Newspaper Page Text
THE WEEKLY TELEGRAPH
i'STAIIMMII n 182fl. 1
{nit Tele*r#r*» l'riminn to.I'ubluiiers. I
MACON, GA., WEDNESDAY MORNING, FEBRUARY 18, 1891.
f W««klT f fl,OOaVear ( 1
(SIuslo Copy, Five Lcii/i, f
TIIK FISHER’S SPRAY OF ROWAN.
From IlooieholJ Words.
« m« s spray of rowan. I am bound lor tne
iLsiockso! Stornoway, the bretk-
.'rtif* and beat;
e witchts play their cantrips yet. under
I^llmany mountain hut still chant
*iaptbcUd*ato rell the moon In
JgSe that to the cruel reel drive* on tho
pies* *hlpo-
a spray of rowan, to save and to sain
j brlfht upon the tree beside
•ur window *111—
re# that llan* Us hallowed shade over onr
traTi troth plight,
LiofUy down the lomondaatole the length-
i.ep'lh'l'.h .bore otii'tiea.l.'n,
[.mow to Iht north, C
p, Borer, with her .IgnaU up, tir Uut
fed trim off Forth*
‘QIvs me a spray of rowan; fasten it doeely
here,
To nestle under the guernsey, lust as yon place
it, deart
And when our work la over, and the herring
have gone their way,
I will cpme, with a purse of gold well earned,
to Ax our bridal day;
And wh*n th» !*«•*• w!»h h**ther*>ells for wed
ding guide sre dressed,
You'll wear our apray of rowan, for a token at
your breast."
Eho gave the spray of rowan, the pretty blush-
lug lass.
Tho tears stood thick in the bright bine eyes
that saw the Rover pass
Ont from the pier at Granton. Ere a month
went slowly ever
6he knew the wave* by Stornoway rolled o'er
her gallant lover,
And dreamt, when sorrow sobbed itself at last
to kindly sleep,
She saw the rowan at his heart, down in the tots-
, ing deepi
caught tho wisps of gray hair that hung
disheveled about hie neck. He was a
eorrv spectacle.
“>Ve aro nil friends in misfortune,
madam. It is Dives who has none," ho
said in answer to her speech to Kelly.
Tho girl turned eyes full of surprised
inquiry upon him.
••You—you do not speak like"—here
she hesitated. ••You—must have been
Under a Colonnade.
H- Uuagra** la Longman's Magazine.
I wu a day early in March. Tho dull
I f (utter r:»Hl wilt l itnvu m,
lute of spring. Here in London,
ft! every corner swept the pitiless icy
K t n l. ro S >amK-sw.'i*|.iTsg.«th-
ftheir rags more closely about them,
erich men, clad in heavy overcoats,
■ed the climate and sought shelter in
Lfli-wanned rooms of their club*.
Xtbose constrained by duty or pover
ty abroad in tho stroots on such a
You’ve been a soldier,” he said at
last,
Tho dirty little pipe was removed from
the Irishman's mouth, and with a look
of surprise he turned on his compsnlon.
••For sure, me bhoyt But ya don’t
ni ver say ye see any drill left in me?" For a
moment he straightened himself and
made a pantomimic gesture of saluting.
“Were you ever in active aervice?"
With an animated gesture the old sol.
L this Among this number wore ; dier swore a big oath, saying, “I’ve seat
undwich-rooo, who paraded the • a fow niggers to kingdom come." Then,
tiwith their customary slow and j with a more dejected sir, “But it’s twenty
It*, demeanor, with hang-dog looks ! years sinst I left the riginient; it was soon
uffling feet. One after the other i after the New Zealand war.”
cession of these silent, depressed ] The gentleman in rags looked more
passed up or down the busiest clovely at him, esying quickly. “The New
rhfares, So many hours to keep Zrolsnd war: were you there?”
, so manv weary steps to pace, for j “Troth and 1 was. See my game leg?”
inniflcent pay of eighteen pence a Hero the man extended it, stroking it
Day after day to carry about the compassionately. “I’ve got a bullet in
if other peoples pleasures, with their me yet from one of thim cursed Maoris,
woe and degradation eating liko , I was in the One Hundred end Twentieth
{into their soul?. I Foot. C company, tho smartest lot in the
ly, they earned enough to keep' rigiment."
and soul together; but in many of j Tho gentleman carrying the boards
esses it wore belter for the end to started. "Capt. Dasborough commanded
quicklv—better, aye, that they had j you," he said slowly, and his eyes bad a
r ueen born.(Under the colonnade in I haunted look.
street, a short cut from Regent
? the Hsymarket, is a favorite re*
| ; ! sundwich-men for lhemW4*y
1 In this unfrequented little
Jtthey gather together silently, and
I short space tho opprssslve boards
til aiiilo, and they sit or stand in
arativo ease,
lay many of them havo found a
ker shelter within doors, tut tw o,
I wretched and ragged than the rest,
■rated on the curbstones
ley hsvs removed their postors, which
V sgtbwt lb* pi Here- On* plfesyd
i advertising medium of a cheap
orant, and upon it is printed in largo
fttlractivo capitals: “Do you want a
I dinner? Go to Johnson's, COO
Upon tho other poster
By the powers, he was the gintlcman!
Did ye know of him?"
A low and hollow laugh shook tho
boards.
"Yes, I knew him. He has been my
most intimate friend all his life."
The old soldier shook his head as if in
doubt.
“Thin ye know him for a divil-may-
care young Had* I was his servant."
Tho gentleman’s boards shook again,
but there was no more laughter beneath
them.
"Vnn jn wi*r« hi* ssrvrftot?’ And
tho hollow oy«» iej. L- 1 li.- oilier r:.ns*'»
face with an eKort at recollection.
"For suro I war. But I’vo lost sight of
the rigiment now, and theie ain’t no one
in it as u'd rcunritler me. When a man
IhroubSe serra a one reniindvr*
Down, Far-deal Comedy, Star p
! seems a sarcastic comment« n i mm.
-. There is little traftic in tliie | At this moment a lady appeared at the
■of a passenger burry ing through
Ins errand. There are no aknitMt*
■idlers, and only dreary bed cham-
ftn the upper stories overlook the
I street,
f men who sat patiently side by side
h curb-stone did not eppoar to bo
I it> ted. Chance had apparently
I t them together, na near neighbors
Is first time. Yet they were beyond
lity, it seemed, as companions In
a tuns mostly are, Cor neither looked
I other,
V older and more ragged man of the
kas very thin and stai vedleoking.
Julio w eyes looked out of a shrunken
■which, but for tho unkempt beard,
"i have appeared like u piece of
Imsnt strei bed over a skull, lie
|*d from lime to time so violently
iis teeth chattered audibly.
• a cold day, mate. These infernal
creep around every corner,“
and graceful, and had a quick light step.
She came along the pavement straight
toward the sandwich-men, smlttng all tbo
time. She was neatly though poorly
dressed. Tho old soldier, hearing a foot
step, stretched hie head to look round tho
prelection of his pillar. He rose to his
feet os quickly as be could on recogniz
ing the young lady.
Bless the saints, she's come again!”
'Who la ah#?* said the other man in-
differently.
"Shs’s a angel of light to some of us
poer divila. Many a sixpence she has
dropped into me hand at this verv cor
ner, and many a koind word, worth more
tbao gold, she has spoke. None of us
ain't too shabby or too poor for har to
take notice of.”
The girl waa quite near them now, and
advanced with a look of bright happi
ness upon her face.
frsca betraved bins aa well as twink
i which a ghost of rnsrrimeut
“A gintleman," interposed Tom.
With the faint flicker of a imilo the
gentleman replaced his cap,
“I have been,” he said, laconically.
No ono liked to break the silence after
that. It was vain to offer pity. The
calamity of fallen fortunes and estato
was beyond all remedy now. Soon the
lady addressed Tom onc« more?
“I have no money to spare today-
nothing at nil to give you. I have hardly
enough to live on myself—till—till I am
married.” She hesitated a good deal,
and her eyes were cast down in pitiful
erabarras*ment. Her poor old proteges
would go uucornforted by her little kind-
newts now in the future. With a sudden
rhild-like impulse she detached a bunch
of violets from her gown and held them
out.
"These flowers are very sweet—per
haps you don't care for violets, Tom, but,
you see, I have nothing else/'
It was hardly the kind of gift to be
welcomed by a man of his class, but the
poetry of life was not quite dead in this
poor tinner. Tom even bent his shock-
head a moment over the hand extended
to hint.
"Thank ye, kindly, me pretty lady,
and may thim blessed saints presarve ye
wherivvtr ye may be. I do not ever
know a name to ye."
“My name is Kate, she said simply.
“Sure sad it was uie mother’s name—
me child’s name too,"
“Now I must be going. Some one will
be waiting for ms." The girl touched
the soiled and hardened hand with her
own soft one.
•‘God blpse ye, Kate!" said the poor
sandwich-men, with his eyes following
her departing stejn.
"Good-by J” aaid Kate softly, looking
over her < boulder and waving her band
as she retreated.
The shet had now begun to fall—a
sharp shower, which was driven in gnsts
under the colonnade. The older sandwich-
man was si last constrained to retire
from the support of the pillar. He looked
at tlie soldier with a curious gaze as he
drew near to him.
“Your uama is Thomas Kelly," be said
suddenly. An angry gleam pasjed over
the old soldier's face.
" WhUt, mail! don’t ye cry it so loud!
"You are greatly changed. 1 should
not have known you if you bad not
named your regiment"
Then the soldier turned with a fierce
oth on his superior. There are no supe
riors in sandwich life.
Who, in the devil's name, may ye
U."
Tho wicked parchment face looked
steadily down on the poor wretch re
called to recollection of his past
"You were a man in my company,
made you my servant, and you were
convicted of stealiog the mess monejs
from my charge."
In trembling tones Kelly made answer
I do net know yc "
Til* other man lafd a liaad on his
shoulder, saying: . "Am I right? Was
this charge nroegat against your'
Kelly, daggering back a little, leaned
against the wall A passing baker boy
looked curiously at the ill-assorted pair,
who appeared to bo holding a strange
argument.
'•Right ye are," said tho old soldier
faintly, “but 1 do not know ye ye limb of
Satan!"
The man smiled with a curious sort of
satisfaction.
m Am 1 then sa utterly changed?’
Something in his tone must have re
broke out—“to let a man rot in jail; to
tako me away from mo wife ana child,
and to shut me up for long years with
thim divila." There was a long pause,
and in the silence the wind whistle-1 and
the traffic of tho streets made a muffled
roar. At last Kelly tvrr.od a puzzled look
the man who stood beside him.
‘Mo captain was a fine up"tanding
chap, with a bold face and a laughing
eye, and ye—ye are ■”
Then came a fierce rejoinder.
“While I am a hang-dog wretch, a
cringing shriveled sot, with no soul, and
very little body left. Yet I ewear 1 am
the man I claim to be."
“It can't b*» true," said Kelly, still
staring nt him in a flxod way.
"Kelly, my man, do you remember a
wounded officer left In your charge in
the forest of Walkaro, and that you were
attacked by live natives, snd defended
your captain single-handed, nt tho risk
of your own life? Oh, you were a brave
man, Tom Kelly, let me tell you." The
tattered gentleman stooped and patted
the hero of his story on tho back.
“No one remembers that tale," tlie
hero muttered.
“You deserved the Victoria Cross, but
C ou did not gst it See, do you reinem-
er this wound ?" The officer bared ore
arm of rags and showed the mark of a
deep cut, either of spear or kn.f.\
“By tho blessed saints, then, yo are mo
captain! but aura ys've got a new f&ca
Will ye shake hands, sir? We're not so
far apart now, '*
. . "Good morning, Tom. So you're at
!a*t, as if in excuse of a mortal work again. 1 have missed you on your
•sa The other man was Irisu, and usual beat lately. H a v* you been ill?"
An' faith, miss, it's the old wound in
me leg that's broks out siren." Hero he
shook himself as if impatient of human
weakness. “But there's a kick loft in
the old horse, si.d I’ll die in harness if I
»ye, mo bhoy! Ye need to be
|**ll insitlt and out not to feel of
11* pointed to the poster ho had
Mids, and laughed at hie own
I "Boa’ we oughter go to John
I t!is other one apparently was to
r n T perception of irony, for he only
limy, saying:
3 have on my sandwich again. 1
keep the draughts out, anyhow,
i&U4 to the holee in his tattered
fcftrsha replaced his boards, and
wed standing. While he was en-
I adjusting Lis boards, his corapan-
fcfc’td him up and down for ths tirst
better days. I'll go bail
f ren't always a sandwich."
gaunt one answered sharply,
I red-haired Irishman grinned again.
. It- ain't many as begins young in
I other man shifted his boards to a
1 comfortable angle. “Not a pro-
; llul dsmands auy particular abil-
honesty, i* it? We aren’t likely to
f •? with these. It's about the last
• mistakes before he turns his
a the wall"
half a loaf than no brand, say
“^nded the other,
i won’t kick at the bridgo that
lyctt °fi." jeered tho wan who
r l f* • gentleman.
Irishman bad taken out of his
3* little roll of paper, which he»
*1 carefttUv, 2 « |f rer ~ p—cictir,
*ts contents from the rough
some beccy?’ be said to his
u though to conciliate him.
of educated voice and speech
*ook at the sutnlance.
PJ. Us cigar ends'.' - he said in sur-
Mid a hoarse laugh sounded
* “Wot street. "Don't ye go fer
• think as the likes of me buys
l °hecco by the pound. I ebsne
and l smokes of thim, and tbsy
• a power of good." While he
•« went oo cutting the ends with
*°rn pocket knife. "Where do I
• T* wonders! Ye are a green
" *‘7, 1 collects of thim bits out
The girl sighed, and for a moment hor
eyes rested on the eilent figure leaning
against the pillar. "How brave you are,
Toni! You know I am poor too and can
not help you. But hava you no friends,
no children, who could take care of you
now you are growing old?"
The man called Tom stroked his rag
gsd beard, and tbe twinkle died out of
his eyes. "I had a little daughter woust"
—he paused and looked at her as though
measuring her hight—“about your sgs
U must be now;" a longer pause, in which
a convulsive twitch passed over his face.
"Faith, site bad pretty blue eye# like ye,
Uxt"
Tlie girl spoke softly: “And U she
dead?"
“It may b* If ahe lives, may tho
blessed Virgin protect ber-my little
darlintf . L ,
The gentleman with the boards drew
bis cap over his eyes. Ills altituds im
plied complete indifference to what was
going on mar him.
"1 hi. i. tho tut tint. I may M. you,
Tom. I cam. tin. war today, hoping to
And you, to u to toll you I am going
.way to uwtW country r.ry toon.
I'ertni* you will mb. me.- A wbtful
glam o ... directed toward th. worthln.
rat, th. broken-down raldier who had
ra.n “iroubl.," and whom no m.n on
Cod', wid. mirth reganlfd with (rlandly
' .Miniimuion.te look.
-•L-S'I M-* H Thin I «h*U n«.»r
k. rour tweet f»c «g.n!”
"> .ball not nrad to tuch any root., or
to bo. roTerne.w," .She pturad, bluth-
Ine , little. “I am going to hare a home
of my own—to be merriil.”
"V.’U bring . pow.r ef liappinera into
Mine mu’, homo- Tbs r.idy I rub
wit never failed.
"I hope 1 may," said the girl between
•miles ami tears. "And when I am far
away I shall often think of vow and
others"—here she glanced timidly to
ward the • tranter— "I could do so little
for. You know I have been so sorry for
you all."
“But, for sure, ye’ve done a sight
kind
• to i
The girl’s atuntkn seemed somewhnt
_ • t. *..m.li II.MM Tour.^ attrat.lt -sari tE«* ci.t ligur*
■*‘1 chuck half aci„-ar rij.t an ay ing against tbe pillar, though the u
,lo rt. That’s lira lu t i .r in ." n -ign that hsbeard her worit.
...| ..-t* 1 t..«j cutting, a "l l.i», ' •if !«’!.;• 1 -- t..e • th»;s m
• , a; : r> Hr in i n.« n- i• p. r!.*| • \ r. u i • f > >
• is the collection of rags he called ha»« noticed him here before
presrhily be begin to smiAe. Then t'ie in* ..mate form
Ton.:
C. lu,
* silently for a spec*
denr
of Ilf-
No," came the answer, with fierce de-
decision, from the man of birth. For a
second’s space they looked into each
other’s face, and tbon it was worthy of
notice that tho officer dropped his eyes.
"Remember," ho said slowly, **I gavs
evidence against you at your trial."
“But sure, sir,’ l’vo forgotten yo that
thritie. The look of the thing was
against me, and 'tis all so longaga" He
smiled in a dreary way.
Kslly had begun to think his compan
ion was a bit cranky. Ths abort, sharp
replies,the unreasoning laughter, and the
contempt of bis own beggary and wretch
edness convinced him that his old officer
was somewhat distraught. It was no
uncommon experience to meet with half
witted sandwich-men, harmless enough,
and capable of carrying boards as di
rected, but withal with sumo important
screw loose.
While Kelly tat reflecting on ths
strange meeting, half doubting that life
still held tuy thing surprising for him,
another passenger drew near unobserved.
Th* newcomer was a young man with
J uick, firm tread and a strong, resoluto
ace.
lood-day, my &«&• Not got ft crust
between you, this dinner time? Havo
cither of you seen a young lady pass this
wu> shi In t.’ii! Mil i slight, and bLu
wears a gray drsas,"
Kelly indicated St. Alban's Place with
a , runv l-.ii linger. l'or down tfiin
paasago the girl bad gone. “Thank you,
my man. Here’* a shilling apiece." His
rapid glance searched the faco of the
man who had not spoken, and apparently
its dissolute snd gsunt opprsr
clear to him. "Go and havo
bestowed on a sandwich-man in ths cus
tomary report of his kind, passed out of
sight. Then once more tho pocketbook
came to light, and was opened witii
trembling lingors. Tho man smiled sar
donically, murmuring to himself:
"! Jim'{'"■«£ tn r..., I. ... i...
has been kind to me. That’s the way of
it."
Then ho began to count tho notes
rapidly. “Five, ten, fifteen, twenty.
He calls himself a poor man, and he can
Lm* twenty pound.,!" l!o lo.,kod at tho
money, he hugged it, ho oven kissed it
iti a frenzy of jov. Then sudiKuL hi-,
hand fell to his m le, and with a terror-
stricken gaze ho looked before him. Ho
appeared us if overcome by a momentary
fear or recollection. Perhaps he saw tho
ghost of hi.s lost self. So he sat, fighting
a silent battle, for a few seconds. Then,
with a firm touch, he rolled up tho notes
and replaced them carefullr in the
pt.rketnook. Afterwards shouldering
tho up tho street in
tho direction taken by the young man,
with tho heavy, creeping gait of his
kind. Kelly, having refreshed himself,
came back to advise ths other to do
likewise, but found him gono, and him-
solf left lo face ths young doctor return
ing again in hafe.
"Have you jacked anything up, my
man?' he calW out anxiously when yet
a few paces off.
“I’m always .-.-picking up what I can;
cigar-onds ard such like," rejoined
Kolly.
"I have lost a valuable pocketbook,
and I had it a few minutes before l
turned down this street. Where U the
other man ?*’
“Faith, nnd I’ll swear lie’s gone to tho
nearest ciiap who'll stake his shilling ou
a horse”
Tho young man knitted his brow anxi
ously.
ay bare b ft it in some of the shops
whero 1 called," ho said, and with rapid
strides pnasoti on.
Kelly, who was now temporarily
warmechlfStt fed, looked after him,
with n grin, muttering:
•Thiui young men does take things to
heart. Now, a* for me, it's only ths
weight of tnem blasted boards," here he
kicked venomously at tbe iunocent post-
en r si Mi* agaih-t the wall, “that aggra
vates me. I ow« >m a grudge. Haven't
they give me a hump on tho shoulder
tin M'ig.’i crawlin.; about like a snail wi' a
shell on ui* ba» L ?’ And leaning against
the wall lumsilf.httook a blissful snooze
of short duration.
It was tlie other sandwich-man who
( .Him back to run .• him. "t.'ui' it :n m ;,,
n. It's lime to be on tho move
And Kelly, grumbling, roused himself
and asked hks a mpnnions to hoist tho
boar-lion bis -.hou'.-Jers. 1I*» wai in
clined to bs Jmre iiusrreUotne with f&lo
since ho hsdlsp<Mit ids shilling.
"Tolu iiogr-iK is too mndi for mo. I've
don* nsughg but carry potters that tells
of good eating and drinking tho last
mouth."
"The irony of fate, Kelly," said the
"Well, it won't Ins; much longer for
of ua, 1 fancy." Hero ho produced
oss who'll gst bis
ing sandwich man. II* gasped for breath
as if choking, and leaned against the pil
lar for support.
“Yes, 1 shall soon be Kate Kelly no
more," she murmured, with a happy
smile.
"That reminds mo," said the lover,
“that I have lost my pocketbook. I had
intended to buy you a wedding gift with
part oi its contents." The girl released
her hand from his arm quickly.
“Where did you lose li? You said you
paued this way before. Let us look
about. There is little traffic round thia
comer. She glided under the colonnade
round tbe pillar, and came fare to fsce
with a man crouched low. "Whv, bore
is a sandwich-man, fallen asleep!" The
crouching creature lifted his head and
stared at her in a wild way.
"You are Kate Kelly,” he mutterod.
“Oh, I’m wide awake, young lady.”
Kate drew a little back. The man
alarmed her.
"But how pale you look! You must be
ill Have you fallen down? See, Cecil,
haw the poor man’s hand trembles."
Tho trembling hand brought forth tho
lost pocketbook and banded it to the
owner.
“Is this yours?’
Cecil took it slowly, and his eyo
searched tho man’s face. “You picked
it up?*
“Yes." said the sandwich-man, snd
looked inside."
The doctor opened the book and
counted his notes "You are an honest
man."
“For once,” rejoined the fallen gentle
man, with bit'.cr irony.
“You will accept a reward?" and the
young man offered a sovereign. The
other man's eyes glistened, but with a
suremt effort he resisted the temptation.
“From you—no/’
During the exchange of these few brief
words a groat noise of voices snd foot
steps was heard approaching.
“Something has happened," said Kate,
looking timidly toward the end of tbe
street, where the advance guard of a
ragged crowd was visible. "See, Cecil,
they are coining this way.**
“Some street brawl, no doubt I must
take you out of the way. Come, my
Kate.’’
“No," said Kate, "they aro carrying
something—eotne one."
“It must be a man hurt or run over,'
said the doctor; "they are carrying him
on boards. It is a sandwich-man knocked
down, I think."
Kite advanced a few steps.
“Ob," she said, “uot my poor sand
wich-tnan—old Tom. Do something
quickly for him, Cecil."
“Goaway a; ooca, Kate," i»U2 the
tor imperatively, for he saw a piece of
sacking hid Leon thrown over the still
form. Then hs approached the bearers
and was lost to Kale’s view in the little
crowd,
"Let me look," he eaid to the police
man. "I am a surgeon."
“Tbe old chap bss beon run over by a
A NOTABLE SOCIAL EYENT.
PREPARATIONS FOR THE ASTOR-
WILLINQ WEDDING.
Comparatively Few Will Witness tlie
marriage Ceremony, Hut 8,000
invitations Have Reen I««
sued For tho Reception.
somewhere. Now, don't drink all of it."
•Thank ye koindly, sir," *.~.id Kelly I his shilling,
effusively, ducking his shock head re- dia bar^e tlr*L
I**Mediji; and after ho had watched the j Kelly loosed hard at the captain, uu 1
pai*en« disappear, he hoLbloJ off >*h »ok In* <• - ' H»re was an absolute
direction to iriiisaw^ssMwmcni,. i “A8jtfc:&r
drinking bar. j to pl'aao ye. sir. h don’t ranch matter
called the past to Kelly's clouded mem
orv, for hs crept closer along ths wall
till bs could peer cloely in hi* compan
ion’s face.
My God! Don’t yo neTsr say it! Ye
are—yo ware ”
Ths superior officer pushed bock his cap
and in ths privats’s eyes there dawned a
•low recognition.
“1 was Robert Dasborough—your
captain, years ago."
Kelly fell Lack quickly, “A sand-
witch! Suro such a dirty blackguard
was nivvsr Capt. Dasborough—tbs
loife of tbs regiment—a real swell—com*
to this!"
The uian gave back a mocking echo.
"Yss—com* to this!"
“A filthy aandwitch crawling the
streets like a tortoise for nine bob a
week! There is likeness. Ye lie!"
Aisln the gentleman sj oke iu the calm
tones that ars always mrnt convincing.
"Shall 1 prove it to you?*
“I will not tellers yc,” said Kelly vehe-
hemently.
The baker boy came back from bis
errand down the attest, and paused to
look at ths old chaps, who appeared still
to be i|uarre'ing. But as they did not
corns to blows the raatUr did not promise
to bs interesting, and be passed on whut
ling.
"Listen, Tom Kelly.** Here, as if to
emphasize bis speech, the gentlemaa
touched bis companion's arm. “When
you knew me last I was a young
•UU—ft plfteky, rschisai soldier, fond of
wine and cards."
For sure he loved bis glass,tho captain
did, and would pick up his cards and
run bis horses with the best of ’em."
Without regarding the interruption
tho ex-captain went oo: “1 threw away
a decent fortune with tbe carolessness of
a g iMSblir.
"Right ye are! Ths captain chucked
about his gold Uko tar things."
The voice went on without ceasing.
“You, my servant, wero charged by
e with stealing some missing moneys,
to which you and I alone had access.
You see, my man, 1 know all tho details
of your miserable story. The theft
was brousht asms to you by rirriim.
s'.antisi evidence, and‘you were con
victed."
The wretched sinner listened to tbe
history of bis life with wild eyes and
bloodless lips.
“And that sentence sent me down hill
bit. It ain’t easy to live alongside
rogue* and villians in a jail for years
without gatin’a uste for thsirsort o’
tricks."
The gentleman with the tattered cap
smiled with a sort of contempt.
"You still declare you went to prison
an innocent man, then?"
“Aye, before Almighty God I dii
I came out minded to l* guilty. 1 have
served more than once »ince.
was something in this wret hed crea
ture's attitude which svetned to demand
belief.
•‘And yo*i •♦•rved your first sentence
for some other man's guilt?" aiked th
other, turning h!s face from tho man •
ins young man did not, however, go
far round tbs cornor, and his step grad
ually slackened aa he proceeded. Ho said
to himself that it was more than hope
less to attempt to assist old reprobates of
that class. And then, stirred by the sud
den rocollection of a woman’s tender pity
for such friendless waifs nnd strays, he
retraced bLs steps. 11s would see what
he i .ml l .|.i. due of tho men w ai iimi r
small obligation to him already, and l e
bad recognized him at n glance.
And tills nun was now solitary h
nealb ths colonnade, occupied in tosving
the coin so lately bestowed upon him.
Evidently the ruling passion waa still
»t’oa*. for l e pursued his came of -hancs
with so much attention that lie did not
hear anr approach. YVhen the donor
touched him on tho shoulder he turned
) - Mil f.i « -l.ur| like ft d ^ :u , m
to snap. "1 lavs you come to ask for
your money back?” jtsrod the fallen gsc-
tiMMft
Tho answer was conciliatory and calm.
•Tv# setn you before, my nuvn."
“I dare say. Again ths coin was spun
in tlse air.
"In a hospital, six mouths back. Your
hand was injured in some low gambling
brawl, and 1 dressed it for you.’ 7
"Right you are," said the captain.
Without any encouragement, bis
friend was persistant.
“And 1 offered to gst yon work when
you left the hospital" The young doc
tor appeared to be reminding him of past
favors, so the gentleman shook himself
free of patronage with an angry exple
tive.
1 want no help to live, though I have
not the pluck to put an end to the fight
vsslf. 1
For a moment the young man seemed
to reflect, litre was a nature almost Im
possible to deal with; yet he would try
* morft
Wav it misfortune, or
paused, and the sandwich-man toek up
tbe question with a mocking laugh.
“Or crime, young sir, you mean. Don't
beg the question, l'sss not squoamish
nowadays. It was crime." There was
a deadly emphasis of certainty in his
words.
"But there may be people belonging to
you who could—who would—"
"For God's sake, do not teach anyone
to find mo. I a at lost, lost ”
Yet the young man pere«vered.
“1 leave England next week at surgeon
to a colonial hospital. I shall have no
further chance of doing yeu a good
turn."
The man in rags answered vehern-
ently:
‘No need to look for me if you ever
"*» hack. ! ehsil rocs under uu
dor. A few steps more, a sttiniLIs again,
and then tbe great darkneea—death. Hur
rah for death! for he’s a jolly good fel
low." Again he loeeed the coin.
The young doctor turned away with a
cart "Good-mo ning," while the sand
wich-man continued practicing the toss
ing of bis coin, crying. "Heads or tails?”
Hut, :stt.-r all. tl>ia have l>eea a
feint of indifference, for he ceased his
plAV when his friendly adviser was out
of sight. Looking after ths young man
t«j »*»** i! h»- »»- . u. of sight <.r mil under
observation, bis eye fell upon a dark
object lying on the pavement—a pocket-
book. surely, or something similar. Ad
vancing quickly, hs pounced upon it like
an animal.
“This must be his, there will be money
in it," be muttered. Then, looking
r< und stealthily, he clutched it closer and
did. and
wno semis in his papsrs first.” He de
cided it was bet'.or to humor tho mood of
his companion.
"Heads, death takes roe; tails, you
give me the go-by/' said tbe officer.
"Fftith, 'tis a mure game," muttered
Keller, as ho watched the cuin spin.
"You call," said the man who tossed,
"llrads!" said Kelly.
"Head it is, by Jov# t" said the supe
rior. "Mv tarn first.'* Ho Toughed and
hujrged himself.
"i hrn. sure, as I’ve got to wait a bit
longer till the old hour glass comes along.
I’ll be tramping on to me beau Blass the
holy virgin. I've had a good drink."
And. chuckling to bimsrlf, with totter
ing gait hs made bfs way back to Regent
street. Tho other man did not imme
diately follow, and it was not till steps
were again heard on the pavement that
he roused himself to realize tbe situation.
Looking under tbe colonnade, be saw the
young doctor approaching once more.
Thia time he came accompanied by the
girl who had passed up the street earlier,
hho leaned upon the young man's arm,
and tbsy had the appearance of lovers.
8o engrossed were they in their own con
versation that they did not observe tlie
sandwich man half hidden by a pillar.
The sleet was felling ngtia in one of the
sudden squalls that came on from time
to time.
You had better wait here a few mo
ments, darling. It is a quiet career, and
the storm will be over presently."
“There is no need for me to hurry to
day/* said tho girl called Kate. "1 gavo
my last lesson to my pupils this morning.
I can scarcely belisve it ah. Cecil" She
flashed a happy smile at him. Th* listen
ing sandwich-man lifted bis haad.
“But, dearest, you must believe that I
am going to carry you to the end of the
world as my wife next week." There
was an eloquent silence, and the girl's
cheek flashed. Then she said:
“It is like a wonderful fairy tale tome.
I can hardly believe my days of drudgery
are at an end." The young doctor ca-
rsssed the little hand that rested so lightly
on his arm.
"My appointment has come so nnex
pectedly that I do not wonder. But, my
darling, are there no friends you would
like to visit before we go?’ Tbe girl ebook
her hea-i sadly.
"1 have told you I am quits alone in
the w. 11 1; svri, lli« la J * wl.< t k u.m
from the workhouse and educated me is
dead."
The man sighed a little. "Well, we
both began life humbly—1 in a charity
school and you in the workhouse, and
i.eithsr of us have niii.'h rea«-n to I —
our parents.” The man behind tbe pillar
gaiBsrvd every rerf that was :pkra ia
his hand hollowed, "I have often won
dered if my father is still alive. Some
times in the hospitals, when pool
~rv , ‘'h»« brcjf ^t in tick or injured
1 have searched their faces and ques
tioned them about the posh" The listener
on the other side of •i.r ; i.Isr n.aJ* a
sign of assent.
"i’oor Cecilf* said Kate. “And yet
you knew uat jour father had fallen
very low?”
"Vs-, I knew," he i quiet.v,
thers’s lomeumvs strange moutuigt lathe
hospitals/
"Ou!" »a.d the girl, with tsars spring
ing to her eyes, ••jour heart is better
than mine. I lu re always been afraid,
yes afraid, leet my f it .-r •!. i 1 i • .r
some day and stretch out a hand—a con
vict's hand, rem* inber—and dreg me
down to miserv ami .Ugra Ism-mi.
"My frien llsM K .t- ' »«:d t(
that n iw. No one' an claim you wl
iv wife Kate Dashborough.
bu*. It ain't no use, sitt il'a all over
with the little Irishman." Tom was a
rcll bsews character, and even the po I
liceman showed a rough sympathy with
his sudden end. Then docently and rev-
sYently they carried the dead nun away,
snd no one saw that nestling in the rags
above his I resst wa a little bunch of]
s\i 04;t suicUiua violets.
the crown of hUfeu head wu ■« ;>ft|
I fie sasd wuii-niun bwcraih tiw t Oiuaailc
made a stumble forward as if intending
to follow the procession; but hesta^ge'ed
and fell back with some sudden weakness
on Cecil Dasborough'* arm. He was ut
tering strange words—mad words, they
thought.
"Dead is he before me! Won by a
nock, Tom! He's got the game, though 1
won tho to a Death, old fellow, you've
cheated me again!"
The girl Kate was weeping softly. Bbe
tuinsd to hsr lover, ssying:
“He bad no friends, no on* who cared
for him at all; but he had a daughter
once, and she might be about inv own
age. I’oor Tom—poor old Tom. lie sa>d, I
‘God blase you, Kate!* oh please remem
ber he said, *Uod oieaoytu Kate!' " And
■hs sobbed
□ The voung doc.or hall liftad, half
draxgsd tbe sandwich-man to the shelter
of the coloansile, and there loosened tlie
neckband of his shirt. He still muitrred |
iucoherently.
“Tlie boards are not so heavy now, my I
man, for you. Has God Almighty given
y»*u th* cross for ralor at last? Oh, I’m
coming soon to give evidence in your
favor. Tom—in your favor, do you hear?'
Ills struck bis breast. “Here stands tlie
gentleman who w«s a liar an 1 a thief."
I They thought bis brtin was weak, and
that this was delirium caused by the
sudden alarm. Tlie straggler* from the
crowd who vet remained t*hin4 jeered
and mocked at the poor gibbering errsft
ture, Lut Kate and the doctor stood ovsi
him to protect him from actual molesta
tion. With ayes blazing be went ou
more volnbly:
“1 robbed him, my servant, of honor,
of home and wife and eliilJ—that child"
j—he pointed to Kate. "1 left him to bear
tbe ponalty of my crime, to be branded
aa a thief, and nothing can give back bis
blasted life. Out of tbe way there, you
cursed fools! Tom, I am coming to bear
witness to you before this day diea." He
■truck right and left to clear a passage
for himself. “Ob, you were a brave
man, Tom; no one knows how brave, Lut
I know.” He took up his boards, glaring
detune# at the insulting, grinning throng I
which pressed about bim, mocking bun
with coerse street banter. Us cast one
strange look of fear at the weeping Kate
and the young men who sought to draw
her away.
“1 must send in my papers tonight,'
be saui, drawing his bnsth heavily,
••The court-martial will sit before totnorl
row's sun. Out of my way. you infernal
crew!" And, pushing forward, tbe
sandwich-man walked down the street
with a brave front, and no backward
glance for friead or enemy. Ilia faco
From th* Philadelphia Times.
Not since tbo marriage of Miss Paul and
William Waldorf Astor has tbore been a
wedding in Philadelphia equal in wide
spread interest to tho one that on Tues
day next will bring so many of the repre
sentative# of the fashionable society of
New York and Philadelphia together.
On that day in tbe square, foreign-
looking residence of Edward N, Willing,
Oil South Broad street, his younger
daughter, Miss Eva Is Willing, will bs
married to John Jacob Astor of New
York, a son of William Astor and great
grandson of tho founder of what is now
considered tho greatest family fortuno in
America.
It is a curiofts and interesting circum-
stanco that the two younger representa
tives ot tbe two branch*# of the family—
William Waldorf, the son of the late
John Jacob, and John Jacob, the eon of
William, between whom, in all proba
bility, will lie the control of this immense
estato and fortuno, estimated at $100,-
000,000, which, unlike that of the Van
derbilts, cannot be divided—should have
passsd by all tho stunning beauties of
two generations in Gotham and else
where nnd select as their brides two of
the fairest of all the fair beauties the
(junker City has over known.
The engagement, after being repeated
ly denied by members of tbe Astor fam
ily, was formally announced a few weeks
ago, and tlie marriage is to follow quick
ly, taking place, contrary to wliat has
been fashionable usage, in the beginning
of Lent* l’art of the courtship was con
ducted abroad, whero Mr* Willing and
her daughters have spent much of their
time.
The historic interest of the two families
which aro to be thus united makes the
coming nuptials of something more than
mere local or personal interest, and as
such it will attract great attention, not
only in this country but elaewhere. The
Aston have been prominent and influen
tial in New York for nearly a hundred
years, while tho Willing* have occupied
an important position, aooially and other
wise, in Philadelphia for almost twice
that period.
The impression ins been conveyed in
so tno quarters that it is a small, select
and private affair, but this is a mistake
and grows out of the circumstance that
a comparatively small number will wit
ness tno ceremony. The wedding re
ception is intended to be something
•tunning, as magnificent as it can be
made. Local feeling and family pride
enter into tbe matter and tbe affair is in
tended to equal in proportions tho Paul
under contribution to supply th? pink
roses to decorate a single room. Anotlier
room will bo embowered in fragrant
mnk azaleas. Even the many dainty
little tables and the immenso amount of
silverware necessary will coma from
Now York, A kicuI many expensive
orchids have also beon ordered from
various quarters and an estimate for tbo
floral decorations alone has been placed
at $20,000, which doss not seem excessive ,
whero thousands of rows costing $.i or
more apiece and orchids costing $10 a
■pray will be used in si single room.
The bride's table and its surroundings
ere to be all in whito—roues, orchids und
violets—while almost every room in tho
house will be decorated with daffodils,
lilies-of-the-vslley, roses, tulips, otc. in
the grenteet profusion. Those who will
sit at ths bride's tablo will be Mr. and
Mrs. William Astor, 3Ir. and Mr*. Wil
ling, Mr. and Mrs. Coleman Drayton,
Mr. and Mrs. James £• Roosevelt, Sir.
and Mrs, Orme Wilson and Lisponard
Stewart, who I* to be the best man. There
will aso be a bridesmaid’s table. The
Astor weuumg hero and uui iu be ox
called in splendor by tho Wilson-Astor
nuptlalf in New York.
Throo thousand invitations havo been
issued to tbe rocoption, the greater nunv
Lc-r telng sent to the very largo circle of
th* Astnrs in Nnw York and elaewban
.r
* inured Lie i
u-J the wud Mann wind t su —tbe old Labu of respsetfui adores* l.icia«n with merely a curse*/ gU&ce 1 pspioau over tlie fuce ot the l«*tvn-
Abroa -o it.;*: usably
as sod tho Atlantic, and they also
many u j.iuuitancee during tho
custom they spent at Nowport and
also in New York. Many of
those invited of course will not
bo able to <omo, and of tho 9,000
r more persons invited outside of
/biladelpbU perhape not over GOO will
bo present, nearly all of them New York
ers and friends of tho Astor*. Consider
ably less than 1.000 invitations have Lean
sent to Philadelphians, who will almost
certainly bo outnumbered by the New
Yorkers, os Mrs. Willing and her
ilaughtcr are not widely known he?* and
for many years have divided their time
between traveling in foreign cvqntriee
and su occasional season at Newport. It
is quite likely that there will be 1,000
guests, many of them of social distinction,
at tho reception,, and that is a large
number for a wedding rocoption. Tho
reception will bo from 3 until A o'clock in
tho afternoon, and thero will b# • special
train leaving Kow York at 1 o'clock in
tho afternoon to brmg tho gueats from
tbsra
Tho wodiHag ceremony will take place
at the Willing house at 1 o'clock, and the
cards for U, sent to s limited number of
New Yorkers, reed:
bridal party and specially invited guests *
will breakfast before the general rocop- *
tion begins.
These few suggestions of tho scale
on which the preparations are planned
ara sufficient to indicate that tho wedding
will bo one of the moat brilliant m nil •
that wealth can represent evor held in
this country. As for tho presents, many
of which havo already nrrivod, some
from a longdistance, their eloganca «u;!
number are rather like those of to?:-..*
royal wedding than of the younger i , -
resentaiive of two American merr.inulo
families. They include a diamond nock-
lace, another of pearla, and jowols nnd
services of plate, often ten times tho
value of what aro usually regarded as |
rich and elegant gifts.
IH88M,
"After you havo mixed the battsr for
your angel cake what do you do?” naked
the caller. “I telephone for the doctor,"
said Ethel, “unless tho cake is twing
mode for ilia church fain' 1 —Now York
Sun.
What Ha Wantsd: “Can you cook?” he
asked, "Yes," eho replied, “Con jou
eew?’ "Yoe." "Can you wash and
iron?* "Yasu" "Will you be my wife?*
Not Wliat you evidently want is a hired
girl"—Somerville Journal
Benevolent Lady: "Well. bir. I have
given you a good meal Aro you going
away without saying anything?* Tramp
(putting his hat on): "W hat do you ex-
K it me to any, mum? I'm no Chauncojr
pew.”—Chicago Tribune.
I' U- i. "I bin going t-i -.t.irt
an agricultural paper." Brown: '•The
mischief, you are? You don’t know any
thing about farming." Jones: "I don’t
have to. It’s going to be a Farmers’ Al
liance organ."—Washington Star.
Never Trouble Angels: Sirs. Fangle:
'You used to call mo your angel, Henry,
but you never say so now." Mr. 1 angle:
“No, my dear; I have found out tho Gif—
fftrsnr*. AnraU, you knowr. don’t earn
anything about dresses.”—West fibers
Influence of a Mother-in-I^iw: "i aru
quite pleased with my son-in-law," smd
old Mrs. pickafiaw. "My influence over
bun is great. Ever mih «» I Lave i «x-n sit
1 M i.- i-c Eu has ►tai l du\vu town .it work
•"••• > '•» '' ‘" i" • «*t •>■<>iiL" — N«w
\ork lie-aid.
for friead or enemy. Ill
t-fnr, « Ln# U-- !-#•••_
That night be «• us musing from the
ranks of hi* fellows, sad thereafter bis
place knew him no more. Not even bis
beards were ever found, and bow or
where the end came none could say.
A week later Cecil and Kate Dasbor-
ougb, man and wife, were sailing ever
tbe seas to a new and happier life, know
ing nothing of th* final tragedy of their
parents' lives. Bat though tbe truth was
violed from her eyes, Kate yet remem
bored thnt a poor sandwich-man
blessed her before be die J, And the sins
<n* llir itlK^n i.«tu lij*« Hut is**cn Vla.l- I
on the children.
Tbe Ruling I'aaaioo: Robher (to tank
teller:) "I’m lUoo-Jj Jim, th‘ rip roar
in'accrtsr of the Rockies. Hand
that there cash." Bank Teller (mechanic
ally) "I have oo doubt, personally, that
yea ar*t Bloody Jim, tlie rip roaring
snorter of the Rockte*, but. sir. you will
havo to tret semrhody to idea' ify you.
— .Street .V >rai'h’*Good N
Lord •'-aliabury will vu
next u-wuiu, oL»)iug stout three weeks.
Mr.and Mrs. Edward H. Willing re
quest* the honor of year presence
at the marriage of their daughter,
Ava Lowlb,
Mi*. Joaa Jaws Avto*.
On Tuesday, February the ssventesatb.
All
at one o'clock.
Ninth Uruad >Uc«t,
Philadelphia.
^Tndntenvs# New York,P. R. ft,d
JUgglgCs >*•*• Philadelphia at
No such cards bava been sent to Phila
delphians, as it is not intended to have
any at tbe wedding ceramooy except th#
Wdling family und the Aators and the
small number of specially invited friends
from New York. These will come over
dressed for the wedding in n special train
composed entirely of Pullman cars,
which will leave New York at 10 o’clock
In tho morning.
In order to add to tho interest of tbe
ovent three of the greatest beauties in
New York have been selected as brides
maids—Miss Beatrice Chapman, Miss
Groce Wilson and Miss Marion Langdon.
Miss Cliaptnan represents another well
known American family, being a grand
daughter of John Jay. Miss Wilson is
the sister of Mr. Aatora brother-in-law,
and Mias Lao*don. who is his cousin, is
to be married' herself after Easter. Thera
is great cariosity to know who will be
tho fourth bridesmaid selected from
Philadelphia, who, besides family pres
tige, will be able to appear to advantage
with this famous trio, each noted fog her
beauty and style. It was at first In
tended to bztt tbe bride-elect's elder
sister, Alias Willing, but tfaat lady will
not be present at the wedding, having
goue to Europe since tbe engagement to
visit fric
tbtre may
MAUKIF1CUT FMPARATIOXS.
New York not ealy supplies the
bridegroom and briiie»iuaui* and best
men and ushers and most of tbe guests
for tbe occasion, but it is to furni«u al
most ev«rytinug el»e. Tbe house is to
bo decorated by tbs leading New York
floriat, xud tL« wedding breakfast will
i.u , ..u u 7 :,«*
aliu « aterev. I b-«o t..»te * '»:w
blanche and are to endeavor to excel
the
I . 11*1, pn * i U' • li.u
tu la in England. It is possible
iay be no Philadelphia brides-
effo
Already tho leading iwiu gutters aro
ith J
Drat
«ct.
■ly thing. Hu
lines about a girl nt the —aalmro and
• E-itr 1 t!.•• .1 t • i. c. 1 lu Lad the
audacity to call me a sand witeb. Mado
mo feel ridiculous.’’—New York Sun.
Tipping the landlord: l’roprie'or of
tt.u m. r i-»Ei.,•! If.jtrE “Sirry to have
you leave as so soon." Guest: "Import
ant engagement. Here’s a quarter for
you." Projrleter: “Hirt lam tho pro
prietor of this hotel, sir." Quests "Aht
beg i«rdon. Hero’s a half a dollar.—
New York Weekly.
Maud: Do you evor say your prayers,
Mabel, as you used to when you weru lit
tle?’ Mabel: “Ob yea, two or throo
times ft dfty.’* Maud: “Wbat a good
girl you are.’* Mabel: "I always rny
the Lord's Prayer when I beat my curl
ing Iron* When I get to tho 'auuu' I .
know tbe iron la hot enough,"—A uteri-
con, __________ ^
V8BMIUU
A diary of Clara Morris at tho time she
as a child of 13 years, is being exten
sively looted from In Wsstora papers.
The Emperor of Austria sent tho Gor
man empress a diamond set which cost
ii 13,000, as a gift in celebration of her
infant's ebristeniog.
Mrv. May French Bheldcn, who is
about to invade Africa in search of the
novel and curious, was a Pittsburg M!e
in her youth. It was even declared that
she was the most beautiful woman that
ever graced the society of tho Smoky
CUy.
Gen. Bhermin has four daughters.
Tbo eldest, Eleanor, i« the wife of Lieut.
Thftckara of tbe United States Navy, and
another is Ui# wife of Air. T. W. FUcb of
Pittsburg. Tlie two younger daughter,,
lizzie and Rachel, aro unmarried.
Tbo German emperor lias been ni k-
named “tbe Flying Dutchmsn" (der
fiiegende Hollaender) by tho wii* cf Mer
lin, Ha iv also called the “Travel Em
peror" (Raise Kaiser) because of bis lik
ing for taking flying tripe throughout
the empire.
Ex-Chief Justice Marcue Morton of
Matsachu*eUs,who died in Lawrence lost
Tuesday morning, served thirty-two con
secutive years as judge, tbe last ei^ht of
which ware aa ekmf jftstteft Qia father
x-Governor Morton was also on emi
nent jurist.
Chicago has developed a youthful
prodigy of a violinist named Dimond,
lie is a boy o? only 13 years, but lu, ex
ecution of difficult compositions is said
to be phenomenal. Ills favorUs iiutru-
tobeieng to one ef his grandfatLer'e
slaves,
Tbe mad King of Bavaria sotnetitm-e.
smokes as many os 100 cigarettes a day.
For each cigsreitu be usee an ent.te box
of matches, touching off the others to
see them Lura after he lias u-ed cue to
secure a light, lie has a ne w sui» of
black broadcloth naJo for bim t»i«.e
It ia fai«l that there u* no sov»r : gn in
• • a ■ sn fj’.al King , • 1 "f
Belgium in point of tccearj'fhmenta.
ability and breadth of min l. He u a i .aii
of tali and
vot ed to art. is a
splendid he room
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