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j JOHN B. SEALS, - Editor and Proprietor. U. B. SEALS, - Proprietor and Cor. Editor. MRS. MARY K. BRYAN (•) Associate Editor. ATLANTA, GEORGIA, MARCH 16, 1878. Bubton Bros., of Opelika,'Ala., are Agents for The Sunny South. Geo. W. Nobman Esq. is our general traveling Agent in Kentucky and the North Western States. The Sunny South is always discontin ued at the expiration of the time paid for. The Bottom Stone. When we look at some stately edifice, our at tention is drawn chiefly to its upper portions. We admire the lofty towers, the graceful pil lows, the lightly springing arches, or the sub lime magnificence of the rotunda. Seeing that all is beautiful above, we fail to notice if there be equal strength beneath. The solid founda tions upon which the superstructure must rely for safety are hidden in the earth, or rendered unsightly by drenching rains. There they per form their office unadmired and unnoticed even, while the sky is fair and breezes, mellow with balmy dews, are sweeping in through the open j casements. But when the dark thunder storms | *rise and rude blasts are making turrets topple at their touch, we feel anxious to know that all below is firm and secure. j Thus are we in regard to the several ranks of E society. We estimate most highly the refinement, ' w jf a B d eloquence which make men ornaments, and look upon them as constituting the glory of a nation. We listen with enthused rapture to the tongue of Tully, linger spell-bound over the page where genius has left its enchantment, and [ thrill with emotions of pleasure as we gaze upon the canvass upon whieh the artist has thrown the splendors of sun-set days or delireated the beauties of the human face. But, however j much of glory these may lend to a nation, they [ jtre not its real strength. They are but the locks i of Samson, giving assurance of a healthy flow of the blood, and vigorous action of the muscles. The real sinews of national power, lie far below not in the poets, painters and orators, nor [ even in the statesman, but in the yeomanry— f not in the men who handle the pen, the brush E or chisel, but in those who wield the axe or hold * the plow. These constitute the bottom stone i upon which the edifice of state must rest. In judging then of the well-being of a com- m unity, we must form our estimate by the con dition of the lower classes, rather than of the j higher. We must not infer that the whole body is in a healthy condition, because the eyes < sparkle and the cheeks wear a roseate tinge. 5 Sometimes these things too surely proclaim that disease is consuming the vitals. So is it with a J state. We must not augur well because a few i are surrounded by the splendors of wealth. We should inquire into the condition of the masses. If they are sunk norance and oppressed by poverty, the community cannot long continue to flourish. All wealth and prosperity is but the resultant of labor, and if labor be so oppress ed as to grow discouraged, it cannot long con tinue to impart vitality to a nation. The truth of this is attested by the history of more than one country. The reign of the fourteenth Louis of France, was illustrious for the skill of his military chieftains, the wit of his poets, the elo quence of his divines, and the refinement of the brilliant oircle that formed his court. But during all this time, the laboring classes were crushed beneath the most cruel exactions, and suffered for the barest necessities of life. It could not last The Bott-tm Stone gave way and that splendid fabric erumbled, and a oentury of f agony followed. A well-fed, well-clothed, well-housed, and, as a consequence, a cheerful and contented peasantry, furnishes the best assuranoe of na tional prosperity. When we can everywhere hear the merry whistle of the plowman, as he drives his team a field, and catch the glad notes of the milkmaid as she relieves the overcharged udders of well-fed kine, we have more hopes of the land than if its armies achieved a Plevna everymonth.or its ministers approved themselves j masters of Statecraft. If the pursuits which produce wealth are faithfully and skillfully fol lowed, we need not fear but that there will soon arise those whose mission it is to adorn society. Why then, it is asked, if the Bottom Stone be the more important, do we bestow so much the more honor on the capitol ? Well, we estimate things not by their usefulness alone,but by their rarity, also. The granite upon which the foun dations of a palace may rest, is found in abund ance almost everywhere. The finely grained woods that may suit to adorn the lady’s bou doir, are very rare. Iron, without which no mechanical art can be pursued, abounds every where. The brilliant crystal, for which Princes pay vast sums, is rarely found. Just so is it, ♦Eat the men and women, fitted by talents to occupy the highest positions, are not numerous. Once in an age only may we expect a great poet, orator or painter. There are thousands who are capable of effloient labor in the field, to every one who can produce any work of art It is meet, then, that these latter, when found, should be honored and paid. But let us not, in our admiring appreciation of the few who adorn, forget the many who support Let us not, while gazing at the sky-piercing spire, or the richly frescoed arches, be unmindful of the Bottom Stone. A GRAND SUCCESS. Colonel Robert Bonner has just returned to the city from a most successful tour through Alabama and lower Georgia, where he has scat tered his oelebrated Holman Pads by the whole sale We have seen his lists of purchasers, and k. find on them scores upon scores of the best men Kffland women of the country. Justice to True'Heroism. It should always be a matter of pride to every patriotic Georgian—and that pride should be made manifest in a substantial manner—that this State gave to the country one of the bravest and most chivalrous soldiers that ever drew a sword on any battle-field or poured out his blood freely in defense of his flag: That officer was the lamented Major General William Henry Talbot Walker, who fell in the bloody “Battle of Atlanta,” July 22d, 18G4, as he was gallantly leading his Confederate troops against the enemy’s forces. From the time he graduated at the West Point Military Academy (1837) his life was freely offered in the service of his country. He graduated in July, and in December of the same year was terribly wound ed in the fierce battle with the Seminole Indians at Okeechobee, Florida. Again, in the Mexican war, he foaght with unsurpassed daring, and was at one time left for dead on the battle-field. But, finally, through his immense will-power, he recovered to such an extent as to be able to re-enter (in feeble health) the service, which he left December 20, 1860, (as Major of the 10th Infantry) to join his fortunes with those of his native State, by whom he had been presented with a “sword of honor” for his “gallantry in Florida and Mexico.” General Walker was “every inch a soldier,” and to the science and art of war his entire life was devoted and all his best energies conse crated. One of his children, Cadet Freeman V. Walker, of the Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Va., is a candidate for one of the vacancies at the West Point Military Academy, and we are glad to learn that the worthy young gentleman is being endorsed for that appoint ment by Senator Gordon and Hon. Alexander H. Stephens, Georgia could not better honor her dead hero than thus to perpetuate his noble name and untarnished fame in that institution and in that army to which his sublime daring and faithful services added a brighter glow of heroic brilliancy. We copy from the Tribune the above tribute to a most gallant falleH hero for two purposes. First, to add our endorsement to its claim for an appointment at West Point for Cadet Walker; and, secondly, to state that number seven of our sketches of “Battles Around Atlanta,” which is now in preparation, will embrace a full and deeply interesting narrative of the life of Gen. Walker. It will read more like a story of fairy-land, than like solid history, as this battle-scarred heso was twice “shot to pieces” on the battle-field, and yet finally fell pierced by a single bullet. The Bk9tch has been de layed by the severe illness of Major Sidney Herbert, but he is now so far recovered as to be able to resume his literary work. Gen. Walker, Gen. Smith, Gen. Johnston, Gen. Chilton, and other distinguished officers have furnished re liable material for this thrilling narrative, in which our readers will be deeply interested. The “Doppel-ganger.” There are some curious instances on record of the appearance of the doppel-ganger—or the spectral ‘double’ of a living person, the person himself being at a distance. Shelly is said to have been seen some days before his tragic death, by Lord Byron and others, walking in a wood, they knowing at the time that he was miles awnv lord Byrun himself was seen by several persons in London, when lying ill of a lever at Patras, in Greece. Dante once beheld a man who announced himself as Dominus Tuns, holding in his arms the Lady Beatrice Porti- nari. He had in his hand a burning substance and compelled her to eat it; the two then de parted into the sky, and shortly after Beatrice died. After Dante’s own death the thirteen last cantos of the Divine Comedy were missing, and his sous were importuned to supply the defi ciency by their own pens, but about eight months after that event, Jacopo, the elder, saw his father in a dream, clothed in shining gar ments, who assured him that he was now living the real life. The young man inquired whether the poem had been finished. The spirit con ducted him to the chamber where Dante used to sleep, and touching a partition said: ‘ What you have sought for is here.’ The place was examined and the missing manuscript found. It had been almost ruined by mildew, but for tunately the letters were not obliterated. Pro fessor De Wette, the celebrated theological wri ter at Halle, once beheld his own simulacrum through a window sitting in his apartment. Goethe also met himself riding on horseback, dressed in an embroidered gray suit; and eight years afterward found himself at the same place in proper person, thus actually attired. A PRIVATE LETTER. Our Sunny South—Hon. A. H. Stephen*’ Opin ion of It—The Rossini Association—The Choral Union and Singers of Columbus, Etc. Pine Gbovk, Ga., March 5, 1878. Editor Sunny South : Being a warm admirer of your handsome and valuable Southern journal, “The Sunny South,” permit us to express our sincere and heartfelt thanks for the rich literary treat furnished the readers of our beautiful, our fair sunny land. Its reception is much enjoyed each week, and its columns are read and re-read by hundreds. The reading matter is choice and elegant, its thoughts chaste and pure, and the charming articles, from the pen of the noble and brilliant Mrs. Bryan, are as gladly received as the bright sunshine. May complete success crown the efforts of the “ Sunn South,” is the wish of its numerous readers and subscribers. It affords pleasure to state that during a win ter’s tour throughout Georgia, we were pleased to hear the “Sunny South” greatly extolled by com petent judges and critics. Among them was Hon, A. H. Stephens, who pronounced it the finest lit erary journal in the United States. Well may Atlanta boast of her accomplished edi tors and the “Sunny South.” While in your city several weeks since, we glad ly accepted an invitation to attend one of the Rossini s musical entertainments, and must admit, nolens nolens, that Atlanta for fine singing and act ing cannot be surpassed. She has reason to re joice in the Rossini Association'. We have also attended the Choral Union enter tainments of our sister city Columbus; and now, before dosing, allow us to speak of this delightful musical organisation, the pride of the “ Lowell of the South.” Among the most accomplished vocal ists in this society, we find Mrs. L. Spencer, Miss Mollie Cook, Mrs. Daniel, and Miss Howard. Miss Cook has a superb voice, very flexible, high ly cultivated, and she is justly considered the prima donna of Columbus. , This eity also boasts of a delightftil social club, dtae of the chief attractions in society the Rose- mont Social Club, whioh is very enjoyable, and is quite largely attended. Its next meeting, so the Columbus papers announce, will be held at the residence of Mr. James C. Cook, about the middle of the month. Ttmpus fugit. Again wishing the “ Sunny Sooth ” much suc cess, we remain, Yours truly, Amicus. Editorial Correspondence. Winchester, Tenn.—Mary Sharp Col lege—David Crockett-Fayette ville, Etc., Etc. Winchester is reached by a branch railroad running from Dechard to Fayetteville, thirty- eight miles, and is three miles from the former place. Ibis the county town of Lincoln connty, noted all over the land for its whiskies. As a place of business, it has no importance what ever. Along the line of both railroads, compe ting points have sprung up, diverting a large portion of its best trade. Besides, an unfortu nate venture in a steam tannery sunk about one hundred thousand dollars, which badly crippled some of its best citizens. The Court House is good. In fact, Tennessee is noted for its fine Court Houses, the one in Shelbyville costing one hundred and thirty thousand dollars. Many of the private residences are neat and comfor table, though unpretentious. The society is splendid—none better, perhaps, in the South. But the pride and glory pf the town is its schools. Here is the Mary Sharp female College,so widely known lor its extended curriculum, and the thoroughness with which it is imparted to the pupils attending it. The building is very large, built of brick three stories high in the center, with wings two stories high, and a modest bel fry on top. In company with a friend, Col. Du- field, President of the Trustees, I went through all its departments. Was introduced to its gen ial and accomplished President, Dr. Graves, and hiB corps of able and faithful Professors. Visi tors seemed entirely agreeable, and we were in vited to seats, that we might see for ourselves the mode of teaching. It was astonishing, yet highly gratifying to hear Juniors read Homer, and give evidence of a thorough acquaintance with the Greek language, a thing almost wholly neglected in our female schools. Prof. Barrett also exhibited several charts containing calcula tions for eclipses, past and future, and which he assured us were made by the pupils themselves, he not so much as making a mark or offering a suggestion. He informed us further, that each member of his advanced classes in mathematics could readily make for herself a table of loga- j rithrns, which many prqfessors themselves can- j not do. We mention these things as remarkable for girls, and really regard Prof. Barrett a re markable instructor in his department. The school takes its name from Mrs. Mary Sharp, a widow lady of great wealth, who was the largest contributor in getting it np. She was a strong advocate of emancipation, and sent abont eighty of her slaves before the war to Li beria, paying all their expenses. Some tew of them have managed to get back, and the others are constantly writing for means to help them back. At present there are about one hundred and thirty young ladies in the school, repre senting nearly every Southern State. Unlike most schools, it has no boarding department, the pupils boarding in private families near the college. It is under the immediate supervision of the Baptists, and is an honor to that denom ination. The Garrick Academy for boys is loca ted here also. It is under the supervision of Professors Clark and Bledsoe, two young gen tlemen of fine education and energy. Under their guidance, it is destined to take a front rank among the male schools of the State. To-day I visited the birth-place of Davy Crocket in the southeast corner of the county. Tha spot wUere^^a®Apse stood is in a field, and is marked by a^ito&p of an apple tree whioh stood near the house, and from which doubtless, he used to gather fruit. Just under the hill is one of the largest springs I have ever seen, known as the ‘ Big Spring. ’ The stream from it would turn a mill, and the water is fine. From this spring old Davy got his supply of water. We heard many anecdotes of him, new to us, but all going to show that he was a man of good heart and generous impulses; not the ruffian generally supposed, but a man of striking pecu liarities. We learn that the only correct like ness of him in existence, belongs to Gov. Por ter, of this State. FAYETTEVILLE in point of business is just the counterpart of Winchester. All is life and activity here, and the trade is immense. Wheat, corn, oats and bacon are shipped from here in large qnantities, much of it going to Atlanta. It is the neatest, cleanest town I have yet visited. The public square is macadamized and never gets muddy, and the solid blocks of splendid stores would do oredit to any oity. There is much wealth here, some of its citizens being worth over a million. It has a good town hall, a good brass band, etc. The society is first class. The Sunny South has many warm friends and patrons through this section. W. B. S. Sunny Tokens. The soft, hazy days that herald the Spring are with us; crows fly across the newly-plowed fields cawing with delighted anticipation of fu ture pillage; apple buds are bursting; baby- carriages, with their rosy freight, are out upon the sidewalk; maidens wear knots of sweet vio lets at their white throats, and chubby children carry boquets of bright daffodills as they trudge to school. Florida letters come with honey suckles and orange blossoms pressed in their pages, and a little box from sea-side Brunswick fills our Banctum with familiar fragrance, for in side lies a wreath of that glory of oar Southern woods—the gay and graceful yellcw jessamine. The magnolia and the yellow jessamine are the Southron’s representative flower. Superb is the snowy grandi-Jlpra, but dearer the bells of gold, with their hearts of haunting fragrance. A little poem accompanying the jessamine wreath from Brunswick, prettily tells the origin of the jessamine—the ‘only flower,’ so Mrs. Warfield says, • that falls,to the earth nnwither- ed, like genius slain in its prime.’ * The familiar face of a former favorite citizen of Atlanta, now a resident of the Lone Star State appeared this week on our streets, wreathed in mysterious smiles. It was a little puzzling this sudden advent in onr midst, and absence from his home in the far West of this gallant gentle man, but next morning, the following announce ment explained the mystery, ‘Married, on the 6th instant, Alston Law, for merly of Atlanta, now of Sherman, Texas, to Miss Minnie Monday, of Atlanta.’ A most un- /atc-ful proceeding, Mr. Law, to come all this way to rob Atlanta of one of its lovliest jewels, for Miss Minnie is a pearl beyond price; and in losing her, our oity loses one of its fairest orna ments, and her home its sunniest charm. Our heartiest good wishes go with the newly-wedded pair. May their path be one of flowers, and the star of their joy 1 that now shines with such promise, fade not till it melts in the brightness of Heaven. “I never knowed what that ‘C. !£.’ in the hyme books meant, till tether day a Georgy chap tale me it stood for ‘Credit Morobilieua.’ Well, live an’ lam; regain a little infirmashum ev’ry day. That’s my mottle.” And Mr. Allnms wiped hie specta cles, gave oat the words, “ How tqjous and taste less hours,” and oomplaoently sang the ‘hyme’ clear through by himself. The Newspaper Jokist—Ghastly Hnmer. Our newspaper wits are pretty good at getting off funny things, bat sometimes they run out of fresh subjects, as Elia tells us they did in his penny-a-liuing days, and resort to ringing ingenious variations on some old strain, till they have tortured it into absurdity, or they ransack the world of life and literature for new themes to show up in a comic aspect. Yery in congruous and ghastly ones they hit upon some times. The recent wrangle of the theologians over the subject of future punishment was a God-send to the newspaper jokist, and para graphs and headlines blazed luridly with the large-capitalized ‘ letters four* that spell his Satanic Majesty’s place of residence. Then the topic of cremation began to be re agitated, and this cheerful theme was found to be susceptible of playing ‘Nimble Jack,’and turning whimsical somersaults in the hands of the fun-producers. As this was growing monot- onons, fortunately the Wells expose culminated in a convict’s cell, and our lively jokists dropped their hot subjects of hell and cremation and turn ed their talents to getting off verses after the style of Mr. Child's infant obituary poems, upon Maddy in the penitentiary. The bnmp of veneration having been omitted from the cranial-development of the American journalist, the themes of religion and death do not in the least repel him when he undertakes the funny business. He shakes the cap-and- bells in the face of the most solemn reality. As an instance, taken at random, here are two of Don Piatt’s pleasant get-offs : ‘ The reason the Pope didn’t die sooner was because he didn’t see the block-chop wood-cats in the country press; and the reason he didn’t live longer was because he was not aware of the poetry that wonld be written in his memory.’ 1 Victor Emanuel, learning that Gen. Grant had left Vesuvius to call on him, did the only thing he coaid do to escape the pain of the visit —died, and went to Vesuvius himself, or a place of similar concentrated power for heat.’ * A Texas Laboring Man on the Money Ques tion. We give below the following private letter from a laboring man in Texas to show how inten sely the laboring people feel on the vexed ques tion. Clebubnk Texas, Feb., 24, 1876. John H. Seals, Editor Sunny South, Atlanta Ga : Deab Sib :—The Sunny South, as a literary paper is certainly ably conducted and my family is pleased with it. But times are hard and mon ey scarce, and it seems likely that oongress will afford little if any relief beyond the pass age of the silver Bill. If our interest bearing bonded debts (the interest upon which is eating out the substance of the people) cannot be sub stituted with a wholesome curenoy, and the interest stopped, it behooves men like me, (who make their living by the “sweat of the face” to curtail unnecessary expenses. Henee I cannot renew. By the way, your state (if Mr # Hill represents its views) appears to be in full sympathy with that exceptionally favored olass who “toil not nor spin.” I am willing to appropriate every cent I can earn over neccessary family expenses, in trying to eliminate from onr Republican system that hideous monarchical Vampire the interest bear- iny national debt system. Hereafter, until this thing is accomplished, I shall subscribe only to those patriotic publi cations who will aid in this work. Yours Truly, B. J. Chambers. AMUSEMENTS. Our Rossini Association have taken in hand another excellent Opera with a view to bringing it out soon. Our Beethovens are preparing a number of beautiful attractions, which will soon be pre sented. We failed to hear the excellent music, which we learn was recently given at our Catholic church. A correspondent in this issue speaks very highly of the “Choral Union," and leading sing ers of Colambns, Ga. Brignoli’s last programme in this city was made up from the finest selections of the best composers of the world, and snch a combina tion of voices will rarely if ever again visit At lanta. Strange that such an entertainment can not have an audience. These distinguished ar tists will not visit us again, and noneean blame them. A Vulgar Fraud—Sothern and his Americas Cousins. We speak the honest sentiments of every cul tivated person who attended Sothern’s per formance in the Opera Honse in this city on Saturday night last, when we pronounce the whole thing a disgusting fraud. No one ever came to this city with a greater flourish of airs, and so extravagant were the heralding notices of the press, that we all really anticipated some thing extraordinary; and such an audience we have never seen in DeGive’s Opera House. Everybody, too, went with a broad grin on the face, for it was to be awful fanny, and to fail to laugh would be horrid. The result was a big laugh at everything that was said, and no matter who said it Bat not one who was in the au dience could now mention a single thing that was really funny, witty or laughable. From Sothern’s first appearance to the end of the silly play, he dealt in the broadest and ooarsest pro fanity and vulgarity. To raise a big langh, he vould lug a broad oath or an “ass” into every sentence or two, or nBe other language for too indecent to be repeated. The whole play, which has the silliest and simplest of plots, is k>w- flung and really disgusting throughout. And jo crown the vnlgar farce, one of the company presents himself before the cartain in his night gown, in answer to the applause whioh follows a concluding scene. Now, we write in no unfriendly spirit, bat purely and simply in the language of criticism, and we do it to ask this question: How in the name of all that is good, dignified and worthy can such a plav and snch an actor gain suoh a reputation and drqwsnch crowds? What is the secret? We do not believe there was a cultivated person present on Saturday night who will not agree with ns in onr striet- ntes, and we furthermore believe that not one ont of fifty would go the seoond time to see and hear Sothern in this oharaeter. Cannot the press be more just and discrim inating, and stop puffing and blowing traveling humbugs, whioh rob the people of their money? THE OLD TABBY HOUSE. BY GARNETT McIVOR CHAPTER XI. Notwithstanding Major Barton entered into the spirit of the hilarious company in which he found himself in the smugglers’cave, he was too honest a man to feel perfectly at ease. He knew that the men around him were outlaws of some kind, and he coaid not throw off the sense of dread and apprehension which a man of honor experiences when he becomes, however inno cently, a party to conduct which is at war with the laws of society. He did his best to be com fortable, and to appear so, but a much more ob tuse reader of human nature than Captain Gas ton was, could have detected his state of mind. When the band had drained their cups for the twentieth time, and had become thoroughly prepared for a night's sleep, Captain Gaston im proved the opportunity to discover his visitor’s motive for visiting the Island- ‘ Let us talk in onr native language, Major,’ said Gaston, ‘ for these brave fellows do not un derstand a word of English, and as this happens to be ‘ off night’ with us, we shall not have muoh custom-house business to interrupt us. You see we do a little unlicensed business in defiance of Queen Isabella and the Captain-General—only a little ‘free trade’ in wines, fancy goods and por table wares, which we import without the for mality of taxes. This place of ours is not a very luxurious place, to be sure, but then we live well, have our share of the good things of life, and enjoy perfect freedom. Whenever we have a mind to see a little of city life, we take a torn about Havana, and Matanzas, where we have plenty of good friends who are members of onr Marine Republic. I should like to know what brought you here, and what you propose to do — that is, if we should be so generous as to dis pense with your society hereafter. ’ ‘With ail my heart, Captain,’ said the Major, ‘I am willing to make a clean breast to you, and, to begin, I most say that I came to Cuba to find you.’ •Indeed,’ replied Gaston,’ ‘and what may be the nature of your business with me ?’ ‘Nothing personal to myself,’ replied Major Barton, who noticed a dark and sinister expres sion in the countenance of his companion. ‘ It is only a matter that concerns others for whom yon, at least, ought to entertain some kindly feel ings.’ ‘And who, upon God’s earth,’ exolaimed Gas ton, ‘has ever deserved a kind feeling from me?' ‘ My Captain, I, for one. Do you not remem ber the service I rendered you once, some three years ago, when I secured your release from a Spanish prison—is not that a service to be re membered ?' ‘ Perhaps it is,’ said Gaston, ‘but I would have done as much for you, or anyone of my country men in trouble, without regarding my conduct as particularly heroic or noble !’ ‘ I do not say that I deserve your thanks, even, Captain,' replied the Major, ‘although it was certainly no pleasant predicament to be in, it seems to me. You were charged with breaking into the cigar store, and heavy damages claimed of you if I remember rightly ?’ ' O, the devil take the little tobacco merchant ! I could have bought him off with a dozen bottles of wine, and the officers with a bunch of cigars.’ * Well well. Captain,’ said Barton, ‘ I do not make a claim upon your friendship—not at all —I only desire a little information which it is ■ in your power to give me.’ ‘Information! about what ?’ asked Gaston, his dark sinister expression becoming more and more evident to the Major, who really felt at a loss to know how to broach the subject of his mis sion. After a considerable pause, in which Major Barton, balancing a wine goblet in bis hand, seemed to be revolving in his mind the form of his question. ‘ You have a wife, Captain, and a child—’ i Gaston turned a fierce look upon the Major, and rose from his chair, as if to give emphasis to his words. ‘And what is that to yon?' This question was rather hissed through his compressed lips, than spoken. The tall form of the smuggler seemed to tower to the ceiling of the cave, aB he glowered upon the mild-man nered gentleman bv his side. ‘Nothing to me, Captain,’ he said calmly, ‘bat pray be cool, and patient I hare do in terest in this matter, farther than the welfare of those who certainly, to say the least, have not injured you.’ ‘ May the devil take the whole crew of them f exclaimed Gaston, as he strode across the room, and, lighting a cigar, returned and took a seat in front of the Major. ‘Why should they per secute me, when I have kept out of their way, and left them to their aristocracy and their beg garly money ?' ‘They have no wish to persecute you,' re plied Barton. ‘They do not desire to interfere with yon in any way. It is only to solve a donbt which makes them wretched, that I have undertaken to ask of you a plain question—one that cannot hurt you to answer, and I cannot see how it will benefit you to refuse an answer.’ ‘ And what question is that ?’ ‘ Whether Ethel is, or is not, your lawful wife,' said Barton, gazing intently upon the face of his companion. ‘ By heaven !' exclaimed Gaston, as he laid his hand npon the belt in which a pistol hang in full view, 'if it was not because I believe you to be a harmless old fool, I would blow your brains out, and tumble yonr carcass into the sea to feed Marti’s fishes !' ‘No. no, Captain,' replied the Major, with astonishing coolness of manner, ‘ you could not do so great a wrong as that—brave men never attack the defenseless, especially when they confide in your generosity and courage. I am unarmed—I am your prisoner, if you like—you could not play the part of an assassin !’ ' Major Barton !’ said Gaston, with a tone in which anger and contempt seemed stirring for the mastery, ‘when yon came a prisoner into this place, I saw that you were my countryman, and I coaid not believe that yon came into this neighborhood to betray me. If I had thought so—yonr life wonld hare paid the penalty be fore this hour. You are still my prisoner, and yonr life is in my hands.’ ‘I know that perfectly well,’ replied the Ma jor, ‘but I cannot believe that you would take my life for no other offenoe than seeking to know a foot, which it may, even now, be too late to use for the salvation of a miserable wo man.' V her,’ exolaimed Gaston, so fiercely that his voioe aroused one of the sleeping Spaniards, to whom the Captain spoke a few words in Spanish, and he lay down again to sleep. ‘Major Barton,' he continued, ‘that woman deceived me—she caused me to believe—well, never mind, it is no business of yours.* ‘I do not ask yonr confidence, said the Ma jor, ‘and as to my visit here, it is parely a be nevolent one.’ ‘Yes—benevolent,’ replied Gaston, with a sneer, ‘you benevolent Christians are always very disinterested, and high minded, and hono rable, and charitable, and good—no donbt of it’ ‘lam sorry that I have angered you, Captain Gaston, said the Major, in a tone of humility that was by no means affeoted, for by this time he began to realize the danger of his own [Continued on 8th. page.]