l.'i -" -J B. F. SCHWEIER, THE CONSTITUTION-THE UNION-AND THE ENFORCEMENT OF THE LAWS. Editor and Proprietor. VOL. XUIJ. Mil at, ,,U- ') i "- It ... k Ma -u,x MIFFLINTOWN. JUNIATA COUNTY, PENNA.. WEDNESDAY. l'EliliUAUY 27. 1SSU. NO. 10. II r . "is 1 tV t.f n r i IC cement ; ' ' ,s non type t '"J'ent. Get iht (""Stress in uuu over THitE ASD M 1 1. lions. Total assc OL'R TEEN MlLLlONi rplus of more than Two lfMi li. ions of Dollar,. N '1 f, over 26S new bnsincis ja jggg ni company the 1 I" ::c-y. holders. grt ic-.iuc-tions from CKt-r l-,rk MiU-Ions ':o vnt-il tu.in interest -j . cr a.ul above cost u .:"ir ' 'ii t. t ti ituro. ex ratability; about . .i. m-i , about novel l.i it's adapted to i.-U.j Home OiTke, c'lu-tnut Street. ' i Inquiry by let- fi .-. prompt at- ' tu make hsodrnfc - " 1 Jul lit. It w.oi, .SS500a7S3 tn.. .jr for us: tv la " 'town Tbw pnjM '.:-.ri-:i.n u.the bMnrtn - .. i-.v iff thBio.-ta4,-cai 5 PUBLISHING CO. ILADELPHIA. PA. s STOPPED FREE r ivl IN S S .-. KkVE RESTORE N . , I GREASE. Po'. tfimcnt LANDS. SUF.1PTI0N . ,j--t m.t r.J jf ion,' MajkOM r.-. Lhr .it iaMi n r rj s i o 1 1 i.i:T W. AUAI! i.ii. I.r..r.-r'. S.t.ll Rl - Ihiu Knr b. r- onr our 4 : v I. upvr unjer bir - .. . -. . tu t .li.l-" ' Vlf?S ' . . r.r Su-J r:' propter Mfij. Co., Holly, mo. H'MTS . ':,T'!LF.H'.M'S,? .. -n.l IMrklll :i ! ..-':m.,il . SB..rtchM ... ., i, .trn. fiiimlu i ai h-tin. nlil''p. f -l lo hmiili. tSIS lift :.!, ill f,i.'lllatUI. .-aJT -ui i r tiKTti. uoorisrt i r luib N- VortCit FANrEDTs-S'S MPLOYfVIENr -k s S r. ft ur E PREPARATIONS. I O r.l. I .nhrl.-. i J'"J I I.M rrm, I 74 Ht. -"C. - cn FABMtM' MAW MILL. ii Ki. kd rtmiu jT saw T7 Im i-iii n.J Smiiiiii"-'"" ,rj N - " - - Actives I , :,..;ir V n ni I '"'A1 w, li'lSi numno Rm4J. )i for sue : sfigsgj J. 4.-7 MfcB -"-. fcnS'". 'Vt Tm J'rw Tort lie rail figures oat ttat tte !os ea account of Lb recent r.reet ca troubles in that city and Brooklyn is fi56,00a This Includes tte losses susuined by shopkeepers and theatre nanazers. Ix tLe tsts for color blindness amocg tbe ecglneers of the New Jersey OnUsl road the oldest man In the srIce came out with the highest hon ors. Xct only was bis sight better for Ion; distance purposes, but be was better able to distinguish the Tarioua 3tiai!e3 and colors. Tns k re teat emigration society at present Is the Argentine Republic It will spend this year $o,C90,000 to bring immigrants from the north of Europe alone. Ships from England, Holland and France are taking tnem orer in thousands. They live long down on the Island of Nantucket. O! the seventy-six who d:ed there in 1SS3, fire were infants; the average of the ages of the seventy, one is a hlUe over OS years, forty-two wera "0 or over, twenty-two were 80 or over, twelve had passed the 85 mark, three caw 90 years or more, and one, a womau, died at the age of J7 years and 1.5 Jays. Deaths from mining explosions In Eugiand for 18S3 were only 43. This - is the lowest record since 1851, when the number was first officially given. ' The lowest previous to 1388 was C5 deuti.1 in 1S-4. The highest record in the past 38 years was in 1SCG, when CoO lives were lost by explosions 300 of theee being covered by the one casualty at the Oaks Colliery. There are imrteen Islands in the Samoan group only three of them of any considerable value with u popula tion less numerous than that of the city of IiarriBburg. As a place of call for vessels trail leg tetween our Pacific ports aud New Zealand the Uulted States have a remote and roundabout interest In friendly relations with the inhabitants- but the interest Is more speculative than real. There is nothing in iaiuon for either America or Get many worth fighting for. Connecticut baa celebrated the 23Cth anniversary of ber State ConsLI tutlon. It was adopted in 10.59. Cou-r-..cut nuu.H have Ixren a clierrful and Meezy residence in that year of gr ice. Blaaphsmy was one of the criminal crimes; lielng was punished by Cues, whipping and the stocks, and if any family was gifted with a worthless son, who could work and woulJn't work, iuch a so a shall be put to death." Ax old man sauntered into the Cir cuit Court, San Francisco, recently and at once attracted attention on ac count of a great growth of hair on his Jead and face. He was approached by reporter, to whom he explained that his name was George Story and that he was 60 years old. lie left Nantucket Island in 149 for California, and eipected to return In a year or so. Before leaving be told his relatives that te would not use a pair of scissors on h!s bair or a razor on his face till be returned. He has not been home since, and as be kept bis word, his bair. wjlch is coal tlack, represents a rrowth of forty years. - a coRtiesroNDENT of the Boston Trunscrit-t. talking about cigarettes, says that "those bought by our boys are quite another thing from those comparatively Innocent ones smoked Cy Cubans and South Americans that set the fashion. Wrappers 'warranted rice paper,' are proven to be ordinary paper whitened with areenic In the 10 expensive popular brands, with cne exception, were found sufficient quan titleu of opium to create such a craving as could only be satisfied by an inces sant use of cigarettes or resort to pplum alone. We see many cases of lightning paralysis, insomnia. Insanity, unquestionably so produced, and the whole army of cigarette smokers show It in skin, weak eyes and weaker man hood." Cost or 1rodccino Wheat. The State Agricultural Department of Michigan has compiled figures on cost ot producing Wheat In that State in ISiS. The cost or producing and mar ketlog per acre in the four southern tiers of counties was f 13 55; central, 112 3o, and northern, $ 11 53. The yteld per acre In the southern counties was $ 19 28; central, 116 79; northern, 814 69, and the cost of production per bushel in the southern eountles is 66 cents; central, 04 cents, and northern, 67 6-10 cents. The average price per bushel on January 1st, in the southern and central tiers of counties was 97 Cents, and in the northern, 96 cents, showing a profit per bushel, after de ducting ail items, of 31 cents In south ern, 33 cents in central and 38 cents in northern counties. Tub rerort ot the Massachusetts commission appointed last year to look into the subject of grade crossings In that State and their gradual abolition la a highly interesting document. It hows that there are 22S0 crossings at grade, 1393 of which are unprotected iu any manner, and 748 overhead or unaerneath crossings. Daring the ten jeurs previous to January 1, 1S89, seventy-five crossings were abolished and 153 created. The commissioners est mate that the cost of doing away with all the grade crossings In Massa cauieta would reach $13,131,000, and they recommend that a law be passed iciuirlng railroads to abolish a percent age of these nuisances each year, meas ured according to their income. The evil must be one of great magnitude when such an enormous expenditure of money is needed for Its abatement, and accordingly the sooner the task of removing It is begun the better, not only in Massachusetts, but elsewhere. A NIGHT IX NEBRASKA. Comedy ot Terrors as Well mm ot IjTOM. Whenever I hear or read or nights of terror. I recall a night that I spent in Nebraska on the borders of an Indian reservation. There were two women and five children In the family, but neither man nor boy. I was visiting there and my mind was filled to overflowing with pictures of horrors perpetrated by the Indians who had terrorized the community with their depredations. On this particular night we had re tired early, the children "sleeping above stairs, my friend and myself in the second ot the two rooms which constit uted the lower floor. We had both been asleep when we were awakened by a atealthly footstep under the one window which was at the foot of the bed. One pane of glass was broken out, and as there was no glass nearer than Omaha, it had not been replaced. "Indians," sail my friend, in the sepulchral voice women use in the dead hour of the night. I was so frightened that I literally thought I should die. My heart poun ded like an engine, and I felt as if it certainly would smother. "Are they breaking in?" I asked. "No; they have been stealing more chickens. They won't trouble as Is the rifle there?" "Yes." I took hold ot it and waited to pound It on the floor. It was not loaded, and if it bad been 1 could not have hit a barn door with it, but I in tended to threaten dire things with It. Then some horrible black thing bounced into the pane where the glass was broken. It is an Indian's had," gasped my friend, in a fainting voice. As headless Indians were not a prod uct of the country, I began to wonder as to whether the aborigine could get In through the pane or not. A lamp burned very low in the other room. I could only discern a hotrld bulk in the window. "If you will get up and turn on the light, I will frighten him away with the gun," I suggested valiantly in a blood-curdling whisper. At that mo ment something happened. The head bounded into the room, and I could distinctly hear le say: "Ugh! ugh! howl" This is a true story. I shall never know how I did it, but In a twinkling I stood over that "head" with the lamp in one band, and the rifle clubbed In the other. It was an old black hen! The Indians bad visited the chicken bouse, and stolen a lot of the poultry, and one frightened forlorn thinr bad escaped, and down blindly or attracted by the light into the empty pane. My vivid imagination supplied the rest. Which Waa Best? Vacation was over, and the Glad ston Seminary girls, pretending to be half sorry, but really quite resignei to taking up work again, were talking over the summer. "We went to Campobello, said a fash'onable looking girl, with bangs and bangles, "and we did have the gayest time! Maud St. Clair was at the Owen, and we walked and talked and rowed together. Such fun!" "I wouldn't go to the sea for worlds!" said Kate May, scornfully. "We were at the mauntains; that is, we girls. Mamma couldn't go. Graudma was ill, and she had to stay with her." "We went camping," put in another. "Nobody need tell me about fun in the clothes. I wore blue flannel and lay abjut on the grass from morning till night." "Here comes Nan!" said a fourth. "She's burned enough for two." "Come here. Nan, and tell us what you did!" "Where did you go?" arose the chorus, for Nan was the popular girl of the class. "Oh, I didn't go anywhere," she an swered, gooJ naturedly. "Not anytclurtl'" ''Stayed in Glad stonl" "Weren't you dull? How in the world did you till up your time?" Nan began to count oil the items on her fingers: "I made bread, took care or the baby, mended stockings, washed dishes " "Stop! stop! W here were your house maid? And did they give you a char acter when you left?" "Ves," replied Nan, with com ins ure, though a flush ot pleasure stole into her cheeks. "Mother did. She said yesterday that this has beeu the pleasantest summer she had spent for years. I tell you, girls, it pays to be a housemaid when your mother can say that to you! The Chtuese and the Human Ilody. Both savage and semi-barbarous people have always exhibited a great r pugnanceto any surgical operation, however necessary, which Involvet am putation. The Noith China IleruUl, in commenting upon this circumstance, points out that the Chinese have always shown this lepugnance. not on account of fear of pain, for they are patient under all kinds of physical suffering, but because they look upon it as a duty to keep the body intact. If they sub mit to the amputation of a limb, they invariably ask for the severed member, and keep it In a box, to be buried in due time with the owner. Sometimes they will actually eat it, thinking it only right that that which has been taken from the body should be returned to It. On the same principle an ex tracted too:h will be carefully preserved or ground to powuer uu jmira iU water. Another curious phase of the Idea is seen In behalf that a sick par ent can be cured by broth made from flesh cut from a living child, and it is looked up n as a sign or filial piety for the child to submit himself to an opera tion for that purpose. Rhine Wine Scarce. The aunual wine auctions which nave lately been held in G.rmany show that good Rhine wines are unpre cedented scarce, and therefore prices have run very high, even for the sound table wines which are habitually drank in German families. All the wines of the 1330 vintage are already in the bands of the trade, and the growers have no stock on hand except last vear's wines, and a great quantity even or these bas been sold. The prospects or t vintage are favorable, both cn th j Rhine and on the Moselle, but overyttung will depend on. the weather. THE WAITER. GIRL'S LIFTS. BoniMhinc About the Good Angela Who Bring Haagrj Men Their Dinner. Hurry up or you'll be late. It's balf-past-flve now." borne such salutation as this wakes the pretty waiter girl these winter mornings and she must rise and dress quickly and walk perhaps a dozen squares, for riding is usually out of the question, since only the cars on certain lines are run so early. Promptly at six she is expected to reach the restaur ant where she is employed and she is on duty until seven at night. If smart and capable she receives three dollars a week and board. Waiter girls are not always pretty, says the Philadelphia Press, but they invariably are young. A gray haired woman of fifty who bas worked in a restaurant since she was nineteen, told me she could no longer obtain employ ment as a waitress. "A man doesn't want to look at an old face while he's eating," she ex plained. "It is hard to get a place in a restaurant, for the girls never leave unless they get married. They (now it they do leave they can't get back, aud when you've been a waitress a while you don't to do like anything else. Vou have your evenings after eight o'clock and one aiternoon a week and perhaps Sundays." Youth, good nature and steady nerves are the requisites of he suc cessful waiter gin. It is cot likely sue will ever forget her first day as a wait ress. Customers always notice a new face and if admiring glances are be stowed the other girls are jealous. "It doesn't do to change help often," said the proprietor ot a large restaur ant. "If a man cotms in au says: " Where's Mollie?' and MoUie's gone, te-i to one he goes, too. You see, Mollie knew Just bow he liked his cot fee and whether he preferred rare or well done meat, and what dishes h disliked or fancied, and he saved time when she waited on him. So, of course, he misses Mollie, anJ ptrhaps twenty or thirty others miss her, too. You can see it doesn't pay to let Mollie go if a dollar more a week will keep her, but few restaurant girly get over four dollars and board, and three dollars a week is all most of them earn." It is hard to believe that the awk ward country lassie, who askd In a timid whisper if you will have tea or coffee, and on being told the latter, brings you milk, will soon develop into the accomplished waitress who can take a dozen orders at once and carry stead ily a tray of heavy dishes and keep an apron clean two days. Restaurant men agree in preferring country girls who have left such quiet lives that they enjoy th excitement incident to au eating house, and willl at least stay until the novelty wears off, although once a waitress always a waitress seems to be the rule. "A restaurant Is a good place to study human nature," said a girl who bad been waitress eight years In one place. "Did you ever know a man good-natured when he's hungry? Now, imagine waiting on fifty hungry men in an hour, and near.y every one of U.em calling to you to step lively and not bs ail day when you're hardly taaing time to breathe. Then some one will ask, 'isn't my soup ever coming?' 'In a minute, sir,' I'd tell him and he'll take out his watch and say, 'Now, I'll time you, and when the minute is up and no soup he's madder than ever. "Four girls and myself have waited on six hundred men In three hours, and 1 tooa in the cash. too. We called this 'al.nglng hash. The man 1 dread waiting on is the one who orders a firteen-cent dinner just because he's too t-tingj to pay for a fifty cent meal. I'oor men are never any trouble; it's the mean rich ones I hate to see com) In the door, and I'd rather wait on ten men than one woman. I never a:cept fees. Sometimes a gentleaian will leave a quarter under bis plate, but 1 put it in the cash drawer with a check." What are called '.'half-time girls" work from eleven to three, thus help ing through the busiest part of the day. These girls receive two dollars per week, and most of them have com fortable homes, only needing to earu their clothes. They are a well dressed crowd, who talk about "going to the store," and would think it a great hardship to be obliged to rise at half past five and work until seven, like the "full time" girls. Of course the popular restaurant girls are glad when Christmas comes and are often loaded down with gifts. Often a subscription book is started and the girl's friends put down their names for a certain amount, I beard of a waitress who received in this way thirty dollars besides being given sev eral boxes of handkerchiefs, bottles ot Cologne, books and some ten pounds of candy. A gold watch Is no uncommon gift and certainly at holiday time the pretty waitress fares very well. THE LEAD XICKEU The I 'art it Played in a Closely Con tested Campaign. Every body who bas lived In the Soath must have observed tuac one or the most remarkable features of the development of the African race since emancipation is the facility with which they have dropped Into politics. Sot only do such representatives of the colored raca as Fred Douglass and others understand how to press their claims, but the most ignorant darkey can develop a keenness at a political bargain that disgusts the average white candidate in search of votes. Uncle Mom, who is president of the Rising Sons of Libertv Lodge No. 8,974, and who also whitewashes fences and chops wood during the season of political inactivity, took a mean ad vantage in uie recent eieciiou ot a too credulous candidate. He dropped into the office of a prom inent candidate and was cordially welsomed. The Rising Sons of Lib erty poll fifty votes, are well disci plined and thoroughly organized. They vote solid when they do vote, and they vote as often as any other organisation of Galveston Island, or as often as they can with safety; hence there was a vise-like nrmness in tne canaiaaie s grip of the old man's "pickers and stealers." "I has come to you for some advice, Kurnel. as I doan know nuffln 'bout pullylics. We ain't fit, nohow, to mix ud in Dollyf.cs." "Why Uncle Mose, I look upon you as oue of the most intelligent ot your race. I can learn from you." Tha old man shook his bead depre cating ly. and. producing a nickel, asked. "Kurnel, how much am a nickel wuffr" "Ha! ha! ha! verv rood. I have always said there is more genuine hu mor in the African race than in any other." "But, ser' us. boss: how mush is It wuff?" "Five cents." "Jess 'zamlne. dat er coin. boss, en' lemme know bits cash value." The candidate took the coin, exam ined it, and returned it with the re mark that it was not worth anything, as it was a bad nickel. "But sposin' I controls fifty votes ob de RIsin' Sons ob Liberty?" "A most worthy organisation." "An' sposin' I was to tell them vo ters dat a prominent cannerdate had cheated dis ole niggah?" "Who was it?" asked the candidate breathlessly. "Webber mind, boss: I'se huntin' for information now. S'posin' 1 was to tell 'em one ob the cannerdates had gub me dat ar lead nickel?" The candidate looked worried, and again asked the name of the fiendish candidate. "As Noah said unto David: 'Thou art the man I' You gub me dat ar nickel in de change for whitewashin' your fence. I has done work for de udder four candidates, and you is de only one who bas taken advantage ob de ignorance and simplicity ob de col led race. De secret has been confined to my own breast, but hit am strug gling foah freedom. Boss, how much did i bean you say dis lead nickel am wuff in a close election like dis heah one is g wine to be?" liie Caucasian stateman rested his massive brow on his hand and thought and thought. "lilt's getting late, and dar am a bizuess meetin' ob de Risin Sons dis ebenln'." The statesman wrote in a bold. round hand (50 on a blotting pad, and pushed it across the table. The old man took the pencil and changed the 85'J to $ 100. "They will not support any other candidate?" asked the victim. "Does I look like a deceptive, onre- llable niggah? Djes I look like a fictitious cullud man? De Rtsin' Sons will rally 'round yer like yer was a demijohn." The money was paid over, the can didate remarking: "This is my contribution to establish a school in your ward. I want to see the colored mau more Intelligent, I do." "I hope dar am no moah lead nickels in dis money.' "I hope so, to.,' "We needs schools powerful bad. bekase we is ignorant and liable to be tuck in by desigmn bad men." "But now give me that nickel." re plied the candidate." "Heah it am. I amt got no moah use foah It. You is de las' candidate 1 have been to see wid dat ar nickel, . I have done cleared more den three hun dred dollars wld dat nickel. All de udder three candidates has done paid up dar assessments, heah I heah I" and the old scoundrel went off into one of his indescribable guffaws. When be got outside, however, be said to himself: "I knows now dat all de candidates 13 in the habit of palmin oil lead nickels on neassighted old niggahs, an' ef I don't Iooa out dey will fool me. I tells yer, de candidates, black or white, won't do to tie to, but all de green dey finds in my eye ain't gwine ter pay 'em to harvest." The Storjr Which a. Southern Con greaaman Tells on Himself. Congressman Hillary Herbert, of Alabama, tells a pretty good story on himself. It's an election day yarn, so that it's a little late, but it may go. He was in Montgomery on the day of election, when an old darkey, who had known him for years, came along and asked him for the loan of a dollar, adding In order to Inspire confidence, that he would vote for him. "Get out," replied Herbert. "You'll never vote for me. You've been a Republican all your life." Mr. Herbert chased him away and so it went on several times. Each time Mr. Herbert's would b9 constituent became more anxious. About 3 o'clock in the afternoon Mr. Herbert saw his colored friend slide up to the polls very cautiously and drop Into the box a large, open, unadulterated, straight Republican ticket. By and by the old fellow traced Herbert again, uncon scious that Herbert had seen his vote. "Deed, Mars3 Hillary, I want dat dollar. I'm gone right straight up and drop my vote for you, sho." "Why, you miserable old humbug," thundered Herbert. "Didn't I just see you vote the Republican ticket?" The ancient voter was staggered just one little second. Then with a long, deep sigh, he grinned and said: "Dat's all right, Marse Hillary, but they'll count it for you just the same anyhow. Now gimme that dollar." He got that dollar. Antiquity or Gold. Gold la first mentioned in the eleventh verse of the second chapter of Genesis, 4004 years before Christ. It Is men tioned as one of the elements ot Abram's riches in Genesis, thirteenth chapter, second verse, 1913 years before Christ. The Egyptians used gold as money at a very early but unknown period, but first in the form of rings, which opened and could be strung together. It is probable that gold was used as money at the time Abraham bought the field of Macilah, though he paid for that in silver 'current with the merchant. That was 1875 years before Chist. This probably is increased by the fact above stated that gold was reckoned as a part of the riches of Abram. According to Herodotus, the invention of the coin age ot gold belongs to Lydia, about 750 years before Christ. High authority aays that trold was first coined in the Island of iElna, and other authorities say the Persians first coined gold. And very high authority says the first coin age or gold was at Miletus. But the fact of the first coinage of gold has never been and probably never will be certainly ascertained. The Harvest Moon. The "harvest moon" is so called from the fact that in tbe early autumn days when grain and fruit are being taken from the fields, there is scarcely sny darkness intervening between the clo e of day and the beginning of night. The moon rises early ahd gives a bril liant light, by means of which the har vesters work until late at night to secure the crops. Tbe harvest moon has long been a favorite theme with the poet. I'm Roaming The r ar iiwajr. I'm roaming now, tbe far away; I'm bid in nteti of time that's cone. I'm back Into tbe dew and dawn, And bud and bloom of childhood's day. I'm tac beoeath tbe threshold tree, Where hands offender wooing may Shake from the bough in sportivs play, A fcbcw'r of flow'rs over me. A show'r of flow'rs with hearts of pink, With feath'ry petals, white as death, That move with ev'ry breeze's breath. Like litlie revelers gay with drink. Yes, move about like things of life. And sad as human souls bereft Of virtue's jewel and then left, Where inhumanity is rife. I'm Lack o'er wittered leaves and lorn, Back where broon feet of cladness chase Joy's butterflies in merry race. And bright eyed, white-robed hope is born. Back to the door or rapture's goal. Back where contenltneut flaunts and Allies Her spanglrd banner, and loud sings, Aud trunis the lute-strines of the souL I'ME GHOSTS ENTRAPPED. The gray mere stood at the gate, 'all saddled and bridled and ready for Cight. In the kitchen of the comfort able farmhouse the rider stood booted and spurred, but only dimly visible through tbe midst of odorous steam and smoke, talking to bis mother a bright, comely little woman of about Dfty. But surely, Will, she was saying, 'since be knows you have the money ready in the bank to pay him, be will wait until to-morrow.' No, mother,' he replied; 'ths time has expired and to-moirow is the last day of grace. He says if he don't get the money when he calls for it he will turn us out on tbe moment, and I have occasion to believe that be would be only too glad to keep his word. Well. well. I suppose you must go. But don't be late and don't forget to call on Miss Patty, and don't, above all things. let any one know about the money.' 'Don't worry about that, mother. No one knows my errand, and. after all, it's only a short two hours' ride each way, and I shall be home by dark, whatever happens. So good -by and don't fret.' Good-by ,' answered his mother, and in another minute Will Eckhart was in tbe saddle, and old Jayne was gayly cantering over the frosty road toward Alleutown, twelve miles distant from the "Corners' Mr. Eckhart, senior, had died several years since, leaving his property mort gaged to Squire langaon. v ill naa struggled manfully under this heavy burden of debt, and had nearly suc ceeded in clearing the little farm, when the old squire died and his sou, Rupert, succeeded bim. Will and the young squire were no strangers. In fact, Cupid, with his usual perversity and waywardness, in wigging his shining dart at Will, had managed at tbe same time to wound Rupert Langdon deeply in the same plac . And so they became rivals for the band and heart of little JJeborah Brown. Now, in spite of tbe fact that Rupert was in every way the belter ma ten. being a great deal richer, and at least as handsome as Will. Debby took it into her head, for some inexplicable reason, to prefer the latter a proceed ing that filled Rupett Laugdon's heart with a hatied for Wil as deep and Imolacable as was his love for Del by But he had the pride and self-control to bide his real feelings completely until the right time came. A bad year for the crops, and the mysterious death of several heads of valuable stock, had made it necessary for Will to ask a further extension of time on the mortgage a favor he had not the least doubt of receiving, as the old squire had always granted it readllv. Then it was that Rupert had torn aside the mask and for the first tine Bbown his real feelings. He told Will that on the first day of January he would foreclose the mortgage if every cent of the debt were not forthcoming on demand, and that in the meantime be, Rupert, proposed to do all in his power to prevent bim from raising the amount. He told Will. Desiae, many other things of an equally pleasing nature, denouncing his "unuernano trickery" in bis suit witu ueuuy, ana concluded by ordering him out of the bouse. New Year bad been decided upon as the day for Will's and Debby 's wed ding, but after this interview with Rupert, Will went to Debby and told her it must be postponed, and why. But Debby replied with spirit that, so far as she was concerned, she was will ing to take ber chances with Will under any circumstances, and that If she had her way there would be no postpone ment on account of Rupert I.angdon's threat, though, if Will insisted, the postponement would be for a very Indefinite period. Whereupon Will rapturously declared she was a etc.. etc., and that they would be married on New Year's Day, if the ceremony bad to be performed in one of the neighboring fields. And then, like a sensib e fellow, he set to work to raise tbe necessary amount of money to pay tbe debt on time. He soon round borrowing out of the question, as Rupert bad closed that avenue of escape most securely, and he was getting pretty well discouraged as the time drew nearer, when, by a lucky little speculation, he bad made more than the amount he needed. Aud thus it was that, having received word that the money was waiting for him in tbe bank at Allentown, we find him on tbe road there to get It. He reached Allentown In good sea son, and was soon in the private office of the bank. But tbe business required a much longer time than he had imag ined, and by tbe time it was concluded it was almo t dark. Then he remembered bis mother's message to Miss Patty, and betook himself there in baste. Remembering that lady's remarkable loquacity, he resolved before entering not to stay a moment longer than necessary to de liver the message. But alas for good resolutions? Once in Miss Patty's cozy parlor, and folly undei the influence of ber genial com panionship and old current wine, be forgot the flight of time until tbe little clock on the mantelpiece ticked the hour of eight. Then be started, and waa soon on his way home, reproaching bimself for his tardiness, and the worry his delay would cause his mother. All went well with him for an hour, when suddenly old Jane slipped down on ber knees, groaned, got up, limped and refused to move. He dismounted, and after a good deal of persuasion. induced her to follow aim. Then It began to snow, the flakes, large and j feathery, clinging to bim until he was completely covered, and the ground was as white as himself. Ten miles to walk with a lame horse 1 whose progress was slower than his own. He could not possibly reach home before midnight. His feelings toward Miss Patty at that moment can bet'.er be imagined than described. In the course of an hour, however. the old mare's limp began to get better, and, mounting, he found her able to get over the ground at quite a lively gait, probably because her instinct told her that home was not far away. And her instinct was true, for they soon came in sight of the old oak. belter known as the 'haunted-tree,' which stood close to tbe road about a mile out of tbe village. V ill, up to this lime, had forgotten ail about his money in the accumula tion of incidents which bad befallen him; but tbe sight of the tree, and the twinkling lights of the village faintly visible through the thickly falling snow. brought It to his mind; and, turning his head slightly aside, he placed his right band on bis breast to assure him self that it was all right just as he came abreast of the tree. As he did this, he saw for an instant a couple of white, shadowy forms appear at his side, felt a sharp, burn ing pain in the back of bis bead, accompanied by a crashing noise, and then oblivion! In course of time he came to himself again, and found him self lying in the road. The mare was gone. He struggled to his feet, his head aching as though it would burst, bathed his face in snow, which was still fall ing, and started for home again. Then he thought of tbe money, aud his heart sank within him as he felt in his pocket and found it gone. Arriving at home, he found the mare waiting at the gate, by which token he was sure his mother had not heard her come, and not wishing to alarm her, he led old Jane to her stable as quietly as possible. He went to the house, wondering if he had better tell his mother all then or wait till morning. As his step fell on the threshold she opened the door, lie bad no time to collect himself, and as the light streamed out and fell upon his face she started and turned pale. Then, leading him over to a seat by tne nrepiace, she said quietly, though her Hps trembled: What is it, my son. Do not tear to tell me everything. What has bap pened?' Thereupon, with many bitter com ments, he told his story. 'Well,' said Mrs. Eckhart, when be had finished, 'it is a hard blow for us both, and this will be a terrible trial for us to leave the home we have made by years of work and sacrifice; and at this time, too. above all others. Think of all my pies, and that wedding cake that I took so much pains with! I'm sure I don't know what will be come of them!' Will sat silent by the fire, his head bowed upon his hands. Come, my son,' continued Mrs. Eckhart, 'let us go to bed now, and get such rest as we may, in order to be better prepared to meet whatever may come to-morrow. And who knows? They say a bad beginning makes a good ending; and remember tbe same Providence who has kept us all these years still watches over us.' About the time that Will was enjoy ing Miss Patty's company and currant wine at Allentown, the store at the Corners was crowded with people trad ing, gossiping, and having a good time generally. Among the merriest was a group of men occupying a warm place by tbe fire in the back part of the store. They were listening to a story being told by one of their number, a man past middle age. who sat facing tbe group. Old Benson, as he was familiarly known, was the proverbial 'old settler' of the C irners. His one great weak ness was for old rye, disguised with a small portion of hot water and brown sugar or molasses. To judge from his appearance and utterance, he had been indulging even more freely than usual in his favorite beverage, and held a goodly mug of it in his hand at the moment. 'I remember the night's if 'twas y est 'day,' he was saying. 'The old man was comin' 'long 'bout twelve o'clock, 'n just 's ho gits alongside o' the tree, out jumps two robbers, knocks him offen his boss, takes the money out o his pocket, aud buries it by the tree. Next mornin' we finds tracks in the snow, an' one o' us sees the snow by the foot of the tree don't look right, an' gives it a kick, an' there he finds the whole where they'd buried the wallet. Wall, we took the wallet out an' covered the place over again, an' packed tbe old man home deader'n a door nail. Then eight or ten on us waits for 'em by the tree the nex' night, an', sure 'nougb, they come au' we nabs 'em, an' they was tried an' convicted an' hung on a limb o' that very tree till they was dead, dead, dead! An' ever since then, on New Year's Eve, 'bout twelve o'clock, the ghost o' the old man rides past there, an' tbe ghosts o' the robbers come out and kill him, an' then all o 'em melt away.' A short silence greeted the old man's yarn, then one of the younger men in the party said: 'Do you believe tbe ghost part of that story, Benson?' 'Wall,' he replied evasively, 'I have never seen 'ein.' But do you believe in ghosts?' per sisted his interlocutor.' 'No,' be answered. 'Not them kind o' ghosts.' 'I'll bet you a gallon of rye that you're afraid to go there to-night at twelve o'clock,' said another. Now look here, young man,' said Benson, severely, 'I don't like to bet on a sure thing like that. But if you're agoin' to lnslnerate as I'm airald to go, I'll go. All right,' waa the reply. 'You start from here at 11 o'clock, and I'll put up the rye. You take this pencil and make a cross on the tree, and in the morning we'll go out there, and if we find your mark there you shall have the stuff.' Tbe tet was made, and Benson was the hero of the hour and he made tbe most or the situation. Now, when Benson made the wager, he had not tbe slightest idja or going anywhere near the tree. Like many more or the eld inhabitants of the Corners, be believed a good deal more In the ghosts of tbe haunted tree than be w.s willing to own, and, like his neighbors, would go a mile out of bis way any time rather than pass there at nlgbt. But by the time the clock pointed to eleven, the old man's mug bad been filled and emptied so many times that he was ready to face ghosts or anything else; so, after a parting cup, be left the store aud started along the road to the ghostly rendezvous. Benson was in the habit of being in that stage of intoxication commonly called "three sheets," but this time he was loaded to tbe thwarts; and several times the ground flew suddenly up in his face, aud he felt compelled to call upon himself to "brace up," "toe tbe mark," etc, so that be was nearly an hour staggering to his destination. When be came In sight of the tree be didn't feel nearly so brave as before, and, taking out bis handkerchief, held it to nis eyes until be was sure he was well past tbe fatal spot. When at last he ventured to look around, he found himself about fifty feet away from the tree, near the end of a fence; and behind this fence be took his station, wondering whether it would be wiser to go back down the roa I or to make a detour past the tree. While he was thinking tbe mat'.er over he raised his eyes, and there he saw a white object white even through the fast falling snow gilding silently past. He groaned and tried to shut bis i eyes, but they would stay open and remain rivlted upon the white object in the road. In a minute more it was opposite the tree, and, just as Benson exiectad, two white forms glided out; there was a blow, a groan, and then the old man fell back, senseless with terror. But the falling snow on his face revived bim, and, perfectly sober now, be pulled his hat down over his eyes, and, getting in the road, male a bee line for home. And how he did run! Away be went as If a whole legion of ghosts were after him, panting tor breath; slipping aud stumbling at every step, while eveu the wind seemed trying with invisible hands to Impede bis progress. In spite of all these real aud imagin ary obstacles, however, old Benson managed to get along at a fair rate of sieed, and at last it seemed an age to him he reached the door of his house, and, dashing in, fell into a chair by the fire. 'For the land's sake, John Benson,' cried his wife. 'What's the matter with you? I do believe, she added, as she watched the old man walk across tbe room to bang up his coat and hat, 'I do believe he's sober! '1'es, Betsey,' he said huskily, I am sober, and. what's more, I'm going to stay sober for the rest of my nat'ral life. 'I've heard that before, John Ben son,' replied bis wife, shaking her head. 'Why, man, you look as if you had seen a ghost I' she added, for the first time noticing his white, scared face. Oh, Lord I D-don't say ghosts to me I That's just what 1 have been a-doing a-seeing ghosts!' Betsy, whose womanly curiosity was now fully aroused, soon bad the old man's story, with such embellishments as bis heated imagination suggested. 'Now, Betsy, don't you think that them waa ghosts?' he added, solemnly, when be bad finished his narrative. 'Yes, John Benson.' she auswered, 'I do believe they was ghosts, and I be lieve you'll Bee them after this when ever you get tight, for trying to see ttem when you was tight. Yes, John, they was ghoits. 'That's what I believe, and I alters will believe it. too,' said the old man. 'You always will, if I can make you,' thought Betsy. 'And I'll never git tight again, old lady you see If I do.' And he never did. Will's wedding morning dawned bright and clear at the Comers. Down at the store excited groups were dis cussing tbe robbery of the night before, which by this time had become widely circulated. Presently old Benson came in and joined the group. He was sober and tidily dressed, and his appearance was tbe occasion of much surprise. Then one said jokingly: 'Here's the old man come to claim bis bet.' A roar of laughter greeted this re mark. 'Did you see the ghosts, Benson?' asked another. 'Neighbors,' said the old man, im pressively, 'I did see the ghosts. 1 don't expect to be believed, but 1 do say I saw them ghosts, as true as I'm a living man.' There was a short silence, and then Benson was pressed to narrate his experience of the nlgbt before, and. neeJless to say, he soon complied, first relusing numerous offers to 'take some thing.' After he had Gnlshed bis story, a young man. a friend of Will's, who had listened quietly but Intently to the story, arose, and, beckoning to a couple of other young men, led the way out of the store and on up the road to the haunted tree. The snow of the night before bad obliterated all traces of what had taken place there, but in kicking up the snow they discovered, first a large blue silk handkerchief marked "it. L.," beautifully embroidered in one corner, and later, a spot where tbe earth had been quite recently disturbed. A pick and shovel were soon brought to band, and a shallow excavation revealed a large leathern wallet Then they proceeded directly to the Eekhart farm and held a long consultation, with the result that the sheriff of tbe county was soon stowed away in tbe house. Well, in due time tbe wedding guests arrived, the ceremony was performed, and, just as everbody was offering con gratulations to the happy couple before repairing to the dining-room, there came a loud knock at tbe door, and Rupert Langdon and a constable en tered. 'Ah,' be exclaimed with a sneer, as be looked around at the assembled com pany. 'Ah, Eckhart, I'm sorry to disturb you, I'm sure; but business is business, you know, and I've called for the money you owe me. I suppose you've got it all ready?' 'Yes, Rupert Langdon.' answered Will, handing bim a roll of bills, 'there is your money: And,' he added in a louder tone, 'sheriff, here is your pris oner!' Tbe door of another room opened, and the sheriff entered, accompanied by tbe three young men before men tioned, with two others, upon whose wrists glittered the iron shackles of tbe law, and Rupert Langdon, with the money In bis band, was arrested for highway robbery, and lodged in jail with bis two confederates. And joy reigned supreme In Will Eckhart 's home that night. Forged notes and bogus checks may be classed as guilt-edged paper. Tbe dark places of the earth us full of tha habitations of cruelty. XKWS'liN BlilEF. The Avars were barbarians who ravaged Pannonla and annoyed the Eastern empire in the sixth and seveuth centuries. They were subdued by Charlemagne about 799, after an eight years war. Harvard College was founded in 1C3S; College or William and Mary, 1693; Yale, 1700; Princeton, 1746; Co lumbia. 1754; University of Pennsylv ania, 17S5; Brown. 1704; Dartmouth, 17G9; Rutgers, 1770: Williams, 179; Amherst, 1321; Bowdoin, 1793. The Sevres dessert service In Wind sor Castle Is valued by an expert at fully 100,000. the punchbowl alone being estimated at A10.000. The value of the china at Buckingham Palace and that of Windsor together is thought to exoed considerably X'200,000. The average expectancy of life for drunkards and the total by abstinent Is respectively as follows: At the age of twenty. 15 aud 44 ye.us; thirty, 14 and 30; fori y, 11 and 29. The ratio of in sane; drunkards to all iusaue persons in the United States is 26 per cent. There are about six thousand dif ferent descriptions of postage stamps In exlsUnce. The museum ot the Berlin post-office alone contains be tween four and five thousand speci mens, of which half are from Europe, and the remainder divided between Asia. Africa, America and Australia. A lady lost her wedding ring 16 years ago, so the story goes, at Muir sluel Farm, near Glasgow, Scotland, while walking iu a cornfield, and gave up all hope of ever seeing it again. But recently she was aereeably sur prise'! at receiving word that the ring bad beeu turned up in plowing. It was as bright as when lost. A "cheeky" thief has been discov ered In Lima, Ohio. He is a boy, too, and after robbing a shoe store returned with some of the booty and endeavored to effect an exchange for a pair of shoes that would lit him. It turned out that he had stolen the goods, and the proprietor had him and two youth ful pals arrested. M, Jaqties, the unsuccessful can didate in Paris against Boulauger, estimates that his election expenses amounted to 2,000,000 francs. The chief expense was for bill sticking, 100,000 being pasted up everv day iu competition with a still larger number put up by Boulauger. But the ques tion is where does the latter get bis ruouey ? Edward Day, of New Yoik, bas just completed a pair of shoes which General Harrison will wear on inaugu ration day. They are made from American products and by Amerlcau labor. They are button shoes, with patent-leather bottoms and sheepskin tops, and the size is six and one half, Mr. Day will send them to the President-elect at once. The growers of India tea are look ing with longing eyes towards the United States as an outlet for their product, which is increasing year by year. They have already obtained a firm foothold In Great Britain, where their product bas been found to be admirably adapted to the purposes of blending, and they now seek to pro mote its sale in this country. The generous and patient public, in default of genuine winter weather, may prepare for high-priced Ice next Bummer. Even though the moat favor able anticipations of the Ice-gatherer should be realized, the crop will be one of the shortest on record. The connection between ice supply and public mortality is close aud distinct enough to warrant the clashing of a light ice crop as a public misfortune. There seems to be a manifest de lire among women's clubs everywhere to take up the study of political economy. It is said that during the last few months 213 clubs of women have been organized for this purpose, and the end is not yet. "This is all right," says the New York Sun, "and deserves to be commended. Political economy is an excellent held of study for women as well as for men. It in volves questions of importance to tbe human family, and Its study promotes intellectual development. Let it go on." At the President's reception was a man naued Decker, and as he ap proached the President he told Colonel Wilson in confidence that his name was such an easy one that it could not be mistaken. "Happy to meet you, Mr. Cracker," said the President. "Happy to meet you, Mr. Baker," said Mrs. Cleveland. ''Mr. Sacker," mur mured Miss Bayard, doufrfullv. Happy to meet you, Mr. Black,' said Mrs. Whitney, confidently. Mr. Decker was afterward seen looking at one of his cards to see what his name was. The hundreds of dressmakers and purchasing agents who have been allowed commissions on purchases ranging from 5 to 2 ) per cent, by the leading dry goods firms of Philadel phia aic in consternation over circulars issued recently, stating that hereafter no commissions will be allowed. The firms that have issued these circulars are John Wanamaker. Darlington, Runk. & Co., Granville B. Haines & Co., Strawbndge & Clothier, Homer, Coliaday & Co., Mharplesa Brothers, Partridge & Richardson, aud some others. For the six months ending Decem ber 31, 1-U-S7. the exiNirts ot breadstufis from the United States were less by $11,590,000 than for the same iierlod of the preceding year. At New York alone the decrease was tl0.3ij0.U00, and a decline was shown at Boston, Phila delphia and Baltimore. New Orleans showed a slight increase, and the ex ports by way of Pacific coast ports increased by 17.500,000. The corn ex ports from the United States for the six months were $11,400,000 in value, compared with $0. 300.000 last year; wheat. 25,900,000, compared with $3rt,300.lMA); and wheat flour. $23,200, UU0, compared with $2-J.4'X,000. According to Boston papers there Is a new feature of life in the universal Huh. It is the business girl. She is not afraid of a man and doesn't bother her head about catching oue. Abe dresses faultlessly, looks her prettiest, has a sort voice, but does not flirt dur ing business hours. She comes in on tbe steam or horse cars and shows her good sense by taking a crowd as a mat ter of course, and does not distuib others with disagreeable, telu'ant ways when she has to stand. Mie Is like a man In two things. First, she dresses at home and never appears to thick of her clothes again until she changes them; seeond, she rega ds men as they do each other, iu perfect equality and with perfect confidence. A 1 2. ' 1 I .-. T".
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers