Pf?fiipr f ! jSvyi 41 17 THE PITTSBURG DISPATCH SUNDAY, ARRIL 17. 1892J MAKING MOONSHINE, The Maimers and Methods of the Manufacturers of Mountain Dew. FOE FULLY POETY YEAES White Whisky Has Been the Standard Berenice in Somerset HOW THE STUFF WAS MARKETED. Society as It Is Found in the Heart of the Laurel Bill Eegion. miUKES OP THE EECEJTT TE1GEDI prsimK roit the dispjltcs.1 HOSE who believe in the certainty of retributive justice can find support for their theory in Somerset county's recent tragedy. The burden of evidence is that Jonathan Hochstetler intro duced into the re gion the illicit bus iness which ulti mately resulted in his death. Forty years ago Hoch stetler, then abont the age of 18, made his appearance in the territory which afterward was the scene of his more "M mrv v.- Tovng Eockstetler. or less lawful oper- ations. He came from Washington county, on the border of West Virginia, where the practice ot making white whisky without going through the formality of consulting the Bevenue Department was one which bad the approval ot precedent and antiquity, if not of the Be vised Statutes. The Laurel Hill moonshine district is not located entirely in Somerset, but as nearly as possible upon the corner where that county joins Fayette and Westmoreland. The actual area embraced is estimated not to exceed 25 or 30 square miles but such a country. The rough mountain is inter sected by hundreds of roads and paths, transforming it into a veritable maze, the secret of which is known only to those who for years have traversed the winding ways. A Reclon of Deer and ITildcata. The smaller varieties of game abound, and even the deer is by no means an ex tinct animal, while wildcats are numerous. Trout are plentiful in the streams, though it is stated that the inhabitants seldom or never disturbed them, and the onlv lines cat were those of ambitious sportsmen who occasionally ventured into the wild region. The natives had another occupation which demanded their attention, to the exclusion of such mild pursuits as fishing. Only once before this year were the moon shiners treated to a visit of any importance from the Government agents. About nine years ago, when Congressmen Scull was Collector of Internal Bevenue, a raid was made which resulted in the capture of Miller and Hochstetler, the principal and the victim in the recent deed of blood. Miller entered a plea of guilty to the charge of illicit distilling, while Hochstetler stood trial and was acquitted. This difference of results originated the misunderstanding be tween the former associates, that had such a fatal culmination. The Golden Age of Moonthlnlng. Strange to say, though, this raid was fol lowed by what might be termed the golden age of moonshining. Two and three years after that event the mountaineers were so prosnerous and confident that they would come boldly to Somerset and have their grain chopped and buy strap iron for the hoops of their casks in the very shadow of the Court House and jail in broad daylight A prominent resident of the county, more familiar than perhaps any other outsider with the secret operations, was questioned concerning their extent He said, in reply to queries: "There were about 20 plants in the Laurel VTHZ.KB HOCHSIKTLEB'S Hill district, producing each from four gal lons to a half-barrel a day. The average was abont six gallons. "Very few people in Somerset county, excepting those who visit the licenced bars, drank any liquor with a revenue flavor. Aside from the cheapness of the other article, its tasje is preferred by the initiated, and there is no question as to the purity of the liquid." "But how could the product be sold and distributed throughout such an extent of territory?" was asked. The Whole County In the Secret, "Nobody in the county thought of mo lesting the 'shiners, and there were regular agencies at various points. The storiestold of leaving a dollar and a jug at a particular spot, and returning an hour later to find the receptacle considerably heavier, are strictly true. I am personally well acquainted with a certain stump about a mile west of Som erset which I never knew to tail to produce the white beverage when the proper cere monies were gone through. Of course, in the remote districts the operations were even simpler, as there the fiery article was de livered to the honest farmer directly, or the more trusted ones were allowed to visit the stills and carry their supplies home with J them. "The moonshiner has few or no facilities for storing his product, and must find a market as speedily as possible. It is seldom that anv of the stuff is kept longer than 30 days. The business became so extensive that Metzler, who has a regular distillery about four miles from the scene of the illicit operations, found his trade seriously affected and sent in a most vigorous com plaint to the department He could not jell the fresh whisky to the neighboring farmers for less than twice the price asked by his competitors. The Still Easily Transported. "The plants used by the Laurel Hill moonshiners are of the most simple discrip tion, and easily transported. They are moved frequently, and to this feature much of the immunity enjoyed for years was due. Once, however, they got hold of a reg ular plant A mountaineer named Fletcher. a brother of the one now in jail, opened a lawful distillery, paid the tax and rejoiced j it i tvr k vi MK 'T "1 in a bonded warehouse. But one dark night his former comrades swooped down the mountains and cleaned up everything. They took all ot the whisky under bond in the warehouse, the still and apparatus in fact, left nothing. This plant has presumably since then been the pride of the district" A visit to theXaurel Hill region revealed the fact that the most oonspicuous charac teristic ot the inhabitants was their suspi cion of unknown guests. A stranger en tering the country was followed and his every movement watched until he had leit it. A complete system of signals, mainly by gun shots, was in operation. If perforce a traveler remained in one of the lonely eabins over night a light in a certain posi tion in an upper window warned passing neighbors, or told the husband or son of the family to be discreel about venturing home. The women, according to all accounts, were skillful prevaricators, and related improba ble tales in the most plausible manner. Not Devoid of BeUglons Feeling. Many of these people are Dunkards, and nearlv all of them are of a religious turn. If tfieir oft-repeated desire to be "left alone" were complied with, outside of their THK MOOTBHTjrB one besetting sin there would probably be no more misdoings or crime than in an or dinary communitv. They are opposed to education, and the charges of burning 'schools made against them are confirmed by the weight of the evidence. The young people marry at an early age. and large families are the rule and not the exception. The women smoke pipes and use snuff freely, and any good looks with which they may be blessed In youth soon fade. The men ot the moun tains average over six feet in height, with lank forms possessing great strength. They are wonderful marksmen, and their favorite amusement is a turkey.shoot There is one story current in the moon shine district of a very romantic nature, being of the Pocahontas and John Smith order. The period of the incidents in the narration is located about 25 years ago, and either the names of the chief figures have been forgotten or they are purposely with- 1.-1.4 xr tk.f. nrlin afill lia lrnnwlf3PA ff Jfhem. The tale runs that shortly alter the war an amDitions young peuuter pcneirmcu into the wild country, and about midnight visited the cabin ot one of the most noted of the illicit distillers of the region a mountaineer with a large family and a more comfortable home than most of his class. Won the Feminine Hearts. When the traveling tradesman called the men folks were all absent, and he was re ceived only by the moonshiner's wife and two daughters, the youngest of whom was quite a beautv of the rural style. The contents of the peddler's pack made him quite popu lar wun tne lemmme purwuu v iue muuiy, though thev did not purchase to any great extent While the goods were still being inspected the mountaineer arrived,' fol lowed at short intervals, by his three stalwart sons, and another young fellow who was living with the family, and who expected soon to be the husband of the rustio beauty previously mentioned. Their greetings of the visitor were not re markably cordial, but their suspicions were apparently lulled, for he was finally invited to partake of the homely but substantial evening meal which was speedily placed on the rough table. When, however, the peddler later on re quested permission to stay all night in the cabin his plea was at first gruffly refused, with the information that there was no room to spare. The "old woman," as she was called, again interfered, though, and after a whispered conference it was an nounced that he could be accommodated, as a portion of the male occupants of the place were going to see a neighbor, and would probably stay all night Soon afterward, BODY TVAS rOTOJTJ. the sons and their companion left the house, presumably for the neighbor's, and it was not long before the old man announced that he was going to retire, and apparently left the living room for another portion of the cabin. The older daughter and her mother were busy with their usual evening work, flitting from one room to another, leaving the youngest to entertain the visitor. Sot TJsed to Compliments. This girl, accustomed only to the boorish ways ot the young mountaineers, was more than pleased with the by no means bashful compliments paid by the young traveling merchant Learning that he was something of a musician, an old fiddle with a string or two missing was unearthed and by his man agement of the instrument the visitor added f;reatly to hia popularity. Finally, at a ate hour for that region, he was given a candle and directed to the small apartment with a low ceiling which had been set aside for him. The peddler took bis pack to his room with him, and for some time occupied him self rearranging its contents readv for an early start in the morning. While thus en gaged his attention was attracted by low but hoarse voices and other occasional noises. His curiosity got the better of his good judgment, and as everything was quiet inside the cabin he silently stole forth upon a tour of investigation. Guided' by the sounds he speedily stumbled upon their lo cation, and from a place of partial conceal ment saw the mountaineer and his sons with their illicit operations in full blast Discreet a XJttle Too Late. After a brief survey the peddler's discre tion returned, and he concluded that he had better get to bed as quickly and quietly as possible. Just as he was turning to do so he was clasped from behind in the strong arms of the young man who was a perma nent guest at the cabin, and the struggles that followed brought the. other moon shiners to the scene at once, and his cap ture was but the question of a very few moments. His first assailant stated that he had suspected the traveler from the start, and had decided to watch him, with the re sult stated. The accusation of being a "revenue in- former" was immediately and emphatically entered, and as 'the accusers and the self installed judges were the same individuals it did not take them long to arrive at a unanimous verdict Their decision was that as a matter of self-protection and for the good of the community the peddler must disappear forever, and the only ques tion under discussion was- as .to the best method of making' him1 one of- the miss ing. The method, had abont been fixed upon and was summarily to be tut in execution when the younger aughter put in. her appearance upon the scene, having been aroused by the sounds of the struggle. The tale does not go into details as to whether the fair one clasped her arms around the captive's neck in exact imitation of Pocahontas, but she in some manner entered a most vigorous protest The peddler added his pleas of innocence to hers for mercy, and to increase the con fusion the other feminine members of the family were aroused and took" part in, the proceedings. The Decision of the Mountaineer. Finally the old mountaineer 'commanded silence, and after some minutes of delibera- OXSEf OT FBTTTS. tion announced his decision. It was to the effect that the young peddler could make a choice between an erasure from this earth and marrying his fair rescuer and settling down in the. heart of the moonshine country. It did not take long for the captive to make up his mind; as soon as he understood the proposition, he signified, an emphatic pre ference ..for a wedding. Here the young moonshiner who had supposed himself the fiance of the bride-to-be made some loud objections, but the old man was determined, and announced to the kicker that he could take the other and elder daughter or do without any, The story runs that the ceremony fol lowed in short order, and that the newly wedded pair settled in a cabin in the very wildest portion of the region, where the whxiajc xxuleb's Benedict was closely watohed by his new neighbors to see that he did not make any effort to take French leave. When asked what had become of this couple the narra tors of the tale say that after some years the former peddler, while not taking -any very active ' part in the moonshine 'opera tions, succeeded In quieting all suspicions. Allowed to Leave the Region. This was so much the case that when, about 1870, he received word that some property had been left -to him, he sought and obtained permission to leave the neigh borhood with his wife and a small but interesting family -that had accumulated by that time. So far as is known he never returned to pay a visit to his father-in-law or other acquaintances of the mountain region. The narrative is a decidedly.ro matio one, but the accuracy of its general features is vouched for, by a number of persons who have more or less knowledge oi the doings in the moonshine district for the past quarter of a century. But the people of all classes in Somerset are just now more interested lnthe recent tragedy and subsequent developments than in 'romantic events ot comparative antiquity. Thewriter found William C. Miller, popu larly known as "General Sigel," in a small celllnthe county jail previously best known to fame as the bastile from which the Nicely brothers made their sensational escape. Miller is a pleasant spoken and rather intelligent looking mountalneer.'who does not impress one with being a cold-blooded murderer. In response to questions he gave The Dispatch a sketch ot his career, from the cradle to what may be the threshold of the grave. Miller's Beoord as a Soldier. "I have always lived in Somerset county," Mr. Miller began, "except when I was helping as best I could to preserve the Union. I was born in Turkeyfoot township about 48 years ago, as near as I can tell. My family moved soon afterward to Mlddlecreek township, and that has been my home ever since. It was in 1862, when TftOfcm C. Hitter, aUat General Sigel I was about 18 years old,-that I first en listed in'the ' army, for' the nine months' service. After this expired I again en listed, and remained at the front until the end of the war. "My first regiment," he continued, "was the, One Hundred and Seventeenth Penn sylvania and the other the One Hundred and Eighty-eighth Pennsylvania. It was not mv fortune to participate in any of the greater battles, but our regiment was far South, being part of the time in North Carolina, i was never wounded, and the pension of ?24 a month which I have drawn tor nx or seven years past was granted for Jmj an J Heart failure." Hoi Trembling- With rear. - Miller's palsy is quite noticeable, and led some of those unacquainted with him, who saw him in ail just after his surrender, to suppose that he was shaking with fear. This li emphatically not the case, as the alleged moonshine king is wor rying very little abont the deed of blood, of which he thinks he will easily be cleared on the ground of self-defense. He is far more alarmed by the dread that the Gov ernment revenue officers, for whom he has a wholesome respect, mar take him away from the county authorities and revive the charges of illicit distilling. There was a story current that Miller killed his father some years ago, but he only refers to the ac cusation as a joke, and there has been abso lutely no proof advanced in support of the horrible tale. When asked about the death of Hochstetler the prisoner said: "So many false and improbable state ments have been made that I think it will be best to give The Dispatch the inside facts of the case. In the first place, the name of 'General Sigel' was only applied to me by my enemies, and I was not the chief of a band of moonshiners. There is plenty of white whisky made in the mountains, but of late years, at least, I have only been mak ing a little apple-jack; just enough for my own use, and that is not in violation of the law." "What was the cause of your quarrel with Hochstetler?" was asked. The Cause of the Quarrel. "Yoney and I fell out six or seven -years ago, when a doctor named Hunter came into the Laurel Hill region. Yoney believed that Hunter was a revenue department spy, and wanted to have him killed. I suppose he came to me more than a score of times with the suggestion that the doctor be put forever out of the way, but, of course, I would have nothing to do with any such proceedings. One night Hochstetler woke me up, rifle in hand, and said that it I did not go with him ana help kill Hnnter he would kill me. I aeain refused, and from that time Yoney constantly threatened my I 1UC "It was a year or more ago that the freundschoft,' the old moonshine organiza tion, was broken up, and Hochstetler at once tried to organize another one, which he called The New Constitution.' Young insisted on me joining this order and tak ing the oaths, which were accompanied by the sprinkling of whisky and other cere monies. I absolutely refused, as I had never taken an oath in my life, except that of allegiance to the United 8tates when I joined the army. Hochstetler and his fol lowers then accused me of being a traitor, "and publicly announced on many occasions 'that they would cause my ruin and death. They circulated all sorts of lies about me, when, as a matter of fact, this 'New Con stitution' band was a gang of outlaws as well as moonshiners. It was composed of people who would about as soon rob, and if necessary commit murder, as make illicit liquor, and they were doing that all the time. Hochstetler was makine whisky the I day of the raid last January, but he was moowshhtx cast. not disturbed, showing that he was playing false to both sides, and had the protection of the Government " "What was the Immediate cause of the tragedy?" was asked. A Resolute Claim of Self-Defens. "Ot course that is a matter which I don't like to talk about much'now, but what I did was in self-defense, as will be shown in court at the proper time. The fact was that both Pritts and myself were afraid of our lives, and were in constant apprehension of being attacked by Hochstetler. We wanted to make an information for surety of the J'leteher't Cabin, Where the Ifurderert BUL peace against him before the 'Squire, but feared that between the time the warrant was issujd and the constable could serve it' that Yoney would hear of it and wreak a terrible revenge upon us at an unguarded moment So when we heard he was coming along the road, we thought it would be a good plan to go and capture him, tie him to a tree with the rope we had along and then go after the warrant and have the constable serve it at once. This idea might not have been strictly according to law, but it was not a serious offense, at any rate. '1 think there were no shots fired during the scuffle. If one was fired it was in the air. When I called to Hochstetler to halt he picked up a rook and threw it at me, saying, .'Now I have you where I want you,' The stone struck partly on the gun and partly on my hand, bruising these knuckles as you see. He then picked np another stone and closed in on me, attacking me in the most vicious manner, so that I finally had to strike him with the gun In ab solute self defense. I had not the slightest intention of killing Hochstetler, and am verv sorry that the blow proved fatal. Wh'en Pritts gives himself up, as I think he will, he will corroborate my story, and I firmly believe that we will eventually- be acquitted." Tery XntaTUgeat tor His Class. Miller is by all odds the most intelligent of the mountaineers, can read and write, and has been a' subscriber for one of the county papers for the past 25. yean. He also took a little part in the politics of the rough district, being a strong 'Bepubliean. There is some foundation for Miller's story that Hochstetler had organized a band of outlaws some time ago. About 2)4 years ago one oi the best known school teachers oi Milford township was tramping over the mountain back ot Trent The day was hot and the teacher sat 'down on a log by the roadside to rest Suddenly he was seised from behind by two men, A strueele fol lowed. Finally freeing himself from the grasp of the rascals the teacher struck one of them, knocking him down, bnt in return received a stab in the arm and another that cut through his coat and Test, bat tailed to reach his body, from a knife in the hands of the second man. Finding that he was un equally matched the teacher fled. When he stopped running he found that his panta loon pockets had been turned wrong side ont and had been relieved of several dollars in silver. The revenue officials admit that they knew that Hochstetler was making moonshine whisky even-while'he was informing upon the others in the, business, but his services as a spy were of such value that it was de cided not to arrest him, at least unt)l every body else in the. district had been put be hind the bars. Young Hochstetler, better i t IT i i known as "Billy GeWe," whose picture ap pears witn mi lavonte rise in nis nana, was the person who acted as a go-between for the old man and the officers. Billy, who is nephew of the murdered man, came to Somerset county from Ohio about four years ago. He savs that his unole expected an attempt to kill him, and had been en deavoring to dispose of hii property for some time, in order to leave the region, A Party at Miller's Home. As showing the social customs of the mountaineers, it is said that a party was given last New Year's at Miller's barn-like residence, a picture of which accompanies this article. Apart of the entertainment MUler't Mountain Residence. consisted in dancing around a tree hung with various articles, something like a Christmas tree, among others a snake and an orange, two of the persona representing Adam and Eve. This party broke up in a general riot, but nobody was seriously in jured. The picture of Miller given is a good one, except that before his arrest the mountaineer wore a beard of immense pro- ortions, which made quite a difference in Is personal appearance. The illustration of the home of the mur dered man shows Mrs. Hochstetler and her daughter standing in the door. Both are of the usual type of mountain women, and at tired in a manner possibly pioturesque, but certainly not fashionable. The moonshine cabin of William Pritts, shown above, is lo- The Borne of Boehstetter. cated in one of the wildest spots in the Laurel Hill district The picture of the spot where Hochstetler's body was discov ered the day following the murder is a very faithful representation. When found he was iying with his feet in the little pool of water. His body was on a bank of sand near the large log. The Pletcher cabin shown is the place where Miller and Pritts stayed the night following the deed .of blood. Miller's moonshine cabin is located in a wild nook, especially adapted to the il licit business. Many persons believe that the tragedy and the recent raids will practically wipe' out the moonshine industry in Somerset county, but there are others who hold that it will only be temporarily affected, that the transparent beverage is even now being quietly made in the secluded wilds, and that as soon as the noise subsides operations will be resumed with the same vigor as for years past L. D. Bancbott. Buanra Is a powerful disinfectant, and kills roaohes, bedbugs and other insects the In stant it touches them. ii cents. Jnaarruax packed, hauled and stored. Havsb A Exsasx, S3 Water street wsa An old reliable house, managed by com petent and reliable people, whose -word Is their bond. Goods reliable at reasonable prices and terms. PIONEEBS-OF LOW PEICES. BEDROOM FURNITURE Tn Old English, XTL Century and Antique Oaks, Ma hogany, Walnut, Cherry, Maple and Ash, from prices ranging from $13 50 per set to tS75, and the choice or a se lection of one hundred different styles and prices. The most fastidious can be pleased here. CHILDREN'S CARRIAGES ONE OF OUR SUMMER SPECIALTIES. "We eater to your slightest wish. Mo work too hard to please the public Push, Enerjry and terms of settlement keeps us there. We are addressing these words, of course, to tnoso who we If we do not take care of It, then give It to some one who will. D6n't forget our only address. Onr Curtain Booms are fall of choloe bar cains. Sash Goods a specialty. The best Lace Curtain Stretchers In the city. An elegant variety of Chenille Portieres. XZSCUZD BY A DOO. lieutenant Fremont Tells How Little Fet Saved Whole Company. rwjMTTsar roa ran pisrATCH.i "Yes, 'Dick.' was a favorite! 'Dick' always counted one in the company; -every man olalmed 'Dick' as a comrade. Surprisingly young looking for his age, with his dark eyes, honest face, alert movements and ring ing bark." ' All this story was being told of "Dick." the company dog, way back in that summer of '"69" out in the Indian Territory. "He came from the East with us, joined in Jersey City. 'How did he come to join?' Well, to be honest, we were waiting on the platform for the train, to back in, and when the handsome dog cam up and made friends, soldierlike we just smuggled him on board. Our company .was ordered to march to the next fort and bring down a supply train. 'Steam?' Not much! Six-mule wagons. So one morning off we started, Dick with us as usual. "To make a long story short, the next afternoon found us surrounded by 400 or S00 Indians, our wagon animals kill edv and we unable to move, intrenched as best we might, with our wounded as comfortable as we could make them in the center of our circle. 'Safe?' Of course we were; that is, some of ns got hurt, of course, but they couldn't break our circle. And no more could we move. There we were, out on a wide prairie, only a few drops of water in our canteens and cut off from any way of getting more. That made it a question of moving and get ting killed; staying still and dying of. thirst, or getting aid from the fort Night came and volunteers for water tried to steal through the Indian lines. 'Get through?' No sir. Those plains Indians knew just the kind of a box they had us in, and no man, white or red, could have got past them. Every man that made the trial came run ning back for his life I ".Next day it was worse; hotter than ever, and what little water there was was kept for the wounded. And the meanest part of it was to look at the reds, some on horseback, some on the ground stretched out enjoying them selves out of range, and all of them free to ride over to the stream, whose cotton-wood-covered banks were in plain sight a few miles away. "Night came again, and I heard some body whistle; then 'Diok' was called soft ly. After a bit every man got orders not to let 'Dick' inside the lines. A message to the fort for aid had been rolled up in a piece of rubber blanket and tied around his neck. Our only hope was that he would start off for the fort and carry it, and that someone would untie the roll and read the message. -. "Every now and then DIck' would try to come up to where I lay in the circle. But it was only to be met with clods of earth that drove him off to try to find some friend who would welcome him as of old. "But every man's hand was against Dick' that night,and after a long time word was passed around that 'Dick was gone. Nobody conld see him at all events. But we had to wait for daylight to make sure the poor old boy was not lying down a little way from us, waiting for the dawn and the recognition we had never failed in giving him before. "Daylight came at last Then every eye was strained to find 'Dick.' But he was not there. And after the field-glasses had searched in vain for him, there rose a cheer on the morning air that brought the Indians to their feet, anxiously scanning the horizon all around for the cause. "Well, that little dog made his way to the fort, over the dark prairies, and swimming the streams, until, just after daybreak, about the time we were cheering. him back there in camp, he trotted op to the stable guard at one of the cavalry company's stables tired out "Well, it wasn't long after that that we saw our relief coming. And they brought 'Dick' with theml How we did pet himl But I often wondered what the little fel low thought that night after we had driven him off, as he trotted along through the dark to the fort! F. P. Fxexowt. ,::;: hodsefmisuing establishment in pittsbubg Full to the brim and overflowing with the cholcestline of Household Goods ever offered. Choice In Quality, Choice in Style and Choice In Price. CASH OR CREDIT IN EVERY DEPARTMENT. Every department a complete store of Itself and all under one roof. Our stock consists of everything con ceivable known to the housewife for the proper furnish ing; of ker home. Open an account with ua and we guar antee you'll never regret It, 1;,;:: stWP US ili lolfl hmhI III 1 sfll III IIIPHH ffi jM lull HI H si BlSSiiffiifliE fill 3m r 01 I El F jMSVSv tSvcSjtB Bin IIS nil I sW Itw1? 'i"iii I ii ii 'm JfflBJfflroDClflPIsMMIllliil BE EmSSB IWiErollfB JPfi 11 IBM r iisssSnrn 1 BJ- O nlsssBKK55ri5siyJA,i BrVmmm3Q&xmlSMnMKKBKmflMF HOPPER BROS. & CO., 307 WOOD ST. PIONEERS OF LOW PRICES 307 WOOD ST. m THE ADVENTURE' -Smt the beryl W BITTEN FOE "Holmes," said I, as I stood one morning In our bow window looking down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather sad that bis relatives should allow him to come ont alone." My friend rose lazily from his arm chair and stood with his hands in the pockets of his dressing gown looking over my shoulder. It was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day before still lay deep on the ground, shimmering brightly In the wintry sun. Down the center of Baker street it had been plowed into a brown, crumbly band by the traffic, but on either side and at the heaped up edges of the footpaths it still lay as white as when it felL The gray pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but was still danger ously slippery, so that there were fewer foot passengers than usual. Indeed, from the'direction of the Metropolitan station no one was coming save the simple gentle man whose eccentrlo conduct had drawn my attention. He was a man about SO, tall, portly, and imposing, with a massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was dressed in a somber yet rich style in black frock coat, shining hat, neat brown -caiterf, and well cut pearl-gray trousers. Yet his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little springs, such as a weary man gives who is little ac customed to' set any tax upon his lees. As he ran he jerked his hands up ana down, waggled his head, and writhed nis face into the most extraordinary contortions. "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is looking up at the numbers ofthe houses." "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his hands. "Yes, I rather fancy that he is coming to consult me professionally. I think that I recognize the symptoms. Hal did I not tell you?" As he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the clanging. A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the extreme limits of his reason. Then suddenly springing to his feet he beat his head against the wall with such force that we both rushed upon him and tore him away to the center of the room. Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy chair, and sitting beside him patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. "You nave come to tell me your story, have you not?" said he. "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have Pluck put us In tbe foremost rank and reliable (roods at reasonable prices and easiest never had the pleasure of Belling. Let us have a small part of your trade to start with. THE DISPATCH recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into any little problem which you may submit to me." The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over hia brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face toward us. "No doubt you think me mad," said he. "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. "God knows I have! A trouble which is enough to unseat my reason, so sudden and so terrible is it Public disgrace I might have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet borne a stain. Pri vate affliction also is the lot oi every man, but the two coming together and in so frightful a form have been enough to shake my very souL Besides it is not I alone; the very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found out of this horrible af fair." "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a clear account of who you are and what it is that has be fallen you." "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & Stevenson, of Threadneedla street" The name was indeed well known to us, as belonging to the senior partner in the second largest private banking concern in the city of London. What could have hap pened then to bring one of the foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass. We waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced himself to tell his storv. "f feel that time is of value," said he, "that is why I hastened here when the Police Inspector suggested that I should secure your co-operation. I came to Baker street by the the underground, and hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly throngh the snow. That is why I was so out of breath, fori am a man who takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking business as much de pends upon our being able to find remunera tive investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucra tive means of laying out money is is the shape of loans, where the security is unim peachable: We have done a good deal in this direction during the last few years, and there are many noble families to whom wa have advanced large sums upon the security ot their pictures, libraries, or plate. "Yesterday morning I was seated In my office at the bank when a card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I saw the name, for it was that of none other than well, perhaps even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name which is a household word all over tha earth one of the highest, noblest, most exalted, names in England. I was over- If one but tbe best goods kept by us, to be sold only at the lowest possible price. Ton will get a fall dollar's worth of value for every one hundred cents left us. Our past reputation insures tbe utmost confidence. PARLOR FURNITURE OUR OWN MAKE. It has no equal In the city. Any material of covering that you desire Is here at your disposal. Dagbestans. Brocatelles, Tapestries, Velours, Beps and Plushes. Silk and Mohair. Every color under the sun. The most ad mired article In your house Is your parlor suit have It nice have some taste about It EM III ONE OF OUR SUMMER SPECIALTIES. CABFXT3 AHD BUGS The largest selec tion in the city at prices that sell on sight. Prompt service given In making and lajw Ing of carpets. HERITORS ICE 1ST ' V'"J i 9 i ' m &. ll m iZZSiMS&n&l ES2i s
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers