Birds That Can Talk. Professor Scott of Princeton says that wild birds sometimes introduce variations into their songs and, again, more rarely, imitate not only tho songs of other birds, but the barking of dogs, mechanical sounds like the creaking of wheels, the filing of a saw and even human speech. A writer in IJird Lore gives this well authenticat ed incident: One morning while I was standing on my back steps I heard a cheerful voice say: "You are a pretty bird. Where are you?" I wondered how any parrot could talk loudly enough to be heard at that distance, for the houses on the street behind us are not near. Presently tho voice came again, clear, musical and strong: "You are a pretty bird. Where are you?" For several days 1 endured the sus pense of waiting for time to investi gate. Then I chased him up. There he was in the top of a walnut tree, and his gorgeous attire told me imme diately he was a rose breasted gros beak. At the end of a week he was saying, "Pretty, pretty bird. Where are you?" He and his mate stayed near us ail last summer, and this spring they came again. He is making the same remark as plainly as ever a bird can speak. * I RHODA'S !j $ SECRET * £ Ry SYLVJA CHESTER V Rhoda laid her hand gently upon her aunt's shoulder. She had en tered the room with selfish schemes In her heart; there was nothing but deep pity now as she looked at the worn miserable face of the desolate woman. Miss Dering let the curtain fall and took Rhoda's hand in hers. "You are alone too," she said. "They won't love you any more than they love mo. Molly and Mrs. Dering have all the love George has sti'l to give; and your aunt — Do you like your aunt, Rhoda?" "1 have seen so little of her." "Ah, you are cautious! Come, sit down again and forget all my foolish words. Hut it was like seeing a ghost to look at you, Rhoda. Only you are pale and grave. That was not like me; I was the life of the house. Did your father ever talk of me?" Rhoda paused before she answered and Miss Dering went. on. "Hut, of course, you have not seen him for years. You are like him, Rhoda. We were very much alike, Arthur and I. He would not know me now." "You saw my mother once?" said Rhoda. "I went to see them at Lucerne. That was before you were born. Your mother was not a lady, Rhoda, and we were all very angry with Arthur for marrying her. That was his first offense. My father was a proud man, he struck Arthur's name out of his will. I went secretly to Lucerne to see your father; but we quarreled. He had a very bitter tongue; and he did not spare me. Hut I saw your mother a sweet-fair little girl; I can see her now." "You never saw her again?" "Never. We lost sight of them for years. I had my own troubles to live through. 1 have had great troubles, Rhoda. I was to have married Lord Woburn's eldest son; but he died. And 1 had other troubles after that. And now I am desolate and only borne with for my money. You know 1 am very rich, don't you?" "Molly told me so." "Mrs. Dering thinks that I shall leave it all to Molly. Perhaps I shall!" She gave Rhoda an edd look and settled her draperies round her with trembling fingers. "Do 1 look very haggard and old?" she said, with a piteous look. "Tell me frankly, Rhoda." "Yes, Aunt Millicent, you do look very haggard. You look older than you ought to look because you dress so youthfully." Rhoda had meant to speak very (differently to please; to flatter; but the words came despite herself. Miss Dering went to the glass and looked at herself. Then she turned to Rhoda. "How would you like me to dress?" she said sharply. "You ought to wear a pretty cap and a different dress, and let more light into your room. You would look beautiful still, Aunt Millicent— as beautiful as you did when you were young, only with a different kind of beauty." Miss Dering dropped the curtain and sat down again. "You are a very extraordinary young woman, Rhoda," she said. "?-> you do not like my room or my dress? You would like me to dress as your nuns dressed, I suppose?" "You would not like that," re plied Rhoda, with a faint smile. "They have dressed you very prettily. Rhoda, what would I give for your youth and your quiet un troubled past!" Rhoda did not answer, and Miss Dering went on in a lighter tone. "The nuns have taught you how to dress and taught you the virtue of plain speaking. You will have to forget the latter lesson, Rhoda." "You asked my opinion," said Rhoda gently. "Oh, I like your frankness! I was just like that; you are what I was Rhoda. If you had been like your mother, Mrs. Dering would hav« liked you better, but you would not have been the same to me." "You ought to be angry with me for my rudeness," said Rhoda. "No, I am not angry. I know I am a frightful old woman. Don't shake your head and spoil your truthful ness. I shall tell Mrs. Dering what you have said to me." She leaned back, still looking fixedly at Rhoda. "You must come to see me every day," she said, "and say to me ex actly what you think. Perhaps you will get me to wear caps and leave off powder. Now call Stanton and go away. Tell Mrs. Dering I shall come down to luncheon." The days passed, and the intense longing to tell the truth which Rho da had at first felt gradually wore off. Her relatives so completely took her past for granted, they showed so little curiosity about it that it was easy togo on. Molly was too full of her own experiences to care much to listen to Rhoda's stories of the Quiet convent days. The two girls spent many happy mornings in Molly's lit tle room. When work was over, Mol ly was the chief talker. Rhoda heard all about the escapades with Jack that hud made Molly's child hood such an exciting time. Rhoda's afternoons were devoted to Miss Dering. This occasioned a. severe struggle between Mrs. Dering and her sister-in-law, Rhoda was not present at the stormy interview be tween them; but though Mrs. Dering gave way, she was bitterly cold to Rhoda after that. "I wish lthoda had never come to Dering," she said angrily to her hus band; "she is taking Molly's place with her aunt." "Well, well, Molly will have enough and to spare," George Der ing replied soothingly. "1 wish the girl looked happier, Agnes; she never never smiles. Have you noticed that? She looks as if she had some great burden to bear." "What can a girl want more?" said Mrs. Dering, with a touch of bitterness in her tone. "Molly is de voted to her. It is ridiculous for her to have such tragedy airs; 1 have no patience with her!" It was a day or two after this that Miss Dering one morning announced her intention of going to London for a week. She wished, she said, to consult a new doctor. Rhoda was to go with lier, and Khoda only. There was another sharp struggle with Mrs. Dering, who at first declared that Rhoda should not go; but she gave way after a time, and one bright frosty morning Rhoda and her aunt proceeded by train to Wat erloo. They drove to the Langham, where Miss Dering had engaged rooms. "I will go and see tlie doctor to morrow," said Miss Dering, who looked wonderfully bright and well. "Now we will have lunch, and then I want to pay a call." She left Rhoda in the sitting-room and went to her own room. Rhoda walked to the window and stood looking absently into the street. After a while she heard the door open behind her and turned to speak to her aunt. She started vio lently, for the lady who entered was very unlike the Millicent Dering whom she had learned to know. All the false complexion was gone; her hair was plainly fastened up under a pretty cap; her dress was of sober make and fashion. "You hardly knew me, Rhoda," said Miss Dering with a smile. "See 1 have followed your advice!" She walked up to the girl and patted her on the cheek. "1 do not know what you have done to me, Rhoda. You have made me want to be good." Rhoda burst into passionate tears. Miss Dering put her arms round her. "I must have frightened you, and 1 wanted to pleuse you! Come, Kho da, let us have our luncheon and then go out; I am anxious to see how people will look at me. How do you think 1 look ?" Hut Rhoda's tears would not stop. She sank down upon the chair be side her aunt and hid her face. There was a wild longing In her heart to toll her aunt all; but the words would not come, and the good moment passed. She grew calmer after a time and was able to talk lightly about Miss Dering's new mode of dressing. She was pule and tremulous however when they went out and drove down Regent Street and towards the Park. Miss Dering looked critically at Rhoda as they drove on. "I like your dress, my dear," she said, "and being pale suits you. We are going to steal a inarch on Mrs. Dering, Rhoda." Rhoda looked for an explanation. " We are going to call upon "our heir,' ' said Miss Dering, with an ex act Imitation of Mrs. Doring's im pressive tone. "You have not seen Adrian Dering yet; I want to intro duce him to you." The carriage stopped at a house in Hrook Street. Mr. Dering was at homo, and the two ladies were taken upstairs Into a large front room, the walls of which were lined with books. A tall, handsome, dark eyed man came to meet them. "Aunt Millicent, this is a great and unexpected pleasure." Ho looked at her in some amazement and she said with a nervous laugh "You scarcely knew me in this new style of dross; this is Rhoda's work. Let me introduce you to Rhoda." Adrian held out his hand with a grave smile. "Let us shake hands, Cousin Rho da, as cousins should." He took her hand In a firm and friendly clasp. "I should have made your acquaint ance at Dering next week," he said; "I have been so busy that I have not been able to run down lately." Adrian Derlng was a remarkably handsome man. He was a true Der lng, tall and dark and slenderly built. He reminded Rhoda a little of her father; but there was a look of intellectual power on Adrian's face that was wanting in Mr. Der- Ing's. Yet it was a cold face; there was no tenderness or softness in its lines, no gentleness In the brilliant dark eyes. He was very cordial how ever to the two ladles, got tea for them, and accepted with evident pleasure Miss Derlng's invitation to dinner that evening. "This is for your black silk dress, Rhoda, It Is too plain for you. Put this lace on and wear some flowers to-night. I don't want Adrian to think us dingy and old-fashioned." Rhoda saw Adrian Derlng nearly every day that week —often more than once a day. Onco or twice Miss Derlng sent them out together. One long walk they had In the early morning of the last day through Hyde Park Into Kensington Gardens. Rhoda exclaimed at the beauty of the old trees in the Gardens. "They remind me of the trees In our convent garden," she said invol untarily. Adrian looked at her with one of his rare smiles. "There is a strange fascination for me In the thought of that con vent life of yours," he said. "How shut off from the world it must have been! It is the right sort of educa tion for a girl." Rhoda looked straight before her without speaking. "When I saw you first," Adrian went on,"lt seemed to me as if the quiet spirit of the convent life was still resting on you; you were very pale, and your solemn gray eyes seemed to reproach the world for being so gay and flippant. I won dered then if you had ever laughed." "You have heard me laugh since," said Rhoda, with a bitter little smile. "Once or twice; and I have seen you smile as you are smiling now, as if you were unused to mirth. How different you are from little Molly!" "Very different!" "Molly has always lived in the sunshine, and she does not know what seriousness Is. You, Rhoda, have learned much from those grave, quiet convent years." "You think you understand me af ter a week's frlenshlp?" said Rhoda, trying to speak lightly. "I do understand you; I look at your face and read your nature there —tender and strong and true. No wonder you have made Aunt Milll cent a different being! 1 thank you for that, Rhoda; your influence over her is wonderful." "You are unjust to Molly," she answered; "you do not appreciate her." "We do not suit each other," said Adrian, briefly. He glanced at Rho da, and then said, "Aunt Agnes may have told you of her wishes, Rhoda." "She told me it was her wish that Molly should marry you." "It will be a trial for her to know the truth,"he answered. "Molly could never care for me. I once wished to marry Molly; I thought it would be right. But I do not wish that any longer, Rhoda." Rhoda was about to answer, when a girl, who had been walking at a little distance, turned and ap proached them. Rhoda recognlzod her Paris servant Sarah. "That girl seems to know you," said Adrian, glancing at her. "I must speak to her,"' said Rho da, hurrrledly. She went quickly for ward. "How strange to meet you here, Sarah!" she said in a low tone. To her surprise, the girl burst In to tears. She caught hold of Rho da's hand and held It. "What Is the matter?" said Rhoda faintly. Terror that Adrian might overhear made her heart beat fast. He must know the truth one day, but not by a chance discovery like this. "Miss Derlng, I saw you by chance in the street yesterday, and I have been waiting about. I followed you to-day; 1 want to speak to you." "What do you want to say?" said Rhoda. "To tell you that I won't do it," whispered the girl. "Do what?" "What the Frenchman wanted of me; I will send the money back to him. My sister Is in good service, and she will help me. I will not have his money." "Monsieur Lefroy gavo you mon ey? What did he give it to you for?" "It was the night before I went away. I was to give him the address where I could always be found; and, when he wanted me, I was to toll things aguinst you. But I wanted to write and tell you I wouldn't do it, only I did not know the address. And, when I saw you this morning, It seemed as If Heaven had sent me here to these gardens so that I might see you.' Rhoda drew a deep breath. "What were you to say against m«?" she said. "What he told me to say. He hates you, Miss Derlng, and he hates y&ur father; but I won't help him." Adrian drew nearer to them. "Can I be of any sorvice?" he said. "This young woman seems in great distress, Rhoda. Does she come from Derlng?" "No, from Paris," said Rhoda, briefly. She wrote a few lines on a card with her pocket-pencil. "That is my nddress," she said to the servant. "Write to me there. If you want help, I will get it for you." "Let me see you again, Miss Der lng I" pleaded Sarah, whose eyelids were red with weeping. "You were hard upon me, but you meant to be kind, and I'd never say a word to hurt you." "Come and see me this evening at the Langham Hotel," said Rhoda. Her lips became very pale as she turned away with Adrian. He looked at her tenderly. "How that girl's trouble has touched you, Rhoda! You are death ly pale. Who was she—one of the servants at the convent?' "I will tell you all about her one day," Rhoda answered. "Do not speak about her for a moment, Adrian; she is in trouble, and I must think how to help her." "Tell me and Aunt Milllcent all about it. You do not know any thing about the Rhoda, and you must let us help you. You poor little girl how pale you are!" Ho drew her hand within his arm. "Aunt Milllcent shall see her to night," said Rhoda, faintly. "But you are going home this evening; you forgot that, Rhoda." "Yes, I forgot that; but she will write." Rhoda was still very pale when they reached the hotel; and Miss Derlng sent her off to lie down. Adrian was to stay to luncheon, and he sat down opposite to Miss Derlng and began to play absently with tho books on the table. Miss Derlng watched Ills face for some minutes, then she said: "Do you know that I am going to leave all my money to Rhoda?" Adrian looked up with a great start. "To Rhoda! Aunt Milllcent, you have known her but a few weeks, and you have settled that already!" "The will was made, signed, and sealed the day after I came to Lon don," said Miss Derlng coolly, "and I am not going to change my mind again. Rhoda Is like my own child ■ —like my own old self. She will have all my money, and she won't have long to wait." "She has no idea of it; nobody knows but you. I tell you, because —" She stopped and looked at him; her haggard dark eyes were soft and tender. "Do you know why I tell you, Adrian?" "No, I do not!" he replied, look ing steadily at the book before him. "I would not tell you before I saw that you hud made up your mind. You have made up your mind, haven't you?" "Yes!" he answered firmly. "I wanted you to know that Rho da will bring you a greut fortune, If you can win her, Adrian. Do not be too sure of thnt." "I am not sure at all." "But I think you can make her love you. When will you tell Mrs. Derlng, Adrian?' "At once,' he said. "I mean to come down to Derlng with you to night." A look of malicious pleasure came into Miss Derlng's eyes. "Yes, tell her at once. It Is only fair that she should know that you mean to try to win Rhoda for your wife. But do not tell about my will." CHAPTER V. "Rhoda, tell your little Molly." Rhoda started from the deep sad reverie into which she had fallen and looked down at the pretty figure at her feet. "Tell her what?" she said, with a pretty smile. "You are looking so sad. Tell me what you are thinking about." The two girls were sitting in Mol ly's room about a month after Rho da's return from London. The win dow was open, and the first warm breath of Spring blow In from the gardens. Molly put her arms coax lngly round Rhoda. "You are going to be good to Adrian, aren't you, Rhoda?" Rhoda flushed deeply. "Molly, you are silly." "No, I am very wise. I used to laugh at Adrian and his solemn ways, but 1 have got to like him lately, since he fell in love with you." "Molly, you should not talk so." "Why not? We all know—you know it better than anybody else. Poor Adrian, how you chilled him yesterday by that solemn gaze of yours; I could not treat Jack like it." "When does Jack come home?" Rhoda said, hastily changing the subject. "Next Tuesday," answered Molly. "Bill has grown out of knowledgo, hasn't he, Rhoda? Come back here, sir." The black puppy, who had been lying on the hearth rug, got slowly up and ambled across to Molly. "Your master is coming home in five days," said Molly, shaking her forefinger at the dog. "Hold your self up straight, sir, and do credit to my teaching." Molly was Interrupted at this mo ment by the entrance of Mrs. Derlng. Mrs. Derlng looked very pale and worn, and there was a cold bitter ness in her tone as she addressed Rhoda. "Your aunt wants you, Rhoda." Rhoda rose and left the room in silence. Molly, who did not move from the footstool where she had been sitting at Rhoda's feet, went on lecturing her dog. "Give me your right paw—your right paw. Don't you know your right from your left? Isn't he an Ignorant puppy, mother?" Mrs. Derlng had sat down upon a low chair by the fire and was look ing gravely at Molly. "I wish you would leave off these childish ways, Molly." Molly shook her head. "I shall never leave off being fond of Bill, mother.'" (To Be Continue^.) Tho Worst Drink. "But chi-ehi. tin.' < hi t'lii of Pntago nist! Thai i-i lilt l worst drink in the world." said a naval nmit. "The rat agonlillis gnllier wild apples. They t of wa'er Farmer Dead on Engine Pilot. Seated Upon the pilot of a iocomo tlvo and holding a sack of Hour, the body of Charles M. Webb, a farmer, was found at Akron, 0., on Wednes day. It is supposed tho was struck by the engine while walking along tlie track and hurled into tho air, falling upon the pilot. Church Hit by Liithtning and Burned The Holy Family Polish Roman Catholic church at Sugar Notch, ne:;i Wilkes Barre, Pa., was struck b\ lightning and burned. Loss. $30,000. 8/fIHTED-S rider agentss iimplc Lstfst MArtel lvnnc[Pl > bicycle furnished by in. Our npents everywhere are nakingr money fast. H rite Jor full particulars and special offer at once. NO MONKV ItKQI I !<• !•-1 > until you receive ana approve of your bicycle. Weship lo anyone, anywhere in the U.S. without a cent d-Posit in advance, prepay freight, and allow lICN I>A\ S !• KI'.K TRIAL during which time you may ride the bu ycle and put it to any test you wish. If you are then not perfectly satisfied or do not wish to keep the bicycle ship it tack to us .it our expense and you will not be out one cent. FACTORY PRICES furnish the highest grade bicycles it is possible to make * y „ 7 at °r R profit above actual factory cost. You save iia to £25 middlemen s profits by buying direct of us and have the manufacturer's guar antee behind your bicycle. DO MOT BUY a bicycle or a pair of tires from anyone at any price untjl yiu receive our catal »gues and learn our unheard ot JiUtory YOU WILL BE ASTONISHED hnvprues wo can make you this year. We sell the highest grade bicycles for less money IMCYCI-K IH;.\I.KKS, you can sell our bicycles under your own name pUte at ur prices. Orders filled the t'.iy received. I) HANI) HICJYCJLKS. We do not regularly handle second hand bicycles, but a number on hand taken in trade by our Chicago retail stores. These we clear out rices ranging from #3 to &8 or tfl». Descriptive bargain lists mailed free. TAACrrD DDAIfCC Binßlu wheels, Imported roller cliuiiirt and pcdalM, parts, repairs and vUIIO I tH-DIiMIVCO| equipment of all kinds at half the usual retail Prices. 'OiS HEDGETHORN PUNCTURE-PROOF *M £0 ffi SELF-HEALING TIRES TO ll The regular retail price of these tires is JW '.SO Per pair, but to introduce ice roil I £r^ Lisa7T: ■ -~- v 81 zellyou a sample pa trfurs4.So{cash with order $4.55). F NO MORE TROUBLE FROM PUNCTURES || i If "i WfWvW\ NAILS, Tacka or Glass will not lot tho [ [ air out. Sixty thousand pairs sold Inst year. L. /7 MBI Over two hundred thousand pairs now in use. y — * ißwer ' ,eieaeeiSaißa "®^mH||^^v^u^^^!rV7l DESCRIPTIONt Made in nil lively V ' J Biul easy i durable and l:iu \k: .lew it h / a special quality of rubber, which never becomes poroui ami which closes up small punctures without nl! ->w. gSB Notlp( , th i, k rubber trca.l JnK the air to escape. We have hundreds of letters from s:itis- IU ? T,*! " fiedcustomersitatinßthatthelrtireshaveonlybeenpumped tejß ~. j»•• u i H a> rim utrlii •• U" uponceortwiceinawholeseason. TlieyweiKhnomorethan fM » „ rev A n » r lm oiiUlnir Tlili an ordinary tire, the puncture resisting qualities being given JH 1 ... olltl _ Mt M ,,v otbor by several layers of thin, specially prepared fabric ou the \W „ " kn -s »r r aud tread. The regular price ofthese tires is fS. ? o per pair,but for Tjf Kvs v .tIIJtNG advertising purposes we are making a special factoiy price to ™ the rider of only S4.So per pair. All orders shipped same day letter is received. We ship C. O. P. on approval. You do not pay a cent until you have examined and found them strictly as represented. We will allow a rasa discount of 5 per cent (thereby making the price HM.ftft per pair) if you send FULL CASH WITH OKDKIi and enclose this advertisement. You run no risk in sending us an order as the tires may be returned nt OUIt expense if foi any reason they are not satisfactory on examination. We are perfectly reliable r.nd money sent to us is as safe as in a bank. If you order a pair of these tires, you will find that they will ride easier, run faster, wear better, last longer and look finer than any tire you have ever used or seen at any price. We know that you will be so well pleased that when you want a bicycle you will give us your order. We want you to send us a trial order at once, hence this remarkable tire offer. 112«. vnf | mmrnmmmmm don't buy any kind at any price until you send for a pair of fr m C/C/ IwELtiw l/n£o Iledgethorn Puncture-Proof tires on approval and trial at the special introductory price quoted above; or write for our big Tire and Sundry Catalogue which describes and quotes all makes ami kinds of tires at about half the usual prices. mmf A if but write us a postal today. I>o NOT THINK OF ItUYING a bicycle EJ%3 Wi%3 W Ww/mim or a pair of tires from anyone until you know the new aud wonderful oilers we are making. It only costs a postal to learu everything. Write it NOW* J. L HEAD CYCLE COMPANY," CHICAGO, ILL Don't Buy a Doped Horse and don't let yourself be swindled by a crooked horse dealer on any of the score of tricks he has up his sleeve. The "gyp" is abroad in the land. Every day buyers of horses are shamefully fleeced. DON'T BE ONE OF THE VICTIMS. Learn how to protect yourself in buying, selling or trading. Get the sensational new book "Horse Secrets" by Dr. A. S. Alexander, and make yourself horse-wise and crook-proof. Learn how " bishoping " is done —ho»w a " heaver " is "shut" —a roarer "plugged " —how lameness, spavins, and sweeny are temporarily hidden —the "burglar" dodge —the horsehair trick —cocaine and gasoline doping —the ginger trick —the loose shoe trick —in short how to beat ALL the games of crooked auctioneers and dealers. It is all in the " Horse Secrets " book, and if you ever buy or sell a horse you need just this knowledge to protect yourself from being swindled. Read Our Remarkable Offer Below A WORD ABOUT THE FARM JOURNAL : Thit is Che foremost farm and home monthly in the world ; 33 years old ; 650,000 subscribers from Maine to California. Cheerful, quaint, clever, intensely practical, well printed and illustrated. Is for everybody, town, village, suburbs, or country; men, women, boys, girls, the whole family; absolutely clean and pure; 24 to 60 pages monthly. We recommend it absolutely to every readef of this paper; you will find it unlike any other in the world. OUR OFFER: {~T r f7z\ All 3 for $ 1.25 (We cannot aril "Home tier rein" by only in thin Combination.) r> n t< »• -- -i. ' STJBSCRIBB -A.T OUsTCIE. Thanked In the King's Name. A letter from the sec retary of King George of England was received by Ue\\ If. G. Mart man, of the local Trinity Episcopal church in Shamo kin, Pa., thanking in the king's name the people of Shamokin for memo i,il services held recently on account of the death of King Edward. Supposed Corpse Brought to Life. Called into lay out a supposed corpse, William Detriet, an under taker. of Greencastle, near Waynes boro. Pa., found signs of life i* Misa Flora Hupert, a middle aged woman victim of an overdose of medicine, lie summoned Dr. C. McLaughlin, who re suscitated the woman after two hours. Pigeon Uands on Ship at Sea. A homing pigeon flew on board the steamer Kansas City, from Swansea, Wales, when the vessel was sixty miles east of Fire Island. Capta'n Franklind imported, when t lie Kansas City reached New York, that the pig eon had a silver ring on its right leg marked "T. S. U, 1901, 1819." Infant Dies of Lockjaw. Katherine Kevopka, three weeks old, died of lockjaw at South Bethle hem, Pa. She is the youngest person in local madical annals to succumb to tetanus Canne.l Soup Killed Lawyer. C. Strawcer Batt, a wealthy young New York lawyer, died of ptomaine poisoning at the Astor house as a re sult of eating canned soup.