looked a different man from the terror-racked penitent who had cowered for. days between those four walls. His eyes gleamed with excitement, and he uttered a fierce oata as he spurned with his foot the ancient code of laws. (TO BE CONTINUED.) Copyrighted, American Publishers’ Corporation.) e es (“TOM FENWICK’S FORTUNE” was commenced in No, 19. © CHAPTER XVIII. THE DEAF MUTE SPEAKS. (Ga TAC dE encampment was in a commotion at once. But as Montez scrambled to his feet, and fumbled for his knife, Blueskin himself ap- peared on the scene with Straight Arrow. Half a dozen or more of the Utes followed. ‘‘Hugh! What matter??? And the chief looked inquiringly from Montez’s face, livid with fury, to Dolly, who, flushed and excited, stood outside the lodge, while Tom, remembering the part he had to play lingered near at hand with his arms folded and eyes fixed on the ground. ‘*T¢ was vile enough to steal me from my home,’’ exclaimed Dolly, swallowing a little sob, ‘‘without keeping me a prisoner to be insulted by such as 9? Dolly pointed fo Montez, Blueskin scowled. Dolly had always been treated with perfect respect by the Utes. It was no part of Blueskin’s purpose to do other- wise. Money—ransom money—was all he was looking for. ‘“You, Montez—’member what Blueskin say! So you trouble white squaw ’gain—me kill you!’’ There was not the slightest reason to doubt that Blue- skin would keep his word—a fact of wiiich Montez. was well aware. He muttered what seemed to bea larne apology. ‘ Blueskin, taving asserted his authority, pulled his greasy blanket.closer about him, and stalked away, He did not concern himself as to any possible quarrel Montez might cho se to pick with the newcomer on account of the latter’s interference. The appearance of Nanita on the scene prevented any further encounter between the two. Doliy ex- plained the situation hastily, and Nanita turned her dark eyes scornfully upon Montez. What she proceeded to say, being in Spanish, was of course unintelligible to the others; but it was very plain that she was giv- ing him what is known as ‘‘a piece of her mind.”’ Montez slunk away, not, however, without a vin- dictive glance at Tom. And, unfortunately, Tom so far forgot himself and his assumed role as to place his thumb at the end of his nose, ‘‘twiddling”’’ his fingers, after the manner of the old time street Arab. _ Presumably this undignified gesture was not com- mon to the Indian tribes. Carl, who had come up, uttered a stifled exclamation. Nanita regarded the pro- ceeding with evident astonishment—Dolly with secret amusement. But Montez stood stock still, as though a shadowy suspicion had been aroused in his mind. Only for a moment, however. Then, recovering the bridle of his pony, which, with the deer carcass across its back, had been patiently awaiting the Mexican’s movements, he led him away, muttering under his breath. r Seat et cance a Soke eape Meee acai EE TARE aaa cameeeRomaaeT aed — Back numbers can be obtained from all newsdealers.) That night, as Carl and Tom lay. side by side ona pile of skins in their lodge, the former, in brief whis- pers, told him to what gocd purpose his ears and eyes had been used while drifting about the encampment. Blueskin had been very communicative to him re- garding his captive. Dolly’s ransom was fixed at the sum of fifty thousand dollars. A very low figure, Blue- skin asserted, in view of her father’s presumed wealth and Dolly’s estimated value. Blueskin had also pointed out Dolly’s pony, grazing with the common herd, and Carl had seen the side-saddle and bridle. under the bark covering near the corral, where their own ac- coutrements were deposited. His idea was that, an. escape being effected, the party of three should strike directly through the pass for Fort Wagner, about a hundred and twenty miles to the south and west. It might be a hard and hazardous journey, to be sure; but what would one not do for liberty? ‘Yet, if Mr. Bruton will pay the fifty thousand, it seems as though we had taken all this pains for noth- ing,’’ was Tom’s trouhled response. “Too late talk that now,’ returned Carl, who was evidently thinking of his own promised five hundred dollars. ‘‘Sides, s’pose you save him big money—save Dolly, too. Mebbe he give you—Dolly.’’ — Evidently Carl had an inkling of Tom’s sentiments. ‘*Pshaw!?? muttered Tom, conscious of growing very red, even under his Indian coloring; though the sug- gestion was by no means displeasing. But, though all this planning and purposing was easy enough, to successfully carry it out would bea much more difficult matter. And it was far into the night before their whispered consultation ended. To arrest any possible suspicion on the part of watchful Nanita, and get speech with Dolly herself, were of course the two first and most important points. How they might be best reached, the following day must decide. For the visitors had no particular excuse for anything excepting the briefest of stoys at. the encampment. In two days, at the furthest, their horses should be rested. As for themselves, they were not supposed to be particularly in need of rest, accord- ing to the Indian eude of endurance. . Thus far fortune had seemed to favor them. And on the next morning the fickle dame still continued her favors. For about nine o’clock a Ute, who had been out in search of game, came dashing in with a report, of four ‘‘silver tip’’ bears in a ravine some miles away. And immediately preparations began for a gen- eral foray on the part of all the males in the encamp- ment. z Blueskin himself gave Carl an invitation to join the attacking party; but the ingenious halfbreed de- clined on the plea of keeping his pony fresh for begin- ning his own journey on the following morning, to- gether with his companion, who was then lying asleep on a buffalo robe in the shade of the lodge. _ Montez, for some reason best known to himself, 1184 was not as enthusiastic for the chase as the others, but Blueskin rather peremptorily bade him mount. Ten minutes later the Utes clattered away, leaving the camp in charge of a few squaws and children, Nanita acting as a sort of head in the absence of its chief. Now Carl, though some ten years younger than Nanita, uad seemed by no means unappreciative of her savage beauty, set off by her picturesque attire, half Mexican half Indian, And hardly had the Utes taken their departure before he was, in a way, making himself agreeable to Dolly’s watchful guardian, Well, on her own part, Nanita did not seem dis- pleased by the good-looking young halfbreed’s show of respectful admiration. For women all over the world are very much alike in this respect. Carl had a few words of Spanish at bis command—Nanita a smat- tering of the Sioux and Ute dialect. With a slight feeling of amusement, Dolly watched the progress of this peculiar flirtation from her ham- mock, suspended in the shade of the cottonwoods; and even laughed a little as the oddly mated pair strolled off to the river bank, very much after the manner of a couple of fashionables at a watering place. ‘(What a sleepy head the deaf mute is,” thought Dolly, with a glance at his prostrate form on the buffalo robe some ten or a dozen feet away. , As though refuting the slander, Tom stirred, and suddenly sat upright. His sharp eyes first were seen to follow Nanita and her attendant. Then they glanced around the encampment, It was a drowsy summer’s day, though the Arizona heat was tempered by the mountain breezes. The In- dian women, freed from the supervision of their lords ‘and masters, had abandoned their everlasting wood and water carrying, skin scraping, and blanket weay- ing. Some were gossiping, with their heads together after the manner of civilized femininity. Others played with their children in the open fronts of the tepees. But no one gave the slightest heed to the white girl prisoner or her surroundings. Why _ should they? Was she not under the special charge of Nanita? Tom took advantage of thesituation at once. Spring- ing to his feet, he stepped quickly across the interven- - ing space. Dolly started up in the hammock, and made some very energetic signs to the effect that the intruder’s presence was unwelcome. And, though his heart was beating like a trip-hammer, Tom laughed outright— he couldn’t help it. Was there ever so absurd a situ- ation. ‘*Miss Dolly,’’ he said, tremulously—‘‘I—don’t won- der you don’t know me!”’ - Well, Dolly was remarkably self-possessed for so young a girl, but for the moment Tom, though inex- perienced in women’s ways, thought she was going to faint. But Dolly didn’t do anything of the kind. ‘¢‘Good gracious!’’ she exclaimed. An _ interjection hardly allowable if she were a heroine of fiction; but I have to record the simple fact. In the briefest possible words Tom made such expla- nations as were necessary. To which Dolly listened in a sort of dazed silence. ‘¢And you have done all this for me,’’ she said, softly. As Dolly spoke, her dark eyes met Tom’s with an indefinable expression in their depths. And even then Tom felt repaid a thousand fold for the hardships he had encountered. CHAPTER XIX. AN EXCITING NIGHT. As a result of the hunt two ‘‘silver tips’? were brought in toward evening. Gorged to repletion with the juicy bear meat, most of the Utes were snoring melodiously in their several tepees by dark. The watch kept at any time was of the most ordinary nature. For theencampment, secluded among the foot- hills, was not on the range even of the little traveled wagon trail leading through the pass to Fort Wagner and the border town of Cottonwood. There was every reason to suppose that the two pursuing parties had long since turned back. Andas for any attempt at escape on the part of their girl captive, there.was not the slightest fear, even had Nanita relaxed her watch- fulness. | So on the second night of our two ance in the encampment, friends’ appear- one solitary Ute was on ARMY AND NAVY guard. And _ he, sitting by a smoldering watch fire, alternately dozed and woke witha start, to throw an occasional fagot on the dying flames. : To all outward appearance, then, the camp was buried in slumber. Yet there were three—possibly four—who among them all had no thought of sleep. That Tom and Carl] were wide awake, goes without saying. And the latter was literally the moving spirit in the undertaking before them. Crawling on his hands and knees from the shelter of the lodge, Carl took a brief survey of his surround- ings. lt was a clear starlight night—the silence only occa- sionally broken by the mournful cry of the coyote or ~ the howl of the mountain wolf. The form of the nod- ding Ute guard was visible in the firelight a few yards . distant. He must be attended to first of all. Silently summoning Tom to his side, Carl wormed bis way through the half darkness to the dozing seunti- nel. In another instant the sleepy Indian’s neck was conipressed by two sinewy hands, while Tom at the sanie Lime, springing silently upon him, bore him back- ward to the ground! To muffle the Ute’s head in the folds of his own blanket, in such a way as to smother his cries, was the work of an instant. Then, ina twinkling, arms and legs were secured by many turns of a lariat,“ and de- spite his desperate writhing, the redskin was half car- ried, half dragged; to an adjoining thicket, and then left to his own unpleasant reflections. So far so good. Tom wiped the perspiration from his face, and drew a long breath. Carl, bidding him re- main where he was, stole away in the darkness toward the ponies, among whom an occasional stamp or snort could be heard. It was not over twenty minutes, yet. it seemed hours before Carl reappeared. ‘*Three hoss all right—saddle, bridle, everything. All down by willows,’’ he whispered, with more signs of excitement than the young halfbreed had yet be- trayed. And in addition Carl had managed to cut the lariats of as many of the Indian ponies as he had found still grazing, so the chances were that more or less of them would gradually stray from the tract where they were hobbled. And now for Dolly. Would she be able to slip away from the lodge without awaking Nanita? The two stole softly back. As previously agreed upon, Tom raised the skin curtain before the lodge en- trance. The steady, regular, breathing from Nanita’s corner showed that her slumbers were. unbroken by suspicion or apprehension. Tom’s hand, extended into the gloom of the interior, clasped another—a small and slightly tremulous: one. But the heart of its owner was strong and fearless, Light-footed,. and with perfectly noiseless step, she glided through the opening. There was no time to be lost. At any moment some one of the sleeping Utes might be roused from his slumbers, by nightmare or indigestion resulting from too much broiled bear-meat. . Still clasping Dolly’s hand, Tom followed Carl’s moccasined feet to the side of the horses. Dolly’s side saddle was on her own pony, Bret. The others had been taken at random in the darkness. Tom’s strong arms swung Dolly to her saddle in an instant, while Carl produced, from a_ hiding place close at hand, the two carbines, with their cartridge belts, which he had conveyed thitber during the day. Then they were mounting in hot haste when sud- denly a woman sprang from the surrounding dark- ness. Seeming to take in the situation at a glance, she uttered a shrill note of alarm that rang with startling effect upon the night stillness. At the same moment Nanita—for it was she—grasped the bridle of Dolly’s pony with a cry of exultation. ‘‘The white bird would take wings and cheat the chief out of his ransom money, then! But no—Nanita will stand in the way !’’ : Carl, who was first to recover from his momentary stupefaction, uttered a hoarse cry. : ‘*You stan’ out way!’’? he exclaimed, savagely. And true to his Indian nature, and unmindful of his previous gallantries, Carl clubbed his carbine fora blow that would speedily have ended the difficulty— and probably Nanita’s life. But Tom caught Carl’s arm in his own strong ~ much for Nanita. ‘either side of him. senate So orc ng ene RPE hor 2 ee ‘ ee AE RES A at eH area reat ARMY AND NAVY grasp, heedless of the savage cries and yells close at ‘ hand which showed that the camp was aroused, ‘*No, no, Carl, remember Nanita isa woman!’’ he eried, breathlessly, though his interference, as he well _knew, was the death blow of their hopes! ‘(The painted pale face finds his tongue,’’ laughed Nanita. ‘‘Oho, Montez!”’ : Again her shrill ery rang out, and before Tom, who must have been badly ‘‘rattled’’—-to quote a subse- guent reinark made by Phil Aimsted—could collect his bewildered thoughts, the Utes were upon them. Carl himself had no notion of staying to see it out. Resistance was folly—discretion the better part of valor. Clapping his heols to his pony’s sides, he dashed madly into the darkness, followed by two or three scattering shots from the Utes, who had snatched sup their rifles in the hurry. But Tom/’s blood was fairly up! Clubbing his car- bine, he brought the heavy breech down on the head of no less a dignitary than Bloeskin himself, who was trying to drag Tom from the saddle on one side, while Montez, breathing out fire and slaughter, was at- tempting the same operation on the other. Alas, Blueskir.’s skull was of inordinate thickness. The cheap black walnut stock of Tom’s carbine snapped short off, leaving -him with the barrel in his hand, while Blueskin, only a bit stunned, clung with fierce ‘tenacity to his victim. All at once came a confused clatter of hoofbeats along the stony defile leading to the encampment. Carl’s strong voice upraised was heard. ‘‘Here, this way! Come, come!’’ Then the yell of the excited cowboys: SOP VY its Va-1e1 ‘“‘Charge down on ’em! Revolvers, boys!’? It was John Bruton’s hoarse tones rising above the din of shrieking squaws, as thundering through the ‘encampment came a score of plainsmen, firing right and left at the dusky forms of the flying Utes. ‘¢Mather—oh, father !’’ A thousand redskins could not have kept John Bru- ton back, then. Giving utterance to an inarticulate cry, like that of some wild beast when its young is in danger, Bruton -eharged, pistol in hand, to the spot, where Nanita, still clinging to the pony’s bridle, was striving to « urge the animal away, while Dolly as strenuously kept Bret in place by her voice. But the sight of the big, broad-shouldered man spurring his horse directly down upon them, was too Dropping the bridle, she disap- peared in the darkness, and in another moment John Bruton’s strong arm was about his daughter’s supple waist. It was useless to think of trying to follow up the flying Utes through the gloom. The-caimp fire was re- newed, and the breathless but triumphant party gath- ered about it. Three Indians had fallen before the as- sailants” fire. Blueskin was not among them—neither was Montez. ; ‘*But where is Tom??’’ exelaimed. Dolly, suddenly, ‘between her tears and similes, releasing herself from her father’s arms. And she looked inquiringly at Carl, who was hinding up a slight wound in his arm. Sure enough, where was Tom? For all search proved unavailing ! CHAPTER XX; IN HIS ENEMIES’. HANDS. _ As Tom Fenwick tells the story, he could not have answered any such question as that which closed the last chapter, to say the least, for some hours, bad it been put directly to him. He could neither tell where he was nor how he got there, to use a Hibernianism. Indeed, he was not quite sure that it was himself, who, dizzy-headed and faint was swaying uncertainly ‘to and fro in the saddle, as his horse was hurried on through the darkness by the two Indians who rode on He was sure, though, that his ankles were confined by a lariat passing from one te the other under the horse’s belly, and that his head ‘ached terribly—the result of a blow from behind. But his captors—who were they? Whither were they taking him? And to what end had his life been spared? «|. On and on through the darkness—presumably guided by a bright constellation in the southwest. Over sand > ae Se nay eee oe Ar Ree ae eee RR ee fe pe OO ; 1185 water-courses, then again skirting some dimly dis- cerned tinber line, or crossing a plain with grass half way to the horses’ knees. It was not till the glimmer of dawn in the east grew stronger that Tom began to bring something like order out of the mental chaos of his brain, The last thing he remembered with anything like definiteness, after the midnight charge of John Bru- ton and his boys, was hearing Dolly’s ery, ‘‘Father— oh, father!’?’? And he knew that in all probability Dolly was safe. between himself and his daughter’s appeal. Well, that was so much to be thankful for. His cap- tors? Tom glanced at the grim, silent fornis on either side of him. Both were Utes of Blueskin’s party—this of course, he had expected. But with something like a thrill of terror, he saw through the growing light that Blueskin and Montez rode ahead, while Nanita, astride one of the ponies man-fashion, brought up the rear. - And not only had the. fleeing Utes secured their stampeding ponies, but three of them carried carbines across their respective saddle-bows. 2 Yet, why cumber themselves with a captive, was Tom’s troubled query? There was no one to pay ran- som for him. What then could be the object? Unless it was to revenge themselves for the loss of Dolly through Carl’s and his own instrumentality. This was anything but a soothing reflection, nor did Tom, as when in the power of the Sioux party, feela confidence in his ability to escape trom the hands of his new eaptors. The sun wasa full hour high before a halt was called, near a spring of sulphurous hue and_ taste, which gushed from a crevice in the volcanic forma- tions about them. : A fire was built, and one of the party started out with his rifle, returning~a little later, bringing back a mountain kid, part of which furnished the morning meal—Tom having his own share with the rest. Thus far not a word had been spoken to him by any of the party. And it slowly began to occur to l'om that his disguise, no less than his feigned infirmity, might still be undiscovered by any excepting Nanita. And if so, why had she not exposed his deceit? Time alone would tell. His ankles were bound as scon as he was rudely as- sisted to dismount, and a silent Ute kept. guard over him with a cocked carbine, while with an appetite none too ravenous, he made a very indifferent meal from the scorched meat held in his fingers. Suddenly Montez rose from the ledge on which he had been sitting, and stalked toward Tom. He was followed at a little distance by Blueskin, “whose scarred visage looked uglier than ever. Nanita stood in the background. As Tom glanced involuntarily in her direction, she swiftly raised her finger and touched it warningly to ler lips: Then she was not unfriendly? Probably gratitude to- ward Tom for averting the blow threatened by the halfbreed had something to do with it all. = Stepping directly in front of his sitting captive, Montez bent his gaze searchingly on Tom’s face. Tom returned the look unflinchingly, but his breath grew quick and short. How much or what did the Mexican suspect? And were his eyes sharp enough to distinguish the difference between European and Indian features now that he was so near? But this was not all. Wetting his forefinger, Montez deliberately drew it across Tom’s cheek. Mindful of Nanita’s timely warning, Tom choked back the indiguant exclamation that rose to his lips. ~ Montez looked at his finger tip as though disap- pointed, and said something in the Indian dialect to Blueskin, who gave a stolid nod. Drawing his knife from his belt, the Mexican, with Z a grim smile, pressed the point against Tom’s throat just above the band of his huntirg shirt. ‘Trying to see whether 1am dumb or not,’’ was Tom/’s very natural thought; and not a muscle quiv- ered, though the inward struggle for self-control was no light thing. : But Tom’s conjecture was wrong—decidedly wrong. With one quick downward sweep the keen knife slashed open the softly dressed deerskin. Below the border line of the walnut juice stain, Tom’s firm white flesh stvod out in the strongest possible contrast! Montez’s cry of exultation was drowned by the al- most demoniacal yell from Blueskin. Snatchivg the barrens and flinty soil, through ravines and across dry knife from the Mexican’s grasp, the Indian threw John Bruton would let nothing stand ~ % 1186 back his hand. Tom closed his eyes, that he might not see the descending blow. All at once the sharp report of a rifle went echoing and reverberating through the rocky fastnesses. With- out cry or groan Blueskin pitched forward on his face, h s fingers still clutching the knife, which a second later would have been buried to the haft in Tom’s breast. 5 A perfect panic ensued among the remaining Utes, who were completely demoralized by the loss of their chief. As though they expected another moment would see the ravine swarming with an attacking party, a simultaneous rush was made in the direction of the horses. In vain Montez, for the moment unmindful of his prisoner, yeiled to his cowardly companions in a choice mixture of Spanish and the Ute dialect, bidding them to take cover till they knew the number of their hid- den foe—whether one man or twenty. In vain Nanita added her own entreaties, as snatching up a dropped _earbine, she sheltered herself from the expected fire * behind her pony, Indian fashion. - The cowardly Utes sprang to the backs of the snort- ing steeds, and dashed madly away in every direction, excepting that from which the fatal shot had been fired. CHAPTER XXI. A STRANGE DELIVERANCE. Montez stood for.one brief moment in confused hesi- tation. Then his eyes rested on Tom, who of course had not moved from his sitting position for the simple reason that his ankles were tightly lashed together. The fact that his hands were free did not help him in the least. ; Exultant at the sudden change of base, Tom forgot his discretion—forgot everything excepting the fact that friends—probably John Bruton’s party—were at hand. ‘*We played it on you in pretty good shape, eh, Montez?’’ he tauntingly called out. The Mexican’s face took on the expression of a ver- itable demon, as, at once recognizing Tom’s- hated voice, the truth seemed to flash across his mind. ‘‘Diavolo Americano!’’ he hissed. ‘‘But escape you shall not now !’ Throwing his hand to his hip, Montez jerked his heavy revolver from its holster, drawing back the hammer with his thumb as he swung the barrel to a level with Tom’s head! ‘*Moutez! Montez! Hold!’’? screamed Nanita, but her cry was unheeded. : The Mexican’s-finger was touching the trigger when a puff of gray smoke from the same terraced bluffs on the left was followed by the crack of a rifle. Montez’s sombrero spun half round and fell to the ground. His pistol exploded so near Tom’s temple that the captive’s hair was scorched by the flame, but the ball sped wide of its mark. Dropping his revolver, with a cry of mingled rage and pain, Montez clapped his hand to his head, while a stream of blood from an ugly scalp wound trickled through his fingers. A third report from the same spot, anda bullet flat- tened itself against the face of the ledge against which Tom was leaning. This was quite enough. Montez stood not on the or- der of his going, but, dashing to the side of his horse, sprang into the saadle. ‘“HWly, Nanita! The game is up!’’ he shouted. And without waiting for Nanita’s following, Montez gal- loped away at full speed. It had all passed so quickly that Tom was hardly able to realize his marvelous escape from a violent ARMY AND NAVY death—not once, but twice, in almost as many min- utes; anda prayer of thankfulness, not less sincere because unuttered in words, went up from his full heart. But where was the attacking party? Every moment Tom expected to see a score or so of mounted men come clattering down. the defile with whoop and shout and wild huzza. Yet no one was visible save Nanita, who, having withdrawn herself from behind her pony, stood car- bine in hand, looking in the direction taken by Mon- tez, with an indefinable expression on her dark, clear- cut features. ; Turning suddenly, she walked swiftly toward Tom. Stooping down, she coolly wrested the knife from Blueskin’s stiffening grasp, and without speaking cut Tom’s ankle lashings. ‘‘Thank you, Nanita,’’ he said, simply. “‘Nanita care not for your thanks. She has only paid a debt. Play the Indian no more, but wash the stain from your face and join your friends yonder,’’ she said, motioning toward the rocky heights. ‘‘ Adios.”’ And before Tom could speak, the strange woman had mounted her horse and ridden away at full speed. Tom stood erect, rubbed a little circulation into his — numbed ankles, and stared about him like one just roused form a bewildering dream. ‘*Hullo! I say, Nanita! Come back.’’ : Tom didn’t exactly know what he wanted her to re- turn for, either. He was dazed and confused by the quick succession of remarkable events that a half hour had brought about. e ‘‘Nita—come back—back—back—!’’ repeated the echoes with startling distinctness. But no Nanita ap- peared, nor any one else. Indeed, the silence in the rocky chasms was something awesome. About him the rugged foothills sloped irregularly and brokenly up- ward toward the sky. Behind them were distant mouii- tain ranges. Not even the whispering of the mountain breezes could be heard. Again Tom raised his voice. ‘“‘John Bruton! Carl!”? And he came very near ad- ding ‘‘Dolly!’’? And again echo alone replied. The stamping of the solitary Indian pony, chaffing at the end of his lariat, startled Tom almost as a pistol ‘shot would have done; but to some extent it roused ~ him from his half stupefaction. ‘‘They may have gone round some other way to the : mouth of the ravine, perhaps. But they will be here soon.’’ : With this mental reflection, Tom began to look about hi im. Almost at his feet lay the lifeless body of Blueskin, even more repulsive in death. Repressing a shudder, Tom turned the corpse over. : E > ‘*To the victors belong the spoils.’? Tom wasn’t the victor exactly, but just then he stood inthe place of — one. Montez’s revolver and knife—the latter dropped by Nanita after cutting Tom’s bonds—even his som- brero, Tom very deliberately appropriated without any compunctions of conscience. In a pouch at the dead Indian’s waist Tom found a small conipass, and matches ina tin case. -Blueskin’s carbine was strapped at the back of his saddle, over the horn of which hung his cartridge belt. And the tough Indian pony, which had belonged to the defunct chief, stood a little way distant, occasionally tugging at his lariat as though literally anxious for fresh fields and pastures new, for the ravine was almost entirely barren of verdure. ae There was some half cooked meat remaining, and, filling a gourd with water, Tom hung it at the saddle- bow. a Here, then, was his complete outfit, even to a blanket and some cartridges for Montez’s pistol. [tO BE CONTINUED.|] BURRS SSAS # ee a oe ee ee - get in to hear it. -crowd out.”’’ ee omg nt ee (Copyrighted, American Publishers’ Corporation. A YOUNG BREAD WINNER; OR, GUY HAMMERSLEY’S TRIALS AND TRIUMPHS. , The Story of a Brave Boy’s Struggle for Fame in the Great Metropolis. By MATTHEW WHITE, Jr. CHAPTER XI. AN UNFINISHED SONG, eSHIAGNIFICENT, superb!’ was the colo- 3] nel’s enthusiastic comment when the rehearsal was over, and then he added: ‘¢*We’re going to have asplendid house. The advance sale has been something enormous. Now don’t any of you be > seized with stage fright, and we shall score a grand success.’’ : But when-they had eaten dinner, and returned to the cheerless region behind the scenes of Brilling’s temple of amusement, not only were Ward and Guy quaking in their shoes, but poor Ruth was almost faint with nervousness, and Mrs. Hammersley was in equally bad case from worriment of mind caused by . the deplorable condition of her fellow performers. ‘*The house is just packed,’’ Ward turned around from the peep hole in the proscenium arch to inform Gny. ‘‘I don’t see how Starr can get out of giving your mother and my sister a good big generous eighth this time at any rate, as their share of the receipts.”’ Which shows that Ward Farleigh does. not know ‘Colonel Starr as thoroughly as he imagines he does. The programme for the evening, after a good deal of discussion, had been finally arranged as follows: Ward was to go en first and play an overture on the piano, then Mrs. Hammersley was to sing, following whom Ruth would appear with her violin. Next Guy would come with a recitation, then his mother was - to sing again, to be succeeded by Ruth’s second appear- ance and another reading by Guy, the whole to con- elude with a lively march by Ward: ‘*A mighty slim showing,’’ commented the latter, tapping the elaborately got up ‘‘bill of the play’’ he held in his hand. ‘‘I know I wouldn’t give a dollar to i I don’t see what’s brought all this _ **Oh, they didn’t come to hear; they came to see what the fifteen-year-old accompanist and the boy orator look like, same as they’d go to gape at freaks in a_museum,’’ and there was more of bitterness than mirth in the laugh with which Guy punctuated his sentence. 3 5 But now appeared Colonel Starr, announcing that it was time to begin, and, quaking in every limb, Ward stationed himself close to the O. P. entrance, while the imposing impr«sa‘io, in dress suit and rose in but- ton-hole, went forth to introduce his ‘‘peerless com- bination of talent’’ to a Brilling audience. He soon came back to lead Ward out, and the latter could ac- tually feel the sensation of disappoinmtent that ran through the hall when he was'seen to be a youth of sixteen, holding his head very high and not looking inthe least like the ‘‘ youthful prodigy’’,to which the American stage has lately been treated in such liberal quantities. Not a band was raised to applaud his entrance, and the colonel whispered through his set teeth: ‘‘I told you how you ought to dress. You’d better have taken my advice.’’ : As may be imagined this species of ‘‘I told you so’’ remark was not calculated to steady poor Ward’s tot- tering linibs, but by a seeming anom@ly of conditions, this is what it actually served to do. “*Y?ll show him that I’m worth something more to him than a show,’’ he resolved, with sudden determi- nation, and the combination of indignation he felt against the colonel and the firm purpose to excel that bad on the instant taken possession of him brought a sparkle to his eye and a color to his cheek that made him even handsomer than usual. He played entirely by ear, and sitting down at the piano, he struck into the popular overture to the ‘‘Merry Wives of Windsor,’’ and rendered it with such verve and dash that when he ceased, a perfect storm of applause came as if by common consent, and irre- sistible impulse. : Ward rose and bowed his thanks, but very politely declined to respond to an encore, and as he walked off the stage with his limbs quite steady now, a young lady inthe front seat: gigglingly whispered to her neighbor: ‘‘My, Lu, isn’t he stunning looking ?’? _ Warmed into good humor, the spectators greeted Mrs. ‘‘King’’ (the stage name Mrs Hammersley had assumed) with a burst of hand clapping when she ap- ' peared, led out by the young pianist who had captured their fancy by sheer force of will. And indeed her appearance was such as to win admiration for her at the outset, before she had sung a note. Dressed in white, she looked so young that Ward found it almost impossible te believe that she was the mother of a son older than himself. He felt her hand tremble in his, and a great fear took possession of him that she would not be able even to begin her air. It was therefore with no little trepidation that he seated himself at the piano and played the few bars that preluded the ‘‘Carmen”’ air she was to sing. ~But the sweet, pure voice struck in at the proper place, and the opera house was filled with the richest melody. Guy, listening with Ruth in the wings, thought he had never heard his mother sing so well; and in spite of the adverse conditions under which she appeared, his heart swelled with pride to feel that she had -it in her power to hold the vast audience spellbound, for this she was clearly doing. The song was almost finished, and glancing for an instant out among the audience, Ward saw ladies drop their opera-glasses and gentlemen put their canes out of the way in readiness to break out into enthusiastic applause. Suddenly the singer stopped short—there was a terrible pause, broken only by the few straggling notes that Ward struck in his confusion, then tne same -—-sweet voice was lifted once more; but not this time in song. It was a cry, a scream almost, as the singer took a few rapid steps across the stage to a lower proscenium box on the left. When she had almost reached it she 1188 sank down, with arms outstretched toward a boy of ten or eleven, who, in company With a tall, dignified looking gentleman with gray side whiskers, had just entered the box. The audience, as a matter of course, became at once greatly excited. ‘Women shrieked, men sprang out of their seats, and some few made a rush toward the doors, under the impression that the house was afire. Indeed, there were all the ingredients of a panic pres- ent, and it is possible that one would have ensued, had it. not been for Ward. Seeing that Guy and the colonel had flown to Mrs. Hanimersley’s assistance, he decided that he could do the most good just where he was. So he at once struck into a lively air from ‘‘Martha’? and kept it up till Mrs. Hammersley had been helped off. Then seeing that the spectators had calmed down, he made a bolt of it behind the scenes himself to find out what was the matter. ‘*No, no, not you, Guy,’’ the mother was murmur- ing, trying to motion fer son aw ay from her. She was lying on a property lounge that happened to be standing just inside the wings and Guy was bend- ing over her with anxious solicitude. That she seemed to want the attentions of Colonel Starr rather than his own, cut. the poor fellow to the heart, and on catching sight of Ward, he went off to lay his hand on the Eng- lish lad’s shoulder and say ina broken voice: ‘‘Far- — jeigh, I don’t know what’s come over mother. She oh doesn’t want me near her.’”? : ‘‘Den’t mind, old fellow,’? returned Ward, trying to put as much comfort as he could into the words. ‘The strain of singing so soon after the long journey was too much for her. It has made her flighty. Come otf with me for a while, back here where we can be at hand if wanted. There, see Ruth has gone to her, and the colonel has been sent away. Sister’s a splendid hand in emergencies, and you may rely on her doing just the right thing.’’ Meanwhile Colonel Starr had had a message feebly whispered into his ear by the poor lady; who had grown terribly pale, and he was now going off to de- liver it. But first he walked out to the center of the stage and addressed the audience. ‘Ladies and gentlemen,’’ he said. ‘‘T regret very much that our performance should have been inter- rupted in this manner. Mrs. King has received a very severe mental shock, from which she is now recover- ing. I doubtif she will be able to appear again this evening. However, we will know better about that after a physician makes his report. Meantime, the star of the occasion, Miss Ruth Farleigh, will appear before you and with her violin bow draw forth such magic strains as the walls of this building have never before echoed back,’ A round of applause greeted this grandiloquent speech and then the colonel stepped over to the left- hand box and was seen to speak a few words to the gentleman with the gray side whiskers. The latter im- mediately left the box and the colonel disappeared in the wings. i ‘* Judge Dodge is not a doctor. going behind for?’”’ This was the question that a large proportion of the spectators put to themselves when they saw this little incident. For Judge Dodge was known to all, being the magnate, so to speak, of Brilling. He owned a large amount of the most valuable property in the town, including the opera house itself, and occupied a man- sion on Klm avenue that the townspeople regarded as little less than palatial. He was a widower, and some few months previous had adopted the boy. who was with him in the box. And the townspeople remarked how strange it was that Reginald, who was an exceedingly handsome little fel- low, should have almost the same regal bearing that distinguished his ‘‘gr andfather, ») as he had been taught to call Judge Dodge. ‘‘Mrs. King seemed to be trying to get to his box when she fell, ?? was the next thought that flashed into the collective Br illing mind. ‘‘Truly, there is some- thing mysterious here.’’ The collective Brilling mind was right. There was a connection between Mrs. Hammersley’s fiasco and Judge Dodge’s box. I wonder what he is Starr met the judge at the door. ‘You say Mrs. King wishes to speak with me,’? the ARMY AND NAVY = - door of The latter was connected with the stage, and Colonel capitalist repeated, as he followed the colonel between - stacks of dusty scenery to the dressing-room, to which the soprano had by this time been removed. **Yes: she asked for you very earnestly as soon as she recovered consciousness. ‘‘The gentleman with the — ee little boy,’ she kept saying. ‘I must see him!’ ”? em ‘Ah, it is the boy !”’ exclaimed Judge. Dodge. Then, ca drawing a deep sigh, he added: ‘‘This is what I have been dreading all along. 2. CHAPTER XII. RECALLING THE PAST. ‘Thank you, Colonel Starr,’? murmured Mrs. Ham- mersley, when the .colonel presented himself at tlie ber dressing-room, and introduced Judge Dodge. Then turning to Ruth, she added: ‘‘*I am all right now, Miss Farleigh. Do not keep the audience waiting any longer, but go back with Colonel Starr.’? - ‘¢Ves, Miss Farleigh, ” spoke up the latter, ‘‘I ae promised that you would appear at once;’?? and the colonel stood back from the doorway to allow her to pass out first. When they were gone, ‘‘Madam’’ began Dodge, ‘you wished to see me about my boy??? > ‘¢Yours, is he really yours??? burst forth Mrs, Hain- e mersley, starting up from her chair. ‘‘No, it can’t be» © possible! A mother’s heart cannot deceive her. And I thought him lost to me forever. Tell me, I implore you, “that he is not your very owwn.,’’ Brilling’s great man was strongly moved by the deep emotions of the woman whom, till this evening, he had never looked upon. In gentlest tones he begged her to be calm, and then, when he had induced her to - resume her seat, he added: e “Nos Reginald is not my very own, though I love : s him as ‘if he were.’? ‘“*Then he’s mine—my lost boy Harold,’’ broke in **Oh, let me see bim—let me have Mrs. Hammersley. Have pity upon a mother bereaved for nine Judge - him! years of her child’s love.”’ ‘*But think, madam,’’ rejoined the capitalist, ‘‘this is no place for a reunion such as that. Besides, Regi- nald would not understand it. If what you say is true, he must be prepared. Besides, I must have some par- ticulars from you about the case before Ll can consent to indorse your claim. I do nut mean to be harsh, but you yourself must surely see the justice of such a course.”’ “Yes, yes, I understand. I will tell you how it © “Only this much of it: 1 found him at an orphan was. He is the son by my first marriage. We lived in: ~ ] Chicago. I was summoned suddenly, when he was: ¢ about a year old, to Joliet, to the bedside of my dying ‘ mother. When the telegram came, Frank, my hus-}* band, had taken Harold, with the nurse, off to show } him to an old chum of his who was confined to his ¢ room. There was no time to waitfor them to come: . I back if I wished to catch the express. I left word for them to follow me at once, and started off. I reached . | my mother’s side in time to hear her say her last . 1 words, and the next day read in the PAGS of aw frightful railroad accident.’’ I Here Mrs. Hammersley paused for an_ instant, fell g ek she had mastered the emotions called up by the reeol- eee 0 lections of this direful episode in her life. Then she °— went on rapidly: : ae ft ‘(My husband and Harold, with his nurse, were on : the train. The cars were telescoped, and fire addedto 0 the horrors of the scene. When they told me thatd s could not have even the poor comfort of burying my; t husband’s and child’s bodies, I was taken down with Ss brain fever, and lay for eight weeks unconscious of what went on around me,’ - e ‘‘But, my dear madam,’’ Judge Dodge interposed ati PAGE z b this point, “Gf your child’ was burnt in this holocaust, |i-o- * Cc which, now you speak of it, I distinctly recall, how is *’ it that you claim my Reginald to be your son?’? tped fi ‘‘How can J help doing so when he is the ive YY : image of his father?’’ was the instant reply. & 2s Ol “Then you believe——’’ : : b “That there was some terrible mistake in the awe a B confusion following the accident. There must have « ; Pp been other infants on the train, and Harold was. , 0} _claimed in the place of one that was killed. I am | a h ~ morally sure of it now; legally, I suppose, we can only © era make ourselves so by ‘tr acing back the history of the, SC boy you adopted. Can you give it to me briefly?’ =, Cee it — ter to oO i ~-asked Mrs. Hammersley. so sg nS ARMY AND NAVY. asylum in Chicago. 1 was lonely in my big home, and determined to bring to it some little fellow to take the place of the one I lost when my wife died. |] was at- tracted to Reginald at once from my first glance at his face, and, inquiring into his history, ascertained that he had been in the institution only a month. He had been brought there from Johnstown, where his home and all his relatives had been swept away by the flood.’ (¢And their name was——’’ Mrs. Hammersley in- terposed. ‘“Colburn,’’? answered the judge. ‘‘Do you recog- nize it?”? : ‘‘No,’? responded the:other. ‘‘But if we could find papers giving an account of the accident, and discov- ered it there, Iam sure you would ask for no further proof.”’ ‘‘No, I could not do so, madam,’’ responded the judge, gravely. ‘‘But perhaps you can realize what it would mean to me to give up Reginald now. I have never seen a more lovable child, aud yet with all that I have done for hin he seems to be not in the least spoiled.’’ ‘¢What does he say about his life in Johnstown?’’ ‘‘Was the family to which he belonged in good circumstances?’’ ‘ the further corner, be turned and faced it, crouching be- hind his basket. . - auras Pausing abruptly in the centre of the room, the ape,) as it caught his eye, drew up and surveyed hin with an alert but half-furtive glance. Then, suddenly, with a shuffling, sidelong spring as it craftily averted its eyes, it pranced toward him and swung sharply round as though to catch him unawares, but Tommy’s eye «was watching its every movement. Soe hs His spirits rose again as it drew back and chattered noisily, apparently loth to attack him openly, Perhaps; after all, there was something in the humau eye,' and, as the idea occurred to him he rolled them horribly on the ape. It seemed to annoy it strangely, however,i and as it growled savagely lommy speedily modified: his glance. As he did so the monkey once; more bounded forward, and suddenly clutching the basket, snatched it away, jabbering triumphantly. Epprenh t Opening the lid as it once more drew back to the centre of the room, and still watching the doctor’s boy: eraftily, it drew forth the bottle of chloroform. > >. | As it turned the bottle round curiously, Tommy ~ Turtle followed its movements with a tascinated ldek.: Chattering delightedly, the ape next tore off with its teeth thé parchment that held the stopper, and; with-' drawing the latter with evident gratification, peéped inquisitively inside. Tommy Turtle scarcely | dared breathe as he surveyed the startling situation. . i The pleasant odor of the dangerous and volatile — compound. now seemed to attract the ape, and it sniffed: at it slightly, pausing, however, to insert a hairy finger in the bottle, which it licked doubtfully. The sweetish, penetrating taste of the liquid seemed ‘to allure it; and fommy Turtle gave a gurgling gasp as he saw it the next moment deliberately pour a trick~ ling palmful of the deadly fluid into its hand, and, Hea it to his mouth, taste it with a questioning: ook. Ea As it did so it gave a slightly protesting jabber, and: suddenly Jaying down the bottle, gazed dreamily around: théh its eyelids drooped with a quivering and sleepy look; its arms sank limply by its side: and the next ‘moment it rolled slowly over, the victim of a: self-administered unconsciousness. ° 4 4 , 18) Half an hour later, when Tommy Turtle led the major-and the wondering search party back to’ the empty engine-room of the tileworks, where the now ~ conscious and wildly-screaming orang-outang lay firmly tied up in an amazing tangle of rope-ends and twisted straw binds, such as were used in packing tiles, it was a mystery to them how he had secured it, for he:men-' tioned nothing of chloroform. On pressure, he simply: said that he bad ‘‘caught it unawares when it wasn’t lookin’,’’ though this left them as mystified as ever. To the boys of the village, though, afterward, he spoke darkly of the mesmerie power of the ‘‘humin eye,’? and his own in particular, giving a graphic description of how, after the ape had chased him in- side the shed, he had suddenly ‘‘fixed it’’ with a look; and of how, though it had snarled and endeavored to escape from him, it had ultimately succumbed to the subtle influence of his glance. S i Dogs of Constantinople. ty A most peculiar and characteristic feature of Con- stantinople is the presence of the strange, outcast dogs that lie about the street, far different from,any other of their kindred. : . , For these animals do not resemble our household péts, neither are they like the friends that share our sports. Nor have they anything in common with the trusty guardians of our home, while they are equally removed from the homeless wanderers we sometimes meet with in the streets. Their one attitude towards bumanity. induced no doubt by ages of avoidance on the part of the Moham- : medans, whose religion teaches them that to touch a ; dog means pollution, may be summed up as follows: Do you neither touch nor notice me, for I wish ~ neither to touch nor to notice you. I do not exist for you, nor do you exist for me.’’ In the daytime they lie asleep in heaps in the streets of Constantinople, for they well know that no driver would let even his carriage wheel touch their bodies, and that no hand will ever be raised to strike them. Often a*wheel might come so close to them as. almost to graze their backs, but not a muscle would move or a head>be raised. They are as indifferent to pedestrians as to hoofs or wheels: You can walk quite close to them, and gaze as long as you like at these groups of dogs—they are always in groups—and they do not seem to know you are there. But beware—do not make the experiment of touching them. s /¢J wonder what he would doif I were to stir up one?’’ said a visitor once. _- Better not try it,’?? replied the guide, hastily. “You might have the whole pack upon you.”’ -4{Dovyou really think so?’’ ‘Edo not know. It has never been tried. I say they might spring upon you.’ -**A]] this time,’’ continues the narrator of the above incident, ‘‘though we were so close, the dogs were yawning or sleeping, or standing listlessly, and re- garding us no more than if we had been thin air. No _ friendly wag of the tail, no appealing glance for food, “not even a growl, only absolute and complete indiffer- ence! I never saw even one of them wag his tail.”’ Pariah dogs are usually thought to be lean and hun- gry-looking, but these, on the contrary, are rather heavy and fat. Though black and brown ones are among them, the common color is pale yellowish. oYNieir coats are thick and woolly, and—their noses pointed, and somewhat wolfish in appearance. Many of the dogs have broken tails or legs, or bitten ears, the result of their nightly street fights. For it is at night, when the Moslem city is unlighted and deserted, that these sluggish, sleeping lumps. of dog-flesh waken up to the excitement of life, and start - in packs, yelling and snarling, through every street of the town. f .A Seottish lady who had brought her pet dog with r; her to Constantinople, attempted several times to walk with it in the streets. The pariah dogs continued to regard her with their usual indifference, but they never failed to lift their upper lips and display their teethiat:sight of her fox-terrier, who, generally a brave little fellow, remained trembling with fear in the shelter of her cloak. 5 Though the street dogs seemed to recognize her right to protect her pet, their expression plainly said: r{+Ah) just let us catch you out alone, you little white:stranger, and we’ll show you what it is to ven- ture into the ‘beats’ of Constantinople dogs!’’ But there is one. stage of bis existence when the narialx dog is lovely, and that is in his puppyhood. Fhese poor little yellow outcasts play in and out of the _ holes in the pavements, where their elders lie sleeping, and look as innocent and lovable as puppies of a high degree of breeding and civilization. In Constantinople, where no dirt is ever carried away, and street-cleaning is unknown, these packs of dogs are invaluabie in preventing the spread of dis- ease, for it isin the piles of filth that they find their food, nothing apparently being too bad for them to eat. ; ARMY AND NAVY Brief Anecdotes of Famous Personages. ee The young King of Spain has four attendants of different nationalities constantly round him; and they are obliged to address him in their own ‘tongues. In this way the king has learned to speak pure Cas- tilian, English, German and French. Rabal, a powerful African king, hasa very curious history, reminding one somewhat of stories of the old Roman emperors. He was originally a negro slave, but he escaped, and put himself at the head of a com- pany of free-lances, offering therm shares of any plun- der they might secure. Ina very short time he man- aged to dispossess one of the native rulers, and now occupies his throne. oes The present Czar of Russia, whose coronation has been so much talked about, had a very hard life as a boy. His time was given up almost entirely to a num- ber of tutors of different nationalities, who coached him to such effect that before he was twenty-one he © had mastered four Janguages—Russian, French, Eng- lish and German. He used to stand in a good deal of awe of his father, though he was, of course, strongly attached to him. When the present German Emperor was very young, Prince Bismarck recommended a certain captain in the Guards as his tutor; and the young prince had for some time a very unpleasant existence. His tutor, who was a regular martinet, treated him as roughly as he did his own recruits, made him rise at half-past five every morning, and kept him hard at work on very exhausting gymnastic exercises. At last the boy’s grandfather, Kaiser William I., saw that his health was being undermined, and he had the strict captain dismissed. : The two elder sons of the Crown Prince of Norway and Sweden are skilful carpenters, having learned this trade in accordance with the rule which makes it compulsory for the Scandinavian princes to master some branch of industry. Carpentry was probably selected on account of timber being the chief product of Norway and Sweden. King Oscar presented his grandchildren, when they were learning their trade, with a magnificent set of tools, comprising every in- strument known to the carpenter. For many years the Prince de Joinville served in the French navy, and he tells a good story of one of the pranks the middies indulged in when stationed in Smyrna. The narrow streets of the town are often oc- cupied by long strings of camels, tied mouth to tail; ané the Turks took a delight in preventing the young naval officers from passing through whenever they had an opportunity by driving the camels very slowly. There was a strong naval contingent in Smiyrna, and- the middies of the different ships joined together to pay off the Moslems in their own coin, They hired all the donkeys they could get hold of, tied them together, thus forming a procession about three-quarters ofa mile long, and, with pipes in their mouths, rode gravely up and down the tewn all day. Dr. Bixby, an old schoolfellow of the late General Gordon, tells an amusing story of the great soldier’s boyhood, Whenever Gordon got into mischief—not an infrequent occurrence—he was shut up in a room by himself, and set to write lines; and some of his school- fellows used to annoy him very much by jeering at him through the keyhole inviting him to come out and lick them. One day he hit on a ruse by which he might. be avenged. He borrowed a large syringe, sucked up into it all the ink in the room, and waited for his tormentors. At last he heard footsteps, and, supposing that the boys were peeping through the keyhole, squirted out all the contents of the syringe. The next moment the master entered in a towering rage, his shirt-front simply soaked inink! _ Address all communications to ’Army and Navy ,’ STREET & SMITH, 238 Williain Street, New York City. iB That Army and Navy prize contests are popular is proved by the great interest being taken in them by our readers. The number of letters received in the first competition was really surprising, especially as the ternis of the contest called for long and carefully prepared replies. Boys, asa rule, do not like to write letters, but in the case of the competition just men- tioned, they were glad to respond. The reason was plain. The subject appealed to them. It interested thein; and when you once arouse a hoy’s interest you can rest assured he will meet you half way. It is so with the: contest just concluded. In it we asked our readers’ opinion on the military and naval cadet stories now running. We selected ten uovelettes —five by Lieutenant Garrison and five from Ensign Fitch’s pen—and we offered twenty five dollars in prizes for the five best and most sensible letters of criticism. These cadet school stories form the first series on life at West Point and Annapolis ever pub- ‘lished, and-they are meeting with universal commen- dation. The authors write from practical experience, and the details and routine given are absolutely cor- rect. The result of the recent contest will be published as speedily as possible. Eo * * It does not always require an adult mind to discover or invent clever things. History is full of the wonder- ful achievements of mere lads. And history is re- peated to-day in the following case: Out on the Pacific coast there has been established what is probably the most novel postal service in the worid. It is not under government control, and Uncle Sam has nothing to do with the appointment of, the operators. This line is between Santa Catalina Island, lying twenty miles out to sea, and Los Angeles, Cal., and the postmen are trim, saucy little carrier pigeons, whose feathered coats, oddly enough, are precisely the bluish gray shade of the regulation postman’s uniform. EHvery day during the three summer months, and sometimes twice a day, these tiny messengers fly from the island across the ocean channel and over the land—fifty miles, airline—to their loft in Los Angeles, bearing beneath their wings not only despatches to private persons, but a daily budget of news for the city press. : = : BS * 2 * The owners and originators of what is now known as the Catalina Carrier Pigeon Service, are two bright Catalina Islane. is oue of the most popular sunimer resorts on the Pa-, Los Angeles boys—the Zahn brothers. cific coast; therefore it came to pass that every sum- mer several thousand people found themselves literally ‘tat sea,’ practically cut off from the outside world. A steamer lands at Avalon, the principal resort ou the island, once each day, arriving at 6 o’clock P. M., and returning to the main land at seven o’clock the following morning. All communication with the out- side world was, therefore, cut off for twenty-four hours ata time. At first the only thought was to send private messages; but it soon occurred to the editor of one of the enterprising city. dailies to have the daily correspondence from the island transmitted by the pigeon line. The experiment was, therefore, tried, and is a decided success. * * * While on the subject of boys a brief description of the daily life of three very youthful princes may prove of some interest to the readers of Army and Navy. The Emperor of Germany’s sons are subjected, just like our public schoolboys, to the constant torture of s Potsdam of the three other little princes, August Wilhelm and Oscar, is as follows: @ a ‘‘methodical’’ education. The two oldest boys are already under military discipline; the daily life at Adalbert, They get up at 6 and have a guarter of an hour in which to wash and dress. From 6:20 to 7:20 they have their first lesson, then their breakfast of milk and coffee and buttered rolls, with a boiled egg on alternate days,. At 7:35 they start for the hunting box at Lenstedt, one on a bicyele, the next on a tricycle, and the youngest led by the hand by his governess. There they study from 8 to 10. : * * * At 10 they have another breakfast of sandwiches and fruit, and a glass of water with a little wine in it; this they must eat while walking round the table to keep their digestion in order. They study then from 10:20 toi, when they return to the New palace at Potsdam and have dinner. This consists of soup, fish, and a roast with preserves... Every third day a sweet dish is added to the bill of fare. On hclidays only William II.’s sons are allowed to drink wine undiluted, generally champagne. From 3 to 4 they study; then comes the swimming lesson, which usually lasts till 6 ~ and is the least disagreeable part of the day. At 7 they have supper, consisting of cold meats and sand- wiches. Then at 7:30 or 8 they are put to bed. The boys are 13, 10 and 9 years of age, respectively. Be oe A Brooklyn (N. Y.) lad signing himself ‘‘W. H. D.,’’ asks for general information on the railroading business. The question is too vague to answer specific- ally: If’a clerical piace with some railroad is desired, it is necessary to begin as a clerk in the office and work upward by industry and perseverance. Chaun- cey M. Depew became attorney for the New York and Harlem Railroad in 1866, and three years later, on the consolidation of the Hudson River Railroad with the New York Central, he was made general coutisel of the consolidated company. ‘ * * no In 1882 he was chosen second vice-president of the New York Central, and in 1885 was advanced to the- presidency. His success as a railroad man has_ been largely owing to his familiarity with the details of the organization. John Edgar Thomson was educated as a civil engineer. After serving on the construction of various roads, he was, when thirty-nine years of age, made chief engineer of the Pennsylvania Railroad. Five years later he was made president of the road. One more illustration, Col. Thomas A. Scott, was left without a father at the age of ten years. He worked on a farm and served in country stores until he was seventeen years old, and then became a clerk in Phila- delphia. st te sk * * *k Subsequently he took an active part in the building of the Pennsylvania Railroad, and later became its general superintendent. He succeeded Mr. Thomson in the presidency of the road, and held that important office for six years. The careers of these three men are not exceptional. They began poor,and by their own energies made places for themselves through which they advanced to the topmost grade. Such chances are still open in railroads, and there always will be room at the summit for lads with ambition and honest natures. é (Brief ttems.of interest on local amateur athletics at the various colleges and schools are soltcited. will also be published if sent to this department.) s Cycling Notes. Four years ago a company in Hartford began the manufacture of a bevel-gear bicycle called the ‘“League.’’? It was a cumbersome machine in many re- spects. The construction was faulty. The tread was very wide. The weight was great—thirty-eight pounds. It was far from a thing of beauty. All told, only a fsw more than a thousand of these machines were marketed before the company failed and went out of business. And yet this ‘‘lLeague’? wheel marked a great step ahead in bicycle building. It was surpris- ingly easy to ride. It was surprisingly safe to ride— safe from all weather influences. On sixty consecutive days a rider made sixty consecutive century runs on this wheel, at times through mud and slush, and water almost up to the hubs, a feat impos- * sible with the chain wheel. From time to time the ‘‘League’’ wheels came in to be repaired. More. surprise— they never came because of any fail- ure of the hevel gear. T’'o this day, let this wheel show up in the repair shop and it will not be found that the bevel gear is out of order. By persistent experimenting on this design, coupled with added facilities ‘of construction and increased skill and proficiency of workmanship, the recently introduced model was pro- duced. By practical road riding, the manufacturers assert its points of. su- periority over the chain-driven wheel have been demonstrated in a hundred features. Other cycle manufacturing concerns appear to have agreed, fer over a dozen of the leading concerns of this country have announced that they will cemstruct their 1898 wheels under the same patents. A remarkable record for road rid- ing is credited to Irving Harrison, an inspector of street lights in Hacken- sack, N. J. Since January 1, the dis- tance he-has covered on his wheel has been estimated as considerably over 15,000 miles, and before the year shall haveended he expects to have com- | pleted ©22,000 miles, or more than - seven-eighths of the circumference of the earth. His performance is the more notable because for the greater part of his rid- ing be supported a twenty-five pound ladder on one shoulder, one hand being required to control it, the steering depending on the other hand. Harrison is thirty years of age, about 128 pounds in weight, and slenderly built. A year and a half ago he drove in a buggy over his route, which includes the towns of Maywood, Teaneck, Leonia, and Leonia Heights, Then he tried a bicycle, and for more than a year he has only returned to his horse when heavy rains or snow made cycling impossible. An.exceptional feature of Harrison’s riding is the fact that he covered 9,000 miles without a puncture. During the first of the season he averaged sixty miles a day, and lately he has increased this stint to eighty- one miles each twenty-four hours. PROFESSIONAL NerSimeccemos JACQUELIN, the famous French cycler who is matched to race Zimmerman-in France next season. ZA Vp: oh aneuelshege eapen en cpio ‘Descriptions and scores of match games In several European countries, notably France, the manufacture of bevel-geared bicycles -has been con- ducted on a limited scale for a number of years, and to a much more limited. degree also in this country. It has been found that those companies possessing the proper facilities for construction have produced a chainless bevel-geared wheel that was successful. In France a wheel of this pattern gained an excellent reputation for itself last year. In hill climbing and coasting, wheels of this design have repeatedly won, and nunierous feats of long-distance riding, notably what at the time was the world’s record for the twen- ty-four hours, 564 miles, made by Huret, were ceom- pleted on the chainléss. — ee Another year and a different at- titude toward club runs, and century runs as well, will be assumed by the big clubs, according to some of their members, who predict that periodic club runs will either be entirely aban- doned or become plain farces. Century riding will seldom again be under- taken for pleasure, the same author- ities say, but when tried it will be purely and simply as a feat, to be en- dured for the sake of the renown, if there be any such reward for com- pleting what has been an every-day occurreice this year. In both classes of riding the decline resulted from the inconvenience to the individual riders participating, which so out- weighed the enjoyment that riders entered the runs more because it was the cycling fashion than from any real liking for the ride. Sociability has always been claimed as the animus of the club run, but clubmen have found that a small party—less than ten—could get all the advantages of social intercourse while riding and free themselves from the discomfort incidental to a largely attended riding event. From many sources demands have been made that the racing rules ana customs be revised before “another— season, and some very radical de- partures from the regulations governing the sport the past season have been suggested. It seems doubtful if the sport will be revolutionized, *but the racers are agitating strongly for League of American Wheelmen legislation to place racing on a safer and more sports- nianlike basis. ~ Arrangements are making to have a conclusive test regarding the relative merits of wood and steel bicycle rims. The favorite rim in England is made. of steel,— and a representative of the bicycle industry in the in- terest of American manufacturers proposes to denton- strate, if possible, that wood rims are superior to the ones made of metal. The makers of the wood rim pro- fess’ to be confident of winning. LDS ALAS ™ ITEMS OF INTEREST ALL THE WORLD OVER. et AVL ALAR oS All About Walking-Sticks. Nowadays there is hardly any limit to the kinds of material used in walking-sticks. native woods and some foreign species were used. Innovations in the-style of walking sticks and um- brellas have been constantly introduced during the last forty years, until their manufacture has become quite an art and a business of considerable importance, Natural sticks. that is, saplings of trees and climbing plants, whose roots will form handles or knobs, are most used. They are sometimes mounted with pr ecious metals, onyx, jasper, marble, precious stones, ivory and horns of all kinds. The cultivation of sticks for the market has been taken up as a business at some places ou the continent, and special attention is often paid to making the roots grow into shapely forms for the handles. A Lon- don manufacturing establishment, the floor-space of which covers nearly an acre, has extensive storehouses filled with native and foreign sticks, from which stock is drawn as it is wanted for the shops. The sticks as they grow are often very crooked, and have to be straightened. A heap of sand is provided on the top of a hot stove, into which the sticks are plunged until they become pliable. ‘he workman takes the crooked stick while it is still hot and inserts it in a notch cut in a stout board, placed at an angle inclined from him, where he bends and strains it. When it has become perfectly straight, it is thrown down to cool, after which it becomes rigid and permanent in its lines. Heat is an important element in this matter, and produces different effects on the several kinds of wood, the degree of heat neces- sary to straighten one kind of stick being often sutfi- cient to spoil another kind. The same power which makes a crooked stick straight is applied to make a straight one crooked; so we find that the rigid stems of bamboos, canes, and all the various kinds of sticks that are required to be curled or twisted, are by the application of heat made to assume almost any shape or form. By Force of Will. Three stories are told showing the power of man’s will, One is of a young officer in the army, who was peculiarly stubborn and irascible. He had been confined to his bed after a severe attack of the heart, and was unable to move. His physician asked one of his fellow- officers to warn him that, as he would never get out of bed again, he might arrange his affairs before death. ; When the sick man was told what the doctor had said, he arose in his bed excitedly, and said: “T shall never get up again, eh? | will walk to the doctor. myself and show him!’’ He jumped to the floor, walked across the room, and fell dead. Another was about a certain sheriff in a Western State, who, when arresting a man, was_ stabbed through the heart. He seized the man bythe shoui- ders, after the blade had struck him, pressed hiin to the eround, drew his revolver, and, deliberately point- ing it at the struggling prisoner, pulled the trigger at the instant he hiniself died. The third story was regarding another officer who was hunting down a thief. The man thought he had escaped from his pursuer ; but just as he entered one door of a railway carriage, the officer appeared in the other. The thief instantly fired, the bullet penetrating his pursuer’s brain. The officer, however, returned the shot, bringing Formerly only a few _ “never to my knowledge has 3 Me LLL OA his man to the ground. He then dragged himself along the floor of the compartment, firing as he crawled, until his revolver was empty. He was dead when picked up, a second after ceasing to shoot. _A Freak River. ‘‘Tt’s a freakish river, the Rio Grande, and no mis- take. For sudden turns and capriciousness woman her- self can’t equal it,’? said a former federal official of New Mexico. ‘‘For the 1,500 miles of its course its character is everything by turns from navigable water to dry land. At its head in the mountainous San Juan country, in Colorado, it is a cold, clear trout streani. In northern New Mexico its waters are brown with sand in solution. Farther south, where the liquid mud of the Rio Puereo (Dirty River) pours into it, its wa- ters become densely muddy, and all along on its long way to the sea this queer river takes on one or another new feature different from anything that has preceded river that it. ‘*But there is one performance by this been written except in local history or in the record of some land case in court... It is the way it served the town of Mesilla in southern New Mexico. The place is a picturesque, dig- nified-looking old Spanish-American community, built about a plaza, with orchards and vineyards surround- ing, and stood in the beginning on the west bank of the river. Before the railroad came it was an import- ant point in the wagon freighting trade, and its people were prosperous and happy. But they had one cause of complaint. The routes of all the traffic from Texas and the north lay on the east of the Rio Grande, and stages aud wagons must ford the river in getting to and from Mesilla, This was inconvenient at all times and involved danger and delay in times of flood. ‘¢ ‘Que lastima!’ (what a pity), the people often said. ‘If only our town stood on the-east bank of the brave river!’ ‘« Their wish came to pass at last in a startling way. There was an unusually heavy snowfall in the moun-— tains of the upper country one winter, and, the spring opening warm, the snow melted rapidly, with the re- sult of a tremendous flood in the lower Rio Grande. The waters overspread the level valley until Mesilla, which luckily had been built on an eminence, became an island, the refuge of those persons from the lower lands who had-not beep drowned before they could reach it. The waters at last subsided, discovery was made that the Rio Grande, instead of keeping to its old bed on the east, was flowing past the town a mile to the west of the plaza. ‘*It was what the people had said they it took them some time to become used to the change and get their landmarks and points of the compass to tally with the new order of things. Many a peon or Mexican of higher plaza with a load of aguardiente inside his skin got an unexpected ducking in the river when he had looked for dry land or walked gingerly across. the dry chan- nel where the river used to run, wondering why he could not find tie Rio Grande. Tales of such misad- ventures were stock stories in the dower valley for years after the flood. There was a more tragic aspect of the business in the epidemic which took its rise in and then the — degree going or coming from the ~ wanted, but" Sek the exhalations from the vast extent of river- bottom — left exposed by the change of channel. Several hun- dred people died fronv this cause in summer and autumn. ly be traced on the face of the ground, and who knows the succeeding ~ — There are orchards and alfalfa ~ fields in the old channel now, but its course can plain-~ when the Rio Grande may not take a notion to return fo its old bed and set the maps at fault again.’’ ARMY AND Novrick.—Questions on subjects of general interest only are dealt with in this department. As the ARMy AND NAvy WEEKLY goes to press two weeks in advance of date of publication, answers cannot appear for at least twoor three weeks. Commiunications intended for this colunin should be addressed ARMY AND NAVY WEEKLY CORRESPONDENCE, P. O. Box 1075, New York city. E. G. K., Des Moines, Iowa.—For ‘‘blacking’’ gun- barrels; two ounces of solution of nitric acid, four ounces of tinture of steel, three ounces of spirits of wine, three ounces of sweet spirits of nitre, one ounce of vitriol blue, a pint and a half of rain-water. Scour the barrel smooth; remove all grease with lime, then coat with the mixture freely with a piece of sponge, but not so as to run about the barrel. Lat stand ina cool place for about ten hours; then remove to a warm. room, and let it remain there till dry, when the rust will fly off, and not be sticky and streaky. ~ Tattoo, Decatur, Ala.—1. To make India ink take eight parts lampblack, sixty-four parts water, four parts fine pulverized indigo well boiled till the greater portion of the water is evaporated; then add five parts gum arabic, two parts bone glue, one part extract of succory; boil till the mixture is as thick as paste, then mold in wooden forms. 2. Tattooing is simply to color the flesh indelibly by pricking in fluids or dye- stuffs. 38. If you have not received the library by this time please write us again. 4. Handwriting fair. G. G., Cincinnati, O.—1, The Thirty Years’ War in Germany, which began in 1618 and ended in 1648, left the country cut up into a number of petty states, whose rulers were monarchs in fact, if not in name. In other words, ‘‘Germany was merely a’ maze of little despotisms, among whicha few larger states were endeavoring to obtain a voice in the councils of Europe.’? 2. It was the coalition of Austria, Russia, Prussia, Sweden and Great Britain which re-estab- lished Germany’s independence (1818-15). .T., Quincy, 1l].—The best dentrifrice for the teeth we know is plain cold water, liberally applied with a good brush. Occasionally a little camphorated chalk, or even the ashes of a good cigar, may be used; but perfect cleanliness, which is all that healthy teeth requii'e, is easily attained with the means we recom- mend, and aiything more is superfluous, although now and then a little carbonate of soda mixed in the water may be agreeable. L. G., Boston, Mass.—During the months of July and August of each year all cadets at West Point ex- cept the ‘‘furlough class’’ live in camp, which is given up to practical work in the line of the military. pro- fession ; besides the regular drill and guard duty, the cadets learn and peace much that perteins to the life of a soldier in actual campaign. A. G. M., San Francisco, Cal.—1. navy carry printers, who are-rated as petty officers, second class and who receive $35 a month. The duties of the ship’s printer consist of printing the admiral’s general orders, certain minor reports made on board, the menu card of the officers’ mess, and the daily pro- gramme of the ship’s band. 2. Printers are enlisted as landsmen and are rated when needed. Q. R. S.—To re-quicksilver an old oe glass, re- move the silvering from the injured part, clean the glass, forma wail of beeswax round the spot, pour on it some nitrate of silver, and precipitate the silver by sugar, or oil of cloves and spirits of wine. Thi, does not leave a white mark round the prepared place. C. P. D., Springfield, Mass.—The diameter of the sun is about 850,000 miles; its volume is 1,245,000 times that of the earth—that is, it would take 1,245,000 earths to make a globe the size of the sun; and its mass is 674 times that of all the rest of the solar system. C. N., Cleveland, O.—The new and Navy binder will hold twenty numbers, Flagships in the Army issue of postals, Ecuador, (SPECIAL Norice.—'T’o insure the safe return of stamps sent to us for examination, correspondents should inclose them in a separate Stamped eny elope bearing name and address. The prices quoted are from current lists aud are subject to.change.) Among the’ stamps listed by the Society for the Suppression of Speculative Stamps as unnecessary and not to be collectible, are the followings: Portugal and Colonies St. Anthony stamps; Chinese locals. com- prising all the issues of Chefoo, Chinkiang, Chungking, Hankow, Ichang, Kewkiang, Trentsin or Wuhu, ap- pearing “after June 10, 1895: British Island Mail Madagascar; Brunei, Clipperton Islands, Bassapir; New South.Wales reprints, cancelled; Transvaal 1 penny red commemorative stamp; Peru commemora- tive issue of six values issued September 10, 1895; Amoy; Greece Olympian Games; Hungary millennium Esmeralda issue; Formosa Republic; Corea last issue; Tonga certain surcharges; India, reprints of obsolete Cashmere and other states; Republic —of Cuba; Bulgaria Prince Boru issue; Uruguay, the three Suarey stamps; Venezuela m series. A blank envelope was recently found in the mail which bore the ‘‘penalty’’ stamp but no address. Upon being opened at thé*dead letter office it was found to contain drafts for a very large sum. lt seems that it was among alot with the printed address ‘*U. 8. Treasurer, Washington,’’?’ and the fact that it was?’ without address was overlooked by the ocialwhoffi sent the letter from the Chicago sub-treasury. An antomatic registering machine has been intro- duced in the New York postoffice. Dropping a dime in the slot opens the machine to receive the letter, and exposes a pad on which you write address of letter and name of sender, a duplicate of .which stamped with registry number and date drops from a slot and is held by the sender as a receipt. The stamp auction season is now well under way in New York. Most of the sales take place at the Col- lectors’ Club House, 851 Fourth avenue, evenings, but one stamp firm holds sales at its office in the Tribune Building every other Saturday afternoon. Buying at auction is one of the best ways for a collector to fill up his album. Canada is to issue a complete new set of regular postage stamps shortly, and it 1s said that a new series of revenues, including Gas Inspection, Weights and Measures, Electric Light Inspection and Supreme Court stamps willl also be issued. The advance sheets of the 1897-8 Standard catalogue are out up to Nicaragua. The work will probably be completed early in November. W. B., Chicago, IJ].—We have marked your as requested. either used for telegrams or remainders sues, and are of very little value. The $5 Columbian stamp is not worth over face as they can be bought at the Washington postoffice. The seven cents vermilion is worth $5 unused. M. R. B., Newburgh, N. Y.—The coin you send rnb- bing of is an old Spanish piece; it is only worth its’ value for silver. EK. M., Cambridge, Mass.—The cent of.1800 is worth 10 cents. There is no premium on the other cents you mention. F. B. B., Allston, Mass.—The stamps you send are all common, and the lot is worth but a few cents. J. C., Burlington, Jowa.—There is no premium on the quarter dollars of 1854, 1875 or 1876. J. D., Paterson, N. J.—There is no premium ‘on the 1858 flying eagle cent. : : stamps Stamps with holes punched in them are of obsolete is- ¢ ® NEWS NOTES "\ 4 OF INTEREST TO THE 4 “YOUNG PUBLISHERS 4” AND AUTHORS OF AMERICA A SHORT STORY CONTEST. To encourage amateur writers in the United States, Army and Navy offers a monthly prize of five dollars in gold for the best short story written and submitted by an amateur author. By ‘‘amateur authors?’ is meant those who are identified with the amateur press of the United States in a general sense, and who are not regular contributors to professional publications. in length, and can be on any subject. cember 13, 1897. publisbers, No. 238 William street, New York City. Manuscript for the first contest Address all communications, ‘‘Short Story Contest’? Army and Navy, Street & Smith, Stories should not exceed one thousand. words iwust reach this office on or before De- EDITOR’S TABLE. W. R. Thompson, 281 Lark street, Albany, N. Y. wishes sample copies of amateur publications. Wallace B. Grubb, 1020 Arch street, Philadelphia, desires information concerning the ‘‘Young America Club,’’ and the N. A, P. A... dlso the addresses of amateur papers. Howard Ogden, 2512 Columbia avenue, Philadelphia, Pa., would like to write for amateur papers. Can be addressed above. Would also like to receive sample copies of amateur papers. Amateur pressites living in Greater New York are eordially invited to join the Amateur Press Club of New York City. Full particulars can be obtained by addressing the secretary, F. Arthur Atkinson, 556 Third avenue, New York. Bernhard Klug, who was editor of the ‘‘Monthly Star,’’ ‘‘Funny Stories,’’ desires to correspond witha few boys who would like to be partners in starting a large amateur paper in this city. Address Bernhard Klug, 487 Columbus avenue, New York city. The result of the Amateur Journalism prize contest will be published in the next number of Army and Navy. A large number of articles have been received, and the interest shown in ‘the effort of this department to encourage and promote amateur journalism in the United States is extremely gratifying. Several letters beside that winning the prize will be published for the benefit of the ’dom. The following amateur publications have been re- ceived: ‘‘The Amateur Journalist’? for August and September; ‘‘The Cynesure,’’ for September; ‘‘The Storyette,’’? October number; ‘‘The Kid,’? for Octo- her; ‘‘The Amateur,’’ October number; ‘‘Blots,’’ for October; ‘‘ Leaves from the Press,’’ October, and the first issue of a new publication, entitled ‘‘The Cres- eent,’’? dated Noveinber. ‘The Crescent,’’ is a very bright addition to west- ern amateur journalism. It is edited and published in Uhicago, Ill., by Harry L. Page, and shows in its first appearance careful and clever preparation. The cover is tinted and isa credit to the originator. The prin- _ cipal feature is a historical serial entitled ‘‘The Battle of Talbriacum,’’ by Xalis. The departments are ‘* Shotography for the Amateur’’ conducted by Prof. Hypo; *Notes,’’ by Xalis; a comic coluinn supervised hy Harry Boy. and a page of editorials. Ralph G. Freeinan cortributes a serial entitled ‘‘A Curious Dream anda Strange Reality.’’ If its present promise continues ‘ihe Crescent’’ will succeed. COPY HOOK. MR. FINNEY’S TURNIP. (The Poet Longfellow composed the. following lines in-half an hour, when only nine years old. It is said to have been the first poem he was known--to have written.) Mr. Finney had a turnip, And it grew, and it grew, And it grew behind the barn, And the turnip did no harm, And it grew, and it grew, Till it could grow no taller; Then Mr. Finney took it up And put it in the cellar. There it lay, there it lay, Till it began to rot; When his daughter Susie washed it, And she put it in the pot. Then she boiled it, and boiled it, As long as she was able; Then his daughter Lizzie took it, And she put it on the table. B Mr. Finney and his wife Both sat down to sup; And tuey ate, and they ate, Until they ate the turnip up. Although most authors do not achieve distinction until they reach middle age, many cases are on record where young men have done able work, Dickens wrote ‘* Pickwick’? when he was twenty-one years of age. Robert Browning published ‘‘ Paracelsus?’ when he was twenty-three, to say nothing of the immature ‘‘Pau- line,’’ written when he was twenty-one. Nothing that Mr. Swinburne has written is better than ‘‘Atalantain Calydon,’’ and it was published when he was twenty-eight, and after he had written much other verse. The late Christina Rossetti pub- lished a book containing some of her prettiest poems when she was only sixteen. The ‘‘ Defence of Guinevere’? was given to the world by William Morris when the author was but twenty- four. Coventry Patmore was already a contributor to many leading magazines when, at the age of twenty- one; his first book was printed. Lord Teinyson’s early efforts are well known; and although Oliver Wendell Holmes did not win fame asa poet till after middle age, he was a writer of verse in his undergraduate days. : George Meredith wrote ‘‘The Ordeal of Richard Feverel’’ before he was. thirty-one; and Robert Louis Stevenson won his first success when twenty-eight. Evidently a Miscal- culation. A boy proposed to his father that he should go fishing, but his father had other business for him that day. ‘*Father,’’ said the young man, ‘‘do you know the proverb about little boys going fishing??? : ‘*The proverbs don’t say anything about it,’’ replied the pa- rent. ‘*¥es, they do. They say, ‘If you spare the rod you spoil the child’, ‘*I won’t spare it,’’ said the old gentleman, promptly. And he Worthy of a Boy. Papa—‘'I have a little time this morning, and we’ll go down town and get the bicycle I promised you for passing the school examination successfully.’’ Little Son—‘'I saw two or three girls on bicycles yesterday, and 1 don’t want anything that girls can ride.’’ Papa—‘‘ Well, what can we do about it??? Little Boy—‘‘I was thinkin’ you. might get me a trick mule.’’ & Born With a Call. Minister—‘‘And so you think you are to be a minis- ter when you grow up, my little man.’’ Little Man—‘‘ Yes sir. Mother says I’m just cut out for a minister.’” Minister—‘‘ Because you so love to do good?’’ Little Man—‘‘No-o; because I’m always gettin’ sore throat, and bein’ ordered away for my heaith.’’ ae Didn’t Know. Veacher—‘'Do you know what a boomerang is???’ Little Boy—‘‘No’m. I like base-ball better than polities.’’ TOTHE REAR, MARCH | = didn’t. : But the son thinks he got hold of the wrong rod. a A Thoughtful Child, Lady—‘' You .said you had two cats.’’ Little Girl—‘‘ Yes’m, a white one an’ a black one.’’ Lady—‘‘You have only brought. me the black one.’’ Little Girl—‘‘ Yes, They is both sheddin’ their coats awful, an’ ; _1 brought the black one, ’cause your dress is black.’’ a & An Alarming Discovery. Little Visitor—‘‘You said Mrs. Slimdiet’s dog had five dear little puppies, but I don’t see but one. Where are the others?’’ Little Hostess (who boards)—‘‘I’m sure I don’t know. They was all here yesterday. Dear me! We had pot- pie for dinner.’’ & School-Book Progress. School-book Publisher—‘‘Hooray! J have found it! Send a printer here! Start the presses! We’ll get out a new and revised set of school-books! Hoopla!’ Superinteudent—‘‘What have you found, sir?’? Publisher—‘‘A new way to pronounce an old word.?? wt The Wrong Man Found. Citizeness—‘‘Did you go and thrash that editor for printing those things about you?”’ Citizen—‘‘I went to the office, but I couldn’t find hint? : ‘*Whom did you find there?’’ ““No one, but a great big, bull-necked fellow who pretended he was responsible for that article, but [| knew from his looks that he couldn’t write.?’ 1260. Edison’s Latest. Mr. Edison—‘‘ Yes, sir; I can fix up a locomotive so that it will sing airs from operas.’’ Caller—‘‘You got the idea from hearing Wagner, I presume.’? Mean Insects. Little Girl (in the park)—‘‘Those butterflies is aw- ful mean???’ Mamma—'*Why so??? Little Girl—‘‘Quick as I go to chase ‘em, they flies off the walk onto the grass, ’cause they knows I mustn’t go there.”’ A Small Loophole. Housekeeper—‘‘I know that milk fresh from the cow is warm, but that you left here yesterday was hot—hot and thin too, just as if boiling water had been poured in it. Milkman—‘‘Oh, the milk’s all right, mum—no water 1 it; ne, indeed, mum.”’ ousekeeper—‘‘Then how came it to be almost boil- g hot?’’ Milknan—'‘ Why—er—you see, the ws has typhoid fever.’’ mum, some 0’ Send address on postal and we mail you 2 lotof 4 Gold Plated Jewelry @ to sell among friends. — When sold, you send money and we mailastem- winding, Gold Piated openface Watch and s Chain, or you keep half Es the money instead off watch. By sending y agree to pay for or return jewelry on demand. Write your name, Mr., Miss or Mrs., or we cannot send. Ad. Dept. 23. N. ¥.T, Car, * 656 EB. 116th St., New York. Mention Army and Navy Weekly SPRINKLING RING, 1 5c. Latest and greatest practicaljoker. An attractive ring with odd, fancy design con- nected to a rubber bulb held in palm of hand. Quickly satisfies curiosity and makes endlessfun, a sample SS ,,, of our 8,000 novelties. Sent post- Pj)! paid with catalogue for 15.5 2 for 25c ;$1.40 Doz. R. H. INGERSOLL & BRO., 63 Cortlandt St. Dept. No. 21, NY. Mention Army and Navy. ‘ Many people imagine that a photographers camera is @& difficult machine to handle, and that the work isdirty and disagreeable. All this isa mistake. Photography. is a clean, light, and pleasant ac- eoniplishment, within the reach of all. The caniera will prove a triend, reporter, and helper. With a very inexpensive camera any boy or girl can now learn not only to take good pictures, but pictures that there is everywhere a demand for at reniunerative prices. A complete guide to this fascinating art, entitled AMATKUR ManuaL or PHOTOGRAI HY will be sant on receipt of ten cents. MANUAL LIBRARY, 25 Rose street. New. York, OUT-DOOR SPORTS. Complete instructions for playing many ofthe most popular out of-door games is found in this book. The games are illustrated and very easily mastered. Price ten cents. Address MANUAL LIBRARY, 25 Rose street, New Vork HOW TO DO BUSINESS. This book isa guide to success in life, embracing Principles of Business, Choice of Pursuit, Buying and Selling, General Manager ment, Mechanical Trades, Manufacturing, 300kkeeping, Causes ef Success and Failure, Business Maxims and Forms. ete. It also contains an appendix of complete business forms and a dictionary ‘ot commercial terms. No young man should be without this valuable book. It gives complete information about trades, professions and occupatoin in which any young man is intereste, Price ten cents. _ Address 3 MANUAL LIBRARY, 25 Rose street, New York Boys and Girls. can get a Nickel-Plated Watch, also a Chain and Charm for selling i} 146 doz. Packages of Bluine at 10 cents each. 7 Send your full address by return mail an we will forward the Bluine, post-paid, and a large Premium List. No money required. BLUINE CO., Box 96, Concord Junction, Mass. Mention Army and Navy. PIN SNL, See aes eee et ES HOW TO EARN IT, Sais.2o%5 ® addresson a Postal Card and we mail a lot of & Gold Plated Jewelry to sell for us f9 among friends. ‘When sold, (4, yousend ourmoney ("7 nd wek mail you a stem- Sa winding, Gold Plated fine time- keeping Watch and Chain, Air Rifle and 1000 shots ora Camera, or keep half the money instead of a present. By sending you agree to pay x for or return jewelry on demand.* — ‘Write your name, Mr.,Miss or Mrs. or we cannot send.’ Minors mus have parents consent. Add. Dept..20_ x N.Y.T.Co.,.656 E. 116th St.,. New Mention Army and Navy. The Monkey will ride his bike several hundred feet if the road is clear. You PS>. pull the string and let him go. We send Seer both monkey and bike FREER, v/ with catalogue of 3,000 bargains. (N Send 6c. for postage. ROBT, H. INGERSOLL & BRO.,, / 65 CORTLANDT ST, Dept No, 21, NEW YORK CITY, Mention Army and Navy. ZTORMONS TABLETS cure all disorders of the Liver, Stomach, and Bowels, Headache, Dyspepsia, Con- stipation, Biliousness, Dizzi- ness ; Clears the Complexion, Increases the Appetite, Tones tlle Systein,. and. sa mute Remedy for Depression of Spirits, General Debility, Kidney Complaints, Nerv- ousness, Sour Stomach, Dis- turbed Sleep, etc, - PRICE, 25 CENTS PER BOTTLE. These tablets are sugar- coated and pieasant to take. One tablet gives quick relief. Address TORMONS CHEMICAL ©O., 2, 4, 6, 8 Duane St. NEW YORK, . Mention Army and Navy Weekly. History tells us that wrestling was the first form of athletic pastime. Without doubt, it gives strength and firmness, combineq with quickness and pliability, to the limbs, vigorito the body, coolness and discrimination to the head and elasticity to the teme per, the whole forming an energetic combination of the greatest power to be found in man. ‘The book is entitled PRorEssoR MULDOON’S WRESTLING. — It is fully illustrated, and will be sent postpaid on receipt of ten cents. Address MANUA” LIBRARY. 25 Rose street, New York. 4 Be snre to use “Mrs. Winslow’s { Soothing Syrup’’ for your chlidren Me B while Teething. 25 ceits a bottle Mention Army and Navy.