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■ sssfell TIMES-ENTERPIUSE, THOMASVILLE, OA.. AUGUST 26. U04. Holdenhurst —21 Horn. (w WALTER BLOOMFIELD Ccvrrttht ur« hr a<n» aomx't Ion. CHATTER XXV. DEATH. ' Tile old loan ottered no resistance to my violence, nor did he otter a word. A ghastly paleness overspread bis (ace, bis head (ell a little to one side, and he looked as l( he woold hare (alien but (or the support I afforded him. His apparent collapse undec the audden attack which had been made upon him excited my symptby, and In less than a minute I relaxed my grasp, saying: "Tell me where you have put those coins, and not only shall you escape punishment, but you shall be rewarded and allowed to remain hero as long as you live.” The old man made no reply, but leaned against the wall, breathing heavily, .vltb a strange expression upon his (ace, the like of which 1 bad not seen. Again I approached him, and laying my band gently on bis shoulder spoke to hint kindly, yet earnestly: “I am sdrry I have (rightened you. As I live, I promise you shall come to no barm.' But please tell iqe what you hare done with those coins, (or l hare a right to know.” With n great effort, pltlablo for Its feebleness, the old man took a large Iron key from his pocket, and essayed to step towards me, making as though ho would speak; but he (ailed ot his Intention dud (ell heavily on the floor. The Incident seriously alarmed me. In an Instant I was on my knees at his side, supporting bis head on my arm. But n:y utmost efforts (ailed to rouse tile old man; Ills attenuated form waxed heavier and heavier, and his half-dosed eyes and lips lent an ex pression to bis face awful to behold. Quito terrified at his condition, stamped violently on the floor and shouted so loudly (or help that two serrants rushed Into the room. "Fetch Dr. Thuriow at once; 1( be Isn't In, send the boy on a horse to Ixworth (or a doctor. Adams Is 111—I don't know how seriously. And bring some water, one of you, qulcklyl" The women hastily left to obey my orders, and were met at the door by my father and Mr. Wolsey. "What Is the mnttcr!” asked my father, stooping to look at the old man •as no lay on the floor. "What has •happened I" ”1 was talking to Adams, when he vuadenly reeled and (ell down un conscious,” I explained. "He would be better bn the couch, said Mr, Wolsey; and adopting the sug gestion we lifted the old man Into that position. By this tlmo a servant bad returned with some W'.ter; and while I bathed the face o( the patient, Mr. Wolsey and my father felt his left side and watched Intently for signs of respira tion, which could with difficulty be discerned. "I am afraid be Is going," said my father quietly, Mr. Wolsey, to whom these ominous words were addressed, signified his assent by lightly lucllnlug his head. "0 no!" I cried In an agony of fear, oppressed with the cousclousnes of bow largely 1 wns responsible for this catastrophe; "five minutes ago ho was well. He must surely revive soon. My exclamatlou wns interrupted by the entry of Dr. Thuriow, who at once began a systematic examination of the patient. He felt the old man's pulse and the region of his heart, closed and unclosed Ills passive hands, lifted one of his eyelids and placed his linger on the oyo-an experiment which I could not help hut witness, though It horri fied me profoundly. These things ac complished. Dr. Thuriow turned to my father nud said: "1 am sorry to tell you, Mr. Truman, that your old servant Is dead." My heart sank within me os I real ised the mcuulug of the doctor's words. This was my first experience of death; and In presence of that awful mystery I seemed to grow older by as tunny years as uiluutes had elapsed since the fatal accusation. I could not speak, but stood 111 a sort of stupor, looking down upon what had so recently been Instinct with warmth and motion. All thought of the sequins wns tuiulshcd from my mind, and instead I could think only of the one who had taught me to ride in the green lanes about Holdenhurst when I was a child; who bad been first to Impress upon me the names of the trees, shrubs, flowers and birds common In our neighborhood; and who, so far ns I could remember, had never spoken harshly to me. And now that one lay before me dead, he who but for me would doubtless still be performing his customary duties about the place. My reflections were too painful to hear uunisturbed. uud I broke down utterly. Dr. Thuriow was aliout to lead me from the room when lie saw the Turk ish daggers which lay on the tnble. "What are these?” he asked, picking up the weapons. "Has the man died from an Injury which has escaped my notice:” and be turned again towards the couch. \ “No, no.” I explained: “they have not t-en unshrnted for yean, lawk; gou will find It so.” assented Da Thuriow, who nevertheless thought tt proper to sat isfy himself of the truth of my state ment by making a careful examination of the daggers. “Of what has the old man died?” These were the first words that my father uttered after be bad been told that his old servant was dead, and his voice was tremulous with sup pressed emotion. “I can't say until I have Investigated the case more particularly,” replied Dr. Thuriow; “bnt appearances seem to Indicate syncope. His heart has been weak for a long time, and It Is not an unnatural termination for him; but at the same time I should not have ex- pectcd It unless precipitated by some sudden excitement or passion.” While Dr. Thuriow was speaking, Mr. Wolsey opened the door, and re vealed our servants standing in a group Just without. He Informed them of the melancholy event which had occurred within, and they returned sorrowfully to the kitchen, whispering together as they went; while Mr, Wol sey, my father and I, and Dr. Thuriow, crossed tho ball to the dining room, the latter carrying the Turkish dag gers und aigrette which he had taken from the table, and a lurge rusted Iron key which be had found on the floor close to where Adams bad fallen CHAPTER XXVI. HOUEI.XSS. “No, Ernest, I am not bard on you my fuult lies on the other side. I have been weak, and am justly punished for my weakness; but I nm not too old to reform. Henceforward I will rfilo In my own house; and anyone, not except lug even yourself, who is Indisposed to submit to that rule, moy betake him self elsewhere. Consider well my words; they are not lightly spoken.” ‘T protest that my conduct towards you has never been anything but that of an affectionate son. Why has all this trouble fallen upon me? Because 1 have sought to make peace between you and your brother. Was that a bad task to set tnyselr? I bare always believed, and do now bcllove more strongly than ever, that your brother had no hand In the robbery of the sequins.” My father smiled faintly, and re marked In a somewhat sarcastic tone tbnt ho doubted whether I should hare assumed the Christian part of peace maker so earnestly In this case If It had uot also been the way to a closer acquaintance with Miss Marsh. His words aroused the slumbering auger within me, and I replied to them with more warmth tlinn discretion: "Wlmt you soy Is very true. When Inclination and duty point the same way, tho duty Is well performed.' "That has hardly been so la this case,” said my father. "My purpose was defeated by a natural though unexpected event; aud I am no more responsible for the death of tbo old man we followed to the grave yesterdny than I am responsible for the death of Charles the First. Dr. Thuriow has to|d you that Adams' heart was weak, and that it was a mir acle he lived so long as hp did. It was my ill fate to be the ono to accuse him of his crime. Uncle Sam's advice was sound.” Very sound!" echoed my father bit terly. "And nearly all the property found In the old man's room. Including the red Turkish chest, was placed there with my consent when all the rest of the house was being overhauled by your uncle's workmen!” “How about the key which Adams was about to give me the moment before his final selsure?" "Ay, how about It? Have you not speut two days Ineffectually trying to fit It to every lock within these walls? Ernest, you have entirely exhausted my patience. I must absolutely de cline to discuss with you again the robbery of the sequlus; and I repent, for the last time, my determination. You may remain here ns long as you wilt, and all I have is yours, provided that you cease to correspond with my brother, Ills wife, and Miss Marsh. Unless you are prepared to adopt that course you must no longer consider this your home. I daresay tt pains you to be told this so bluntly; but you must reflect that a man docs not talk In this way to his only son without pain to himself, and surely never with out great cause. I. at least, do not." Aud with pale face, compressed lips, and a strange light in his eyes, my father passed out of the room. For a few moments I stood still, dazed by the importance of the decision I had so unexpectedly been called upon to make. I never for a moment doubted that 1 was very Ill-used; on the contrary, I considered myself most unjustly punished. Ever since my un cle was at Holdenhurst my policy had beeu directed with a view to effect his reconciliation to my father and the wlunlng of Constance Marsh for my self; and such desires. I conceived, were eorameudable and natural In any one circumstanced ns 1 was. The terms Imposed by my father as tho price of his continued friendship and pro tection wore too exacting for me to entertain. Deeply as It grlered me to finally’quit that sequestered spot where I was bom, whose every nook recalled some pleasant Incident of my child hood's happy days when my father had watched over me with A tender and anxious solicitude such as a man only bestows bn n motherless child, I was prepared to abandon It at once and for ever rather than renounce tbo dear girl whose love I bad won. It was hard for me to leave my home and live estranged from my lifelong companion and friend, the one to whom I owed everything; but even that, hard as It was, would be easier then the alterna tive offered to me. These considera tions brought tears to my eyes, but my purpose was never for a moment weakened. Suddenly I roused myself from the reverie Into which I bad fallen, and turning to go to my own room, encountered Mr. TVolsey at the door. What Is all this trouble between you and your father, Ernest?” asked' the old gentleman. You had better Inquire for the par- tlculars where you learned the fact,” I answered testily; for I could not help thinking that Mr, Wolsey was In somo measure responsible for the present resoluto attitude of my father; that he bad been exerting his lnfiuenco to annul the friendship which he knew existed between my undo and me. Without waiting to hear any further remark from him, pnssed my Interrogator abruptly and continued my Way to my room, No sooner Was I in assured solitude than I sat down, and resting my aching head on my hands, endeavored Impartially review the Whole course of my life, which consisted, I found, of two periods—nearly twenty years of happy, careless Indifference, and Blx months of high hopes, grave anxieties aud bitter aisappolntmeqts, the division being marked by my In troduction to uncle 8am, The shorter of the two periods seemed tbo longer, the flight of time being appreciated for the Importance rather than the number of Its events. For two hours did I wrestlo with myself and suffer Indescribable anguish of spirit, vain ly desiring tho light and guidance which I knew not where nor how td seek. Tho purest, most loving, most disinterested, most generous being I had ever known was Constance Marsh, aud to her would I go to claim tho promlso she had made to become my wife. Would that I had accepted her advice, and abandoned all hope or thought of the cursed se- quins! But the mischief was past and Irreparable, and I could only resolve that novor ngaln-no, not even though the clearest conceivable Indications of success were placed .before me— would I so much ns lift my band for tho recovery of a treasure the very numo ot which must ever be asso ciated In my mind with misery. My resolution was taken: I would certainly leave homo. Indeed, there was nothing else for mo to do, my father’s terms being precise, and .such as I could not bring myself to accept; yet did I love my father as well as I had ever done, and the thought that I was now going away from Holden- burst, porkaps never to return—that possibly I had looked upon father's face for tho last time—cut me to tbo heart. I sat down at table and wrote upon a sheet of paper, which I could only dimly sec, a few Hues addressed to my father, re gretting that ray conduct during the past few months had been such as ho could not approve, especially as that conduct had been based upon a sin cere belief !u Its righteousness, a be lief which I still entertained; and therefore, by his own ruling, Iloldcn- hurst wns no longer my borne. I closed with many endearing expres sions, not forgetting to state that should bo ever desire to see me, It would be my pleasure no less than my duty to vorno to him. My painful task completed. I folded the note, and rose to luck a handbag. As 1 did so the looking-glass revealed my face and startled me, so pallid and haggard had I become. I ob served my appearance for but a mo ment, aud then hurried forward my sennty preparations for departure. Yet a few minutes later, and I had left the bouse with no more than I could conveniently carry, coming away unobserved through a door which led from the garden Into uu orchard, aud thenco along the footpath which served us as a convenient short cut into the Bury road. It wns early morning, and the au tumnal tulst which obscured the fields was slowly dlsappearlug before the rising sun. When 1 reached the bend of the road I turned to take a last look at my old heme, but It was en- eloped In the mist and could not bo seen. Resuming my journey at a great pace, I endeavored by rapid tvalklog aud clear thinking to emerge from the mental depression which bad resulted, ns I did not even then doubt, from my errors of judgment less than my peculiar circum stances. Clear thinking! Alas! that was a power which had never been mine; and tt seemed there was no way for me to attain It but through the cruel discipline afforded by a suc cession of blunders and consequent dlsasater. To bo continued. . Hangni-j’, Big Towns. Hungary has eleven towns of 50,000 Inhabitant or more, according to the recent census, lludnpest has 732,000, Szogodin 103,000. Maria Thorenlopol 82.000, Dobreczln 73,000, Preshurg 00,- 000, ltodmcrovasarbcly 01,000, Kcla- kernot 57,000, Arad 50.000, Temcavar 33,000, Groswnnlelu and Klausenburg 50,000 each. Agrmn, In Croatia, baa 61,000 inhabitants. - - - - 4 PLUCK, ROMANCE AND ADVENTURE. 1 CAUGHT BEAB. JtOtt. EACON HANK STHONG. j{ W wito live* up at the Mead- 3 I I 9 °ws, writes a correspond- 31 ~ jt ent from Pittsfield, Vt, vtOK knows of two tramps who will not bother him or hif chickens any more. In fact, he la pretty sure he Is rid of tho entire cult for good and ally as he has been told that ltl Hobodotu there are certain signs displayed on fences which indicate good and poor field of Investigation; He has found some of these signs on bis fence a mile from the house, and belieres that they were placed there by a pair of tramps with whom he had a somewhat un usual experience. Hank began to bo bothered With members of the “profession” early In tho summer, and at first Mrs. Strong, a whole-souled Individual, responded to theJr entreaties for food with Jersey milk, large pieces of pio and good home-made ebc-ese. When she stopped the tramps hung around until dark and made off with chickens, vegetables, and even firkins of butter* As the cold wcathar came on the hoboes got more numerous, until they became a pest. About a week a so the deacon resolved to be rid of tlieni* / About noon lie went to tbe henhouse, and selecting half a dozen TlmnksglV' Ing capons killed and picked them in full view, lie fttrung the six bn a pole and put them In the icehouse. THe ice house was a box-llke affair, about ten by twenty feet, with a height of eight feet. It had n good-sized door that locked with a spring catch and was strong enough to resist ordinary efforts to open It froth within. As soon ns the chores were done the deacon, armed with a bean-pole, took up bis position In tae kitchen and from a point of vantage at the window watched the door of the henhouse Just across the driveway. Mrs. Strong blew out tho light after making sure that the kitchen aud icehouse doors had been left ajar and sat down With tbe deacon. It was a bright night, and the hus band and wife could just make out tbe door of the trap they had laid for tbe tramps. They waited patiently and at 0 o'clock saw a forn\ on all foyrs emerge from tbe dlrectlou of tbe pas ture aud disappear within the house. “One *f th’ varmints,” whispered the deacon. “Don't ye tnov* till tb’ other feller glta inside.” There wa* A period of suspense that seemed half an hour mid then a second form was made out emetglng from tho pasture. This was approaching In A crouched position and was followed by another about tbe samo size. “Gosh all hemlock, *f 1 won't ketch three *f ’em,” jubilantly whispered tbe deacon. "Dldu't think there was bnt two.” The forms approached cautiously; circled toward the Ice-house, and went A moment later the kitchen door was softly pushed open and Derfcdri Strong crept out, followed by his wife. He moved noiselessly to the Ice-house and pushed the door shut with the bean- pole. Tbe next lustaut a muffled shriek burst from within, followed by second shriek and a loud bass roar tbat was never made by a human being. Let us out, let ua out,” yelled a voice. “Good Lord, let us out There’s a bear In here and he's trying to eat us up.” “Holy smoke,” grasped the deacon oa a second and louder roar smote his ear. Quick, Mnrtliy, git th* carblue. It’s loaded.” While Mrs. Strong ran for the gun more roars and howls filled the ice house, followed by n floundering and thumping on the door. Wait 'till I get tb’ carbine,” yelled the deacon. "Blame it, don’t ye bust thet door. He can’t eat ye both th’ onct.” Just then Mrs. Strong came on the run with the gun In her hand and the deacon slipped the lock. Instantly out tumbled two terrified tramps, hatless and white, and before the farmer could stop them they fairly flew down the road, shouting at the top of their voices. Directly after them came a small Mack boar with bit mouth full of chicken and one paw swathed In the remnant of a coat tall. “Gimme th’ gun. gimme th’ gun,” gurgled tho deacon. But there was no time [or this, and Mrs. Strong pointed the barrel at bruin, shut both eyes, aud fired. The bail nearly lifted the top of the animal's bead off. and he died iustnutty. Gosh.” ejaculated the deacon, view- Ing his good wife with pride. “Wbo’d hev thought it? Blamed If ye can't shoot es well es ye kin cook.” I cai’lnte we be rid ’f them pesky tramps fer a spell.” she responded, with a gleam of pride In her eyes.— New York World. BRAVE WATCHMAN. William McAllister, a flagman on the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad at Thirteenth and Cumberland streets, Philadelphia, sacrificed bis life in sav ing three girls from death beneath the wheels of n swiftly moving train. Me. Allistor was taken to the Snmaritnn Hospital with both of his legs broken and bis head und body injured. He died an hour after being admitted. The girls whom he rescued went away Immediately after tbe accident and their names are unknown. Within five minutes of tbe time he wns to be relieved from bis vigil by the day man McAllister noticed two mill girls stop to talk to a third girl be tween the northbound rails. At the same time he beard ac outbound train; which within a few seconds would M upon the unthinking girls. He shouted i warning as he started toward them. At the locomotive drawing the north bound train hove In sight* not fifty yards away, a south bound train came along. Without hesitation McAllister sprang in front of the south bound train and reached the girls. He threw his weight against them and aent them sprawling out of harm’s way. But he was too late to escape himself. Before he could Jump from the tracks tbe pilot of tbe swiftly moving engine bit him. RAT FOUGHT MAN. A remarkable story of a fight in tbe street with an Infuriated rat was told to his friends by Andrew Smith, of No. 158 Fifty-seventh street. Brooklyn. Smith was on his way to Manhattan/ where be is employed, and started to cross Second avenue, half a block from his home, when he saw a rat also crossing tbe street in front of him, but In a diagonal direction. It was evident ly leaving a stable in the rear of Wege- lln’s grocery store on the corner. It wns an unusually large rat. Smith started after the rat. Instead of making for the nearest hole the animal went leisurely on its way, and Smith caught up with it just as it was about to spring up oa the curb. The rat stopped, turned quickly, look ing for a moment at the man, then sprang straight at him. At tbe same time his foot shot out. Tbe rot made a curve over his swinging shoe, landed on bifl leg below tbe knee and started td bit# furiously. Smitb kicked tbe animal off. It sprang at him again and he kicked once more. This time be struck and the rat was knocked sev eral yards away. It recovered Itself and made another dash at the mun. This time Smith managed to stun the rot; Hd killed it before it could re cover. Smith thou went on hit way. Later he felt his leg pain, On examining It be found bla sock and underwear soak ed with blood, bis trousers torn and a wound in his leg half un inch long* where tbe rot had buried his teeth. SHOT SNAKE, SAVED MOTHER. Miss Katie Klinger, a young school teacher, saved her mother from a rattlesnake on Goss Hill, Pa., by kill ing the snake with d rifle at twenty- five yards. Miss Klinger a year ago won a gold mednl In a shooting match. Mrs. Klinger was walking in the yard, when the snake reared up In front of her. 8he screamed, and then fainted. Her daughter, hearing her, secured a loaded Winchester rifle, and shot tho snake’s head cleanly off. •100 fOR AN ECO Of an East Indian Gnine-Fowl Imports# Into England. Not often docs tbe price of a singl* egg climb to $100, but this Is what was offered for each of the eggs of a cer tain Indian game-ben, which wa* brought to Eugland some time ago, says Country Life in America. For centuries the Indian Game, or Aaeel Fowls, have bden the very ape* of the game-breed, for the pureness of blood and pedigree have been most carefully preserved for so long tb&t tb* date of the origin of tbe race has bee* lost In tbe past. it Is almost impossible to secur* specimens of the purest blood, for they are treasured by the Indian sportsmen at the highest value, and the best fowls are not allowed to go out of their native country. As game-fowl, they are great fight* rs. Those who have seen them in India—for the finest birds never resell our colder climates—tell of tbelr prow ess and ungovernable tenacity in bat tle. With them, it Is always victory or death. In America, however, the game* fowls are seldom raised for fighting purposes, but for show, and as pet* and hobbies of poultry fanciers. Th« Pope Surprised Him. In Catholic Church circles they art telling a good story which has com* from Rome and which deals with th* octogenarian Cardinal Mocenni. The Cardinal, who has been confined to his rooms for n long time with rheu matic gout, is subject to violent fits of Irritation, somewhat trying to the pa tience of Ills serrants and his visitors. One morning His Eminence, who is an niveterate smoker, lay on n divan in hi* study puffing away at a pipe of Turk ish tobacco and deeply absorbed in # book. Presently a gentle knock wa* heard at the door. The Cardinal, paying no heed, continued to read. A louder knock followed, but tbe old prelate did not want to be disturbed, he budged not.. A third knock wa* loud and prolonged. Tbe Cardinal raised himself lift wrath, flung the book to the floor and shouted: Who the deuce is this bothersome rascal? CoflSe in.” Tbe door swung back on its hinge* and in walked the white robed figure of Pius X. His Holiness was as much amused at his reception as the Car dinal was surprised at the visit A Remarkable Rote. There is at the present time In the gardens of Mr. W. R. Armstrong, at Ben well. England, a remarkable rose. It is a Niphetos tea rose, and was, w# learn from the Ceuntry Gentleman, planted tunder glass) eighteen yeari ago from a five-inch pot into a pre pared border. At present it covers an area of 1300 square feet. The bio*- roils are large, well formed and white, with petals beautifully tipped with pink. Last year, in spite of the lack of sun, 16,000 blossoms were gathered from this rose. This year more than 4900 have already been gathered, and It is thought that the number will b* about 18.000. WHEN SHE’S DANGEROUS. — I’d face the tigreaa robbed of cubs, But 1 wouldn’t for a farm . * Approach the woman who a juat mad - *tb blouse .Ieeve.forone.nn. poiU ANOTHER “PERIL ” Sidney—“Miss Elsie is a lovely girl. Rodney—“Yes; say. she’s a regular pink and white peri!."— 1 Cincinnati Commercial-Tribune. INFERENCE. Toro—“No, I never see Jack any more. We’re no longer friends ” Dick—“Indeed? Does be owe you money, or do you owe it to Mml — Philadelphia Ledger. . A BORROWER. Harduppe—“Can you lend me $5 tet make up a certain sum?” Cynical Friend-“What’s the certain sum? Five dollars?”-Towu Topics. BREEZY. Binks—“Don’t you think Harduppe , has quite a breezy way with him?” Winks—“Yes. especially when lie blows into your office trying to raise tbe wind on a draft,’’-Town Topics. STRANGE THEORIES. Ah Ting—“The foreign devils have a crazy idea that the earth is round.” Oh Pong—“I could forgive that; but they also think that »aey own it. and allow us to live on the under side.”— Life. AFTER THE WAR. “The paper says that Korea has re< m ognized the new Republic of Panama." “Well, I’m afraid Panama will have hard work recognizing* Korea after the war is over.”—Woman’s Home Companion. A NEW FLORA M'FLIMSEY. Eleanor—“Have you given up socie ty. Josephine?” Josephine—“No; but I’ve been bridesmaid so often lately that I’ve nothing but bridal frocks to wear.”— Indianapolis Journal. THOSE STUPID QUESTIONS. Naybor—“Is tbat a new henhouse you’re building?” Mr. Snappy—“No*; this is an old one I’m building to take tbe place of the new one 1 tore down last week.”— Philadelphia Ledger. WHERE IT COMES FROM. “I wonder where they get enough money to pay for all the wars?” said Mrs. Dumleigb. > “I’m not sqye, dear,” replied Dum- leigh, “but I imagine the map publish ers furnish it.”—Chicago News. HOPING AGAINST HOPE. “Your wife,” said the physician, “will not be able to speak above a whisper for a week or more.” “Say. doctor.” queried tbe eager hus band, “is there auy hope of her dis ease becoming chronic?”—Chicago News. UP TO DATE. Tbe Visitor—“It’s heartrending to hear your baby. lie’s been crying Cor tbe last hour.” Tho New Mother—“Ob, yes; but it’* a strictly scientific, hygienic, Jung ex pansive arid non-tissue destroying cry.”—Life. SIZED UP. Mrs. Bacon—"I see by this paper that the average family in the United 8tates has four and seven-tenths per sons.” Mr. Bacon—“I suppose I’m the seven, tenths In this family.”—Yonkers Statesman. MICROBES. 'What are the uulvereity buildings all lighted cp for to-night?” “They’re g.ving a reception to Pro fessor Outrack. He has discovered a microbe that feeds on the microbe dis covered by Professor Dlggitup the other day.”—Chicago Tribune. WAGE-EARNERS. “Brown is weak financially, isn’t he?” “He hasn’t much mouey, but be gives fmpioymeut to a great many, men.” “Who are they?” “Other people’s bill collectors.”— Stray Stories. ICE. “Mamie, girl, that young man of yours has been coming now for almost a year.” “Yes, mother.” ‘ v ? “Isn’t it about time he was breaking tbe ice?” “I don’t believe he intends to break the ice. He’s going to wear it out.”— Puck. WHAT MADE HIM UNHAPPY, “You growled at cold weather?” “Ob. yes.” “And you’ll growl when it’s hot?” “That's what!” "Well, what do you reckon you’re here for, anyhow?" My friend,” was the reply, “that’* jest what keeps me a'growiin’; I can’t find oat!”—Atlanta Constitution*