VOL XXXI
THE CLEVELAND BICYCLE.
Constructed of the best known ma
terially the best skilled labor, fitted with
the best b^arings in the world, that are
positively dust proof. The most resilient
tire yet invented—that can In* repaired
quicker and easier than anv other tiro in
the market. Every wheel guaranteed.
-'"i
ROADSTER
CLEVELAND NO. 8.
Another great point
The Punctures Competition
Is the all around excellence of the
CLEVELAND WHEELS.
That explains their popularity.
For Information, Prices, Etc. Address
H. A. LOZIER ft GO. , Cleveland, Ohio,)
OR
J. E. FORSYTHE, A t ,ent.
BUTLER, PA.
AGENTS WANTED.
HUMTOGET)!
1 DONT BE HUMBUGGED. 1
Don't buy a vehicle'or harness of any kind from a dealer who (
don't care what he tells you. Don't buy from a dealer who don't
know the quality of the article he is selling you.
"Never misrepresent nor try to get rich off one customer" has
been our motto for 12 years and in that time you have never heard ■
of us having any trouble with any person who has dealt with 11s. Our
experience in the business enables us to assist you in making selec
tions of what will suit your purpose and we tell you just the kind of
material it is made of. We guarantee what we tell you to be true and
Aand right over it. We buy everything for cash. We pay no rent.
We have more stock than any house in the State in the same line and
SELL CHEAPER.
There is no doubt about this. Come and see. No difference what
you want about a team, buggy or horse come to us and get a d >llar's
worth for a dollar. Top Buggies $44.50; Buckwagons $33; Horse
Collars, either buggy or team, si.oo; Buggy Whips 10c; Rawhide
B u ggy Whips 50c; Whalebone Whips, one-half length, 50c. Two
seat Spring Wagons S3B; Buggy Tops, good rubber, $9.50; Single
trees, Shafts, Wheels, Sweat Pads, Check Lines and everything be
longing to harness.
HI Our Own Make Team Harness $22 Hi
complete, with breeching and collars. All kinds of harness and parts
of harness made to order. We employ the best workmen and use
the best leather.
Come and see us. We never advertised a lie in our life and are
not doing it now.
S. B. Martincourt & Co.
128 East Jefferson Street,
BUTLER, - PA.
P. S. Price reduced on Kramer Wagons, the best wagon on
earth and everybody knows it.
THE HARDOAN ART COHPANY.
We are located now at i;o Scith Main Street, adjoining
the Butler Saving.-. Bank. Our rooms are large, fine and
commodious. Photographic enlargements and Life Size,
Hand Made Finished Portraits by the finest French artists
obtainable. In photographs we give you results and effects
that cannot be produced outside of our Studio. We use
only Standard Brand Collodion Paper and not Gelatine, a
cheep and inferior paper used by many. Picture and Por
trait frames; special prices to jobbers. Compare our work
with any Standard Work made or sold in the state. Our
victorious motto, "We harmonize the finest work with the
promptest service and the lowest prices for the quality of
work." Beware of tramp artists and irresponsible parties
and strangers. Have your work done by reliable and re
sponsible parties that guarantee all work satistactory. Call
and examine our work and samples and read our many tes
timonials.
THE HARDMAN ART COMPANY.
J. S. YOUNG. WM. COOPER
YOUNG & COOPER,
I MERCHANT TAILORS I
Have opened at S. E. corner of Main and Diamond Streets, Butler,
with all the latest styles in Spring Suitings. Fit and
Workmanship Guaranted. Prices as low as
the lowest. TRY US.
THE BUTLER CITIZEN.
jr. I^Cheux ~^nt
Leonard, Mo.
In Agony
IB Years With Salt Rheum
Hood's Barsaparllla Cava a Perfect
Cure.
" c. I. Hood & Co., Lowell, Mass.:
" Hood's Sarsaparilla is an excellent medicine.
I bad eczema in my left leg for fifteen years.
Part of the time my leg was one mass of scabs,
and about every week corruption would gather
under the skin and the scabs would slouga off.
The Itching and Burning
sensation made me suffer lndeseribabi« agonies.
I spent a great deal of money for different rero-
Bbut did not get relief. About a year ago,
ig physicians advised ine to take Hood •
parllla. I did so and have taken five bot-
Hood's^Cures
ties. Now all the sores, scabs and pain have
vanished and lam enjoying perfect health. I
think Hood's Sarsaparllla is second to none and
gladly recommend It to all suffering humanity.
M. L. Checvxoxt, Leonard, Missouri.
Hood's Pills act easily, yet promptly and
efficiently, oa the liver and bowels. 25c.
A Scientist claims the
Root of Diseases to be
in the Clothes we Wear.
The best Spring
remedy for tlieibines,
etc , is to discard
your uncomfortable
old duds which irri
tate the body:-leave
your measure at
ALAND'S for a
new suit which will
fit well, improve the
appearance by re
lieving you instant-
O J
lv of that tired feel
ing, and making you
cheerful and active.
The cost of this
sure cure is very
moderate.
TRY IT.
C.^ D D.
A business that keeps grow
ing through a season of de
pression, such as the country
has experienced, is an evi
dence that people realize they
save money by trading with
us. We know, and always
have known, the days of large
profits are past. Without
question we are giving more
for the money than last year.
Our stock is select
from than last year."
CALL AND SEE US.
Colbert & Dale.
SPECIAL
SALE
OF
PANTS.
Ig.OO Pants for $5 00.
$5 50 Pants for $4 50,
$5 00 Pants for $4.00.
$4 50 Pants for $3 50.
$4.00 Pants for $3 00.
$3 00 Pants for $2.50.
$.2.50 Pants for $1.75.
$2.00 Pants for $1.25.
Warranted Jean Pants sold by
none for less than $1 00,
*** for 89e. : : ***
THE RACKET STORE
120 South Main Street, Butler, Pa,,
WALL PAPER.
SPRING
PATTERNS
HAVE
ARRIVED.
Retail price lower
than ever.
Window Shades,etc.
AT
DOUGLASS',
Near P. O. - - 241 S, Main St-
lUTTLKH, FRIDAY. MAY -4, 1894.
GREAT
"OOME." SAID KENT. "I WILL SHOW TOU MY POSSESSIONS.*'
CHAPTER IV.
Laport marveled at the particular
ity with which the escape had been
planned and at the address of Kent in
hoodwinking the governor while con
spiring to free bis prisoner. Without
reasoning upon the matter deeply ha
set about following out the pro
gramme laid down for him and his
methodical training enabled him to do
it carefully. Laport was over fifty
five but he was made of tough vital
material and the prospect of liberty
stirred all his old sagacity. Kent saw
him for the last time in prison on Fri
day morning; gave him his additional
instructions and tools and left osten
sibly for New York at noon, much to
the regret of the Ixtels.
Kent's provision had been unerring
with regard to Laport, but he made
one or two miscalculations about his
own movements, and as the gov
ernor's special efforts were directed to
hii capture, stimulated no doubt by the
Chagrin on having been so successfully
duped (he having learned that his
guest was unauthorized and unknown
In the New York newspaper office),
One of the best detectives in the coun
try got upon his track and followed
him to Louisville, Ky., when the trail
was a week old. From this point he
traced him into western Tennessee
and there tho pursuit ended. Kent
had disappeared from the surface of
the earth. What is remarkable about
this part of the hunt is that nothing
occurred publicly to awaken the sus
picion that Bench and Kent were the
same person.
Laport's escape from the prison was
effected with but slight variations as
it had been planned for him, and there
was nothing in his methodical execu
tion of the plan but a grim and un
eventful determination accompanied
by a silent apprehension, until he ar
rived as arranged at the old mill, and
there the whole character of the pro
ceedings changed as if by magio and
began to wear the aspect of a sixteenth
century romance.
While yet some fifty feet away from
the mill and hidden in the brush, he
listened and distinctly heard female
voices of merriment coming from the
other side. His heart sank. Some pic
nicking- party had taken possession of
the secluded retreat and cut off his
last chance. There had been no pro
vision for this contingency in Kent's
plan. While Laport stood listening
to the bursts of laughter and subdued
Screams that mingled with the voices
of men in some kind of sport, he dis
tinctly heard some one singing the
strains of "Home, Sweet Home," in a
clear soprano. It might be one of those
fatal coincidences, for the air was one
that anybody would be apt to warble
He considered a moment and deter
mined to take the risk.
Working his way through the thick
ets he came out on the overgrown bank
where the mill stood and went delib
erately round to the side from which
the voices proceeded. He had scarcely
turned the corner of the mill before he
found himself in full view of a party
of ladies and gentlemen who had evi
dently rendezvoused here for a lunch.
Their horses were tied to the neigh
boring trees; a white cloth was spread
upon the grass; a colored servant was
opening wine. They were elegantly
dressed and were unmistakably people
of means and leisure taking an outing.
At the same moment Laport saw pro
truding from the grass almost at his
feet the circular form of an old mill
stone and, with a feeling of helpless
ness, he sat down upon it.
A minute had not passed when he
was aware "that some one was ap
proaching him. It was a woman. She
had left the group Immediately and
was standing very near him. He
looked at her with the greatest amount
of interest and suspense. She was
handsomely and jauntily dressed in a
riding habit and appeared to bo at
least thirty years of age. Her whole
bearing was easy, but dignified. Her
handsome oval face was expressive of
determination, softened by sensibility.
She carried a riding whip.
"You are late, professor," she said,
looking at her watch, "and have kept
us waiting. Did j-ou meet anyone after
you left the stile?"
"Yes, I did," answered Laport. "I
met a woman in the wood road going
to town with a basket, and she re
garded me suspiciously."
"Then we have no time to lose," said
the woman, calmly. "These people
are all friends. You are to change
your garments immediately. My serv
ant will help you. Explanations and
further directions must wait."
She called the negro servant and
said to him: "Now, then, Fan, be as
quick as you can. We are fifteen min
utes late."
"This way, professah," said the serv
ant, with a grin, as he pointed to the
old mill.
Laport, without further words, made
a bow and followed the negro into the
dilapidated structure, llere, in one of
the recesses where there remained a
clear space and a flooring, there was a
hamper such as is used at picnics.
There were one or two plates and a
napkin conspicuous on its strapped lid.
The negro brushed them away and
hurriedly tore open the basket. It was
packed tightly and carefully with a
complete outfit of clothes, which the
man lifted out and spread in a pile
upon a clean newspaper. Laport was
•watching bim curious Interest.
"Excuse me, sah," said the servant,
"you ain't got no time. You got to
git dem duds off lively. I'se goin' to
dress you. Take 'em off—take 'em off
—l'se got to put 'em in dis yere wicker
works."
DB. BAMCKL FIU.KKI.IN, OT CINCINNATI.
Thus recalled to the urgency of the
moment Laport began at once to divest
himself of the disguise he wore. As
fast as he relieved himself of his cloth
ing. the negro placed It in the hamper,
and when it was full he excused him
self and carried it away.
He was not gone more than flvo min
utes, and when he came back he wan
empty handed. What he did with it
Laport never knew. But even then he
had an instinctive feeling that its com
plete destruction or effectual hiding
had been provided for.
Fan then proceeded to dress him in
the most expeditious, but the same
time the most scrupulous, manner. In
spite of the nervous anxiety of La
port, he could not help wondering at
the systematic provision that had been
made for a thorough and complete
change of appearance. The linen,
cuffs, collar, studs, sleeve buttons,
finger ring, watch chain, had not been
forgotten. He was quickly dressed in
a handsome suit of gray tweed, an im
maculate vest and a fine soft black hat
with a broad brim. He was shaved
with marvelous dexterity, fitted with
a flowing gray wig and gold glasses,
a pair of silk stockings and riding
boots with spurs, a field glass thrown
over his shoulder and rouge given tc
his face; and when Fan held up a little
mirror before his eyes, Laport saw
himself transformed Into a comfor
table well-to-do governor with a florid
face that indicated good living.
"Excuse me, sah," said Fan, as he
admired his work. "You'll liav' to sojei
up; jess frow out your bress and put yei
shoulders back. Yer got a bad sag ic
yer backbone. Der duds ain't made
for it. Jess one more pint—good nuff,
if yer can hold him dar."
Fan ran his eye over the details and
looked at a little watch that he carried
in his vest pocket. Laport saw that
it was exactly like the one Kent had
given him and that the womau had ex
hibited while he was on the millstone.
Indeed, it reminded the servant to re
place in Laport's vest pocket the time
piece that Kent had given him. He did
this with the remark: "Dat's de gen
eral's time. T'other one's for to make
a gallus show."
A moment later he had gathered up
all the evidences of his work and sum
moned the lady who appeared to be his
mistress. She came in flushed, as if
she had been riding, looked at Laport
critically and said:
" Yoi/'are I)r. Samuel Franklin, of
Cincinnati, and I am your daughter.
You are to assume, to the best of your
ability, the manner of a rather per
emptory but kind-hearted parent. You
can scold me for my extravagance a
little if you like. You are to carry
this roll of bills and when called upon
pay our expenses. You are also to
take this little checkbook and draw
your check as I direct. Further direc
tions I can give you as we journey.
The horses are at the door."
Five minutes later Laport was on the
back of a handsome horse, riding by
the side of a jaunty and spirited com
panion. Immediately behind them
rode three others, who made up the
group. The way for some distance
was across fields, but presently they
came into one of those grass-grown
lanes that divide farms, and a little
later struck a common country high
way running southwest. Sot a word
was spoken by Laport's companion
for a mile or two except an occasional
direction as to speed. But after an
hour's ride they came to a group of
houses, when she said: "It is neces
sary that we show ourselves here. You
are to preserve the air of the father
of the family—that is all."
At the largest of the houses the party
4rew up and asked for a drink of wai
ter of a man at the door. While it was
being served La port remained in the
road—the rest drew up chatteringly at
the door and managed adroitly to tell
the man how they had been disap
pointed in their ride and wre hurry
ing back to Shirleyville. Some ques
tions were also asked about better
roads; and then, with flippant jests,
some coin was flung to the man and
they started off again. It was now
half-past three o'clock and a ride of
half an hour brought them to an inter
secting and evidently not much traveled
road. "We turn south," said Laport's
companion. "The rest go on to Shir
leyville. Do yon understand? There
is no telegraph on our route."
The moment they were in the new
road she said: "I shall have to ask you
to make the best time you can for the
next five miles, until we come to an
other highway. Your horse has a pood
gait—let him have his head."
She then struck her animal and La
port followed her. The pace was a
painful one, for he no longer had the
supplenessof youth. But determination
supplied him with endurance, and they
rode at a rapid pace through an unin
habited tract, and he was much re
lieved when they turned once more into
a well-traveled road that ran in a west
erly direction, and his companion said:
"You can take it easy now. We'll
walk our horses here and let them dry.
We are safe. If you are pursued the
scent will lead to Shirley ville."
She drew up by his side as she spoke.
"I can now tell you," she said, "what
your route will be. We shall stop for
the night at a hotel in Charlotte. It is
ten miles farther on. You will pay
our bill in the morning- with a check
which the landlord will cash because I
have already cashed the two which
Mr. Kent got you to sign, and the land
lord knows they are good. There is a
branch railroad running from Char
lotte to Penkanky—thirty miles west
We shall succeed in the morning in
getting oft with our horses on a trip to
the Penkanky glen. The horses will
go on to Brankenford, where they will
be taken care of. they having- been ob
tained there. At the Penkanky house
we give out that we are going to stop
with a friend in town and leave the
hotel in the evening-. You will then
have to walk three miles to reach a
trunk line railroad. If we catch an
express train we shall most likely be
In Wheeling just six hours ahead of a
dispatch."
"But if we do not?" asked Laport
with considerably more curiosity than
apprehension.
"In that case we shall have to de
pend on the discrepancy between the
description and the appearance. The
probability is that the pursuit will be
thrown off at Shirleyville. There is
no means of knowing- that we left the
party until the pursuers reach the
party. They will then have to retrace
their steps. The landlord at Charlotte
will tell them that he has been receiv
ing your checks before the date of the
escape, and saw you sign one with his
own eyes. It will take some time aft«?r
ward to ascertain that we are not in
Pankanky yet. If, however, the tel
egraph is used without waiting to as
certain that fact the detective will
board the train when we pull into
Wheeling."
"Are you prepared for that?"
"Ye 6. You change your disguise be
fore taking that train."
"Ah," said Laport, with relief.
"And you go on alone," added the
woman.
"Yes?" said Laport, inquiringly.
"You reach Cincinnati and go to the
Columbia hotel, an obscure place. You
will look on the register for Bernard
Biddle. He's your old friend. He will
get you over into Kentucky that night.
On Friday morning at ten o'clock you
will be at the rendezvous appointed
by Mr. Kent. I will myself join you
three days later. Once at that point
you are absolutely &afe from pursuit."
Laport looked at her. "I do not quite
see how that can be," he said.
"You will sea clearly enough when
you arrive there," replied his compan
ion.
CHAPTER V.
On Friday morning a tired and dusty
traveler in a miserable Tennessee
wagon was driven up to the ragged
acclivity In Henderson county now
known as Fort Surges. It was then a
wild, overgrown region and all the
traveler and the negro who drove him
could see sticking out of the brush
half a mile up the rocks was the un
painted roof of a small frame house.
The traveler got out, stamped his feet
as if he was cramped by long riding,
gave the negro a two-dollar bill and
began climbing the rocky bank.
It was Laport.
He sat down on the doorstep of the
house somewhat winded by the climb
and looked about him. The prospect to
the east and north was open revealing
what appeared to be a desolate wilder
ness of rocks and forests, with here
and there the blue peaks of the distant
mountains showing between. While
he sat there, the door opened; a man
whom he did not recognize appeared
and spoke to him familiarly-.
"Come inside, professor—you can
rest yourself much better indoors."
He looked at the speaker. It was
Kent, but save for something in the
tone of his voice, Laport did not know
him. He appeared broader and heavier
and older.
He considerately assisted Laport to
rise, saying: "I've been waiting break
fast for you. You may dismiss further
anxiety. Your troubles are ended. You
must be hungry after your long ride."
Once inside the house, a well-spread
table presented itself and the men sat
down.
"Let us," said Kent, "avoid the
usual formalities. Explanations will
prepare the way to rest. You are
naturally amazed at what has taken
place and anxious to know the motives
of my action. I will proceed at once
to relieve your mind and replenish
your system. Let me advise you to
drink coffee—it is a necessary prophy
lactic in this place."
He called to a servant who came in
from the one other apartment and
brought the meal. Laport looked on
with expectancy and was silent, while
Kent both ate and talked.
"You have been most cruelly
wronged,'' he said. "You are not
guilty of murder, for that was not
your intention. Society took from the
world a genius and locked him up. You
are at present, and so long as you stay
here, beyond the reach of society.
I do not intend to interfere with your
liberty. I shall malce you a business
proposition. If it does not meet wit
j'our approbation you can depart,
will not betray you. If it does yoi
can work for me a year, save a hand
some competence and spend the re
mainder of your days in some safe
place comfortably. You arc not eat
ing."
"Pardon me," said Laport. "I will
drink this coffee and listen to you. I
have no appetite."
"Perhaps a drop of stimulant?"
"No." said Laport. "My curiosity to
hear what you have to say is too great
to permit me to eat. Proceed."
"There are two orders of men, Mr.
Laport," said Kent. "One order deals
with ideas, the other with events.
They are incompatible, but supple
mentary. The greatest achievements
are brought about by the association of
the two orders of talent. One order Is
reflective and creative; the other is
executive and administrative. e lep
lcseut the two orders. lam not satis
tied with events as tU e .y
going to manufacture them on a l&rgt
scale."
He paused a moment and took a few
mouthful* of food. I-aport was re
garding him curiously.
"This sounds a little abstract, but it
!s a necessary postulate. I'm not a
crank. Like yourself, society has
wronged me. I propose to rectify some
of the evils of society. If that sounds
chimerical, let me remind you that the
details of your i««eue ought to con
vince von tint I i .in man of method.
/ ' /
"I PROPOSE TO RECTIFY SOME OF THI
EVILS OF SOCIETY."
accustomed to deal with facts and ad
just myself to circumstances. You are
under some obligations to me. I pro
pose to avail myself of those obliga
tions ir >nly one way—it is by making
a confluent of 3*ou and depending upon
your sense of loyalty, no matter what
arrangement we effect. The pledge is
implied. I have to put myself in your
hands to a certain extent. You are a
free man. You are not directly or in
directly to betray my confidence, even
if you do not stay with me. That, I
merely say. is understood."
Laport bowed his head in acquies
cence.
Kent smiled. "It is hardly neces
sary for me to say to you that I would
not have this confidence in your sense
of loyalty if I had not acquainted my
self with your character and I hardly
would have taken th ■ extraordinary
means to secure your services if I had
not believed I could depend upon you.
Verbal pledges are unnecessary, my
dear sir.
"In carrying out the vast projects
which I have in my mind for the recti
fication of some of the evils of so
ciety, I shall neoessarily come In col
lision with society and it was neces
sary first of all to find a secure place
safe from interruption, impregnable
and unknown to the world, where I
could carry on the extensive organiz
ing scheme. That place is under your
feet."
"I do not understand you," &aid La
port, looking curiously about him.
"Under this floor," continued Kent,
"is the entrance to the largest cave
that has probably ever been explored
by man. I discovered it by accident
seven years ago. I bought this piece
of land and erected this house over the
entrance. I purpose to buy the whole
two thousand acres of wild land that
covers a great portion of It, and erect
here a large building ostensibly a san
itarium. It is for the fitting up of this
underground domain that I have taken
6uch pains to secure your aid. I need
in it an electrical plant; a water sys
tem; electric railway, and heating ap
paratus, besides means of defe ise and
other modern appliances. I have esti
mated the cost of my internal—or,
perhaps, I should say, intestinal—im
provement at something like a mil
lion dollars. It is for you to say, when
I have taken you over the ground, if
you will sell me your mechanical skill
for a year and what it will be worth."
Kent waited for a reply.
After a moment's hesitation Laport
said: "It seems to me, sir, that at this
time I am not in a position to make
terms. If you succeed in demonstrat
ing to me the practicability of your
plans, the best I can do ia to offer you
my services and advice in so far as the
scheme meets with my approbation."
"Well, I can only say that such an
arrangement will not do at all. I do not
Intend to implicate you in any of my
sehemes. I wish to employ your con
structive ability at a reasonable price.
If the work that I want done is practi
cable to the engineering and mechan
ical mind, and you give me your serv
ices for a year, will fifty thousand dol
lars compensate you?"
For the first time it flashed over La
port's mind that he was listening to a
monomaniac; one of those restless and
harmless characters who conceive pro
digious schemes and make fabulous in
vestments with no other capital than
their disordered imaginations. Kent
guessed what was passing in his mind,
for he said:
"I see the suddenness and largeness
of my schemes have disturbed your
confidence. Two or three days of In
vestigation will restore it. We can
talk farther of the matter after we are
better acquainted. Before I show yott
the underground laboratory, let me
explain to you the topographical pe
culiarities of the country."
As he said this he picked up a map
and, moving' his chair closer to La
port's, spread out the paper on the
table. "There," he said, indicating a
point on the map with a pencil, "is
about where we are. This original
map is a sketch-plan of the subter
ranean domain as near as I have beer
able to survey it. I estimate the south
western extension of the cave to b«
about eighteen miles in length. Ther*
is another hidden entrance at that ex
treme limit, but it needs a little exca
vating to be of practical use. I intend
to purchase that land also and erect a
house over it. That entrance, or t«
speak more correctly, that exit, it
within four miles of the great Wash
bayou on the Mississippi. The coun
try is such that a hard road can b«
easily made. The bayou is one of th«
deepest and wildest on the river. A
Bternwheel boat can land her suppliei
there entirely hidden from the rirei
with little difficulty. The nearest
house is eighteen miles distant. The
transportation overland is not much
of a problem, but the eighteen miles
underground needs an engineer's skill.
That is where I want an electric rail
way. You will see the necessity of
that when you examine the place, for
it is the northeastern end of the cave
that can best be fitted up for habita
tion and workshops.
"The difficulties to be overcome, as
you will readily understand, are
physical difficulties and involve light
ing, ventilation, transit and defense.
My idea is that the subterranean do
main offers a magnificent field for the
abode of an army of mechanics and
soldiers."
Laport was amazed. "Would it bo
Impertinent," he asked, "if I Inquired
what you are going to do with the
soldiers?"
"Not at all," replied Kent. "But It
would be better perhaps if you were
kept in ignorance of my ultimate plans
or at least not made acquainted with
them until you had grown to under
stand their possibility. In case you
did not approve of them, it would be
better not to be implicated in them.
Let me ask you one question— did you
not offer to the government a gun con
structed on a novel plan?"
"Yes, I did," replied Laport.
"And the government rejected it?"
"The government laughed at it, and
I spent months and all my money try
ing to lobby through an appropriation
to get it tested."
"When was that?"
"It is eight years ago."
''Very good»' f "kfrid Kent. "I should
like to have a talk with you about that
gun later on. The first thing to do U
to give you a sense of security and to
do that I shall have to show you my
hidden retreat. Before down,
let me say that this House Is ac
cessible only by one road, and we can
see anyone approaching by that road
for two miles. Besides, I keep a sentry
in the woods who can communicate by
signal with the house. If by any ac
cident an officer or detective should
get into the other apartment, you
have ample time to disappear. Let
me show vou."
Here Ivcnt got up and golnsr to the
corner of the room, leaned with his
hands upon the wall and pushed vigor
ously with his feet upon the floor
which Instantly moved as if it were on
rollers, and as it withdrew from the cor
ner in which Kent stood, a smooth
rock showed itself about a foot be
neath. He jumped down upon the
rock and with his foot gave the flooring
a push and it receded about three feet,
exposing a descent to which had been
fitted a rude wooden rail and steps.
Laport stepped to the edge of the
floor and looked over. He saw part of
a rough shaft which was apparently
ten «r twelve feet in diameter, that
sank away obliquely in a westerly di
rection and was very dark and repel
lant.
"Come," said Kent, "I will show you
my possessions. You had better let
me take your hand. I am familiar
with the steps."
Thus assisting and guiding Laport,
they descended carefully the rude but
solid stairway which for some distance
was very steep. At the end of twenty
feet they came to a rock landing and
a new opening leading downward more
gradually at right angles to the main
shaft. Laport saw that the entire pas
sage was a natural rift or chasm. He
turned at the landing and looked back
at the stairway dimly seen in the dark
ness stretching up above them.
"I know what you are thinking of."
said Kent, "it is that by the destruc
tion of the steps one is caught like a
rat In a trap. But you forget that
there are other exits and, besides, 1
have bored into the stratum above
with an artesian drill and know where
it is thinnest. Let us go down."
A light shone in the distance, and ita
reflection enabled Laport to descend
without further difficulty. In plaoea the
natural slant of the rock needed no
steps. At others Kent warned him of
a sudden rise or fall in the path. As
near as Laport could judge the second
passage was fifty feet long and only at
a few points wide enough to pass two
men abreast. On reaching the bottom
of the declivity, he found himself In
an enormous stone room or arena, that
was lit in part by two or three power
ful lamps and reflectors. As accurately
as he could determine with his eye,
the roof rock was eighty or a hundred
feet high where it was lit by the
reflected lights, beyond which was a
pitchy gloom. The walls of this
rotunda were uneven and slanted
away at different angles, that portion
through whose fissure they had come
being the nearest to a perpendic
ular. "The dimension of this
room," said Kent, in an explana
tory way, "is about half an acre. It
letkds by a sort of corridor, fifty feet
wide and two hundred feet long, to a
much larger opening. This at present
is my workshop."
As his eyes became familiar with the.
light, Laport saw figures moving
about, and he thought he heard the
sound of hammers. "There are alx
workmen," said Kent. They have
been fitting up the plaw:e for offices and
headquarters. Let me show you your
rooms."
They crossed the area, their figures
making shifting and fantastic shad
ows, and came to a rude wooden struc
ture built against the side of tfie rock.
Externally it presented the appear
ance of a mere shanty, but when Kent
opened the door, he found it comfort
ably carpeted and furnished and lit by
a large lamp. A table stood in the
center upon which were heaped papers
and writing material. A bookcase
filled with books, a handsome filter
and water-cooler and a little buffet
with decanters and glasses pave the
place an air of luxury. The wooden
walls had been tastefully papered and
Beveral pictures hung upon them.
Kent waited to see the effect upon
his visitor and then said: "A fairly
comfortable retreat, professor, and I
think you will now agree with me that
it is a safe one. Here is a speaking
tube and signal bell communicating
with the house above. Here is a sleep-
ing room," he added, as he threw open
a side door and disclosed a narrow
apartment with a comfortable bed and
all the necessary chamber appurten
ances. "You can work oat your de
signs here without fear of Interrup
tion and be entirely safe from the vari
ations of the season, as this thermom
etei will show you. But of course Ido
not expect you to spend all your time
out of the sunlight. I should advise you
not to give more than half your day to
this part of the establishment unless
there is danger of discovery. You are
free to go and come at your inclina
tion."
Laport sat down in a comfortable
chair. "1 should like to ask you a few
practical questions," he said, "but the
fact is the whole disclosure is so much
like one of the stories of the Arabian
Nights that anything practical seems
out of place."
"Well, pray dismiss all notions of
magic and illusion," replied Kent with
a smile. "The cave is the only thing
that approaches the miraculous—all
the rest is plain sailing hard work with
the assistance of science. It remains
for you to say, after you have made a
thorough examination of the place, if
it can be made tenantable for a year.' 1
"I should say at once," said Laport,
"that if you have the means at com
mand—that it can. I know nothing
about the ventilation or salubrity of it,
and the work is so gigantio that at
first sight I should say it would require
a stock company with unlimited capi
tal to effect the purpose."
"I have roughly fig-tired the improve
ments at a million dollars," said Kent,
"and that of course is an economical
estimate. The money I have. It la
not a question of resources. It is
a question of practicability. I want
you to familiarize yourself with the
place—make yourself comfortable,
look over my plans which you will find
in that portfolio there, estimate care
fully just what tools and materials you
need and be ready to talk to me more
fully at the end of a fortnight. Your
salary will commence from to-day and
you can draw on me for money whan
you please. The sooner you get an ao
eurate estimate of the material, the
sooner I can begin to get It In. The
first thing Is to mak« a surrey for an
electric plant and a tramway. We
must have light and means of convey
ance. It is Impossible to deliver the
heavy material at this entrance. lam
going away to-morrow and will be
back In about a week. In that time 1
expect you to have formed a clear
judgment of what yon can do. You are
too tired to-day to go over the ground,
but I will introduce yon to my right
hand man here who will be subject to
your diractlons when we get to work
and he will guide you in your explora
tions. I shall be gone one or two weeks.
You will find many of the conveniences
of life here. The mail is brought once
a day and includes the principal pa
pers of the country and some of its
best periodical literature. There are
stationery and appliances in the
rooms. I would aot, if I wer® you,
trass?* - f » r . D>2i?
NO 19
ground alouc, and remember that my
name hero is llendri«ka and yoon ii
Franklin. Is there anything yov
would like to say to me before I go?"
Lapt.rt li.-sitaWd a moment, and then
replied: "Yes. There Is one persoa
whom I should like to know ol nay
freedom. It is the only person on
earth for whom I hare a deep alfeo*
tion, and who on hearing of my escape
will be tormented with anxiety."
"And who might that person be?"
"It is uiy daughter."
"Whore is «-hc?'*
"In RoM.ia."
"You . .int to communicate with
her?"
"I should like to set her mind at rest
in vime way, even if I cannot see her."
"I need not tell you," said Hen
dricks. "thai communication with Hf»
is exactly what the detectives who are
searching for you expect. Thay have
already put a watch upon her; know
all her actions and foUow every one
who calls upon her. Her mails are
even intercepted. No, no. Not at
present. By and by when the soent ii
cold, we can get word to her, and
when we have proper accommodations,
you can have her with you If yon like,
but not now."
(TO BE COSTIXUED.)
It TV*« About All H» r^ft
•*Excuse me." said the gourmand oi
the boarding-house, addressing the
landlady, "excuse mo, madam, leaving
the table."
"Pray, don't mention it," said the
lady, politely, as she glanced at the
few eatables that remained; "we know
you are obliged to leavo it or yoo
would not do so."
Then the other boarders looked at
each other and smiled significantly.—
N. Y. Press.
Retornrd the Call.
Ethel—My! These western men are
unconventional. I hadn't known that
young Mr. Breezy, of Chicago, half an
hour before he was calling me by my
first name.
May (quizzically)— What did yon call
him?
Ethel (energetically)—l called him
down.' —Truth.
Conrtahlp.
Be cat an hour with her In the Toon,
At ere, in the warmth and light;
Then he stood three hou.s outside la the gloom
And the storm, bidding her good night
-N.T. Pratt
TUK CAUSE Or TBI ROD.
Mrs. Flaherty (proudly)—Do ye*
hear me Mary Ann singing?
Mrs. Dooley—lt's her voiee Oi wish
Oi had, Mrs. Flaherty.
Mrs. Flaherty (unsuspiciously)— An'
phwat would th' loikes av yon do wid
aioh a voice, Mrs. Dooley?
Mrs. Dooley—Oi'd toie a shtone to it
and t'row it to the bottom «v a well!—
Judge.
Hli Fond Wife.
"Take carp," she said, "you do not go
On icy walks and break your back;
Take care, dear spouse, I lore you SO
Besides I don't look well la back."
—Chicago Record.
Incomplete.
Mrs Ver Million (dressed for a ball)
—How do I look, dear?
Mr. Ver Million—Beautiful', beauti
ful! But you want a little bine paint
on your nose and chin.
Mrs. Ver Million—You horrid thingl
What would I have that for?
Mr. Ver Million -Complete the ns>
tlonal colors.—Judge.
Matrimonial Item.
"Why, Clara, you look radiant! What
has happened?"
"I've just received an invitation to *
wedding."
"Well, there's nothing particular in
that to go into raptures over."
"Yes. Rut it happens to be my
own." And she showed the new en
gagement ring.—Alex Sweet, in Texas
Sittings.
Spring Diamond*.
They were passing a fruit Btor* en
Jefferson avenue.
"Oh, my," she exclaimed, "look at
those strawberries. Aren't they a lovely
red?"
"Of course they are," he replied;
"that's the way they blush at the
price asked for them." —Detroit Free
Press.
Connotation.
Doctor —How is your appetite?
Sick Man —Good.
Doctor—And your sleep?
Sick Man—Good.
Doctor—And your general health?
Bick Man—Also Rood.
Doctor Well, don't worry; f'tt
change all that within a week.—Hallo.
ller Destruction.
First Young Lady—Do you always
buy two kinds of paper?
Becond Young Lady—Always. You
see. when I write to Charlie I use red
paper; that means love. When I an
swer Jim's letters I use blue paper,
which means "faithful unto death. rt
See? —Brooklyn Life.
Lost Hte Iliad Compl<Ul]r.
"They say Vaillant, the anarohiat,
was very brave on the scaffold."
"That wasn't bravery. It was bluff."
"What makes you think so?"
"Why, along towards the last he
weakened. Lost his head Completely."
—N. Y. World. _
A ShiftiM* Wife.
An eastern drummer who was in
Knoxville listened to the complaints
of a mountaineer about hard times for
ten or fifteen minutes, and then ob
served:
"Why, man, you ought to get rich
shipping green corn to the northern
market."
"Yes, I orter," was the replyi
"You have the land, I suppose, and
can get the seed."
"Yes."
"Then why don't you go into the
speculation?"
"No use, stranger," sadly replied the
native; "the old woman is too darned
lazy to do the plowin' and plan tin'."—
Alex Sweet, in Texas Sittings.
Old He Look Like It?
The little boy had come in with his
clothes torn, his hair full of dust and
his face bearing unmistakable marks
of a severe conflict
"O, Williel Willie!" exclaimed his
mother, "you have disobeyed me again.
How often have I told you not to play
with that wicked Stapleford boy?"
"Mamma," said Willie, wiping the
blood from his nose, "do I look as 14 I
had been playing with anybody?'—
Vogue.
Not at All Now.
"Well," snapped Mrs. Hagglety, "I
heard a woman say to-day you were
the meanest man in town."
"And of course you had nothing to
say in reply," growled her husband.
"It's just like you."
"Oh! but I did though," she retorted,
"and I said it, too."
"What did you say?"
"X Mid; 'Qhwtaute,' 'Vflftllo.