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FOURTH PAGE THE SUNNY SOUTH MAY 12, 1906. Fate's ' Beggar 1 M -aid By TOM GALLON AUTHOR OP; “Tatterley,” “Dickey Monteith,’’ “A Rogue in Love,’’ “Kiddy,” “A Prince of Mis- ► chance,” “The Dead Ingleby,’’ Etc. SYNOPSIS CHAP- OP PRECEDING TERS: John Falconer's son rescues a lady from a disagreeable situation at a way side inn. The father expects the daugh ter of a one-time partner, who alone • knew of an early business fraud, to bring him a document. Haunted by the sus picion that the girl, too, knows the se cret, he arranges to have 'her brought to his oflice at nightime. This is the lady his son had rescued. Miss 'Riuth Arkett, for that Is her nama entrusts Nlance Ryder, a woman whom she meets in a poor lodging house in London, with a miniature of tier mother to pawn. Falconer’s confidential clerk, seeing Nance leave the house, tells her Mr. Falconer awaits her. and Nance, suspicious for Ruth, goes to see Fal coner. As she climbs the office steps in the dark, she is felled by the pros perous man of business, who returns to his guests. Saul Capstick, the clerk, for blackmail, rescues Nance, and, to cover his traces, fires the building. Riuth frees- from her lodging as Nance does not return, and a man who carries her hand-bag makes off with it. She asks the way to Mr. Falconer's office of Fendinand Kirk, a cKeerfut man, who Is fhe underling of Capstick. At the fire she meets Falconer's son again, who fol lows her home to Kirk’s house, and there she overhears Capstick, elated, tell Kirk that she is dead, and, so, she is worth thousands of pounds to him. CHAPTER VI. Love Under False Pretenses. N order to understand to some extent the feelings of poor Ruth Arkett, it becomes necessary to place yourself for a moment In her position. In a strange house, among people of whom she knew nothing: without a friend on whom she could count In the world; and ringing. In her ears, the calm pronounce ment that she was dead— that pronouncement being made b'y a man—confidential clerk of John Falconer—who heldi in his posses sion a miniature which had been, so far as she knew, stolen from her. You have to remember what your own feeling would be. If you heard the calm state ment that you were dead, while in reality you were very much alive, and yet among strangers who did not know even your name At first there sprung up in her mind the passionate determination to declare then and there who she was; to settle for ever that question of her identity. But. with that thought came a fear of something indefinite that threatened her. What if that declaration h<*l been but the preLucJp to a death that had been planned for her; what if, by some chance, this man Capstick had kpown that she was listening, and had for some reason wanted to" warn her of what was to happen? The only solution of the mys tery that occurred to her at that mo ment was that Capstick must In some way be in league with the woman Nance Ryder, who had -robbed her of the min iature'. She • crouched in her room, tor ture d by a hundred fears, and wonder ing what she should do. The situation was not by any means made more easy by the fact that she presently discovered that there was a watcher outside. Happening to go to the window for a moment, to look out aimlessly into the little street, she saw the, figure of a man slowly pacing along on the opposite side; and knew him, even as she drew hurriedly back, for young Alartin Falconer. She guessed, of course, that he must have followed her there, in the hope to gain some knowledge of who she was, and why she was with Ferdinand Kirk; on the other hand, a momentary thought flashed through her mind that he, too, might be but an emissary of his father, and be working with these men who spoke in the room below so calmly of her death. She dismissed that second thought in a moment; a curious shy gladness stole about her heart at the thought that he was there, watching over her. Ferdinand Kirk, in the room below, had, of coursP; no particular interest in the news of .the death of so uninterest ing a person as Ruth Arkett; what he was chiefly concerned about was the fact that the strange woman who was of so great importance to the Falconers was very much alive upstairs. Glanc ing out of the window, and seeing also $4I.°£ Split HickorV Btop Baggy, made to order, guaranteed ^renre; sold on 80 d I Free Trial. Tell I the *ty]f> vehicle you .... I 1906 catalog, 100 styles, l FREE. Bend today. i The Ohio Carriage k Mfg. Co. . H.C.Phelps,Pros. Station 14 , tOincinnati.O. RHEUMATISM—I cured myself after 15 years suffering. So can you. Prescription free. Send address. J. Reynolds, S.S., Axtell, Nebr. 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Ap ply at once to More took Tobacco Works, Box D-31, Danville. Va. fr- y, MAGIC NEEDLES & RODS for treasure seekers. Guaranteed best made. Very Interesting book free for 2 cent stamp. Oem Novelty Co., 7 Elm St., Palmyra, Pa. GOLD WATOH ; ojUctm as liEsramxu ty "Tvy?* 1 '?? h l D 0 WSfVo“VE°^45fS35SS2: Canning Made Easy. Send for my free booklet which tells how you can engage in the CANNING BUSINESS. On small outlay of capital. Q. F. SLIMMER, - Goldsboro, Md. that strolling, watching Martin Falconer, he felt that he had not done so badly after all; he held a trump card of some sort, but must learn its value -before he attempted to play it. However, for the sake of gaining whatever Information Saul Capstick might .be possessed of, he led that gentleman on to say whatever he might be prepared «z say about the uninteresting woman whose death had affected the Falconers to the extent of placing Capstick in a position of authority over them. “You tell me that Ruth An-kett—who ever she may be—was actually coming to see and to threaten the great John Fal coner?” said Ferdinand, watching the figure of John Falconer’s son from be hind the curtain, just as the real Ruth Arkett was watching it from the window above. “And that she has died in some extraordinary fashion?” Saul Capstick iput his finger to the side of 'liis nose, and winked solemnly. ‘‘Head, sir, as mutton,’’ he said. “More than .that, hidden away as securely as if the earth had swallowed her up, without a soul to see the interment. Of course, it doesn’t matter to you, Kirk, because, if j-ou'll pardon -my saying so—and I al ways speak plainly to .people who work ■for me—you are something of a fool, and are not able to take advantage of circumstances, as I am. But suppose that a man who had ground you down and made you work like a galley slave for years had suddenly done something which put .him in your power; and sup pose that you had been able to do some thing afterwards which increased that power a hundredfold. I11 other words, Ferdinand Kirk,” said Capstick, getting excited, anl leaning forward the better to emphasize liis words, “suppose that tills Ruth Arkett—of whom John Fal coner had every reason to be afraid- supposed she disappeared suddenly, was never.'heard front again, after a certain hour of a certain niglit; and suppose” —he lowered liis voice still more, and glanced behind him for a moment—“sup posed Joint Falconer started at shadow^ ever after, and looked behind him some times when lie walked.” Mr. Capstick leant back in his chair, and winked again, chewed at the cigar, which had gone out. “You're a wonderful man. Air. Cap stick,” said Kirk. “What do you pro pose to do?” “That’s my business,” said Kirk. “So far as you are concerned, I may say that I intend to bleed John Falconer; •to show him a ghost now and then, and to let him understand that that ghost will only be laid -temporarily, of course —at a -price.” Ferdinand Kirk had quite made up his mind by this time that Mr. Capstick, having been upset by the excitements of the night and the day, had imbibed stirong liquors somewhat too freely, and was talking about 'things he did not un derstand, or that, at the best, lie wished had been true. In a day or two Mr. Capstick would doubtless have regained his normal condition, and would be set tling down humbly enough as the clerk of John Falconer in some other office. “As regards this ghost-laying Air. Cap- stick,” suggested Kirk, with pretended humility, “if I might be of any assist ance at ail, you may, of course, com mand me. Things have not gone too well with me lately; times are bad—and I should be grateful—’’ “I may find you of use,” said Mir. Cap stick, grandiloquently, as he rose to his feet. “We may find it necessary to work loge titer—that is, in the sense that I may need to employ you. We shall see we shall see. You will understand, Kirk, that I have a more active brain ■than you possess, and that my scheme of operations is a very extensive one. In a humble capacity I may need you.” Air. -Ferdinand Kirk bowed with re newed humility, and followed his guest to the door. In passing, it may be men tioned that iMr. Ferdinand I-Ciirk, the bet ter to guide the unsteady footsteps of saul Capstick, found it necessary—with perfect respect, of course—to take the arm of liis visitor in conducting him to the door, and even to press close against hint. So that it happened that, as Saul Capstick swaggered up 'the street with a frown of importance on liis face, Mr 'Ferdinand Kirk went back into liis room, holding in his hand an oval miniature set in diamonds. And stood for a mo ment or two looking at it with a thought ful smile. Aleanwhile the amazing day bad not yet drawn to a close. Within five min utes there came an imperious knocking at 'the outer door. Air. Kirk, answering it himself, was confronted with young Martin Falconer, evidently in no mood to be put off. By that time Ferdinand Kirk had completely lost his head; his humble dwelling had (become a center of attraction which could draw mighty peo ple to it in the most astounding fashion. Therefore, without inviting this new vis itor to enter, lie leant against the door post in an easy attitude, and asked what Martin wanted. “Air. Kirk," began Martin, hurriedly— “for I believe that is your name—you have a young lady in this house whom I am most anxious to see.” Mly dear sir.” said Kirk, airily, “a great many people are anxious to see that young lady; and I—her guardian- have to keep a very wary eye upon the movements of those people. If you care to state your business, 1 will consider the matter.” “Confound it all, sir,” said Martin, los ing patience, ‘‘surely the young lady may judge for herself. My name Is Mar tin Falconer, and 1——” ‘I am quite aware of that, sir,” said Ferdinand Kirk. “But I believe you not even know the name of this lady?” “Do you?” asked Martin at a venture. Ferdinand Kirk coughed and waved his hand as though to put aside the ques tion. He began to recognize that this was a game of bluff, in which he must play carefully. “It Is scarcely likely I should tell you the lady’s name,” he said. “Suffice It that she Is here under my protection. However, if you care to step Inside I will Inform the lady that you are hera.” So Ferdinand Kirk stepped aside for a moment, and Martin, with a bow, went into the little house. Being ushered into the shabby sitting room so recently quit ted by Saul Capstick, he waited there while Kirk went up the narrow stairs and tapped at a door above. Ruth Arkett, of course, had seen the visitor come to the house, and had heard him admitted. She did not know In the least what his errand could be; she had doubts of hint and his sincerity, as she had of the sincerity of every one about her Just then. More than ever did it seem possible that he might have come as the emissary of his father, John Fal coner. Therefore Kirk found her ready to repel the suggestion that she should grant the young man an interview. “You see, my dear young lady,” began Ferdinand, In a cautious whisper, as he closed the door, “we cannot lose sight of the fact that Mr. Martin Falconer, who wishes to see you, Is a most Important personage. You will remember that you told me you had a claim upon John Fal coner; Is It not possible that the son may have brought some message from him?” “Quite impossible,” said Ruth; “be cause he does not even know who I am.” "More than ever remarkable,” said Kirk, rubbing his hands. “It Is all a puzzle to m? at the moment; but I’ve no doubt I shall understand It presently. Would you care to tell me—in the strict est confidence—who you really are. be cause you seem to possess such an at- lt Is that troubles me s there is a reason why you cannot tell me anything about yourself. If you can trust me—if you can feel that I may be your friend— won't you let convention go to the winds for once, and give me your hands, and let mo hel^ you?” She looked into his eyes; Blie even made a movement to stretch out her hand to him. But she checked herself; she thought of Capstick—confidential servant to this man’s father—Capstick, who held that which belonged • to her, and JKdd it so mysteriously. Looking at him, she withheld her hand while she tractive personality that I find my house 1 asked a question. absolutely besieged by visitors within an hour of your coming. This young man, for instance, must -have actually follow ed us here.” Ruth remembered, with a sudden feel ing of terror, the words she had heard used by the man Captick; knew that she was supposed by Capstick and by this other man to be dead. -She saw the utter impossibility of convincing Kirk of her identity, even had it been wise to do so. On -that point she de termined to be silent. “I thought you knew my name,” she ventured, “or you would scarcely have brought me here.” That was a poser; but Ferdinand Kirk was equal to it. “Mly dear young lady, you are valua ble to me because of that power you ap pear to hold over the Falconers,” he said, smiling. ’’You see, I am perfectly frank about it.” “Y’ou are a most amazing man,” said Rutli, la.ughing in spite of herself. “I will see Mr. Falconer,” she added. “My dear young lady, a word of warn- ig,” broke In Kirk, eagerly, as she was going toward the door. “Let me plead my own cause; let me suggest to you that I have taken charge of you at a time when you were homeless, and when there appeared no prospect of your be ing able to find a friend. I would not., wish to insist upon my own claim to consideration; but I a#i a poor man, and there may be money in this. Don't tell Air. Falconer too much; leave l.t, if possi ble, to me to deal with him and with his father.” “Oh! I won’t forget y<nir kindness,” said Ruth, gratefully, for she had be gun to feel already almost an affection for this queer little man. “And as for Mr. Martin JFaiconer—” “Yes?” he asked, eagerly, “Well, he shall know no more about me than you do,” she added. Then he certainly vnon't know much,” 'Tl\ere is a connection between us you do not understand, and I will not ex plain,” she said, steadily, “and it con cerns your father. Are you working for him in tills matter—or any matter?” “Heaven forbid!” he exclaimed, almost violently; and she w’ondered at the sud den whitness of his face. “I have noth ing common with my father.” Site held out her hand to him quickly, and * lie grasped it; be laughed almost boyishly as they stood in that attitude, looking into each other’s eyes. “Why did you slip away from the inn in such a strange fashion?” he asked. ”1 must have slept more heavily titan I should have done, to let you pcss me like that.” “There seems to he no escape for you, nevertheless,” she Iaugsied. “And I am nut to ftnow your name?” I10 asked. She shook her head. “I wonder if you umserstand how great a power you seem to hold over me. I wonder if you know how naturally I seem to turn to you, before anyone else, in the great trouble ot wnlch i have spoken?” , “You are holding my band, Air. Fal coner,” she reminded him, gently; and he laughed, gave the hand a squezze, and let it go. “Promise me one thing, at least,” he said, impulsively. “Promise me that you will not slip jway again, without letting me know where I may find you.” She hesitated for a moment; then nod ded slowly. “I'll promise that,” she re plied. “And I’ll give you one part of my name, at least— not that you may call me by it, but that you may think of me sometimes, as i hope you will, and may know by what name to think of me. You may call m. Ruth.’’ “The sweetest name in all the world —•Ruth,” he said. The door had been opened softly, and the head of Fer'Jinaad Kirk had been thrust round it. Now. whether it hap- spoke with what degree of calmness he could muster. “Capstick told me that thjs thing— that thing you hold there—meant thou sands of pounds to him; and those thou sands were in all probability, as far as I could judge, to come from J:ohn Falcon er. Now you claim the thing. Do you mean that you are to get the thousands from Falconer?” “Didn’t I tell yo-u that I had a claim against Air. John Falconer?” she a’slfiPJ,. evasively. "Yes, I know; but that can't be the same claim as Capstick would have. Capstlck's a rascal; Ca'pstick spoke of | bloedin- Falconer.” “Mr. Kirk,” she said at last, desper ately, “have you any suspicion at all as to who I am?” He shook Ills head. % I “You, who have heard so much alrpadv Worn tills man Capstick. do you suspect nothing?” He shook his head again, but more slowly and with less decision. “Think hard, Mr. Kirk.” “I’m thinking',”' he said, with a puzzled frown. “In the first place, Capstick smokes clga’rs and drinks too m'hch on the strength of a certain squeezing pro cess he is to exercise upon Falconer; and that squeezing process is by reason of a woman; and that miniature had something to do with that woman. Yet you say it's yours?” “Certainly it is mine,” she replied. “The name of the woman concerning whom Capstick seemed to be in some doubt as to whether she was alive or dead was Ruth Arkett ” "Ruth,” she reminded him; and saw him start, and look at her -moire fixedly. replied Kirk, as he opened t#le door for i pened that Air. Kirk guessed that for her. Having seen Tier enter the room where in Alartin was waiting, Mr. Ferdinand Kirk delicately retired to that part of the premises dignified by him under the title of 'The garden”—an unsavory yard, wherein a few plants in pots had long since given up the struggle for exist ence. Here Air. Kirk paced up and down, building airy castles much higher than the houses which shut him in. Ruth Arkett faced her visitor with mixed feelings. For a moment she seem ed to see again tile man who had sprung suddenly in to her rescue on that night at the inn, near the village of Elderton, In Berkshire; the next she viewed him coldly as the man who bad probably come to spy upon her from his father, Fortunately for his cause, however, his first words upset that id^a completely. “You wished to see me?” she said, In a low voice. “Yes.*' he replied, “T followed you heie. I've been waiting in the street, trying to make up my mind to come and see you. Won’t you tell rue something about yourself?” “Why should 1?" s».e asked. "Don't you understand, Air. Falconer, that you and 1 met—very fortunately for me, but quite by accident; that you were able to do me a service, for winch I can never be sufficiently grateful. Now—by an accident again—we cave met once more. Why should you trouble about me?” “There is something more than ac cident in it,” said Martin, earnestly. "1 told you my name on that night of our first meeting; but directly you heard it and knew that 1 was the son of John Falconer, you refused to tell me yours. Nlow at our second meet ing, l fiind you standing watching the ruins of my father's office, showing that in some mysterious way you are connected with us. Oil, please don't think that this is mere Idle curiosity, lie went on, earnestly” “I wouldn’t have you think that for the world. But what are you doing here, and who is this man who is looking after you?” "His name is Ferdinand Kirk, and 1 never met him -before today,” she said, quietly. He stared tit her in astonishment. “Never met him before today? Do you realize what you are saying? You make me feel so helpless; you puzzle me so much. This r*an told me that you were his ward; yet you have only just met him ” "Do you realize, Mr. Falconer, that you are cross-examinmg me?” asked Ruth, quietly. “Doesn't it occur to you that you may be presuming a little on the accidental help you gave to a strange woman—help that you might have given to anyone?” He bowed slightly, and moved towards the door. “I beg your pardon,” he said “I am sorry you should think that; I had a deeper reason for coming here. Why you should be suspicious of me I don'; know. You interest me more than any woman I have ever met—and I wanted to be your friend.” “If I could -be sure or that—” she be gan, incautiously; and diet fad herself. He moved swiftly to her side. “If 1 tell you, dear Lady from Ntowhere, that I am aa hopeless and almost as friend less as you are—” "You?” She looked at him quickly. “The son of John Falconer—friendless?” “Yes," he replied. “I am perhaps the most unhappy man in all the world, al though I cannot teR - you the reason. That has drawn me to you; because it almost seems that you and I stand in need of each other, just as you stood In need of me that night at the Inn. There is a reason why I cannot tell you what some vital reason the girl could not dis close her complete identity, or whether Air. Kirk felt that the time had arrived when lie niigli\ absolutely appropriate this mysterious girl to himself, it is quite Impossible 10 say. But no sooner did lie hear that name given than he immediately steped into the room, made an elaborate little bow, and finished the matter then and there. “Ruth. sir. is one name—and you may write the other down ‘Kirk,’ ” he said. “I have already told you that this lady Is my ward; being my ward, she has a right to my name. Adoption's the word, sir; and Aliss Ruth Kirk is much obliged to you for your frienujly hiterest in her.” Ruth was silent under that new chris tening. She felt that it had, in a fash ion, solved a difficulty, and saved the answering of further awkward questions. As Air. Kirk did not seem inclined to leave them alone together again, Alartin Falconer presently took his leave, being shown to the door with every possible mark of respect by Ferdinand Kirk. When lie oame back ino the room the girl faced him with a question. “Why have you given me that name— your own name?” she demanded. “My dear young lady. yK>u must have a name of some sort,” he retorted, smil ingly. “You object to giving me jour own; therefore I give you the highly re spectable one T bear myself. If you object to that, perhaps we'd better call your young friend back, and you can tell him wha’t the real one is.” He made a. movement toward the door as if to carry out liis threat. She stopped him instantly. “You mustn't do that." she said. “Mr. Alartin Falconer, of all petoiple must not know what my name is.” “Mystery on mystery,” said Ferdinand Kirk, shaking his liend at her. “You know, my dear, we shall never get on like this; we shall be taken by the atro cious Caipstick at all points. You tell me you have a claim on John Falconer; 'out yo uwon’t even lot me know what that claim is. Well. I won’t worry you; there is time enough yet. In one point at least I’ve got the better of the evil- minded Capstick,” ho added, with a chuckle. ‘What have you done?"' she asekd. With some slyness Air. Ferdinand Kirk drew from his pocket the miniature that had already changed hands more than once. Laying it on the palm of his hand, he held it out for her admiration. “There, my dear Miss Ruth Kirk, what do you think of tha’t?” lie asked. The temptation was too great. In an instant Ruth had snatched the precious thing from his paim, and was holding it clasped defiantly against her breast. Mr. Kirk looked at her 'for a moment in amazement; then smiled feebly, and held out his hand for it. "You shouldn't play tricks, my dear,” he said. "You quite startled me for a moment.” “I meant to startle vou,” she retorted. “This belongs to me.” “To you?” He looke_ t her with his mouth wide open; then looked round the room, as though appealing to the fur niture to take particular note of this remarkable* young woman. “But I stole it from Cap-stick,” he added at last. “I’m not Blaming you for that. I'd have stolen it myself from him, if I'd had the chance. It belongs to me; it was my mother's portrait.” _ Ferdinand Kirk sa't dov;.n and ran his fingers through his hair, and looked at her; got up and (paced about the floor for a moment or jtwo. keeping his eyes always upon her, as . though he could never tee enough of her. Finally, stop ping opposite her Indignant figure, where she stand clasping the miniature, he “Ruth Arkett,” he repeated, slowly as his chief piece of evidence? I de clare to you. Air. Kirk, I never saw The man in -my life until I met him today | at the scene of the fire, and saw him looking at this.” She held out the min iature as she spoke. j “We haven't got to go into these ques tions now, my dear,” said_ Ferdinand, much excited. “What we have to re member is that foir some extraordinary j reason Capstick believes you to be dead, and we know you to be very much ally* Alore than that, that you have a claim i upon liis master, and that we must pro ceed to enforce that claim, whatever it may be. For the present, let u s al low Air. Capstick -to say that you are dead; let this new Ruth Kirk rise up from your ashes.” “Ashes?” For a moment Ferdinand Kirk and the girl faced each other in that shabby room—looked at each other with faces ■that were blanching. It was Ruth who skolce first, and she was trembling vio lently. “Mr. Kirk, the woman I sent to pledge tiiis knew the place to which I wag to have been induced to and doubtfully. “She was coming to see John Falconer; she had threatened him in some way. Yes, I remember Capstick told me that. But, of course, being dead, she couldn’t do much harm. Thai's the point I don't understand.” “But Ruth Arkett is not dead," said Ruth, slowly. He looked at her in perplexity, and slowly seemed to repeat the words with his lips, although he made no sound. “I am Ruth Arkett,” she added, quietly. For a moment or two Ferdinand Kirk stood staring at her. Once or twice he opened his mouth as if to speak, but checked himself, and closed his lips again. Then finally he went up' io her, and gently touched her hand, as though to make sure that what he touched was real flesh and 'blood; then at last, as bis •mind cleared of doubts, he began to speak and to question rapidly. "But Capstick came here, and told ma that (Ruth Arkett was dead; brought with him that miniature which you say Is yours. Where did lie get that?” ‘il don't know,” said Ruth. “I gave It I wanted money; and she never came to some one to pledge for me when! , had arranged thaT I - . „ j would meet John Falconer there; and ' Dach ” . ... 1 t'naf nlara was burnt down last night. “She?” Kirk turned his eyes quickly ^at p 1 s this ,._ she heU1 ouC on her. “You entrusted this to a worn- f h * P minia ture again-“as evidence of my an, and we find it next m the hands of, J person who held it Capstick; and by it Capstick expects to, J™ wa8 P tUe woman Nance Air. Kirk, What do you think has i before Capstick . 1 Ryder, to wnom I gate it. what docs it mean?” “It looks as though there has oeen a blunder somewhere,” whispered Ferdi nand Kirk. “I'm afraid, my dear, that murder's the word!” (TO BE CCXNTINtTUED.) raise to money, become of the other woman?” “I don't know what to think,” said Ruth. “I thought at first that she had stolen it. But why should this man Capstick assert so positively that T am dead, and appear to have this miniature CRAFTY HUNTER WASPS Their Victims. Continued from Second Page. AND i tunnel in the ground, which has a thick ! Court, and tjie box must have been jn!te<j white tapestry lining. It is closed at I out of the car when he was motoring | the top with a semi-circular door. This | ‘"ne^ke^a ftfw °more questions, ex- ls neatly beveled to fit tightly, and is j | l0rte( j Parker to invest the money wise- houses. They are after the house flies, and surely they should be made quite welcome to all they can catch. It is all a matter of taste, you see. Even the most mighty among the spider family are not exempt from the pursuit of the hunter wasp. In our southwestern states, we have a species of the famous tarantula spider. It Is the giant of all our spiders, and is fear ed by all of its own species, and by hosts of smaller insects. But it has its day of reckoning when it finds itself pursued by the large and beautiful wasps known as the “tarantula killer,” in local parlance, and by scientists as the Pep- sis formosa. The b’ig spider no sooner perceives its enemy than it becomes panic stricken, and tries to hide wherever it can find shelter. This wasp prefers the nice, fat taran tula to any other prey, and is constantly on the watch for one of these tid-bits. It regularly sets out to hunt especially for this one victim, passing scornlully by- all inferior game. It is a nervous, bust ling, hustling creature, always in a hur ry, never quiet or restful, and when running along tlie ground, which is its favorite method of hunting, it stretches its wings and vibrates them, incessantly Its bright eyes are ever on the alert, and the instant its prey is sighted, it rises in the air, anj circles above the terrified tarantula, rushes frantically here and there, in the desperate effort to hi'de away. Failing in this, it often, like one driven to bay, rises on its bind legs, and shows signs of fight. STUNNING THE VICTIM. made of alternate layers of silk and earth. The latter is always placed on the outer surface, when the soil 'is bare of concealing vegetation. But when there is green growth near by, the tube. 1s carefully sunk right in the midst of it, of malice prepense. It has been proven that all this care ful defense and concealment is directed against # the spider's special enemy, the wasp, and here the spider hides during the day, leaving its castle only- at night, to become the hunter, instead of the hunted. Yet eve„n so, it is sometimes captured 'by an eariy flying wasp. Some times, also, the big tarantula killer, run- runing along the ground, finds its door, and tears it open. That is the end of the poorttrap door spider, for it is ruth lessly dragged forth, stung, and borne away to become food for the unborn ta rantula killer. This big wasp loves the trap door well night as much as the tarantula spider it self. It, too, is plump and fat, witli a soft, smooth body that invites attack, and affords rich food for the coming larva of its captor. ly. and then dismissed him. That same evening he dined witli Mr. Carson at the Carlton in the highest spirits, and Air. Carson amazed him with liis grasp of public affairs, for he talked familiarly of this -ana that and the other and actually displayed inside knowledge of the grave questions which were then agitating the cabinet. “Aly dear Carson, perhaps I was a lit tle hasty in discouraging you from a po litical career. Now, about that private secretaryship?” Air. Carson shook his head. He said he had no ambition. Only signs, however. There is really no fight in it, and the eager wasp knows ( forgotten. And while he was about fetched away the dispatch "box. JUDE CARSON, ESQ., ROGUE. Continued from First Page. serve you in other ways I shall be glad to do so. Goodby!” He had talked himself into a thorough good humor. Air. Carson went out crestfallen. The Hon. Rupert and his secretary went into the adjoining room to inter view the deputation of bankers. Air. -Carson returned to the minister's room to fetch Iris gloves, iwhich he had he this quite well. Waiting a favorable moment, she darts upon her victim, her body curved almost to a circle, and thrusts in her sting, always, if possible, in the soft abdomen of the trembling spider. Usually, the latter is at once paralyzed, but sometimes a second, or even a third sting is necessary. As soon as her victim Is motionless, tne wasp seizes it in her claws and man dibles, bears it to a hole previously pre pared, thrusts it inside, deposits an egg 011 its body, and then proceeds to seal up the hole. Only one tarantula is needed for the food of the coming larva, because it is so big and fat. Anj here in does the tarantula killer show her wisdom and economy of labor. The mud-dauber and her ilk, satisfied with smaller prey, make many trips and cap tures 'before their cells are ready to seal up. it is a curious study to note how the systematic pursuit of the spider family ; by tile hunter wasps, continued through countless generations, lias developed the defensive instinct in these hunted in sects. We have seen how (he big taran tula trembles and flees at the approach of Its dreaded enemy. Then there are the orbweavers, the makers of the beau tiful wheel-shaped webs, that we all ad mire and wonder at. We find these busy spiders setting forth, as the sun goes down, to spin their viscid spirals, sus pending them from low trees or bushes. Their work finished, and it is marvelous how soonThis point is reached, they may be found waiting, head downward, against the central mat, with legs stretched wide across the circular space which is bare of the 'beaded strands. The owners of the» webs are patiently waiting for a dainty meal of the night dying moths to fall into their we btrap, and they have no fear of doing so right out in the open, in full view of the passers- by, because they know that their special enemy, the wasp, does not fly at night. But the moment daylight appears, they vanish. Where? Into corners, crevices, burrows, under spouts, under eaves, any where and everywhere, so that they are hidden away. And there they rest dur ing the wasp hunting time, from sunrise to sunset, snugly touched away in tough silken tubes and tents. But even thus their foes often find them, and drag them forth. But in the trap door spider, we find yet more elaborate protective prepara tions, if not, in truth, the very highest plane ever reached in this direction among the lower animals. The home nest of the trap door spider .is a tuibular III. L Send your money to a FAR-A-'VAY FACTORY or Mail Order House, and pay $5,00 additional Freight? Manufacture the Golden Eagle Buggy here in Atlanta, Ga., and sell di rect to consumer at lowest wholesale-price. You the $5.00 freight and $16.00 Dealers’ Profit. Also, save you on a $12.50 Harness—our price is $6.49> , Can buy direct from us; because we manufacture our own Buggies, in - our own Factory, here at home. MONEY Is Money, and our GUARANTEE of saving, and our Guarantee’ol Satisfaction is the REAL money to you. GOLOEN EAGLE BUGGY CO. 158 & 160 Edge wood Ave.. ATLANTA. GA. Mail this Coupon for Catalogue No. 57. Name.................. P. O The Hon. Rupert Algernon Strongbow Caws did not miss his dispatch box till many hours later, and then for the life of him he could not iremember accurate ly when bed had it last. Not is this surprising in view of the strenuous life he lived. He was a new minister. His head was filled with innumerable new anxieties. 'He was such a glutton for work that nothing was outside the spiiere of liis own cognizance. He was prepared of his own unaided wisdom to reform the entire British constitution within the r.ext month or two, and under these cir cumstances he could hairdly be expected to remember when and where he had last handled that particular dispatch box. But when he remembered the contents of that box his 'being was chilled to Its very marrow. What would happen if It had fallen into the hands of some un principled person? What would his col leagues in the cabinet say when they heard of its loss? How would they char acterize such carelessness? What was likely to toe their attitude toward him, who, on all questions and all occasions, was rready to set. them right? Dared he, In fact, make his loss known to them? lie shuddered as he thought of all these things. It was a horrible time, those two days in which the box was rnissin but the suspense helped him to a juster appreciation of his own relative unim portance, and it was restored to him on the day after the appearance of his ad vertisement offering £1,000 for its recov ery, in the following circumstances: It should he stated that the advertise ment laid special stress upon the fact that no questions would be asked if the box were returned, and its contents in tact He was at breakfast, but he was not eating anything. He was reading his letters, and among them a letter from Air. Jude Carson, in viting him to dine at the Carlton on any day he cared to fix. Air. Carson wrote: “I owe you a debt of gratitude for dis couraging m e from entering upon a ca reer for which I now recognize I am en tirely unsuited. Add to that debt by giving me the pleasure of your company at dinner, etc.” Although pleased with the tone of the letter, in his anxiety about his dispatch box, the mere idea of food was repug nant to him, and he had just decided to refuse when his butler announced that a poorly clad workingman, who gave ids name as Parker, wanted to gee him about the advertisement. “Show him in at once!” he shouted. Parker came in carrying a percel wrap ped up in a piece of soiled newspaper. “Have you ,got the box?” cried the U.011. Rurperl. “Well, sir, I doan’t really Jinow if this is what you want—’’ The minister broke in upon this slow, uncouth speech by snatching the parcel from Parker's arms and unplicxing it in feverish haste. It was wonderful! It was the box! It was stained with mud and dirt, but it was uninjured. It had not been opened and its contents were Intact. Hi s emo tion of thankfulness was so profound that he wrung Parker's hand for three consecutive minutes, and never thought of asking how he had come by it until after he had paid over the amount of the reward. “I found it in a ditch on the Bram- leigh road, at the fur end of the Spin ney coming out from Bramleigh, sir.” That eplained everything. The Hon. Rupert lived at Bramleigh MUSIC IN AFJEUCA. (From The Pittsburg Gazette.) American manufacturers of musical In* | struments have manifested an interest in the South African trade, and one of our j consuls has supplied them with an inter- ; esting review of the field, which is at I present dominated by Germany and Great | Britain. It is pointed out that while the | war and droughts have had a bad ef- i feet on the colonies and the purchase of I luxuries for the home, such as pianos and orjims. over $1,000,000 is being spent annually, from the tCane to Zambesi, upon musical intruments. The Transvaal of late iias become a large purchaser of musical goods. Where in 1902 $109,316 was thus spent, the figures Increased to $176,120 in 1903. and in 1904, the grand total of $310,485 was expended. It is points.* out that this indicates somewhat the permanence of home making against the prevalent theory that South Aft" ’J. is only a transient abiding place since the discovery of rich minerals. All competitors have so far been out stripped by Germany, but the United Slates has increased its trade fourfold In the past two years. IT? TiOtvever, en joys but one-fourth of the trade of Ger many. Great Britain and Germany hat e the honors almost equally divided in the case of pianos, though American makes are said to he gaining in public favor, and by observing the suggestions of deal ers sales are bound to increase. To do this, manufacturers must study the cli mate and manufacture instruments that will stand the humid atmosphere of Cape Colony and the dry. hot atmosphere of the Northern colonies. Instruments must he made strong and the timber seasoned to a degree that will withstand the heat of the tropics. Sounding' boards, espe cially. must lie seasoned to perfection, else Urey will split in a short time. There is. the consul advises, a field In the Transvaal for the high-priced as well as the cheaper make of instruments. The United 'States has a virtual monopoly of the organ trade. In the first four months 1904 1,790 organs, valued at $140,000. were shipped for Africa from the port of New York. — ■** Catarrh Bad Breath, K’HawKing and Spitting Qulckiey Cured—Fill Out Free Cupon Below—Costs Noth ing To Try. Heartily Recommend C,«u„’ Catarrh to All Suffers. . 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