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f E BOY’S COMPLAINT. ire questions in physics and grammar it would puzzle you somewhat, I know. du tell what is'meaut by inertia? „ clearly define rain and ? Cau you snow Do you know there’s a valve in the bellows ? Can you tell why your clock is too slow V Why the pendulum needs looking after? Perhaps it is swinging too low. “They was going uptown in the evening,” Do you call that bad grammar. I n«y V I'm sure Mary Jones and her mother Say worse things than that every day. But I s'pose “was” should he in the plural, To agree with its old subject “they,” According to rule—my ! I’ve lost it, There’s two per cent, gone right away. And, now, only look at the parsing, It, will surely take in every rule: And. dowm at the end, more false synta*. With authorities given “in full.” Arithmetic, my ! how I hate it, Tm stupid at that in the class; So how, in the name of creation, Can I be expected to pass ? Here’s a ten-acre lot to be fenced in, Here is duty to find on some tea; Here’s a problem in old aliegation, And a monstrous square-root one I see. Can yon tell who defeated the Indians? Do yon know who was killed in a duel? Do you know what the first tax was raised on ? And how tome just thought it most cruel ? Perhaps I may pass on an average, If three-fourths are right I’ll get through; But my teacher calls such things shabby, So what is a poor boy to do ? Annie H. Streatek. Capturing a Still. The other night, Major Griddlewood, who long ago won his spurs as an effi¬ cient revenue officer, related the follow¬ ing story: had great deal of At one time we a trouble with illicit distillers in Arkansaw. There was one neighborhood especially where it seemed impossible community to discover the outlaws. This was away tip on White river. Officer after officer had been sent up, and quite a number of them are there yet, although the depart¬ ment did not receive notification that they intended to leave the service. One •lay the news came in that one of our best men had just been killed at Drip¬ ping Springs, by which name the dan¬ gerous neighborhood was known. I was sent for by the marshal, who said: “Major, you have had considerable success in hunting for distillers. Now we want you to find those fellows arid bring them to justice. As you know, none of our men have been able to find them and—” “They've lief n found a trifle too often,’ I suggested. fact,” the marshal agreed, “That’s a “but not by the right man. soldiers Now I want you to take as many as you want, go to the place and break up the business.” I reflected for a moment and replied: “I think that our mistake has been in taking too many men. It is almost im¬ possible for a party of men to find a wild cat distillery. Their approach is soon heralded and disaster is certain to follow. I will go alone and discover the nest. Then I can return and capture the entire outfit. ” “Rather hazardous,’’the marshal said, thoughtfully scratching his head. “Not so dangerous as the course hith exto adopted.” judgment.” “All right; use your own The next day 1 started on my perilous expedition. I went horse-back, and my progress was very slow. When at last I reached the place, I found a beautiful, rich country, with great hills and little valleys luxuriantly carpeted with grass. I could see no signs of lawlessness, but on the other hand I was kindly treated. 1 stopped at the house of a man named Anderson, a well-to-do fellow, with some and a bright-eyed devoted her daughter, father. who seemed to be to I saw at once that Anderson was aii honest man, and when I learned that he had been in the Federal army I felt se¬ cure under his roof. Still I did not care to tell him my real business, but answer to a question, stated that I was looking for land in a leisurely sort of way, having just been discharged from the regular army and especially desiring which a rest from that dangerous activity all army officers incurred. “Well, sir, yon are welcome at my house, and I hope you’ll find your stay pleasant. My daughter, who can row a boat to perfection, will cheerfully con tnbnte to your enjoyment. him, I understand, looking at that several government officers have been killed by illicit distillers in this neigh borhood.” “Yes,” he replied; “shamefully mnr dered. Well, I won’t say murdered, for the distillers no doubt considered it self defense. Up in the hills, here, some where, there is a large distillery, but it will be a long time, I think, before the government breaks it up. It is almost impossible to conduct a party ofj men through the hills, and it is almost cer tain death, for the distillers can see almost every turn. My advice would be to watch for the whisky that’s sent away, capture the men handling it and compel them to show the exact location of the distillery. ” still I made Several days passed and no progress. I was not regarded thonght in would that light of suspicion which I characterize my appearance among the people, and I was soon convinced that the farmers around were not in svmpa thy with the distillers. Finally I told Anderson my business. “Well,” he said, “if I can do any¬ thing for you I’ll do it cheerfully, but let me advise you not to go into the hills. Watch the river, as that is the only way they can possibly ship the stuff. I am going up the river to-day will after some walnut lumber, and if you accom¬ pany me we may make a discovery. As you have no doubt noticed, I make a treat many coffins. Not for government officials,” he idiled with a smile, “but ion supplying cheap coffins for the New Orleans market. During an epidemic, ;t is almost impossible to get coffins to the city fast enough, aud at such times I employ quite a number of men. Come and I’ll show you my place of business.’’ The shop stood near the river bank. Several workmen were employed in dressing walnut lumber. Coffins were stacked up all around, and a flat boat was being loaded with the deathly furni¬ ture. I did not go up the river with Anderson, but took a boat ride with his daughter. She was not devoid of charms, and she chatted gaily as she rowed. “I want pa to leave this place,’ she said. “Mother pined away and died from sheer loileliness, and if I were not so light-hearted, I think I should go that way too.” illicit ... dis¬ “Do you ever see any of the tillers ?” I asked. “I expect I see them, but I don t know them, of course. They are terri¬ ble when they get mad, but as long as they are not disturbed you wouldn’t know that they were in the neighbor¬ hood. When we moved here they re¬ garded pa with lingering suspicion, but finally, satisfied that he was in no way connected with the government, they dismissed their apprehensions and have ever since treated him with the utmost courtesy. Pa i» making money out of the coffin business, but it is such a grim trade that I cannot half enjoy any finan¬ cial benefit that we derive from it. Say, you’re hunting for the wild cats, aiut you ?” “Hush, don’t talk so loud.” “Nobody can hear us, but you are, aint you ?” “Suppose I were, do think I would tell any one?” “I beard you tell father, but it’s all right. I won’t say anything about it I haven’t any friends among the wild cats, and for my part I wouldn’t care if they “I were all in several prison.” days longer, and remained then decided to return to the city, report unfavorably, adopt other measures, and again take up the enterprise. and Anderson down advised me to sell the horse go with a flat boat load of coffins. I did not like the idea, but reflecting that it would be safer, I disposed of my horse, and was soon ready for the voyage. I bade my friends an affectionate fare¬ well, and stood on a coffin big enough for the Cardiff giant, and waved my handkerchief at Sophia Anderson as the boat rounded the bend. We had started early, and by the time the shadows be¬ gan to lengthen, we were a long distance from Dripping Spring. It seemed to me that the men on the boat watched me curiously, for every time I walked around it appeared that one of them fol¬ lowed me. My suspicions increased as evening came on, and when I saw- the men engaged in a whispered violence conversa¬ tion, I was convinced that was meditated. Happening to notice a cof¬ fin on which several others were piled, I saw something dripping from it. Just then I looked up and saw a gnn leveled at me. In another instant a bullet whizzed close to my head, so close that I fell backward into the water. I did not lose my presence of mind and kept myself under water as long as possible. several When I arose to the surface, other shots were fired, and sinking again I remained under water until I reached the shore, which fortunately was not far away, when I arose under a thick clump of willows. Through the gathering dark¬ ness I could dimly see the men, and could hear the splashing of an oar which I knew was manipulated to keep the boat from floating down. “I rockin’he’s all right,” said one of t tell yer. Bet lie's got a bullet through his brain, ef he’s got anv brain.’ “I’d rather bet on the bullet than the brain,” the first sneaker rejoined. “We’ve got to be certain about these things.” said a man who seemed to be in authority “Yon know what Anderson’s is. Git a boat thar, Jack, an’ you Tom paddle out thar awhile. Go thar to them willows.” The boat was lowered and the splash ing of the oars came nearer and nearer. My heart beat violently. Great God, the moon came out and shone full on my face. I eased myself down until only the tip of my nose was above the surface, “Thank heaven,” I breathed as a cloud the iM . » the b„„ brushed the willows. They struck under their oars, actually struck me once, an( j as I was about to seize the boat an( j take my chances of turning it over and escaping, one of them said: “He’s all right, I tell you. Think I can’t hit a man’s head ? Shove her off,” aU( j"I breathed a prayer as the dip of the , )ars grew fainter. I remained in this uncomfortable posi tion about a half hour longer, then j rew m y J 8e jf out and was soon traveling through the wood8> After a terrible journey of hunger and fatigue I reached Little Rock and made my report. Several days afterward I was again en rou te for Dripping Spring, this time with a strong posse of men. Touching White river near the place where I had fallen overboard, we dismounted to rest, We had not been there very long until we ga w the coffin boat returning. I secreted myself and ordered my men to compel ^j e j, 0 at to land and to bring the men to our rea ting place, instructing them as to a f orm 0 f interrogation, When hailed they readily complied aud approached the bank. They did uo f seem to like so much attention, for they did not move up the bank with any great degree of alacrity. “Do you know,” said one of my men, “What became of a United States official named Griddlewood, who came up here same time aeo ?” “No, sir,” replied the captain of the coffin boat, “but I heard that he had bought a piece o’ land over the moun¬ tains an’ has opened a farm.” “Did you ever meet him ?” “Believe I did meet him once at Mr. Anderson’s house. ’Peered to me like he was sorter in love with the Anderson gal.” that I could find l:im, “Don’t suppose do you?” find him if wuster “Mout vou go over the hills.” “That’s unnecessary,” I remarked, stepping from behind a tree and con¬ fronting the villains. They their threw up their hands aud prayed that lives might be spared. We did not intend to give them the least chance of escape and securely pinioning their hands, we took them down to the boat, where, after gaining all possible information, I left them under a strong guard. We were not long in gaining the neighborhood of Anderson’s residence. It was a late hour at night, and we surrounded the house without alarming anyone. I instructed one of my officers to call Anderson, and again I secreted myself. “Halloa!” “All right.” came from within the house, and pretty soon Anderson ap PG£ir6d said “Mr, Anderson, I believe,” the officer. “Yes, sir; w T on’t you come in ?” “No, hardly got the time. I’ve come to this neighborhood in search of Major Griddlewood. Are you acquainted with him?” “Oh, yes, should say I am, for he and my daughter are to he married soon. I’ll show her to you. Here, Soph,” and the girl came out. “Here is a gentle¬ man who is looking for your intended husband.” “Good evening, sir. Looking for the major, eh? How I wish I could see him.” “Here I am,” I said, emerging from my hiding place and confronting my “intended” and her father. Anderson actually fell on the ground and his daugh ter uttered a shriek that made the woods ring. They were soon made prisoners and taken to the boat. Next day the distillery was easily found and destroyed. The coffins were found to be lined with tin, and although ominous looking casks, were not bad as vessels of shipment. The prisoners were tried and punished to the full extent of the law, and ever since then, the Dripping Spring neigh¬ borhood has been one of the most or¬ derly and law-abiding communities in the State. LIMPY JOE. The Boy Whose .Hother Wan Dead. “Mister, mayn’t I sing in here?” in¬ quired an urchin, as, limping through the doorway of a Madison street saloon, he approached the bartender. “Sing?” gruffly replied the saloon man. “I don’t care,” he continued witn a sneer, and turning to a customer ragged in dress and rough in appear¬ ance, he handed a glass and bottle. The boy limped to the rear of the room, where were seated a number of men engaged at card-playing. In ap¬ pearance he was a fair specimen of the street Arab. Apparently he was not more than twelve years of age. His coat and pants were torn, his shirt rag¬ ged and collarless. On his feet were shoes that in times gone by had been used by a worldly man. His hat was full of holes, yet beneath its torn rim there sparkled eyes of blue, and ap¬ peared a face winning and beautiful. Leaning on a table in the apartment he began singing, “Oh, Where is My Wan¬ dering Boy To-night,” in the sweetest voice. The twenty or more men in the room stopped their talking and playing, and listened to him. One verse he sang, another, and still another, and his hear¬ ers continued to listen. “Here’s a dime, runty,” said a rough looking individual, breaking the silence. A number echoed his sentiments and Stowed with similar gifts “Where J York^n'ce.^” yer from kd? P L Redone 1 1 Ne « .tee “7 “ otl J er tl]1 sl l e coul ? * t ? ncl ; “7 0lie mother da y he ca an “ e she died, an then ^ he > drove me away an told me to dig for 1 80,d papers far a while, an the big boys beat me, an I eft Once or twice a man put me off, and I bad to get money. I sung in saloons Last winter I got clear to Kansas City. A heard me 111 a 8a] oon an took me Rome with him, a took me to c ? mr ^ 811 Smidayschoo], an I left used him. to sing there, but 1 got tired, an I to sleep in doorways an boxes an’ eat what I could find. I left that place baC an ^' went ? to Denver^ llLYnrf” an 1 len Jay I ca “ e ’ , an old toper. “Joe Brown; sometimes they call me ‘Limpy Joe.’ ” The lad again began singing, and when he had finished, his listeners di¬ vided their little money with him, and one by one left the saloon. ‘ ‘Limpy Joe” followed, and the following night started alone for the scene of liis babyhood days.” Captain Webb and the Alligator. the Learning something of the tactics of alligator, says a southern paper. Captain Webo never entered the water without his double-bladed knife, which he carried in a sheath bound to bis side by a slender belt. After an hour’s vigor¬ ous exercise in the water one morning, he climbed upon a solitary rock about 100 yards from the beach. While here he noticed at a distance, coming in his di¬ rection, a large-sized alligator, and, con¬ sidering his resting place an unsafe one in case of attack by suck a formidable antagonist, he plunged into the bay and started for the shore. Having his at¬ tention wholly centred on the enemy first discovered, he paid little attention to anything else, aud before he knew what he was about he ran plump against another alligator that happened to be resting quietly in the water in a shallow place where the rushes partly hid him from view. The alligator appeared to be quite as much astonished at the un¬ ceremonious meeting as the swimmer. Striking the alligator in the region of the tail, he bounded back and prepared for battle. The heavy wag of the ani¬ mal’s tail enabled Webb to throw him¬ self back far enough to be beyond the reach of the first blow that was aimed at him. A moment more and the alligator rolled over and made a dive at him. His presence of mind saved him. He stood in the water, facing his enemy, with his head and shoulders above the surface. With his double-ended knife he received the monster, and when bis jaws came down the swimmer dived away, leaving the knife in the month of the reptile, transfixing both jaws and locking them together. At this juncture the animal first seen was rapidly approaching, but the swimmer soon reached the shore, and, by means of a rifle, soon made vic¬ tims of both. No pleasure is comparable to the standing upon the vantage ground of truth. Adopting Grandpa. An old man—not ragged, but clad in old and faded and time-worn garments, and moving with feeble steps and weary air—sat down under a tree on John R. street the other day to rest a bit. Three or four children were playing in the yard at his back, and directly a mite ot a girl looked through the fence and asked : “Would you hurt a little girl ?” “Bless me, no !” he replied. “ Why I’d even step aside to pass a bug or a worm ! No, child, I wouldn’t hurt a hair of your head for all the money in the world.” “Are you anybody’s grandpa ?” she in¬ quired, as the other children crowded up. “No—not now, child. There was a time—dear me ! but it hurts my oldheart to remember it—when children called me grandpa. It was years ago—years and years, but I can almost hear their voices yet.” crying?” “Be you “N- 110 . The tears will spring up as I recall the past, but I’m not crying. There are days when I can’t keep them back—nights when I am a child, but I’m trying to be strong just now.” “I gness I’ll come out and see you. My doll’s broke her neck and is most dead.” “Come right along, child ! I used to mend legs and arms, and necks when the children brought their dolls to me.” The little one passed through the gate and sat down beside the poor old man, and while he sought to save the life ot the “most dead” doll by means of a stick and string the child observed : “You must be Quito old, grandpa; you are all skin and irone. ” “ Old ? Bless you, yes ! I was 81 only a week or two ago. Yes, I’m poor in flesh as well as in purse.” “Soyour dear—dolls grandchildren and had dolls, and eh ?” “Yes, toys fine clothes and books, and everything they wanted. I was rich then.” “And did they comb your hair ?” “Oh, yes.” ?” “And sing to you “Yes.” “Well, I gness I’ll sing yon a song, for I’m going to ask ma if i can’t adopi you as my grandpa. You must excuse my voice, for I swallowed a pin the other day and ma this expects fall. it to I work out I’ll of my shoulder guess sing about the three little graves. Don’t look at me or I shall forget.” And in a voice full of childish quavers, and frequently stopping as if to swallow some of the words she sung : “Under an elm three little graves— Under the sod my children three The years may pass, hut my heart will gTieve And sorrow’ will ever rest with me. “Under the elm I walked to-day, I looked-” “Why, grandpa, cheeks the tears are just running down your “ Y-yes, child—I can’t help it! My poor oid life is full of graves and griefs'” “Is your wife dead ?” “Loug ago. child.” “And all the children?” “Dead or scattered. I am alone.” i “Well, that’s funny. You can wipe your eyes on my apron, if you want to. “Here’s your doll —good as new.” “That’s nice. If I should adopt you I’d keep yon mending dolls all the time. Have you child.” got over crying ?” “Yes, “Well, then, you must be hungry. I’m always hungry after a good cry. Wait a minute.” She ran into the house to return with a generous slice of bread and butter and a piece of meat, and as she handed tlie food to the old man, she said: “I’ve got to go in now, but we’ll re¬ member that I’ve adopted you as my grandpa. Don’t cry any move, and come back t©-morrow. Goodbye, grandpa !” “Good-bye !” And men who passed by saw an old man with his face in his hands to hide his tears, and when they asked 1 he matter, a child who stood by explained: “Why, sir, he’s crying because lie’s all alone in the world, and a little girl has adopted him .”—Detroit Free Press. A Typical Mexican City. A letter from Chihuahua, Mexico, says: I arrived a few days ago, and am now in the engineering department of the Mexi¬ can Central Railroad, draughting, at SI 50 a month in American money, equal to $172.50 in Mexican silver and $186.30 in Mexican paper. We are to receive our pay in Mexican silver dollars, so you may think of me, about the middle of July, going for my pay with a wheelbar¬ row. It is bard for us to keep money because everything is high and they ask more than they expect to receive; and also because one lias a feeling that money is worthless and will bear squandering. Exchange for American money is from 1| to 2 per cent. It pays to get Mexican dollars in the States at" seventy-five cents and bring them back home, where they are worth eighty-five cents. I have just paid five dollars in Mexican paper for a poor washbowl and pitcher of earthen¬ ware, and eighteen dollars for a single wool mattress. Board is thirty dollars per month and very poor. Rooms are very hard to find. Everything is paid for "in Mexican paper unless otherwise stated. There is no place to spend an evening except sitting on the plaza. The band plays twice a week and everybody comes out. The city is well governed and quiet. It is very warm daytimes, but cool nights. All criminals arrested, ex¬ cept those executed, are put to work cleaning the streets under an armed guard. The dirt is gathered into small piles and a man with a wooden chopping tray and a piece of board, gathers it and carries it off in a tip cart drawn by a mule. The country about the city is desolate and barren in the extreme, and very lit¬ tle is raised except vegetables and fruit. Tire city was built from the proceeds of a silver mine near here, but as the mine has been closed for years, I do not see what supports the inhabitants now. Boston capital is opening the mine again. The railroad is expected to be finished to the City of Mexico in a little over a year, a distance of eight hundred or a* thousand miles. The Mexican postal system is poor. The mail is dumped into a box and everybody helps himself. An opera has been in progress here and was supposed to be fine, but it was nol equal to a variety show in the States. u- M- Jones & Como Kt Corner Commerce and Warehouse Sts. CONVEX Birr®* G -si HEADQUARTERS for all kinds of_ General Merchandise at Bottom Prices " llth<! ^kwrelSi'iflNENEED^'^'^^lkiM, H eadqnarters oSot£ m E Se a tei b y the I 8 COUlity. Carriage Manufactory J | -by- «! W LANGFORB t a Garriages Wagons, Bugj.es, | own make. ALL < WANTED also C-OOD TO BE LINE FI^ST of CLASS Western EN KFVEY CrJSLbmM pabtioJ Pl a 5 nd B| gies which I sell LOW DOWN. ALL KINDS OF FURNITURE REPAIRED AS GOOD AS X £STI have now on hand the largest and best, stock of waggons of make, bugies homemade of western build that I m ana have ever carri j you want bargains you had better call. All wh i owe me for work nestly request to come forward and settle promptly. I at 1 -l it. These do need th e mop must have who not pay promptly will be given but | time. So you will please settle promptly. It should be rememberd that My establishment is COFFINS and CASKE1S of 1] grades and sizes, and COFFIN GOOD « HAltDWi in fact everything tha is kept in 02 first class Undertaker. JK3TCOFFIN3 'DELIVERED ANYWHERE IN CITY OR COHN Most Resoectfullv, J. w. LANGFORI 4'lfl ESTEE amwv, 510mg 3819 ——THE MOST POPULAR,— ~th‘1 m2 W®Bflnfilr2 Wholseale Southern Depot for ESTEY ORGANR, Steinwi Weber, Decker Brothers and Gate City PIANO-3 —DEPOT OF— ©jOMAiP sa-jaas. -IV.PORTERS DIRECT FROM KTROPE OF- Violins, Guitars, Harmonicas El STRINGS, AND ALL KINDS OF MUSICAL undersell MERCHANDISj tfe^"Nobody can underbuy us. Nobody can us. Estey Organ Company Atlanta Get W.H, LEE, Agent, JOHN NEAL AND COE PA NY, -WHOLESALE & RETAIL DEALERS Ut¬ NOS. 7 and 9 SOUTH BROAD STREET ATLANTA, SA. Special inducements offered to DEALERS of Rockdale and and others adjoining in all coun --yb 6 • ' 0 jj niture. A share of the patronage purchase ^] solicited. Be sure and give us a trial before making your THE OLD RELIBLE FIRAM OF u -DEALERS J IN ■ RAILROAD block GEORGI CONYERS, aud carrying one ot the lai-e Having been established for* 1S yea/!? , et) smallest and most complete stocks in the eoutry, we can tr¬ any, and we guarantee satisfaction. When you want RDY GOODS, NOTIONS, 33 J.H ALMAND&SO &C Wliiljr- .....•• A L'.-uul' oo 6 4 0 0 0 0 jg | -I * W‘Pmdnctlon—Oue EUROPE OR t(n mlnuies‘ AMERICA! every