VOL. XXXXII. THE MODERN STORE. 1 Special Hosiery and Underwear Bargains this week. Everybody will need this wear right now. It will nay you to lay it by. Ladies' Fine Light-weight Gauge Cotton Hose-were lfcc, now 10c per pair. Ladies' 25c Black Lace Lisle Hose 18c, 3 pair for 50c. Ladies' Imported Black Lace Lisle Hose 38c qualities, this week >.k: pair Ladies' Imported Brilliant Lace Lisle Hose, Blacks and -Tans, best 50c grade 35c per pair, 3 pair for SI.OO. „ , Ladies' Fine Lace Bibbed Underveets, best l->c ones, this week 10c, 3 for 25c Ladies' 85c Lisle Undervest, Sleeveless, this week 15c each Ladies 50c Lisle and Swiss Vests, fancy lace trimmed, 3»c each, •! for f l A table fall of Shirt Waists and Shirt Waist Suits at just 4 price, We have the strongest and most varied assortment in Hosiery and Underwear in Butler. This sale means what we advertise EISLER-MARDORF COMPANY, «~r»■fs.ypy I 991 I UC.\Samples sent on request. OPPOSITE HOTEL ARLINGTON. BUTLER. PA Clearance Sale of Summer N Furniture 11 lights innumerable j» «y roc£wor\ porch set- kl ae. Bnt w# k 8 1 1 Willow Rockers, P HPi $1.50 to 2.00 , //Igmt M (ettees at -5. Z / M II 75, 3.00 and 4.00 /I ■■ away below regular price { fi / /iliV - tor these goods. Better > ► I I*®*® several too i And'retnember—nejt sum- > I mer you'll need them—and . the prlcejrill be coneider- ! BROWN & CO. | ( No. 136 North Main St., Butler. !► ssssssss^ 7 We wish to amioonce to the people of Butler County s S that our SEIHI-ANNDAL MIDSUMMER ( < CLEARANCE SALE Is In progress. < n We are giving the same large discounts as here-to-fore£ /and we solicit your patronage for the sake of youri Jpocketbook. You know us and know what our sales S 1 have done for you in the past. We quote below a few/ i Men's, boys' and children's suits at the following discounts: 1 t 240 suits at 20 per cent off regular price. ) f 390 suits at 25 per cent off regular price. 3 V 355 suits at 1-3 off regular price. J / 250 suits at 1-2 off regular price. y One lot of boys' suits were $1.50 to $4, sale price sl. t Same discounts on shirts, hats, coats and vests, fancy/ /vests, etc. Top coats at same discounts. Bring Sad. with you and compare prices. Yours for bargains, X I Douthett & Graham. | \ INCORPORATED. / S SEE WINDOW DIMPJLA V I'HOM TIME 'i'O TIMB. / T ..... | CLEARANCE SALE! « I j 1 Are you looking for a Surry, Spring Wagon or Buggy O I I 'to go to the Fairs, if you are we have them and at prices O 1 1 'that will surprise you, we arc crowded for room and still W 1 1 'have a good many buggies coming in, that we will have O ' i 'to make room for and In order to do so will sell W j | SSO BUGGIES AT S4O. 0 <ll $60.00 Buggies at $50.00 and all others In proportion, O < I (good Harness at SIO,OO, a few more through Rawhide O <! > Whips at 25 cents. Come quick before it Is too late and O * 1 1 the bargains all gone. 0 li» Trunks to close out at cost for the next thirty days. 0 iMartincourt & Thorn! j 1 (LIMITED) 0 f J 128 E. Jefferson St., Butler, Pa. / I Headquarters for Kramer Wagons. | AN DNDSIIAL CHANCE! * jj Wall Paper at Cost, j IJ From July 1 to 10 we will give 40 per cent, off || on our entire line of Wall Paper! Here's a »T« j } bargain for you if you need any Wall Paper! i\i | Heed a Hammock? We've reduced our hammocks! tjj j] EYTH BROS, | | * NEAR COURT THE BUTLER CITIZEN. AUGUST CLEARANCE! A Sale of Summer Goods Below Cost. Our Jilly ?ale was a success* For Angust selling we have slaughtered «]1 goodr*. We will carry nothing «>ver to another season if a sacrifice price will sell it. Cost not considered at this sale Come and get goads at j-onr own price. Wash Goods at Half Price. VW sold stacks of wash g.xids at the July **le but there are still some choice goods to be sold now at half price. 10c Lawns now sc. 12k- and 15c Lawns and Dimities now 7c. l*c and 20c Batistes, &c. now 9c. Fine Ginghams, Seersuckers, Fancy White Goods, Organdies, &c.. at bargain prices. , Shirt Waist Clearance. A chance to save one-fonrth to one-half Our entire stock of stylish Shirt Waists now on sale at a fraction of the original price. Come now and get bargains. Embroideries and Laces. Btocke are still too large and must be reduced. From onr already low prices we now offer one-lourtli oft on all enibroiilericM and lacon. Sale Prices In All Departments. Special bargain prices on Silks. Dress Goods, Table Linens, Crashes, Towels, Sheetings, White Spreads, Lace Curtains, Belts, Jewelry, &c L. Stein & Son, 108 N MAIN STREET. BUTLER, PA \ Bickers Footwear. H ki | A Grand Display of Fine Footwear in fA J All the Latest Spring Styles. M k! J/Swl!k We are showing many Fj m Jngffl'jjvk pretty styles in Ladies' Fine »J ? lmA ®hoes and Oxfords at prices Tfi m JjjW sure to interest you. P U Big bargains in Misses' p and Children's Shoes. r JP? Large stock of Men's and L* m -'Ww Boys' Fine Shoes and Ox- r r fords in many styles. k f » j£Br Repairing promptly done, L | JOHN BICKELS M ~ , Main St., BUTLER. PA. r lAji pf MEN f' 1 j[ V: I I spending money. Ttifcy desire to ggt the \r | ,/ // T\lt best, possible result of the money **pende<l. jjil V" / | ; '7 J J.) Those who buy custom clothing haven /j|; ;■ [ >.(.• tj/'lS I right to demand a fit, to have their clothes <L I ! fy y 5 correct in style and to demand of the / A\\' -■*r' • nellur to guarantee everything. Come to /M v•" • ; us ami there will be nothing lacking 1 /fivV jl 'S /'lf * . have just received a large stock of Spring - Y>/' K- ill! . anil Hummer suitings in the latent style*, 'if-l j e. p. KECK, j j Wy MERCHANT TAIfeOR, jjjJj JH/ -X .142 N.Mciin St., Butler, Pa Do More Work, 1 i Than any ° ther washe i % on the market. & : .J. C|. & W, CAMPBELL, : ftgittinaa't „•??' PA ; ■ Free Bus to and From Trains. 8 Rates Reasonable at all Times. H ■ Water Free to Guests. H ■ Open the Year Round. m 1 HOTEL DE VITA, I Iff CAMBRIDGE SPRINGS, PA. K H MA It TIN K. I'AItKKR, Mgr. H ■ In connection with the De Vita Mineral Springs. B ■ Electric and Vapor Baths. ■ H The Magnesia Spring is found at a dentil of 10!) H H feet and tin- water rises to within four feet of the H 3| surface, whence It Is pumped direct to the hotel. H MB As a water for bathing it is unequaled on account H B| of Its Moftti<-PS and mediciual properties. IJeing n H[ !F laxative, It Is one of the best known apecifloafor H S" all t>lood and skin diseases BR o These waters have made wonderful i-ur«*s and Bat are recommcudi-d for the following dlaeuses. H ism Itright's DisrasK of the Kidnevs, Hheuinatism. H MS Prostration, Dlalwtes, Drii|i»jr, Catarrh of the ■■ H Htomttcb and bladder, Nervous Prostration, H H Rheumatic (lout, all poisonous conditions of the B BUTLER, PA., THURSDAY, AUGUST 10,1905 I The Witch of 8 1 Cragenstone i ■S By ANITA CLAY MUNOZ, JtE Itf Author of "In Love tnd Truth** Copyright, 1905. bu Anita CUf Manoz «!»<•»► '» yTTTTTvy ttvttt? y v vy¥Tvv? irvivv t CHAPTER XXIV. IN a remote part of Cragenstone, far from the eeuter of the village, built on a narrow defile that 1«k1 from the main roadway and al most hidden by a wild growth of bushes and high trees, stood the prison where Margaret Mayland was confined. It was a primitive affair built rough ly of log*, the interior comprising a row of dark cells, a long narrow pas sageway svad a room for the keeper; also a large assembly hall where the village tribunal or council held Its ses sions. Here it was that they heard disputants, punished offenders and otherwise sat In Judgment. So quiet were the Inhabitants of this cbscure mountain village, so regular in their manner of living, peaceable and law abiding, that the jail for lack of serv ing any use of great Importance had long sinco fallen into a state of neg lect. The heavy wooden shutters hung loosely on broken hinges; the aper tures that emitted air and light into the building were covered with a rusty. Iron grating, and the plain, wooden furniture was dilapidated to an ex traordinary degree. In fact, the only part of the old prison that gave evi dence of strength or resistance was the huge front door of rough oak beams riveted together with iron bands that reached from floor to roof. Before this door on the afternoon Of tho day following Margaret's ar rest the old Jailer, Matthsw Allen, »at on a three leggod stool sleepily watching the sun's gradual descant toward tb« horizon line Ills good dog slept quietly at his side, and Inside the prison the silence was lutenso. Hounds of horse's hoofs pounding the roadway fell on the dull ears of the Jailer, who raised his head expectantly, for watching alone before the Jail in Qn Isolated part of the village was a monotonous existence even for a pious old man whose thoughts were wont to be nearer heaven than earth, and so the hope of a chance visitor with whom to discuss the exciting events of the previous day caused nu expression of unusual Intentneas to spread over Mat thew's countenance as he looked to ward the turn. Apparently the sight of the old man was falling, for the rider had appeared before Lis vision («nd approached quite a few yards In his dlreeUon before he recognized the tall, gray clad form of JoslahTauuston. With noisy clatter the horse and rider advanced, the latter pulling rein In a Cloud of dust before the huge do«f of the Jail. "I pit# thee good <lny, Matthew," he »aIA. "How doth fare thy prisoner, the devil's young accomplice? IN she Still with O10*?" "Yea, master," the man responded seriously. "She is here." "Thy news Is good," Joslali observed. "Met bought, perchance, to hear that sho had disappeared. (lone up I' tlw air oi) a streak o* lightning op lu U cloud of (ittottw, iu Join the revels of hor evil companions." At tills sally bo laughed a loud luugh of cruel enjoyment. The Jailer looked about hlni fearfully, calling under bis breath for the intercession v»f the •alntq. "Haw doth thy prisoner conduct her self, Matthew Allen?" Tnunston in quired, with curious gloating. "Doth she rave an' curse, tear down her hair an' call on that whlto llvered coxcomb, that quondam lover of hers, to come to •ave berV" "My son, her behavior Is unusual," ho answered, shaking his head from nid« to side In u wuy that Implied his Inability to understand. "The maid doth alt ou the stool quietly, with bead bowed an' hands pressed together o'er her heart, or else dotli kneel on tbe floor and rest her head on the side <)f b«f hard pallet." T»>« jailer sighed. '' 'Twere a sin, good sir, to feel a sympathy for such?" he asked In a trembling voice, uncertainly. Joslali, who had been leaning over to ward the old man familiarly, nuw sat erect wltli a sudden (potion, I'Mntthew Alleu," he cried sternly, "keep In mind always that thou doth come under the spell of this woman, under the snare of her devilish wiles. Her tricks are many, I tell thee, an" deep Is her art. She doth but pl«y u part to lure thee on! I (ant nlroudy had f\ feeling of pity for berV Then beware, Matthew! Keep distant from the churm of her spell, und pray- pray constantly for a speedy deliverance from the sore affliction that hath been visited upon this village." The Jallej- paled visibly, and his Jaw dropped us with eyes wide open In ter ror he looked Into the dark and men acing countenance of his visitor, who now pompously drew a paper from his bolt und with stern majesty proceeded to address the old man. "Matthew Alton, keeper of Cragftn atono Jail, I have hero an order from the chief councilor, herewith signed and sealed, commanding thee to bring the prisoner In thy charge-- ono Mar garet Maylaod, accused of witchcraft —before said councilor and council Jn the prison hall, where they will lie as sembled on the morrow at tho hour of noon." The Jailer took the paper with trem bling hands, stammering his surprise that so much haste hud been deemed expedient. "The council, as thou dost know, Matthew, Is composed of wise men," lie observed, "men who foresee danger end anticipate obstacles that might rise in their pnthi. Thy prisoner, Jail ®r, bath a lover abroad known to have vast Influence at court. As all the roads ami passes are guarded by good Puritans heavily armed, Ills only way of escape was by the Bterndorf forest, where he must either die of starvation or heroine n prey to the hunger of the Wolves." He snapped his fingers Indifferently, as If he did not care which. "Ho our good eounctlmeu, knowing the vulne Of precaution and having fair knowi ng* that ofttimes evil doth triumph over good, deetnea it expedient to set the trial ut the earliest hour, an' I warrant thee, Matthew, that If the prisoner Is found guilty and condeatn ed to die her execution will follow speedily." "Iloth fear a rescue, masterV" the Jailer asked, alarm written on lilh countenance. " 'Ha hard telling what Intention was lu the man's mind when he left," Taunslon replied soberly. "An we were careless enough to let the pris oner lie here a month or so uisyhup the (oplnjay, safely surrounded by armed followers, would ride back to break down the door and bear the witch away. But." as he saw the pallor deepen on the old keeper's face, "rest easy, Matthew, an' have faltli In the council." Having finished his discourse, he turned his horse about. "One moment stay thee," the jailer cried eagerly, laying a detaining hand on the horse's mane. "An" should this knight find means of escape through the forest and ride back to save his lady, this old prison would offer but poor resistance." "With so much dispatch will the council seel the woman's fate," Joslah answered sternly, "that unless La Fa bienae hath eagle's wings wherewith to speed him on his travels he will ar rive too late. Fare thee well, Mat thew." He started to ride away, then, pulling rein, suddenly brought his animal to a standstill. "I a'most forgot to tell thee," he call ed over his shoulder, "that the council hath under advisement tße matter of sending some other to remain with thee until the day that thy prisoner hath been freed or her doom sealed. God be with thee, Matthew." Futtlug spurs to his horse, he rode away, and the keeper, calling his dog, turned the great key in the lock and entered the Jail. The next morning, despite the fact that a heavy mist hung over the moun tain and a drizzling rain was falling, the quiet village of Cragenstone pre sented a scene of unusual activity. From the various houses people were Issuing on tholr way to the council hall, gnd at the Hlgn of the lted Heart stern faced Puritans from far distances were arriving constantly, for the story of Margaret's arrest had been passed from mouth to mouth over the moun tain, and In those credulous, supersti tious times such a sensational event as tho trial of a witch was the signal for a general holiday. Shepherds left tbelr flocks, housewives their spinning wheels, the husbandman laid down hla plow, and, donning their best attire, they walked or rody to the scene of in terest. So all the morning along the roadways and before the various shops in the village groups of newcomers ad vanced or stood listening with mouths agape to the startling and fearful tale* told them by tho townspeople of "the accurst woman's doings" and the suf fering she bad caused those that had come under her evil spell. Precisely at the hour of noon, as the rusty Iron be|| at the prison clanged out the tidings that the time of Marga ret's trial had arrived, tho chief coun cilor and council, accompanied by two judges from Sterndorf renowned on the mountain for their knowledge of the law, made tholr way through the great fonctiurso uf people gathered before tho jail. Trembling with excitement, old Matthew threw open the door, and they entered, walking slowly to tho council chamber, followed nt u respect ful distance by the assembled people, Whq took seats quietly on the rough wooden benches prepared for them. When all were seated and the clang lug of the bell had ceased, the chief councilor rose and called loudly the name of Matthew Allen. Immediately the Jailer uppeared at the door. "Matthew Allen," he said In solemn (ones, "I < all on thee hi the name of the AH tytwwere turned toward the cnti'uae*. king to produce the woman In thy charge, oue Margaret Mayland, before this tribunal, lirlng forth tho prison er 1" Amid a breathless silence he resumed his seat. Presently the grating noise of the opening uud shutting of an Irou door was lieard, then the sounds of footsteps coming along the corridor. All eyes were turned toward the entrance and there was a rtpplo of excitement ami deep Interest as the old keeper, leading the prisoner, appeared In tho doorway. Eugerly the spectators fixed their curl ous glances on Margaret, who wore ii plalu dress of black cloth unrelieved by any color ur ornament save tin* gold cross on her bosom, that shone brightly ou Its fine gold chain. Her glittering hair, brushed back smoothly, was coll ed in a loose knot, and she walked with drooping bead, her palo face wearing an expression of suffering and hopeless misery. They advanced slowly, the Jailer find lug difficulty In malting it wuy for them through the crowded aisle, until they came to an open space before Ihe coun ell, where Matthew, seating Margaret on a woodeu stool placed there fur ihe purpose, left her. So Intense was the stillness lu the room that the noise of the fulling of a pin could have hewn heard us the assemblage gazed at the prisoner brought face to face with her Judges and accusers und who now snt a lone apart, her hands clasped togeth er In bur lap, her proud head bent and her blue eyes dull und heavy, their gluncn not lifted from the floor. Tbe chief councilor sat on u bench surrounded by Ihe council, nnd back of theui, seated ou woodeu stools, were the witnesses and accusers. Joslali Tauuston, summoned to serve In both capacities, sat with his mother lu u place of proinlnence and received a Urge share of comment and curious at tention. yea ted just beftya frltf in the council was one of the visiting Judges j from Sterudorf, who. after surveying | Margaret's youth and beauty with as tonishment, turned to Josiab, saying i softly: "By uiy faith, good sir, the m«.J is | possessed of wondrous beauty and | looks not like one that had sold her soul to the devil." Josiah's grim face darkened. "Hist, limn! Look not her way, an' , put thy thoughts on holy things. To j appear winsome is of her evil art: 'tis ( one of the first tricks she doth use to | put folk under her spell. 'Tis well I were here to warn thoe, friend." The man turned about with a fright ened expression and, fixing his glance on the audience, kept it there. Soon the chief councilor, in large curled wig and loose gown of black, rose to his feet. "Margaret Mayland, rise." The prisoner, without lifting her eyes, obeyed his command. "Margaret Mayland," he continued, speaking with stern distinctness, "In the name of the king, thou hath been taken into custody and now brought to trial on the following charges: Con nivance with Satan In rebellion against Ood, possessing a malevolent Influence over human boiugs and supernatural powers to Injure them, to read their thoughts, to fascinate and barm by a look, to control the elements and In other w'ays most wicked to practice the awful crimes of magic, black art and witchcraft. Thine accusers state," he continued, "that already thou hast wrought much suffering to thy neigh bors in this village. Woman, hath aught to say In thy defense?" For the first time Margaret lifted her eyes. "Good sir, of the charges thou dost name I am not guilty," she answered gently. "Hast thou secured any one to ar gue In thy defense, to plead for thee?" he demanded. "Nay, sir." Her head fell forward, and she clasped her hands together tightly. "I—l have no friends hereabout, save one old woman, who can do naught but cry for me." "Thou mayst be seated." A murmur of deep Interest ran through tho assemblage as the old councilor said: "Councllmen, we will proceed with the trial. Let tho first witness be called." He resumed his Beat with solemn dignity, whllo the court crier, bris tling with Importance, rose at once, calling dramatically, "Josiali Taun ston to the witness bench!" CHArTER XXV. as bis name was spoken thus loud /m ly and suddenly Taunston turn ed deathly white, and greut beads of perspiration stood out on his forehead. He attempted to rise, but, feeling his legs unsteady under him, resumed his seat; then, control ling himself by a strong effort, again rose and walked with his accustomed &lr of ralm seriousness to the bench set apart for the witnesses. The cblef councilor addressed him solemnly: "Josiab Taunston. doth thou promise, knowing that a Just and revengeful God beareth all thou wilt say, to speak truth?" "I do so solemnly promise." Then n young attorney, who had been appointed by the council to qucsUon witliesses. stepped forward, taking a place Just ljefore Margaret, who if she heeded what was going on gave no evidence of It, but sat motionless, with lowered bead and eyes downcast. "Joslali Tauuston," bo commenced rapidly, addressing the witness, "as the accusod hath secured no person to defend her or to parley questions with witnesses It will be proper for thee to give thy evidence directly and with as much speed as possible. Witness, what occurrence between thee nnd the pris oner Urst caused thee to think she was In connivance with the devil T" After mopping his brow with his handkerchief and wetting his pale lips with his tongue Joaluh spoke: " Twas on a day sAoti after Marga ret Mnylnnd's return to her estuto that I went one morning to fetch my sister, who bail been detained by the storm a few day* at the bouse. As 1 approach ed from the roadway mine ustonlshed gaze fell upon my sister, usually a maiden of great decorum, ruuulng like • wild thing along tbe top of tho pas ture wall, whilst the prisoner, with her hair unbound tin' streaming I' the wind, swung from tree to tree, laughing un' chattering gleefully as ono bewitched. My sharp cry of rebuke brought them to their senses, and, greatly abashed and crestfallen, they advanced quietly to meet me. Hoping for some good In fluence with my cousin, 1 entered the house and stopped a short time to re mouvtrate with lier for her unbecoming behavior. "1 also took occasion, iim I felt It my duty, to rebuke her for wearing tor ornament a papist cross that always, no matter how frequent the changes lu her dress, hung about her neck ou a gold chain. 1 urged upon her the fact that such a decoration wus distasteful to all good Puritans and warned her that if she persisted lu her headstrong foolishness shn would bring upon her self much suspicion an'distrust. Slid denly, as 1 uttered the words, the chain parted all' fell to the floor, where, lu my righteous auger, I grasped It and but for ihe woman's heartrending •brinks an 1 shrill screams of agony, thut I confess disarmed me, I would have thrown It Into the fire!" Here his narrative was interrupted by loud murmurs of approval from tliu sudience. "For the uonce, under her spell, 1 returned the emblem to her with un Willingness, an' thereupon, greatly dls couraged and dlshenrtenod in mine endeavors to lead the woman iuto bet ter ways, I left tho house." lie paused u moment for greater ef fect; thou, throwing up his head sud denly, said, with slow emphasis, "At noon, councllmeu, with the same hand that held that cross, being Innocent of harm and having no thought of evil. I fed tuy sheep, and before sundown many of the uulmals were lying sick of an unknown dlseuse!" "Doth make u charge, witnessV" asked the attorney. "I charge that tho woiniiu la ac curst; that the cross she wearotli even now so brazenly ou her bosom Is u witch insrk that coutalneth magic to wreak harm to living creatures," be answered harshly. All glances were Axed ou Margaret, who neither moVsd tier spoke. "Continue, witness, an thou hast more to say," tho cbtef councilor here Interposed. Joslali again molatyued his lips und, with a nervous motion, ndjusted the plain starchtwl ruff at bin throat. "One evening somewhat later I' the mouth at the time of the setting of the huu 1 was walking through the forest on my way to my home from tho vll lago when I encountered this woman most boldly dressed In n gay colored frock cut lu an unseemly fashion to expose her arms an' neck, made thus, 1 wot, to lure men to their destruction, and, pausing before her, with only tlioygbts for her good lu iny bjgrt, 1 attempted to expostulate with her. when of a sudden inethought sparks of fire flashed from her eyes! Hie nam* of 'Godfrey' came In a shrill shriek from her Hps, an', throwing her arms about me in a fury, she held me as in a vise with the unnatural strength of ten men. For my very life I struggled with her, strange noises sounding about mine ears, confusing me; then there was a loud report as of a burst of thunder, an* I was surrounded by a cloud of smoke that cleared away to show standing before me the form of the woman's accomplice. Sir Godfrey I.A Fablenne!" At the sound of that name the prison er's body swayed as if with suffering, and she cowered slightly, and from the assemblage came cries, hisses and groans. "At the instant he appeared before my vision," the witness continued In harsh, even tones, "I was felled to the ground by a fearful blow, an' when I was able to stagger to my feet both had disappeared. So strange and weird was the incident and so dazed my mind that i' truth I would ha' thought It was all a dream and I bad been sleeping had It not been for the strong stench of sulphur an' powder that lay heavy on the air, blood streaming from my nostrils and the number o* birds dead and dying that were strewn all about me on the ground." At the close of this speech the pris oner, amazement and grief depicted on her countenance, raised her eyes to the face of her accuser with a glance that contained the deepest reproach, and the audience gave vent to Its repressed excitement by loud whispers and wild gesticulations. "Joslah Taunston," here interposed the young attorney, "hast thou other evidence against the prisoner?" "As thou can understand," the wit ness replied, with a significant shrug of his shoulders, "after that experi ence I gave both the woman an' her accomplice a good safe distance to play their havoc In. But I can repeat much evidence of trouble wrought amongst my neighbors," he added eagerly. "That would be hearsay evidence and of no value. Thou canst be excused." Joslah rose and, walking by Marga ret with head well up, resumed his seat by his mother. "Henrietta Taunston to the witness bench!" A full minute passed, and, as no one moved or came forward In response to this call, all faces were turned In the direction of Hetty Taunston, who, pale faced and weeping, sat by the side of Simon Kempster on one of the benches placed nearest the door. The court crier looked about him. "Is the witness present?" "Yea, yoa, sir!" came In cries from the audience. "See thy mother an' Joslah with their eyes turned upon theo In anger, sweet. Thou'd best go," urged Simon, squeez ing her small band encouragingly. " 'Twill do thee naught but harm to go against their bidding. See, thy broth er's whispering to the questioner now, Instructing him mayhap to be easy wi' thee. Go, Hetty. I wot 'twill be bet ter for thee." At the earnest solicitation of her lov er Hetty rose and, making her way slowly through the crowded council room, reached the witness bench, where she stood, oblivious to all tho curious glances cast In her direction, regarding Margaret's drooping figure with an expression in her dark eyes of mourn ful sympathy. Sharply rebuked for her inattention by the chief councilor, Hetty was Instructed to be seated, and the young attorney took his place be fore her. "Henrietta Taunston,"he commenced, wltli greut seriousness, "thou hast been herein summoned ns a witness against this woman Ma run ret Maylund on the representations of thy fuuilly that thou didst on several occasions come under the bnleful lutluence of her spell. Hast thou aught to say?" "Oh, sir," Hetty fultered tearfully In trembling tones, "although the evi dence Is awful an' convincing, I can not bring myself to think 111 of Mar garet, who was ever most kind to me. 1 can think of her only aw my father's sister's child—now both dead alone among her accusers, forhakeu In her hour of trouble by thu man she loved uh, bow neurly, only one close to her, us I ha' been, could give thee under standing of It." Bho began to aob bitterly. "Have i»lty on her. If she hath done auKht of wrong 'tla of the cross she weureth, ou uccount of a promise, good couudlmen, given her by a dying papist, muyliap with a dying curse breathed on It. Entreat her to destroy It and let her go away," she cried plteously. HIT brother's face was black as night, and he mit well forward on his seat, glaring at Hetty savugely as If he could strike her words back into her throat. His mother, seeing his agllutlou, plucked the sleeve of the at torney who stood near her and whis pered some Instructions In his ear. When she finished be stepped forward sternly, with uplifted hand. "Enough, Henrietta Taunston! 'Tla not thy place to plead for the prisoner, but to give what evidence thou bust." "Good sir, as 1 have promised to tell tite truth before God," Hetty sob bed, not daring to look towurd her mother or brother, "I have never felt any Influences of the evil spells at tributed to her, but rather have 1 re eel veil much kindness from sweet Mar garet." "Didst thou not one avenlug meet (his woman tho accused—ou the road and pass her by with averted face in obedience to thy mother's command?" "I dM. sir." "And did she not In her anger stand rigid, fixing her baleful glance upon thee so thut thou didst run with all haste to thy homo, falling In n fit on the tloor at thy brother's feet, where thou didst ltv like u creature possessed by the devil, foaming ut the mouth and mov ing convulsively?" lu her excitement Hetty uliuost rose from her seat. "Nay. sir, nay," she cried earnestly. "Thou hath a wrong Impression obtain ed from evil tongues. 'Tla true that t met Margaret, l>ut her glance was not baleful, but, oh, sirs," lifting her toarful, supplicating face toward the tribunal, "'twas so sad that my heart hath not stopped aching since with tho memory of It! An' believe that 'twas not our meeting that caused my swoon Ing, but the news brought"— Here Josluh Taunston, uuable to con trol himself any lopger, ipse from his seat, xVnite fftqufj writhful. "I (!o proclaim wjtness now to be under the (pell 6f the prisoner." l"e cried lu a loud voice hastily lu his do sire to slop her further utterances, "who was ever wont to influence my sister easily, and do artlrm that she la not responsible for what testimony she glveth." Immediately there wos a great Up roar and wild excitement in the coun cil hull. Hetty, frightened at her brother's violence and bewildered by the confusion, rose from her seat, and, .while the attorney consulted with the couavUmn and J94U11 ffMWfee No. ai. the advisability of questioning her fur ther, the witness, regardless of conse quences, made her way hastily to Si mon Kempster and, sinking Into her place by his side, laid her face against his coat sleeve, sobbing bitterly. The gaping auditors eyed her curi ously, entertaining themselves with coarse comments on her evident fond ness for her lover and sneers for her sorrow at the prisoner's predicament. Suddenly there was a loud rapping for order. The council, having decided not to recall Iletty, made the fact known, and when all again was quiet the Wid ow Dawson, whose child had died of convulsions, was on the witness bench giving nn account of that night's ex periences. Time and the constant repetition of this story to the credulous, awe struck people of the community had caused It to lose none of its interest, so that the tale the woman related In a low, dis tinct voice was supernatural in the ex treme and grewsome in Its horrible de tails. The superstitious listeners, eager ly drinking in every word the widow uttered, expressed their sympathy for her and their fear and detestation of the prisoner, who continued through it all to sit silently with bowed bead and clasped hands, by giving vent to louder murmurings of anger and cries for vengeance. v Other accusers followed, each with a tale of some harm having befallen her after pussiug or coming in contact with the young mistress of Mayland farm, so that the afternoon was wearing to a close when the last and most lmpor- * tant witness, old Adam Browdle, the goldsmith, was called to give his testi mony. The old man, whose grief at {he loss of Christopher was deep and sin cere and who honestly attributed the lad's tragic death to the supernatural powers of Margaret Mayland, contain ed in the "accurst cross of gold," told his story minutely, giving every detail from the moment the cross was brought to his little cabin to tho end, with streaming eyes and quavering voice, growing stern and tragical as he de scribed the storm, weeping tears of ag ony as he told of the finding of the body; then, suddenly winding up his long and terrible tale, lie fell on hit knees and, raising his arms to heaven, called God's vengeance on the prisoner. As he was led, trembling and ex hausted, to his seat loud talking was heard In the audience, those assembled C glaring at the pale faced prisoner with hatred in their eyes. The chief coun cilor rapping for order, a silence fell upon the crowded room that lasted, with an occasional interruption, for a long half hour while tho tribunal delib erated. At last the chief councilor rose and, walking with solemn majesty to the railing that separated the council from the audience, addressed tho prisoner: "Margaret Mayland, rise." With a little fluttering sigh Margaret rose and, raising her eyes, looked into his stern, hard face steadily. "Woman," he said, "although thou hast denied guilt of the wicked crimes attributed to thee, I do announce that* after a patient hearing of all the awful happenings that have occurred Is this hitherto peaceful and God loving com munity since thine advent here and after having accorded thee a legal trial of much fairness, this tribunal doth find the charges true and doth pro nounce theo guilty of tho blackest crime on the calendar, alloglance to the devil and rebellion against God. There fore, Margaret Mayland, even as our Lord hath commanded that the wicked spirits of sinners be burned perpetually after death, so do I, by the king ap "Margaret Mayland, rltt." pointed to sit in Judgment of evil doers, with humble prayers for guidance to order wisely, command that at such time as this council now assembled shall designate, thy body, containing tills black and evil spirit, also the ac curst cross that thou doth In thy per verse wickedness persist in wearing ou thy bosom, be burned at a stake by the scourgo of flrel" There was a breathless silence in tho room while tho chief councilor was speaking, tliu assemblage sitting, whits faced and trembling, looking at Judgs Mini prisoner. '•Prisoner, hath thou augbt to say— any reasons to urge why this sentenco should not be pronounced upon theo?" The fair young mistress ot the May laud farm, who but a week before was so beloved and loving, winsome and happy, now stood alone, broken heart ed, forsaken, a mourning figure In her gown of black, looking at the cold, un sympathetic faces of her accusers with sad, appealing eyes. "Good sirs," she answered slowly, with gentle, impressive solemnity, "an thou would confer u favor on a friend less maltl whose every living hour doth brlug her naught but keenest suffering, thou would set her death day spsedily." fro nil rorfTiifurn.l A TRIP TO A ttIAK. Thr Atra of Time 1« W«»W Take o*e tu llrncla OnUwi. "Let us suppose a railway to h* v * been built between tho earth and the fixed star Centaurl," said a lecturer, "liy n consideration of this railway's workings we can get some Idea of the enormous distance that Intervenes be tween Centaurl and us, "Suppose that I should decide to take a (rip ou this new aerial line to the fixed star. I ask the ticket agent what the fare Is, and ho answers: •• "ilie fare is very low, sir. It Is only a cent each hundred miles.' " 'And what, at that rate, will the through ticket one way cost?' I ask. " 'lt Will cost Just 12,780,f100,000,' he answers. "I pay for my ticket and board tho train. We set off at a treuieudous rate. •• liow fast,' 1 ask the brakeman, 'are we going?' " 'Hlxty miles au hour, sir,' Bays he, •and it's a through train. There are no stoppages.' "'We'll soon be there, then, wont weV 1 resume. " 'We'll make good time, sir,' says the brakeman. " 'And when will wo arrive?' •"In Just 48,<168,000 years.' delphla Bulletin^
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