THE WRITING ON THE PANE
#s the rain comes down and the world
grows dark,
Alone at the window she lingers,
Writing a name on the frosted pane
With the tips of her slim little fingers.
Now it's a signature out in full,
With curlycues round it rolling,
Wow initials, and now “dear John,”
“Jack, beloved,” the list goes on;
But ever the same
Is the mystic name
Her fingers are idly scrolling.
Down in the corner, with absent alr,
Her finger now slowly traces
In tiny letters and *M-rs;
But what was coming you'll have to
guess,
For a shy little heart
Gives a terrified start,
And a quick little palm erases.
There's never a name on the window-
pane,
Where cloudy, the frost still lingers,
But somebody's cheeks are tiushed and
red,
And chilled are somebody's fingers.
-—New York News.
PICO OOPPOPPOP Arr
Jasper Dane's
Caller. |
RREERRRRR RR RRR ARERR
(By W. R.
The door creaked very slightly,
it jarred on Jasper Dane's nerves,
looked up with a frown.
“Is this Mr. Dane?”
A young woman was framed in the
doorway.
Jasper's
caught sight of her.
ty young woman and charmingly gown-
ed, and she wasn't more than one and
twenty. Jasper avoided the woman's
page of his paper.
told what the young woman in the
doorway wore, but he recognized the
fact that it was a combination that
seemed to be just suited to her.
“Mr. Dane, the editor?”
Jasper, pencil in hand, bowed again.
The young woman advanced into the
apartment.
“You are much younger than [ sup-
posed you to be,” she said.
Jasper's eyes opened wider.
“l am not quite that [ ought to
take that as a compliment,” he sald.
He even smiled. Then the pressing
character of his work reminded him.
His features stiffened He raised his
pencil again, and looked at the girl
severely.
“It's the very first time [ was ever
in an editor's sanctum.” she said as
her glance took in the dingy walls and
the littered desk.
“How can I serve you,
Quired Jasper.
The girl looked at him and she look-
@d at the chair beside his desk.
“Thank you,” she said and sat down.
Jasper sighed and stared at the half-
svritten sheet before him.
“Are you sure it is the editor
want to see?” he asked. “The society
editor is at lower end of the hall. So
are the musical editor and the art de-
partment. So is the dramatic edit
“1 came to see you," sald the girl.
Jasper slightly flushed.
“Thank you,” he said. “I am on ex.
hibition at all hours Is that all?”
The girl shook her head.
“Do you own the paper,
asked.
Jasper frowned.
“No,” he replied. “I believe it
generally understood that Mr.
Eamson is the paper's owner.”
“The railway president?”
“Yes.’
“Has he any children
“One.”
“Boy”
“No, a girl. A
studying abroad.”
“How old?”
“I don’t know. Mr.Lamson speaks
of her as his little girl.” Jasper was
getting fidgety. “I beg your pardon,”
he added, “but you have not told me
how [ can serve you.”
“No,” she said, “I haven't.”
A brief silence followed.
“Am I to infer that you are getting
up a society directory?” Jasper in
quired with a slight flavor of sarcasm.
“No,” said the girl, “the inference
would be wrong. Nor do | want my
portrait on the society page. No, 1
have no tickets to sell and no subserip-
tion paper to sign. I eame here to
see the editor of the Dispatch. He's
well worth your while.”
Jasper couldn't help flushing again.
“Am 1 reckoned among the leading
sights of the town?” he asked
“No,” the girl gravely replied. “You
come between the geyser fountain and
the 200."
Jasper laughed.
“And do you come here to tell me
that?” he asked.
“That for one thing,’ said the girl.
“I don't suppose my presence here
bothers you in the least, does it?”
“Madam,” said Jasper, “I am a reck-
fess user of the truth. Your pres
ence prevents me from attending to
‘my duties.”
“Perhaps this js your busy day?”
said the girl innocently.
“My days sre all more or less busy,”
said Jasper.
“Then, of course, it !s just as con
venient for me to call today as any
other day,” said the girl.
Jasper looked at her with a comical
expression. He was a little near
sighted, and as was his custom with
callers he had scarcely given her an
appreciative look when she entered.
Now, at shorter range, Ls saw that
she was much prettier than he at first
pupposed. She certainly was a very
Rose)
He
Sure
madam?”
you
she
Be
too?”
is
little girl who Is
charming girl. A troubled look came
into Jasper's eyes.
“l beg your pardon,’ he said, “but
may I remind you that you haven't
stated your business with me?"
The girl looked into his eyes with a
clear, frank gaze. Then she slightly
smiled and slowly removed an elastic
band that held the small package she
bore in one neatly gloved little hand.
Jasper took quick advantage of her
averted gaze to pull down his cuffs
and make a quick pass at his twisted
tie.
“I have written something,” she said,
“and I want to submit it to you.”
Jasper felt himself weakening. Or
dinarily he would have taken the
manuscript and hastily scribbling the
writer's address on it, would have toss-
ed it aside with the remark that he
would communicate with the writer by
and then he would
Now he hesi-
His pencil dropped from his
fingers. He straightened up a little,
“What is the nature of this article?”
he asked in what he fancied to be an
indifferent tone.
“It isn't an article,” said the girl.
“Do 1 look like a person who would
| write an article?”
“It isn’t always possible to judge by |
| the appearance.” he sald.
“But I fancied article writers were |
| atways old, and-—and fussy, and-—and |
cranky,” said the girl.
“There are exceptions,”
“There must be exceptions.
“1 suppose you know.” said the girl. |
it isn't an article.”
“You arouse my worst fears”
as the girl spread out
said Jasper, |
said
the
“I think I understand what
{ mean,” she said,
“1 am glad you do,” said Jasper.
“And I'm glad your worst fears are
confirmed,” she said. ;
Jasper sighed.
“Then it is verses?
“1 supposed it
the girl.
“They always do,”
The girl looked up
pretty grimace.
“You are not
she said.
“It's the better way,” said Jasper.
“And yet you write verses yourself,”
said the girl. “And get them printed,
too.”
“Perhaps it is because I haven't a
friend honest enough to dissuade me”
said Jasper “1 have had no time for
that sort of nonsense lately, however.”
‘That's a pity.” said the girl.
“Don’t think to soften me ia
way.” said Jasper.
I like those lines beginning ‘She
came upon me unawares” said the
girl. “I know them by heart “She
came upon me unawares, [ turned and |
was there”
“I beg your pardon” cried Jasper.
‘It is your lines that are under con
sideration. Pray produce them.”
The girl gave him a sidelong glance
“Did come upon you unawares,
Mr. Dane?”
Jasper caught the glance
ly flushed grew
again.
“1 live in hopes,” he said
That's enigmatical,” laughed
girl “It shows you are not
“lI must object to your manifest in-
to a sentimental
Jasper. “It will not help
you
' he said.
was poetry,” sald i
sald Jasper.
at him with a
a bit encouraging,” |
that
she
and slight
His look troubled
the
sure.’
mood,” said
you.”
The girl laughed and passed the
said.
Jasper
like it.” she
80 certain?”
“1 know you will
“Why are you
asked.
“Because [| haven't written on both
sides of tne paper.” said tne girl.
Jasper bent over the manuseript to
hide his smile. Then his look changed
The smile faded. ie read the lines
with great care Presently he looked
up.
The girl had been regarding him ine
tently.
She met his eyes with an inquiring |
glance.
“You want me to be frank?” he sald.
“Of course.”
“The lines are quite too sentimental. |
They are of the old schoo! where senti-
ment reigned.
call it gush.”
“But it's not all bad,
the gir].
“By no means,” replied Jasper." The!
execution is good. If the fripperies |
and affectations were dropped it would
be very passable. If you would heed
my advice—they never do—1 might be |
tempted to ask you to try again.” i
He folded the manuscript and hand |
ed it to her.
“Thank you,” sald the girl.
“1 am sorry if my judgment seems
harsh,” said Jasper.
“It doesn’t,” said the girl.
“1 have tried to treat you as an
honest friend should,” said Jasper.
“Thank you again,” said the girl. “1
will admit that I hoped to see my
verses in your paper.”
“Try again,” sald Jasper.
The girl arose and put out her dainty
hand.
“1 am glad to know you, Mr. Dane”
said. “1 have a very dear friend who
has sung your praises until I am quite
jealous. I was really anxious to
meet you. Goodbye.” Then she
swiftly added with a charming smile,
“I am sure we shall meet again.”
The smile and the words quite over.
came Jasper.
“I~1 hope #80,” he falrly stammered
as he arose to his feet and watched
her flutter from the room.
As he resumed his seat a card upon
the floor drew his attention, The girl
had dropped it. He picked it up,
caught sight of his name and at once
recognized the anguiar handwriting.
Then he read it aloud:
Dear Dane—This is my daughter
Leonie, just come home from abroad,
Nowadays we bluntly |
is it?" queried |
What she writes goes, of course,
Yours,
LINAS LAMSON.
Dane softly whistled.
So this was Lamson's little girl,
this splendid young woman! How
charming she was, and how friendly.
Had he hurt her feelings? What a
brute he was! It would have been
such a simple favor to publish the
verses. And she never showed him
her father's note. That was noble of
her.
He picked up his pencil and. bent
over his work. And presently he
softly hummed:
She came upon me unawares,
I turned and she was there.
-~Claveland Plain Dealer,
—
A RESPIRATION METER
Experiments Which Are Awaited by
the Scientific World With Interest.
Undoubtedly no series of scientific
experiments in which the variable fact.
or of human action is embraced have
been so accurately and perfectly car.
past flve vears.
however, as was the respi
employed in the
{ first series of these experiments it
exceeded in delicacy and adaptability
improved calorimeter now near
As an example of its
sensitiveness it is asserted
{ that while the original machine regist
ered the heat development by so slight
is
the new apparatus is designed with a
delicacy that will record the heat giv
To the lay
seem like sheer
As a matter of fact, how
it Is carefully considered scienti-
Whether the elaborate
which has been devised will
successfully register such slight
changes in temperature remains to be
proven, but it seems very probable, as
the is the outcome of five years
of experimentation and is but a step
of the successful machines
same type already in use.
Briefly, the new respiration calor!
meter is a wooden box carefully in
sulated from the conduction of heat
and provided with an elaborate net
work of pipes for keeping the air with
in cool and a network of electric
for keeping it at a given temperature
Food and drink are introduced by an
elabciate double door system designed
to exclude the introduction of air from
the outside. The amount of water
used for cooling and its temperature,
fiftieth of a degree, are recorded,
the data being used in determining the
heat absorbed by it in the cooling pro
The heat liberated by the elec
wires is readily ascertained from
the measured current strength and re
sistance of the wire network. A tele
phone permits conversation
with the outside world and a double
glass window enables the experiments
to watch the movements of the sub
ject
Part experiments calls for
hard muscular labor which is furnished
by a stationary geared to an
electric dynamo The machine is
geared to and when riding at the
fastest pace the armature of the dyna.
mo runs at 3.500 revolutions a minute,
The amount of current generated by
the man pedaling the bicycle is care
fully measured and readily gives the
amount of energy usefully expended,
while the temperature of the air with
in the machine and of the body give
the total expenditure of energy.
The scienelfic world will await with
great expectation the outcome of these
carefully planned experiments, which
will no doubt do mu« h to clear up the
difficuities in the way of practical
knowledge of the uses and value of
foods. The scheme is to record care
fully the man's weight, his tempera-
ture, the weight of his food and an.
alysis of same, as well as the waste
and the energy expended in useful
work, heating effects, ete. Anowing
the intake of food and the useful out
is possible to
nonsense.
aver,
device
wires
system
of the
bicvele
G6.
and practical interest. The men
time.
Traits of Dickens.
“One peculiarity about Dickens I re.
writes Mr. Justin Me.
Carthy in his chatty article on celebri-
ties.
“He had an intense love of the open
air, and even in the depths of a Lon
don winter, if he came into the house
of a friend and entered a room the
windows of which were closed, his
first business seemed to be to throw
all the windows open, and make the
apartment as breesgy as it could be
made in a London street.
“Curiously enough, that sort of nervy:
ous trepidation which | always felt in
the presence of Dickens never possess.
ed me when I came near to Trackeray,
although Thackeray had by far the
more imposing appearance,
“I have a melancholy recollection
which can never leave me of a din
ner party to which 1 was invited at
Thackeray's house. I had written some
thing in a dally newspaper on a sub.
ject of controversy, which then deeply
interested Thackeray, and he had in-
vited me to dine with him, and have
a talk over the whole matter. That
dinher party never came off, for just
before the day fixed for it Thackeray
was found d in his bed.”"--London
Express,
The first fire engine used in the
United States was brought from Eng
land to New York city in 1731.
THE DREAD MONGOOSE.
A SOURCE OF FEAR TO ALL SORTS
OF SMALL ANIMALS.
Gifted With Great Activity and Much
Intelligence They are More Than a
Match For Reptiles Superior to
Themselves in Size
Since the publication, a few days
ago, of an article relative to the en-
forcement of the Lacey law, in which
is forbidden the importation of certain
mammals, among which is the dreaded
mongoose, Inquiries have been set
regarding it. With the view to satis
fying the unenlightened on the subject,
it might be stated that the crafty and
ity in its importation to the island of
Jamaica, one of the group of the West
Indies. It was introduced to this
tropical island decades ago,
venomous snakes with which the place
Was overrun.
In every nook and corner of the
that no one
island
and a long pole
toes them out
with which to kill or
of the way. Notwith-
standing this caution, that dreaded
snake, the fur de lance, which species
there largely dominated, frequently
got in its fatal work. [It is related
that a native, having to go a great
distance after nightfall, declared, on
his return, that he must have encount-
ered and passed fully and that he
would not again make journey for
a fortune.
500,
the
a writer on this paper, in his published
work of “Three Years in the West In-
dies,” treats at some length on this
terrible and venomous reptile, stating
that the inhabitants in many a hamlet
were kept within their houses when
night set in and the snakes then held
entire possession of the roads and
highways. It is no wonder that the
natives desired the absence of this en-
venomed viper, and, not having a 8t.
Patrick, they sought the mongoose for
their patron saint, which they now la
ment.
After the mongoose had been Im-
ported, in a very short time it largely
multiplied and spread over the
island, and it was but a few
fore there
tion of
period
entire
years be.
was a perceptible decima-
the snake family. Another
of years ensuing and the ser
pentine crawlers had entirely disap
peared, much to the delight of the
blackamoor, big and little, and then
the lantern and long pole were laid
aside as useless, The mongoose,
having fared so sumptuously on snake
diet, looked around for a substitute,
and birds’ eggs and other tit-bits. and
when these were not conveniently at
hand the cultivated garden found them
feasting on the very best they pro
duced At this unlooked for develop
ing to swap off the
snake, and, in
round bonus
ment excludes this rapacious animal
which would far more destruc.
tive than the San Jose or Texas scale,
or the Scotch thistle in Canada.
The majority of species are
African, but several are in India, and
one form extends into southern Spain
The best known species are the com
mon ichneumon, or Pharaoh's rat. and
herpestes griseus the mongoose of In
dia. The latter is as highly valued in
india as its congener is in Egypt. and
is often kept tame about the house for
the service it renders in destroying
snakes and other animat>d plagues
It is especially famed for its prowess
in the destruction of the deadly cobra,
a feat performed by force of its su
perior boldness and activity. it is
mongoose
addition, give a big
prove
the
head and body of which ar
inches in length, with tail eighteen
inches, and is gray, darker upon the
head and legs, and blackish upon the
feet. The hairs are
ringed.
of course, include the mongoose,
very similar, quick and serpentine in
weasel-like, under
too small for their bodies, and pur
secret hiding places,
and corner. Gifted with great activ.
ity and much intelligence, they are
more than a match for reptiles su
perior to themselves in size; but they
are of independent, restless temper,
fond of freedom, and not very reliable
as pets.
lizards and other creatures not in fav:
or with humanity. Its usefulness In
this direction caused the ancient Egyp
tians to domesticate and even to pay
it honors. Cincinnati Commercial
Tribune.
Surgeons for Railroads.
Lucien Lofton proposes that every
system of rallroad should be equipped
with a chief surgeon, and local sur
geons distributed judiciously along the
line most convenient to the railroad's
hospitals. Every member of the train
crews should be drilled quarterly, or
oftener, if necessary, in the art of ren
dering first ald to the wounded. The
question of hemorrhage should be the
cardinal feature of the entire scheme,
The location of the vessels and the
method by which they may be controll
ed in case of laceration are features
on which too much stress cannot be
laid. The manner of bandaging, look.
ing toward preventing infection and
preservation of the parts which may be
mangled, is of vital consideration al
ways. The cry of the railroad surgeon
hemorrhage from lack of appliances
and immediate sitention will cause
this condition in 50 per cent, of all
cases, If bleeding be prevented shock
in this particular will practically be
come an obsolete term. Medical Rec
ord.
FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS
it Depends Upon the Point of View
What This Sum Means.
The banker's wife sat at the window
wondering what could have detained
her husband, usually so methodical.
At last she saw him step slowly
from the car. This in itself was dis
quieting. Why had he not come home
What could have happened?
She hastened down the stairs to the
front door and reached it just as he
“Henry, what is the matter? Why
are you so late? And why did you
come in a car?”
Oh, my darling, ¢an yuu bear bad
news?” sald he.
For answer she gave
“Mary, my darling, |
Cabs are for the rich. The failure of
Sampson & Co. has pu Hed me down,
and when all my debts are paid [ shall
have but five hundred dollars with
which to face the world.” It was a
terrible shock and what wonder the
little woman fainted. Only hun-
dred dollars. Ruin! Abject poverty!
Sorrow’s cup full!
The artist's wife sat with her face
at the window of their tiny room, won-
dering what had happened to detain
her husband. Artist though he was,
he was generally very methodical in
his movements
While her fears strengthened a cab
drove up to the house, and within it
wonder of wonders:-—she descried the
form of her husband. This was in
deed disquieting Why had he come
home in a cab? Was he 11?
He sprang out of the cab,
the driver with a gra
joyful face up the
His
meet him.
“What is it, dear?
came springing up the
at 8a time.
“Come inside, de
although 1 feel
world into my confidence
“Oh, what is it
sold the water
“Better than
the oil
him her hand.
am ruined.
five
dismissed
tuity and ran with
steps
wife hastened into the
hall to
' she cried as he
stairs, two steps
and I'll tell
tas
ar, you,
like ing the whole
Paul? Have
colors?”
that, my dear
that I did last
i
do you suppose | rece
I have
sold summ
And what
for it?”
“Oh, I don’t know. Fifty dollars?”
“Pouf! 1 received every cent of five
hundred dollars, little girl! Five hun.
dred dollars! Now | can face the
world.”
And the twain went dancing around
the room like crazy marionettes. Five
hundred dollars! Prosperity! Plu.
tocratic wealth! The cup of joy bub
bling over! —Charleg Battell Loomis in
the Saturday Evening Post
er!
Squirrels Dare the Cats.
Have you ever seen a squir
is the
rel dare
most amusing exhibi.
audacity A
enterprising squir-
elm trees of Wal
descendants
is that were
ipying one of
early Broox-
which w=»
of mischievous
large colony of fat
rels live in the big
nut street, ine, the
of a pair of tame squirre
owned by
the lovely
line in that vit
finally
selves and their
the
gdespair
Brook]
family of
estates of
inity. a
liberated to e
old
nd
tablish the
progeny as permanent
residents of street. They the
tantalizing of numerous «
tha: haunt the place in search of tooth
gome morsels The ‘ittle creatures
are wonderfully tame and very quickly
respond to friendly overtures in the
shape of nuts, which they soon learn
to take from ones hand They
scamper up and down the big trees,
whisking their bushy gray tails in
saucy defiance of their feline pursuers,
who, with eager ¢yes and watering
are
ais
of the squirrels as they frisk about
claws. Sometimes the game is car
ried on so daringly that it seems only
edy is averted, and yet very few occur
and their number and freedom seem
und:minished.—Boston Transcript.
He Felt Relieved.
It was a long ride through a deso-
rte and dangerous country. and the
politician sought to relieve Mono:
tony by philosophic musings on hie
recent victory and embarrassments
that even suceesg brings,
“Hold up your hands!”
The stage coach gave a lurch and
stopped. The ray of light that shot
into the vehicle turned the spattering
rain into myriads of evanescent gems,
“What do you want?’ asked the
politician with a firmuoess that showed
that he had faced danger before.
“Your money.”
“Here it is.”
“Your watch and dlamond ring.”
“They are yours.”
“1 must say yer good-natured, any-
bw.” sald one of the highway men.
“Not at all. Are you sure that's all
you desire ”
“What in thunder did you think we
wanted
“1 was afraid”—and the politician's
volee trembled a little—"you wanted
an office.”~~Philadelphia North Amer
fea.
the
Discouraging.
The discouraging thing to a man of
sense is that the idiots ssem to have
such & good time with their (diocy.—
New York Press.
Some men are born great, some
achieve greatness, and others thrust
themselves upon it.
ASTONISHING DEXTERITY.
When she found that this adroit chauf.
feur
Had a good right arm to spare for her,
This maid was very much amazed,
(And possibly a trifle phased)
Protesting, timidly: “Oh, sir!”
New York Sun,
IN DOUBT.
Bildad—"Did the size of her pile
make you hesitate?”
Perkins—"Yes. For a long time |
didn’t know how much she had."”"—De-
troit Free Press.
HIS PROPENSITY.
“l never forget a joke that I
hear,” remarked Borem.
“No,” rejoined Gyer, “and you don’t
give any of yo acquaintances a
chance to.”"—Chicago News
once
ur
THE LABOR OF HER LIFE.
The two men talking about
their domestic affairs.
“Do you keep a cook at your house?”
inquired one.
“Um-er, ah™~ hesitated the other,
we try to. '—Detroit Free Press.
were
#4
A COSY RETREAT.
“Isn't her :ly furnished
yet?
“Not yet
‘den’ complets
see, there is still
room to turn in it. and she is
determined to make it look cosy be
‘ore she gets through ."— Chicago Post.
You
around
HOW HE EXPLAINS
Btephen--8o0 it is all over with
Bolter? How did it happen that
threw you over?
James—] don’t
but 1 suspect it
wasn't hopelessly
Boston Transcript.
FELLOW FEELING.
Mex How
Miss
she
certain,
ause she
aid
with
know for
was bec
in love
TE,
Mrs. do you know
king to is a
say he
looks d
I told him
Ks
was?
sort of
1 I was. ~—
Did he
Meeker—No, but he
when
Chicago News.
PLEAS ANT FOR CALLER.
“Mamma is dressing.”
“Why, she needn't have dressed just
for me, dearie.”
“She knows that,
more time she killed in
less time you'd have to
Indianapolis News
but she sald the
dressing the
her.”
bore
POLICY.
inquired the
a great rail
RAILROAD
“What is your policy?”
inquisitive individual of
road lawyer.
“Our
lawyer, “is
not a cent
Journal.
the
defense,
"0
railroad
but
hio State
policy,” replied
'
millions for
for damage.
A SECOND
LOOK.
Candor—You that lady over
there? She is Mrs. C. 1 fell in love
with her at first sight. What do you
think of that?
Synnex—-] think it would bave been
better had you taken a second look.=
Boston Transcript.
seo
A CLOSE RACE.
“You say you go to market
o'clock every morning?”
“Yes,” answered the very prudent
man. “I buy early. Every now and
then you get your meat and vegetables
before news reaches the dealers that
the price has been increased.” -—Wash-
ington Star.
at 6
HIS FIRST HIT.
“How did you win your first liter
ary success?” she asked.
“By writing four lines of poetry
which made the girl | was in love with
at the time so angry that she jilted
me, Her father lost his money less
than three months after we were to
have been married. ”-—Chicago Reo
ord-Herald.
PRESSING.
The girl wrote feverishly, turning
out four or five great historical novels
per month.
As she was but fifteen, her entour
age were concerned and remonstrated.
“Will you take time to bud inte
womanhodd?” said they.
“Well, I should say nit!” replied she.
“Why, that can be done any time, re
gardless of market conditions. ”-—New
York Sun.
CRUDE, BUT COMPLACENT.
“Suppose,” sald the man with the
morbid imagination, “that the trusts
make everything so expensive that the
public can’t afford to buy; what then?”
“Now, what's the use of talking non.
sense,” answered the business man,
“All the fun a trust has is taking peo
ple’s money from them. When they
get all the money, they'll simply have
to give a lot of it out again or stop
fhe whole amusement.” Washington
.
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weighing
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to put an