VOL. XXXIII COME AND SEE US \V r e are Located OD South Main Street, Opposite Hotel Butler, r 1 1 In the room formerly occupied by Hartzell & Kemper. We have received our spring stock j| ! of Tans in different shades, Patent Leathers, I "V- \ Kangaroos, etc. Our stock of Ladies Fine V Shoes and Oxfords is very large—all the latest j j±j \ style lasts to be found among our stock. We 1 iZ' Jk j carry these goods in all sizes and widths, and jVT; MS prices the lowest. Come and see us. \\ e | j'-. have many bargains in store for you. j hj ' The variety was never so great, frSix" f The styles were never so perfect, jj j J The quality never so good, ■ And the prices were never so low. I BtKES BOWMAN & CO ***** I—— A FEW OF OUR PRICES Ladies fine dongola pat tip ox lords • 75 L Ladies fne serge congress gait - Ladies grain shoes pat tip heel or s P r ' n S Ladies waterproof oil grain KYI] Zl j 3 Ladies fine calf slippers 50c Mens waterproof working shoes 95c jV jW Mens fine dress shoes lace or congress $ 1 00 Boys fine shoes.. S7SC, sl, $1.25 Misses good wearing school Childrens fine dongola pat tip shoes 45c Full stock of Leather and Findings. Shoemakers supplies of all kinds. All kinds of dressing for Dongola. Tan and Patent Leather shoes at reduced pi ices. Mail orders receive prompt attention. JOHN BICKEL 323 South Main St. Branch Store, "Rnflov P'l 125 N. Main St., IJlUltl 1 cl. ANOTHER CHANCE We are going to continue our SACRIFICE SALE during the month yet— Work Bridles, our own make $• 00 Buggy Bridles, our own make ~ 1 00 Sweat Pads, worth 50c 3° Harness, our own make 6 00 Buggies with top 36 OO Hareess Oil, per gallon 5° Axle Grease, 6 boxes 2 5 Team Flaniess, our own make S2O for 2 horses Team Collars •• • 75 c each And a whole lot of other bargins. COME QUICK. WSSST S.B. Martincourt&Co. 128 EAST JEFFERSON Street. P. S. KRAMER WAGONS AND TRUNKS. Butler. Pa., March 2d. THEY ARE HERE We have iust received a line of Rubber Goods that we will sell in addition to our regular goods at the following low prices. r Men's Buckle Arctics 60c Woman's Storm rubbers 18c Men's Rubbers 26c Misses' Spring Heel Rubbers 12c Woman's Croquetts 16c Children's Spring Heel Rubbers 10c We say to you these are not our best goods but an additional line we have added to our stock. Some dealers are continually trying to quote very low prices in footwear to convey the idea that they undersell everybody else when the fact is they are trading in very cheap stuff, There is no trouble to get any amount of these cheap goods at any time. THE WOODS IS FULL OF THEM- We merely call your attention to these few facts that will probably be worth your consideration in buying your footwear. The cheapest is not always cheapest. Men's Felt Boots and Rubl>ers $1.50 Woman's l-'ine Ovcrgaiters 15 and 18c Bojs' Felt Boots and Rubbers 1.25 Men's Rubber Boots J2.00 and #2.50 Wotnens' Heavy Shoes 65c, 75c, 85c Men's Fine Shoes SSC, sl, 51.25 Men's Fine Slippers 50c Ladies' Fine Shoes Ji, ji.25 Men's Warm Slippers 35 and 50c Children's Shoes 45c, 50c, 75c See our Ladies' Twentieth Century Shoes, new spring styles, just in at only $2, and it is a beauty. Some of the advance new spring styles are now coming in Better see Butler's Leading Shoe House when you buy your footwear. BUTLER'S LEADING SHOE OUSE, Opposite Hotel Lowry, B. C. Huselton. Easter Novelties! Pattern Hats! Pattern Bonnets! Also a fine line of Trimmed Hats and Bonnets from our own work room at our usual low prices. Spring shades Kid Gloves in the well known makes: Dresden—Berton —Marie. Gilt Belts with gold plate buckles, Silver Belts with Sterling buckles, Gilt Belting—separate buckles, from 10c to 50c. Dresden Ribbons. Persian Ribbons. M. F. & M MARKS, 113 to 117 S. Main St. Butler Pa THE BUI LEI Life ; Is misery to thousands-* people who have the taint of serofu!:i in their blood. Happiness re turns when t:. serofukms taint is eradicated and cured by the One True Blood Purifier, Hood's Sarsaparilla Ptcpredoiily *•> C. 1. EFood ACo I • Mm Hood s Pills Professional Cards. ALEX RUSSELL. Attorney-a l-Law. OtTico with Newton Black, Esq- South Diamond, Butler, Pa. A. T. BLACK. Room J—Armory Building. ATTORNEY AT LAW. C. F. L. McQuistion. CIVIL BSOIXKEE and PURVEYOR. Office near '..'ourt IIoQB© Batler Pa. NEWTON BLACK. *tj'y at Law—omce on Sonrh side of Pl»ia7o)i: nuller Pa. A. T. SCOTT, ATTO KNKY-AT-LAW. ■ 'HeeaiNo. 8. Soutl Dtiruoi.d. Butler. Pt. J M. PAINTER, Atlorney- at-La\v. nee—Between i'oatofficc and Diamond, Uuticr t*a. S. H. PIER SOL. ATTOBNUV AT LAW. Olllce at No. 104 East Diamond S". VV. C. FINDLEY, JATTOKNEV AT LAW. uKce en second flour Jf ihe Iluseltoc LiocL Oi.unond, liutlt.r, Pa.. Krvom No. 1. COULTER & BAKER. ATTORNEYS AT LAW. U£',E In roora 8., ARMORY Building, Bullei t'a. A. M. CHRISTLEY, ATTORNEY AT LAW. •i!ilce second door, Anderson liloek, Mal L Si, ..ear t ourt House. Butler. Pa. Dr. N. M. HOOVER, ■ ,|S7 E. Wayne.Bt.. oflie«- li BCKOKOI , Office at No.' 45, Mfln Rtreet, rm 01 barmacy.Batler, Fa H. H. (iOUCHER. .4 ttoiuey-at-la'.v. Ofilce In Mitcliel! bulldln Butler Pa. DR CHAS R B HUNT, Physician and Surgeon. Eye, car, nosaanrl throat a specialty 132 and 134 S. Main Street, Ralston building. W. H. BROWN, Homceopathic Physician and Surgeon. Ofl'ee 236 S. Main St.. opp. P. O. lieihleuce 315 N. McKean St. DR. S. A. JOHNSTON. DENTIST, - - BUTLER, PA Gold Filling Painless Extraction of 'eceih nd Artificial reetli without Plates a spec lair> ifroi.l Oxide or Vitalized f.r or Loca'. u;esttißtlßS used. onice f>»er Miller's 'grocery east of Lowry ouse. "TTICH closed VV»-111-*.H days and Thursdays L. S. McJUNKIN I nsurance and rtea! Estate Agent, |7 t,AST JKFFERSON ST HUTI.RK - l 3 A M. I SERKIMEfi Funeral Director 37 S. Main, St. Butler Pa. CS~ D D. oammmwmimo |Wcar | IP©Spts 1 00 pr cC fS; ri® Irritekti@i9 00 C\j cvi ./. . -i / > U:r v bmmmtumm o All of underwear at very low prices. Largest stock of hats and furnishings for gentleman ni the country. An inspection will prove this to any ones satisfacture. i Colbert & Dale. 243 S. Main St., Butler, Penn'a KTTTLER. PA., . APRIL 9, 189 G. igss. 8Y O.p PUTNAM'S SONS. CHAPTER XVII. A NEW TEAK'S DINNER PARTY. Tho Ist of January arrived, and Mr. Mitcliel had heard nothing from Mr. Barnes. Inquiry at his oflico was met by the simple statement that "the chief is out of town." When he would be back or whero a communication would reach him could not bo learned. A few days before, however, a formal engraved invitation to the dinner party had been mailed to his home address. Mr. Mitchel was annoyed at not having any notification of whether or not the detect ive would be present. However, he was compelled to go ahead aud depend upon the slight chance that at tho last mo ment he would appear upon tho scene. He hoped that this would occur, as oth erwise his scheme for the evening would be incomplete. The dinner was to be served at 10 o'clock that night at Delmonico'e, where a private room had been engaged. It lacked ten minutes of the hour for sitting down, and all the guests had ar rived except Mr. Barnes. These were Mr. Van Rawlston, Mr. Randolph, Mr. Fisher, Mr. Neuilly. who had decided to spend the winter in New York; Mr. Thauret, and several other gentlemen. It lacked barely half a minuto of 10 when Mr. Barnes was announced and entered in handsome evening dress. Mr. Mitcliel's face wore a look of triumph as ho saw him, and he hurried forward to receive him. Every one present un derstood why the detective was invited, for it, was by this time well known that a wager was to be decided at 12 o'clock. After the exchange of greetings Mr. Mitchel gave the waiters the order to open the doors of the dining room, and in tho moment's interval managed to get a word with the detective. "Tell me quicklv, have you succeed ed?" "Yes, thoroughly." "Good! Write the man's name on a card, and I will give you one upon which I have written tho name of my mail." Mr. Barnes did so. Then they ex changed cards, glanced at them and grasped each other's hands significantly. The cards bore the same name. With the others they went into the dining room. Mr. Thauret found himself seat ed next to Mr. Barnes, while on the other side of the detective sat Mr. Fish er. It need scarcely bo said that the din ner was enjoyable and enjoyed, though it must bo admitted that all awaited anxiously the hour of 12. It will be as well perhaps, therefore, to come imme diately to the denouement, for which all were assembled. The last course had been served, and coffee and nuts wore on the table, when tho clock chimed the hour for which all were anxious. Promptly at tho first stroke Mr. Mitchel arose. There was a silence till 13 was tolled, and then ho begau: "Gentlemen, you have all kindly ac cepted my invitation to see me win a rash wager made 13 months ago. It is odd perhaps that I should have won— for I announce that I have won—when we remember that the time was 18 months, which number, as we all know, superstitious persons are inclined to connect with misfortune. To show, however, that. I do not harbor such childish ideas, I purposely made tho timo of that length, and tonight- at tho decisive moment we are 13." Here ho paused a moment, and one might have noticed that several persons quickly counted those present to test the fact. Continuing, he said: "The superstition in connection with 18 at dinner is a well defined one, and the supposition is that one of tho number will die within the year. I offer as a toast, therefore, 'Long life to all present—who deserve it.' " The last clause, aftor a slight hesi tation, made a decided effect. However, the toast was drunk in silence. "As some present may not entirely understand what my wager w»ss I must explain that 18 months ago tonight I was in a Pullman sleeper with my friend, Mr. Randolph. Mr. Barnes here had just accomplished a neat capture of the criminal Pettingill, who has since been convicted. The papers were prais ing him, and Mr. Randolph did so to me in glowing terms. I ventured the assertion that detectives run down their prey largely because tho criminal class lack intelligence sufficient to compete with their more skilled adversaries. I offered to wager that I could commit a crime within a month and not be de tected within a year thereafter. The amount was to be SI,OOO and was ac cepted by Mr. Randolph. I stipulated for conviction, though had I been ar rested within the stated period and con victed afterward I should have consid ered that I had lost the wager. That is why I awaited the arrival of Mr. Barnes so anxiously. I had not seen him for some time, and it was possible that at the last moment he might be prepared to arrest mo upon evidence that would later convict me. However, gentlemen, I have escaped both arrest and convic tion, yet I committed the crime as wagered.'' "You must prove that," said Mr. Randolph, "and, according to our agree ment, it must have been a crime which was much talked about.'' "Quite right, my friend, but I shall be able to demonstrate all that. By a curious coincidence a robbery was com mitted on the very night and upon tho same train upon which wo made our wager, while another robbery was com mitted almost at the moment when the stipulated month expired. Thus two crimes transpired within the timo al lowed me, and with both of these my name has been connected in tho mind of tho detective, Mr. Barnes. Now, that you all may better understand the cir cumstances I must go to what I might call the beginning. Years ago certain circumstances in my earlier life gave Hie an intimate acquaintance with tho methods used by detectives, and I then acquired tho idea which led mo into this undertaking—that where the crim inal has succeeded in escaping actual watching during tho commission of his crime, so that there is no witness to the act, tho detective is almost powerless until he learns tho object for which the crime was undertaken. Am I not right, Mr. Barnesi'" "To know tho object of a crime, of course, is a great assistance, but much would depend upon tho attendant cir cumstances. " "True. The object then is important. From this point I reached tho conclu sion that if a man approached another, totally unknown to him, at night in a lonely neighborhood, struck him on tho head, killing him, and then, unseen, ! reached his own home, it would rest en tirely with himself whether or not he would ever bo caught. I wanted a chance to try this experiment—that is, to commit a crime solely to test the ability of the detectives to discover me afterward. Tho dilficulty Wg§ that a gentleman of honor would .scarcely wish to engage in such a reprehensible piece of business. For years, therefore, I could think of no way to have my wish, till the merest chance threw the opportuni ty within my grasp. Waiter, fill up the glasses.'' He paused a moment while this was being done. The men went around with champagne; and when Mr. Thauret was reached he asked to have his burgundy glass filled nlso. Mr. Mitchel was again speaking when the waiter returned with the red wine and did as requested. Mr. Barnes also presented his glass for the samo liquor, saying in an undertone to Mr. Thauret, "I cannot take too much champagne." "One of my hobbies," continued Mr. Mitchel, "as you all know, is the col lection of jewels. A few years ago I heard that a magnificent set was offered for sale. A rich East Indian nobleman, so the story goes, had procured tho gems as a present to his wife. They were of the choicest quality and of each exactly two, matched precisely in size, cutting and coloration. In time ho had two daughters, twins, tho mother dying at their birth. Eventually these girls grew up and were married, the ceremony be ing a double wedding. The father took the set of jewels and divided them, giv ing to each girl one of each. This great ly diminished their value, for the matching of gems adds to their price. "Reverses of fortune tempted one of these women to offer her jewels for sale. They were taken to a Paris deal er, who chanced to be a man through whom I had made many purchases. He undertook not only to dispose of thegems, but to reproduce them with a high or der of imitation, so that the woman re tained the original settings and con tinued to wear what her friends sup posed to be the genuine gems. I bought Ihe unset stones. Subsequently her sis ter, learning the secret, and seeing that there was a way by which the jewelry could be retained, while the jewels themselves ceuld be turned into money, engaged the same dealer to serve her in a similar v?ay. Of course I was doubly anxious to obtain this second lot, for by doing so I enhanced the value of those which I had already. I therefore bought them also.'' He paused a moment, to allow the company to recover from the surprise at learning that the stolen jewels were his. "This lot was sent to me through the Boston custom house. I instructed the dealer to do this because I had found that goods can be received with less de lay in Boston tliau in New York. Being notified by my broker there that they were ready for delivery, I went to Bos ton and obtained them. I placed the wallet in a peculiar satchel which had been made to order for me, and carried it to my room at tbo Hotel Vendome. Later in the day I met Mr. Randolph, and went with him to a theater. Ho was to return to New York by the mid night express, and I went with him to the depot. As we stood awaiting our turn to purchase tickets you may imag ine my utter astonishment to see a wom an pass and board the train having my satchel in her hand. There could be no mistake whatever, because the satchel was peculiar, both in shape and color. Of course I saw at once I had been rob bed. It was useless to go back to my ho tel, for that would be time wasted. If by any miracle there were two such satchels, mine was safe in tho hotel. I therefore astonished Mr. Randolph by offering to accompany him, and I did so, occupying the same section with him. "While I was thinking what action I should pursue, knowing that once tho train started my thief would be safe as far as New Haven, Mr. Randolph began to praise Mr. Barnes, and like a flash it "lie had my satchel." came to me that this was my chance. I would rob tho thief of my own proper ty. Thus if caught I could not be im prisoned, while if not I would not only win my wager, but I would have the excitement and the satisfaction for which I had wished. One thing threat ened to upset my plans. Mr. Barnes by an odd chance camo aboard the samo coach, was given the section next to ours and overheard our conversation. This of courso I could not have counted upon.' 1 "You did take it into your account, though," interrupted Mr. Barnes. "You mean that I refused to tell Mr. Randolph what I meant to do, saying that I might be overheard, and that I might even be talking for the benefit of a listening detective? True, but I had no idea that this was so. It was merely extreme precaution, and only shows that we can never be too cautious in an en deavor to keep a secret. Later, however, I heard you get up, and peeping through the curtains I saw you sitting up or rather lying in a berth opposite, with tho curtains drawn. lat once supposed that you must bo a detective. My com panion was soon asleep, but with SIOO,- 000 worth of jewels in the balance I could not sleep. I was busy wondering what I should do. I think, though, that 1 must have dozed, for I know that I was startled to discover suddenly that we were not moving. I looked out of our section window—fortunately I was next to it—and found that we had run into the depot at New Haven. Like a flash it came to mo that the thief might leave the train here. I was about to get up, when to my astonishment I noticed a man sneaking along by the side of the train. I was on tho side opposite to that from which the passengers would alight, and the suspicious actions of tho man forced mo to watch him. Ho passed so closo to mo that I could have touched him had my window been open, and as he did so the light of an electric lamp disclosed tho fact that he had my satchel. Tho thief had been robbed al ready. The man approached a coal bin, and stooping shoved the satchel behind it. Then he returned to the train and came aboard. "I said to myself: 'That follow is an artist. Ho will remain on board till the robbery is discovered, if necessary, 1 and even allow himself to be searched. Then ho will quietly come back and get tho satchel and jewels.' Thus it was : my ewe to act quickly. But if I left the train I knew that tho detective would see mo. I therefore gently raised tho sash and deftly let myself to tho ground out of the window. I quickly took the satch el, ran to the end of the depot, and j found a place where I could shove it far | under tho platform. Then I climbed back into the berth, and after that I as sure you I slept very well" The company applauded this descrip tion of how the robbery had been com mitted, and Mr. Mitcbel bowed. '' Wait, my friends; we are not through yet. Tho woman who had robbed me had tile supremo audacity to report her loss, or perhaps wo should say that she was so angry that slio became desper ate. I have reason to believe that she bad an accomplice in this man, and that suspecting him of robbing her she would have been willing to give testi mony against him if caught and trust to escape herself by turning state's evi dence. When we were running in to* New York, Air. Barnes directed that all should be searched. I enjoyed that, I assure you. It seemed so amusing to look in New York for what I knew was in New Haven. At the same time I was anxious to get back to New Haveu as quickly as possible. With that end in view I invited Mr. Barnes to breakfast with me. I tried to make it appear that I was anxious to have him agree to be tho only detective on my track, but in reality I wished to discover whether he would be able at onco to place a spy at my heels; that is, whether he had a man at tho Grand Central already. This I found was the case. I therefore was obliged to go to my hotel as though having no desire to leave town again. Then subsequently 1 eluded this man by the convenient bridges across the elevated railroad. I went to New Ha- ven, found the satchel, and then depos ited it at a hotel near by for safe keep ing. My object in this was plain. I knew that, the robbery would get into the newspapers, and that by behaving suspiciously at the hotel—of course, I was disguised—attention would be at tracted there. This did happen, and the result was that the jewels were given into the custody of the police authori ties, the very safest place for thein, so far as I was concerned. Gentlemen, that is the story of the crime which I com mitted. I have only to show my receipt from the Boston custom house and my bill of sale from the Paris dealer to be able to recover my property. Are you satisfied, Mr. Randolph?" "Entirely. You have won fairly, and I have a check for the amount with me, which you must accept with my con gratulations upon your success." "I thank ycu very much," said Mr. Mitchel, taking the check. "I take this because I have immediate use for it, as yovi will learn directly. Now I must tell you the true story of the other rob bery. " At this all were very much astonish ed. Mr. Thauret appeared a trifle nerv ous. He placed one hand over the top of his claret glass, and let it rest there a moment, after first having taken a sip from it. "You all recall the fact that I was sick in Philadelphia," continued Mr. Mitchel, "at the time of the Ali Baba festival. I flatter myself that that was the most artistic thing that I have done throughout this whole affair. Any one seeing me would have been satisfied that I was truly ill, yet, in point of fact, my cough was brought on by drags administered to me by my physician at my express desire, and for purposes which I bad explained to him. I guess ed that I had been followed to Philadel phia and took care that I should not be too closely watched, as Mr. Barnes knows. Yet I expected that after the affair Mr. Barnes himself would come to Philadelphia to see wo, and my arti ficially produced illness was to baffle him. But I am anticipating events. After the train robbery the woman was murdered. By what seemed an odd chanco she was in the samo house where my wife then lived. I know that I had been followed from the theater to that houso on the night of the murder. I knew that other circumstances pointed strongly to my guilt. But I had the ad vantage over the detective, for I knew that the man who had stolen the jew els from the woman, not finding them when ho returned to New Haven, must Jiave been furious. Judging the woman by himself, he would suppose that at least it was possible that she had taken them from the satchel herself. Then on that slim chance might ho not havo re sumed to the woman, and, admitting tbo theft of the satchel, have endeavor ed to make her confers that she still had the jewels? Failing in this, might no not either in a fit of anger or to pre vent her from 'peaching,'as they call it, have cut her throat?" "You are wrong there, Mr. Mitchel," said the detective. "The woman was killed while she slept There was no struggle." "Even so, we can imagine the sneak going into the house and killing her that ho might search for the gems un disturbed, and also to rid himself of a companion for whom he no longer had any need. At least, that was the view that I took of it, and, more than that, I felt convinced that I knew the man. At this moment Mr. Thauret nervous ly reached forth his hand toward his glass of wine, but before he could get it Mr. Barnes had taken it up and drained it to the bottom. Mr. Thauret seemed livid with wrath, and a dramat ic incident occurred, unobserved by the rest of the company. Mr. Thauret turn ed toward Mr. Barnes and 6eemed on the point of making a demonstration, -when that gentleman just tipped back his chair e lightly, and meaningly ex posed to the view of his neighbor the gleaming barrel of a revolver, which he held in his hand below the table. This only occupied a moment, and immedi ately afterward both men seemed, like tho others, simply interested listeners to tho narrative. "When 1 say that I thought that I knew the man," continued Sir. Mitch el, "I make a statement which it may interest you to have me explain. In tbo first place, I saw the fellow who hid the satchel at tho New Haven depot. Still I obtained but a momentary glimpse of his face and would not have been sure of identifying him. I will call yo»yt tention now to tho fact that very incidents sometimes lead the mind into a suspicion, which, followed up, may elucidate a mystery. Prior to the train robbery I had met a man at my club one night, or rather I had seen him playing a card game, and I conceived the notion that tbo fellow was cheating. "Within a few days of the robbery I met this man again, on which occasion Mr. Barnes was present, and an intf-r --esting conversation occurred. I was standing aside, pretending to bo other wise engaged, but really puzzling over the face of this man, which now seemed to mo strikingly familiar. Of course I had seen liim at the club, yet despito me there was an intuitive feeling that I had seen him elsewhere also. In a mo ment I heard him admit that lie had been aboard of the train on the night of tho robbery, and that he had been the first one searched. Awhile later lie of fered to wager Mr. Barnes that various theories which had been advanced as to the thief's method of secreting the jew els were all erroneous. This one remark satisfied me that the thief stood before pie. I had jiot then heard of the mur der. Kfty ft muct Feiytynbsred. that I "was insnared in the meshes of circum stantial evidence myself, so that, be sides any duty that I might owe to so ciety, it became of vital importance to my own safety that I should be in a po sition to prove this mat. guilty. I form ed a rather bold plan. I made a friend of the fellow. I invited him to my room one night and then accused him of hav ing cheated at the card game. Ho at first assumed a threatening attitude, but I my composure and per haps static „ V v proposing to ft >rm a partnership by v v eould fleece the rich clubmen. I *hat I really possessed less money than 1 am credited with, and that what I did have I had taken at the tables on the conti nent. Ho then admitted that he had a 'system,' and from that time we posed as good friends, though I do not think he ever fuHy trusted ma I learned from him that his partner in the game where I caught him cheating was en tirely innocent aud made him promise n c to plav with him again, for I had discovered that the detectives had heen told of this game, and therefore kr.ew that they would be watching both men when playing cards. I therefore pre ferred to be the partner myself upon stich occasions. "Having somewhat won the fellow's confidence, I was ready for my great scheme in baffling the detective so that I might win my wager and at the same time entrap my suspect. I had conceiv ed the Ali Baba festival. I showed Mr. Barnes cno day the ruby which I after ward presented to my wife. At the same time I told him that if he should come to the conclusion that I was innocent of the train robbery, he might as well re member that I would still have to com mit the crime as agreed upon. Then I arranged that the festival should occur on New Year's night, the very day on which my month would expire. I knew that all this would lead tho detective to believe that I meant to rob my fiancee, a crime for which I might readily liavo escaped punishment, with her assist ance. There he misjudged me. I would not for treble the sum have had her name mixed up in such a transaction. She knew absolutely nothing of my in tentions; though being at that time in ignorance of the details of the train rob bery, I left her mind in a condition not to offer resistance to the thief, who she might suppose to be myself. Then, after laying my trap, at the last moment I baited it by asking my fiancee to wear tho ruby pin in her hair. I went to Philadelphia, and feigned sickness. Then I eluded tho spy and camo on my self. Mr. Barnes I supposed would be present, and I had arranged that if so he would necessarily be in one of the dominos of the Forty Thieves. I had in vited my suspect to assume the role of Ali Baba, but he shrewdly persuaded somo one else to take the costume, him self donning one of the Forty Thieves' dresses. This compelled mo to go around speaking to every one so disguised, and to my satisfaction, by their voices, I discovered my man and also Mr. Barnes. In the final tableau Mr. Barnes, who evidently was watching Ali Baba, at tempted to get near him, and by chance was immediately behind my man. Fearing that he would interfere with my plans, J fell in just behind him. My design was to tempt the fellow to steal the ruby, which, if he did, would satisfy at least myself that my suspi cions were correct. It was perhaps a mad scheme, but it succeeded. I had so arranged that every one should pass the sultan and make obeisance. In doing this, as my fiancee was seated on the floor, the ruby in her hair would be just at hand, and one who knew its high value could easily take it. I fully ex pected my man to do this, and I saw him gently withdraw it. Immediately Mr. Barnes stepped forward to seize him, but I held the detective from be hind, then threw him into the advanc ing crowd, and, in tho confusion, escap ed from the house.'' Mr. Mitchel paused, and silence pre vailed. All felt, rather than knew, that a tragedy might be at hand. Mr. Thau ret, however, in a moment said: "Are you not going to tell us tho name of this sneak thief?" "No," quickly responded Mr. Mitch el. "But you are wrong to call my sus pect a sneak thief. If crime were a rec ognized business, as gambling in Wall street is now considered, this man would be counted'a bold operator.' I confess that I admire him for his cour age. But it would scarcely do for me to mention his name, when I am not in the position to provo that bo is the guilty man." "I thought you said that you saw him steal tho ruby?" said Mr. Thauret. '' I did, but as I myself had been sus pected of that my unsupported word would bo inadequate. Let mo tell you what I have done in the matter since. The most important step for me perhaps was to prevent the sale of the gem. This was not difiicult, as it is known the world over. I warned all dealers and let my man know that I had done 80. Next, I wished to delay a denoue ment until tonight, the time when my wager with Mr. Randolph would be settled. I soon discovered that my sus pect would not be averse to a marriage with a rich American girL He ques tioned mo adroitly as to the fortune which would come to my little sister in-law, and I replied in such away that I knew he would bend his energies in that direction. Then I did that which perhaps I should not have done, but I felt myself master of the situation and able to control events. I made a wager with Dora that sho would not remain unengaged until tonight, and I stipu lated that should sho have offers she should neither accept nor reject a suit or. I also told her, though I declined to fully explain how, that she would ma terially assist mo in winning my wa ger." This explains what Dora meant when sho asked Mr. Randolph if money would count with him against her love. When she accepted tho wager with Mr. Mitch el, she had been feeling resentful to ward Mr. Randolph, who, as long as he suspected his friend of the graver crimes, hesitated to become connected with him by marriage. This made him less atten tive to Dora, so that sho had not thought of him as a suitor when making the bet. When he declared himself, she rec ognized her predicament and was corre spondingly troubled, yet determined to win, and so acted as related. By this time, though Mr. Mitchel had not mentioned the name of the criminal, several present knew to whom he wad alluding. Mr. Randolph said impetuously; '' Then that explains''— Here ho stop ped, confused. "Yes," said Mr. Mitchel, smiling, "that explains everything that has per plexed you. Bo reconciled for the time you have been made to wait, for you will now not ouly win the lady, but will recover this check, for I must pass it over to her as a forfeit. Gentlemen, shall we drink to tho health and suc cess of Mr. Randolph V" This was done in silence. The guests felt u constraint. They knew that more was yet to come and anxiously waited foj it. Mr. Mitchel continued: "Gentlemen, that ends my story, except that I en gaged Mr. Barnes to take up the threads of evidence which 1 tf uvo him and to disentangle thetu if lie could. Shall we hear his report?" [TO BE CONTINUED.] DIET AND DIGESTION. Green corn, properly masticated, will be digested In tt's hours. The capacity of tho stomach Is varied greatly by age ar.d habits of eating. Itaw cabi» hours. Beef soup is iiiu<*h harder of digestion than would be supposed. The time re quired is about four hours. Fresh suu&uge. broiled, requires nearly B}4 hours for digestion. When fried, the time Is Indefinitely lunger. Barley soup is one of the lightest of jiets. It is believed to be completely di gested at the end of l'j hotirs. The tendons and cartilages of meats aro very much more difficult of digestion than the liber, requiring from four to Ave hours. No liesh is lienlthy too soon after the death of the animal. Meat should always be kept at least a day or two before using it. Highly concentrated foods, like eggs and meats, should be eaten with vegetables and fruit, which supply materials not con tain! d in tho moro solid diet. At iho Berlin People's Kitchen meals arc served at an exjienso of 'H* cents each. The dinner consists of I'i pints of soup and ounces of meat or llsh. Corn bread is said to bo perfectly digest ed at the end of three hours, bnt with some persons the digestion of this kind Is much more difficult than that of wheat. No man can lay down a rule of guidance for another man's stomach. Every stom ach is a law unto itself. There are chrome dyspeptics who digest pork and beans bet ter than any other food. The Human treatment of the stomach was heroic as well as epicurean. At a Roman feast emetics were provided for the guests when they could eat no more, and after undergoing the effects of these the feast was renewed.—St. Louis Globe- Democrat. PLAYS AND PLAYERS. Modjeska has gone to her ranch, Arden, at El Taro, Cal. Eleanor Calhoun is a popular favorite with the theater goers of London. La Lole Fuller's receipts averaged over SB,OOO a performance on her iio appear ances in New York city. Clyde Fitch has contracted to provide NatC. Goodwin next season.with a comedy drama with Nathan Halo, the American patriot, as hero. •'ln Gay New York" is the title selected by Canary & Loderer for their forthcom ing annual review, to be produced in May at the New York Casino. It Is said that Emma Calve will bo mar ried to Henri Calu, a Parisian librettist, during the coming summer. She will re main on the stage however. "Bohemia" is crowding the Empire the ater, New York, at every performance. Charles Frohman will need nothing elso at his fashionablo house this season. The American tour of "The Chili Wid ow" will bo given at the Gardon theater, New York, in the autumn. Tho produc tion will be Identical with tho ono now in London. Charles Coghlan's ''Madame," with Rose Coghlan in the title role, has scored a deserved success at Palmer's, Now York. Tho dialogue is trenchant and the interost cumulative. Lillian Russell will make her first ap pearance next season in a comic opera not unlike "La Mascotte." In this produc tion she will for the first time delve Into tho soubrettc realm. Jessie Lindsay, who hails from St. Louis, is one of tho dancing successes In London just now. Her buck, ballot and oriental terpslchorean vagaries have caught the Britishers. SHORT SERMONS. Bare walls make a gadding housowife. —Fielding. There are more faults in tho humor than in the mind.—Rochefoucauld. Troubles spring from idleness and griev ous toils from needless causes.—Franklin. Ho who can pay homage to tho truly despicable Is truly contemptible.—Lavator. Full oft have letters caused the writers to curse tho day they were indlters.—But ler. If little labor, little are our gains; man's fortunes are according to his pains.—Her rick. True happiness no'er entered an eye; true happiness resides in things unseen.— Young. To be truly and really independent is to support ourselves by our own exertions. — Porter. Incivility Is the extreme of pride; it is built on the contempt of mankind.—Zim merman. Malice and hatred are very fretting and apt to make our minds sore and uneasy.— Tillotson. A true and genuine Impudence Is ever tho effect of ignorance, without tho least son&o of it.—Steele. Some things are of that nature as to make one's fancy chuckle while his heart doth ache.—Bunyan. CHAFF FOR CHICAGO. Chicago can copper greater Now York by annexing Milwaukee.—Kansas City Star. To have rats in the city hall is not agree able, but the a miction can bo endured with luore general equanimity than barnacles. —Chicago Tribune. Chicago is experimenting with com pressed air. Can it be that the fair city Is pressed for room to store Its wind?— Springfield (Mass.) Union. The time may oomo when some of tho lawmakers of Chicago will have to con duct the affairs of tho town from the in terior of a jail.—Chicago Record. In Chicago nowadays if a man escapes being held up by a footpad ho is still In imminent danger of being knocked down by an alderman.—New York Press. CONGRESSIONAL CUTS. When the president gets disgusted with congress, he goes gunning for ducks; benoe the frequency of these gunning expedi tions. —Roston Herald. Somebody has discovered that there are 40 evil tors in congress. Then that accounts for the unusual display of Intelligence in tho house, where most of them are gath ered. "Ef some men paid ezmuch 'tention ter belli congressmen," said Uncle Eben, "ez dey does ter bein candidates, dar'd be moh statesmen in dls hero country."—Wash ington Star. Tho statement that when tho president Is disgusted with congress ho goes duok shooting is obviously not true. There are times when ho Is not duck shooting.— Providence Bulletin. Reversing the Process. Dick Talt—My wife comes down to the office every day. Sho got so jealous of that pretty typewriter I had that I had to discharge her and get a male stenographer. Town©—Well, everything is all right now, Is it not? Dick Tait —No. Now I am jealous my self.—Now York World. Love In Anger. When Moilie's in a temper, Alas, alack, the day I O'er thorn aiul rose away love goes And weeps along the way. And then, 'twixt tears and laughter. She prays the rose to check His footsteps and flies after, Her arms around his neck! —Frank L. Stanton in Atlanta Constitution. Narrow Limitations. Opera Manager—Tell you what, I'm glad I'm not In the grocery business. Friend—Why? Opera Manager—l'm told that if a gro cer puts on an understudy tor cream of tartar or coffee, he Is subjoct to line and imprisonment.—Detroit News. A I'oeui on Spring. Of sprint,' I Sing! When we catch the glint of the bluebird's wing; Wb«Mi u 1 mis. now mild, no longer sting; When bird songs through tho vtoudland ring, And bicycle bells go ting-a-iing. And winter flannels closely cling. Then it is spring, The real thing, Br Jing I —Jndianapolis Journal. CURRENT COMMENT. If England makes any advances in Egypt, she Is likely to demand real estate as security.—Philadelphia Times. A reoent rv:di.-,tic novelist speaks of red banded jcali usv. Jealousy with green eyes, ml bands and a blue necktie ought to be something terrible.—Los Angeles Express. Tho Standard Oil company announces that it will bore 800 holes in southeast Kansas this year. It looks like It would make the blame thing leak.—Hutchinson (Kan.J News. The champion pngillst says he has mas tered \en distinct blows, each of which will kill u man. Of course the most effect ive one is talking him to death.—St. Louis Globe-Democrat. The RriiUh cabinet is so thoroughly in favor of the arbitration movftnent that it proposes to spend 1 11 0,000,000 In battle ships to enforce the ;>aclflc method.— Pittsburg Dispatch. A New York contemporary remarks that "the theater hat Is again up for dis cussion." The theater hat is certainly up for some puroose, and so is the eholer of the man who sits behind it.—Kansas City Journal. The thieves who stolo a hearse and a coffin tho other day deserve recognition as the most audacluus outlaws in this neigh borhood. The next thing we know they may attempt to rob death of its terrors.— New York Mail and Express. Consuelo Marlborough has ri nod from Egypt with a living nofiven. ... tho shape and color of a Nubian sla\\ In cluding the duke, this niakts the - cond ouriosity she has picked up w.Llim a few months.—Blngliamton Republican. The hint of a Byron revival nu.kes us realize how bad we are. It was once thought rather shocking to express an ad miration for that poet, but he is milk for babes compared with somo of his fln do slecle successors.—St. Paul Pioneer Press. A sapient Kansas judge rules that a man who calls upon a woman regularly and occasionally takes her to entertain ments is engaged to her. If this notion ever becomes general, most women will be obliged to pay for their own theater tickets.—New York Press. Now that wo are under the Roentgen ray dispensation and are beginning to see through each other we can better under stand what the experiences of tbe judg ment day will be. When Judge Gabrlol turns his X rays on our mortal nature, we'll be shown up in our truo light. It behooves us to tidy up our interiors.—Cin cinnati Southwest. DREAM SUPERSTITIONS. To dream of frogs means success either in business or In love. A droam that your bouse has been burned denotes business losses. Combing your hair in a dream betokens success in lovo or trado, or both. Seeing an Indian In a droam presages a fort unate speculation in real estate. Fighting in a dream means that you will soon suffer much loss of property. To dream of eating oysters signifies a large increase in your trade or business. A dream about dice means a speedy estrangement from some very dear friend. If you dream that you have an ague, the sign Is that you will become a drunk ard. To dream of playing dice means that somo ono will shortly dlo and leave you money. Quarreling with an acquaintance In a dream means a speedy division In your family. To dream that you are riding a good horse means that you will marry a wealthy person. To dream of a bear means that you have a powerful enemy who will probably suc ceed In doing you a great Injury. If you dreum that you are walking in a green field, you will soon receive tho re payment of a long standing loan. To dream that you are kissing some body means iliat an unknown friend will shortly confer upon you a groat benefit. GORY WEYLER. General Weyler doesn't seem able to keep his thr. its.—New York Press. Weyler evidently intends keeping tho Cubans so busy reading the manifestoes that they will find no tlmo to drill.—St. Louis Republic. Except iu tbe accumulation of manifes toes General Weyler Is still unable to re port progress in his Cuban campaign.— New York Evening World. General Weyler has lssuod another proc lamation, but ho has not yet given tho world any reason to believe that he Is tho kind of a man in whose hands the pen is mightier than the sword.—St. Louis Globe- Democrat. General Weyler talks as eloquently as if ho were an orator born, but still he will havo some difficulty in proving that ho was a golden haired angel of reconciliation In his previous Cuban campaign.—Phila delphia Inquirer. THUMPS AT TRAMPS. " W hat do you do when you are hungry?" "Work. It takes away my appetite."— New York Tifhes. "I never give a cent to ablebodlod mon." "And expect me to cut off an arm for a cent?" —Philadelphia Item. " This horo book wot I found tells er bout a slecpin beauty wot slop' 100 years. Do yer b'lieve it?" "Course; I kin do it moself."—Sparta Herald-Advertiser. "I never give to beggars In the street," remarked a young man to a beggar. "Will yor honor oblige me with yer namo and address, and I'll call on you," was the prompt retort.—Answers. "Don't use poor soap," road Perry Pa tetic from the paper In which his "poke out" had been wrapped. "Ef I had of boen writin that," ho continued, "I think I would havo left out that word 'pore.' " —Adams Freeman. FLOWER AND TREE. Ono variety of the India rubber tree ha bright green leaves bordered with flaming red. Double flowers are generally the result of cultivation and always an abnormal growth. Many tropical trees when the bark is lacerated give out a milky juice that Is an active, acrid poison. In Asia it Is claimod that tho famous fig tree at Auarajapoura, Ceylon, Is the old est historical troe in the world. A record of It has been kept since it was planted In the yoar 288 B. C. Just before the sap begins to flqw is tbe best time to attend to tho pruning of the rosebushes. Prune hack severely, espe cially the hnrdy perpetual roses, and the number of . looming branohes will be greatly incrcasod. LIGHT AND AIRY. Her Commandment#. X. Bememlier that I am thy wife. Whom thou must cherish all thy life. U. Thou shalt not stay out late at night, When lodges, friends or clubs invite. #. Thou (thalt not smoke Indoor or out Or chew tobacco roundabout. 4. Thou shalt, with praise, receive my pies, Nor jiatitry made by me despise. 6. My mother thou shalt strive to please And let her livo with us In ease. ft. Remember 'tis thy duty clear To dress mo well throughout tho year. 7. Thou shalt in manner mild and meek Give me thy wages every week. 8. Thou shalt not be a drinking man. But live on prohibition plan. 9. Thou shalt not flirt, but must allow Thy wife such freedom anyhow. lu. Thou shall get up when baby cries And try the child to tranqulllse. These my commands from day to day Implicitly thou shalt obey. _ Structural. Of what composed the thing The woman calls her bonnet? There are a wing, a ribbon and Her own whole mind upoftjt. —Detroit Tribune. The Worm Turns. Conductor —Did I get your fare? Passenger—l guess you did. I didn't soe you ring It up.—Puck. Age and Wisdom. The older we get the less woJmoW And the madder we get ifO'OU^ol^-Us^