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8 In the Grass Forest. Qnrrr Plac Whrre Ponrdfm Do .% 11 tha Work for Tltclr Landlord*. George lay at full length on the grass. He held his head close to the ground and peered down the tangled ways of the gra. c s forest. Ants were busily hurrying to and fro, a grasshopper, with a skip and a Jump, was going briskly about his business a few fe t ahead. Beneath a flat rock nearby a cricket fiddled merrily. What a busy l.ttle world it was! And George said, half aloud, 'Oh, don't I wish I could M> down there in the grass forest! Hut, then, there’s no fairies nowadays to grant a fellow’s wishes!” "Who eaj a so?” said a small voice at his ear. George started and turned, and there, balancing on a long blade of grass nearby was a trim little lady-bug. There was no one else. But who ever heard of a lady bug speaking? And George com menced unconsciously: •‘Ladybug, ladybug, fly away home! Your house is on fire, your children will burn— “ Pooh, nonsense!” It was the voice again. George could scarcely believe his ear*. For it was the ladybug speaking, •ure enough. ”1 beg your pardon,” said G a orge, "but did you speak to me?” ‘Cer ainly, I did,” said the ladybug. •'Previous to your repeating that non mr&e about my house being on fire, and I'd Just as lief set it on lire myself, lor I’m insured and have no chil iren— * vXhmlMv "Ladybug, Ladybug, Fly Aw’ny Home. M ‘Tcu’d b© a flrebujr, then, wouldn’t you?’* interrupted George. •M guess you think that’s funny!” said lha lad.\biig, "bui I won't laugh, so there!” And it was very rude of you to interrupt me.” “I beg pardon again,” said George, "what were you go ng to remark?” "Well, I was going to say,” resumed the ladybug, "that there are fairies now adnfi. I’m one." The ladybug smiled, "Yes, I’m a fairy,” •he said, "and I’m going to grant your * ish. Pick up that pebble there by your elbow." George reached out his hand and closed it on o small white stone he hadn’t no ticed till then. "Now make your wish," said the ladybug. "I wish I could get into the grass for eat, said George. He never knew how it happened, but the next moment he was standing In the midst of a deep tangled copse of the largest, strangest trees he had ever seen. Crossing this way and that were giant green trunks with long feathery leaves like palms. He was in the grass forest sure enough! The pebble was still In his hand. On It he could read the words: "When you want to change back hold me tight and wish." Then the inscription faded, and George put the pebble in bis pocket. Now' for the flrtt time he heard the clat ter of life alout him. The cricket's fid dling sounded louder than any violin he had ever heaid before. Three big ants came by singing merrily at their work, and noise and shouting was heard every where. But of the fairy-ladybug George could see no sign. But he could and did hear the clump, clump of heavy hoots coming towards him. George looked up. It was the piasshoprper h© hod been watch ing a few' moments before. But either he or Ihe grasshopper had changed mightily. For, while It was a grasshopper, it looked so much like a funny old farmer that Georg© could not help laughing at the aight. He was much taller than George. In fact, he aeemed. in comparing him to George’s present stature, over six feet, and he wore on old straw hat. blue overalls <uckod into his boots that had announced his coming, an old yellow vest with a brass watch chain, and all rhia, together with hi© long chin whiskers, mad© his appearance oo comical tht George laughed again. By this time t he grasshopper was In front of him, "Hallo, sonny!" he salck af fably. + And Georg© noticed that b© was chew ing tobacco voraciously. "How do you do, air?” sold George. "Oh. middlin', middlin’.” said the grass hopper. “but crops b bad. Why. gosh nil hemlock!" Here the grasshopper bit o ft a fresh chunk of tobacco, end renewed his chewing like a Riant refreshed. "Why, goeh all hemlock! Clover's so short that the bumble y bees has to sit down on their knees to suck the honey!" Allowing this Instance of the alarming •tate of the clover crop to be fully Im pressed upon George, he eyed him over gTavely and sold. "Who be you?" "I’m a boy.” aid George. "Who are you?" "My name's Hopper. G. Hopper. I'm a farmer," was the reply, "but I never heard of any of your sort in these parts. And I couldn't have guessed what you was if you hadn't told me.” "Well. I know you,” said George, "and I couild have guessed your occupation; oh, yes. I would have known you were a farmer,” The grasshopper eyed George sus piciously. "You're too smart, you are!" he aaid. "You remind me of Amos Keet er. He buncoed me, he did! Lightning rod man. you know!" Mr. Hopper grew excited and thumped the clenched fist of h 1 right Into the palm of his open left hand. "Gosh all hemlock!" he said, "He's a bloodsucker, Amos Keeler Is! Yes, sir; a bloodsucker!” “Well. I'm not,” said George; “I’m only a toy." The grasshopper grew somewhat mol lified. "I ax your pardon,” he said. "I’d hate to class you with him; but where are you going’" "Oh, nowhere In particular," said George, "Well, come n'ong with me, neighbor.” said the grasshopper, smiling again In his quaint fashion and chewing harder than ever. "Where are you going?" asked George. "Jlst down to the crickets,” said the grasshopper. "My dorter married ta dsv and I’m going to have a dance to-night In my big barn, bet your boots!” And the grasthonpei Jumped up Into the sir and cracked his heels together. But we must hurry.” he added, "see how long the shsdders arc gtttln’.” Mr. Cricket, the Fiddler. They wets cot long in reaching Mr. Cricket’s house. They could hear him playing all the while they approached, and he only paused long enough to say, “Come in!” when the grasshopper knock ed at his portals. It was a queer place, Mr. Cricket’s house was. It consisted of one big room curiously partitioned off, and Mr. Cricket, dressed in brown, eat, with his fiddle. In the center of it in a big rocking chair in front of the lire. A coui*le of big black beetle* were cook ing dinner over the fire when they entered. The grasshopper introduced George to Mr. Cricket the fiddler,by the simple word "boy!” and plunged at once into the na ture of his business. The matter wns soon arranged. "It’s this way,” said the crick et, "I’d play for nothing, If that was all, so that settles that.” Noticing George’s serious glances at the beetles, who seemed extremely busy and extremely taciturn, the cricket paused long enough in his playing, and. pointing at them with the fiddle how said, "Board ers!” And started playing again. "It’s funny they’re doing the work,” said George. “Not at all,” said the cricket, stamping his feet as he played, "who’d do it If they .didn’t ?” George could not answer this enigma, and the cricket paused again to add, "Used to have the snails boarding with me, but they couldn’t stand the music.” "And so they made tracks out of here,” added the grasshopper. At this both he end the cticket laughed uproariously, but j the beetles went on about their work as stolidly as ever. The cricket got up and poked them In the ribs with his bow*. “It’B a Joke: laugh,” he said. *■* "Ha, ha,” said the beetles solemnly, and went on with their dinner preparations. "Sing something," said, the cricket fiddling softly. With a curious quaver in his somewhat harsh voice, the grasshop per began: The Gri**lioppor* Song. When you’re skippin’ o’er the medder, And the sun is shining bright; You see a fearful figure come That throws you in a frignt, The figure is a giant grim— Your heart goes thump, thump, thump! in vain you try to get away, He gets you on the Jump. Chorus- Bet ween his finger and his thumb He hold© you so! Saying, "Chew, chew tobacco quick And then I’ll let you go!” And of coins© you’ve got to do it, As very well you know. So you chew, chew tobacco quick And then lie lets you go. ‘V.Sfc “I’ll never use tobacco, No!" Said Little Robert Reed. And that for him to say, of course, Was easy, for, indeed, No one caught him by’ the neck And held him in the air, And made him, bo’s to save his life, Chew tobacco there. Chorus— And so we u*e the filthy weed. It’s nasty as I know, But if we've no tobacco Juice ’.Vby they won’t let us go. Blnce time began each boy and inan, That catches us, acts so— “ Chew, chew’ tobacco quick, And then i'll let you go’” During this song the grasshopper "Dear Me," He Cried, "I Wish I Was Back Again." chewed faster than ever, while George felt a twinge of conscience, for many a time he had caught grasshoppers and had spoken the very words of the song to them, "Chew, chcwr tobacco quick; and then I’ll let you go!" But, really, although the grasshopper made It appear as If he were addicted to the tobacco habit through necessity rather than choice, George could see the old ras cal enjoyed the weed. One of the beetles commenced setting the table "Why won't you stay to sup per?” asked the cricket. "Because you never asked us," said the grasshopper. The cricket looked around cautiously to sec if the beetles were listening. "Do you want to stay?" he asked, anxiously "Oh, no.” said the grasshopper; "we'll have to tie going.” "Well. It's better than we generally have, and more than you're used to, you know,” said the cricket. "Oh. ot course,” said the grasshopper, "you live better than we do because you've got boarders to provide for you. But I must go. I've got to tlx things for the dance, and I’m too hungry to stay anyway, and my table manners ain't good, anyhow.” "Jes' so, Jos' so," said the cricket. One or the beetles came forward at ihla juncture, saying sullenly, "Don't be in a hurry, here's your hat." And without more ado, It and the other beetle pushed George and the grasshopper out of the house ana bolted the door behind them, while they could hear the cricket playing THE MORNING NEWS: SUNDAY, JULY 8,1900. Jos. A. Magnus & Cos., CINCINNATI, O. "Horne. Sweet Home,” with variations ns they walked away. "Well, I never ” began George Hut the grasshopper interrupted him by say ing. "Thar’s the way they all us do. They ve got to feed Mr. Cricket ’cause board with him. But they d-nw the line nt others. Mighty closed-shelled, them beetles Is!” Just then 9 big brown caterpillar turned the comer of Mr. Crlckett’s house and swooping down on the grn&shopper caught him by the lapel of his coat. ”1 say, Mr. this Is too bad! you know," she whined. •‘What’s too bad?” asked the grass hopper. ‘•"Why. your holding the dance to-nlghr, and with me having nothing to wear, but tide old brown dro?s, and it split up the back! Why didn’t you wait till I changed into a butterfly? The moths will be there to-night in all their finery, and won’t they Just laugh at me!” The grasshopper scratched his head re flectively. “Wal,” ho said, "It’s too late now. But never mind. Miss Brown, you’re going to have a donee yourself, I hear.” “Yes, my coming out ball, you knew. 1 shall wear o beautiful costume of yellow', and say! it will be my turn then to turn up my atennae at those horrid Moth girl*, won’t it? However,” the caterpillar seem ed struck with a happy thought. ”1 can recite something if I dance to-night, and when I do come out, Just think of it! Tt will all be printed in the Grass Forest News, under the heads ’Butterflies of Fashion. Swirl in the Mazy Dance.’ and all that sort of a thing, don’t you know'!” "Oh. there gorJ deer old Mra. Slug. I must speak to her!” and the caterpillar hurried ofT. j "Who did she say she wanted to see?" asked George, who had evtood wdiile the voluble Miss Brown had rattled on to the grasshopper. "Mrs. Slug.” said the grasshopper, hus band’s a prize fighter.” "Does h really fight?" a?ked George Mr. Hopp r shock his dubi usly. "No; I can’t sav that he does.” he said. "But Ms name ’a Slug nrd they put him down as a prize fighter. That’s the way you’ll find things are managed here, an] it woiks first rate, t o. What Happened at Ihe Grasshop per’s House. They hnd been walking hurriedly a? they w re s eaking and it was not leng be fre they reached the grasshopper’s house. It watt a age double cottage, nicely tba'Chfd. A clear spree of ground n°arbv, lh scere, evidenty, of the coming festiv ities. was being swept by some an;s. "Yes; this 1- my home " said the grass hopper pointing to it. “I had to bill'd It. nobody would take me in like Cricket does the Be ties.” "Why wouldn’t they?" asked George. The grarshopp r looked down at his lorg legs, and then, leaning over, he whispered confidentially In George's ear. "Thev were afraid I'd jump my board." he said "Would you have?” Inquired George. "It all and pends upon how high the board was," said the grasshopper. Georre puzzl'd a moment over this re ply. his first thought being that Mr Hoo per was qu zzrg him. But the grasshop per was looking as sober and solemn as you please. Mrs. Hopper came out at this, followed by a who'e lot of little Hoopers They all seemed to take George’s presence as a matter cf course. "Where's the bride and groom?" asked Mr. Hopper, after he had kissed the chil dren all around, "They’re eating the hon eymoon." answered Mrs. Hopper. "The Bees just brought it. and the Queen her self sent word she'H_be here to-night!” Mr. Hopper took a fresh chew of tobacco and tugged at his whiskers proudly. "Gosh all hemlock! Ma!! he said, "the Queen? Why it's aa honor. The Butter flies don’t have sieh company!” Mr. Hopper then, though rather late, as George thought, introduced his wife and family, and they all went Into the house together, where they found the bride and groom eating a large piece of honey In the shape of a moon and 'Mmpering at each other. Mr. Hopper Introduced his daugh ter and her husband. "Nice fellow, you'll find," he said to George, "but a leetle green, a leetle green.” The bridegroom was green. In fact, he was a grasshopper of the green species. My daughter had known him, but a short' time," volunteered the grasshopper, "when he said to her; "Marry mo or leave it alone, just as you please.' ” "And what did your daughter do when he said that?" asked George. "Why, she jumped at the chance, of course.” said the grasshop’per gravely. "Supper's ready!" said Mrst Hoppr, putting her head in the door. "But we've been so busy that nobody has had time to milk. You won't mind having your catnip tea plain, wilt you?" she asked, turning to George. "Not at all. ma’am," said George. "I ni sorry you don’t like It,” said Mrs. Hopper. 'lt's the only kind of tea we have." "But I didn't say I didn't like It,” said George. "Yes, you did," said Mrs. Hopper. "I asked you If you liked your tea plain and you said, 'Not at ail.’ ” "Oh, I wns speaking about the milk," replied George. ' Kxcuse me! It was I who was speak ing about the milk,” replied Mrs. Hop per. with some asperity. "Well, never mind, ma.” said Mr. Hop per, breaking in much to George's relief. "As soon as the cows go to roost I'll milk ’em myself.” George blinked at this, hut as It seem ed to be a perfectly satisfactory state ment to the others, he said nothing. How ever, he made up his mind to be present when the grasshopper went to the cow roost to milk. Then they all took their seals und sup per began. It consisted mostly of spinach. "Bat hearty,” said the grasshopper "these were our Christmas greens. The boue looked beautiful decorated with them." George thought of the holiday holly and mistletoe nt home and wonder ed what they would say when he told them that friends of his usod spinach for decorative purposes at Yuletlde and then ote it afterward. There was some bread ot the end of the table and before George could help himself or any one else to It. one of the younger Hoppers seized upon It and bolt ed all there was on the plate. He prompt ly choked and the new son-in-law, with great presence ot mind, went to his res- cue with a fork and soon relieved the vic tim of his own greediness. At the sight of her new son-in-law so doing, Mrs. Hopper burst into tear©. "It’s all right now, ma’am, it’s all right now.” said George. "The baby isn’t i>urt at all.” "Oh’ It Isn’t that, it Isn’t that,” sob bed Mrs. Hopper. "But to think that he,” here she pointed at the son-in-law, "has only been In our home but a day, and already he’s taking the bread out of our children's mouths!" Mr. Hopper, the little Hoppers, and even the bride glared nt the unhappy groom, who stuttered and stammered and finally begged pardon all around. "The cow's is gone to roost, sir,” caiJ one of the servant ants coming in at this moment. "But they’re up so high I’m afraid to go after them, it makes me diz zy.” "Never mind, Sally,*’ said 'Mr. Hop per, Jumping up briskly. "I'll tend to them.” George clambered up n stalk of grass is large at? a tree trunk, after farm-r Hopper At the top in a swaying tangle of grass leaves they came upon the cows. And such cows! They were three cornered in shape and were walking on the under lie of the leaves, and were, consequent ly. upside down. "What do you think of them?” asked the grasshopper. "Why. they’re green!” onsw r ered George. “They’re not ns green as they look.” returned the grasshopper, and then he be gan to stroke the nearest. "This Is the way we milk them here,” he said. we want butter, we pat them, butter pats, you know’,” he added. When they returned to the forest level it w'as quite dark, and George noticed that everybody was vastly excited. The ser vant ants were running to and fro. the young Hoppers were being put to bed. and Mrs. Hopper was extremely agitated. "It’s pretty near time for the ball.” said Mr. Hopper. "And ma wants to be 'here fust ns it is fashionable to be there fu-st, but w'hat’s the use of her trying? The gvpsey moths, always pushing them selves where they are not wanted, have bee nsittlng around on toad ©tools since sunrise—they’ll get there fust." Mr. Hopper wn© r’ght, by the time his party, which included his wife, the daugh ter end her husband and George, arrived t the scene of the festivities they found most of the company assembled. Two katydids were singing a duet, while Mr. Cricket, the fiddler, was tuning up. Meanwhile, paying no attention to anyone else, the two beetles with whom he board 'd, were waltzing gravely and bumping into and knocking down every insect that got in their way. “Are you sure it won’t rain?” asked Mrs. ‘Slug, who came panting up just ns the Hopper party arrived upon the scene. “Oh, that’ll be all right," said Mr. Hop i’©r. "The tree toad has been hollering for dry weather for a w’eek, and the weather clerk told him that he’d see we got it, pervidin’ the tree toad ’d shet up.” ”Ah, there’© my husband!” cried Mrs. .Blug, and George looked up and beheld ‘.he whilom prizefighter tusseling with some small caterpillars for the place of vantage he had pre-emptled in the crotch of a burdock plant that overlooked the ball room. “Why do you worry, madam?” asked George. “He’ll get knocked out, h<‘ always does,” was the reply. And sure enough, an active young caterpillar deftly pushed him from off his place and down he came. His wife was at his side brush ing the dust from his dotlfes. "Why will you fight?” she was saying. "Why don’t '•>u stick to market gardening?" But Mr. Slug only muttered something about hav .ng a name and started to crawl up the burdock again. Before George could notice what sort of o reception awaited him, the attention of all was distracted by the arrival of the tristocracy. This was the Queen Bee. tel iowed by her train of ladybuge, at w... head George fancied he recognized the fniry ladybug who had effected his trans formation But as she did not speak, George kept silent. Behind the Queen Bee and her retinue came the royal band of drones playing on bagpipes. “The ball has just begun.” whispered Mrs. Hopper. "Now that the Queen Bee Is here things will hum!" But alas, for the best laid plans of the denizens of the Grass Forest, a shadow fell over the dance floor and the sound of heavy footfalls crushing the verdure and shaking the earth turned the mirth to panic. "A giant! A giant!” was the cry and the guests scattered in wild alarm. Their terror was communicated to George. Fp to this he had been watching the scene with vast amusement and. with his hands in his pockets, stood jingling a couple of pennies, his knife and the pebble he had picked up when the fairy ladybug had granted his wish to come down into the Grass Forest. Scarcely knowing what he did In his fright, he clutched the pebble. "Dear me!” he cried, "I wish I was back again!” The next instant he found himself sit ting up In the grass rubbing his eyes. It was quite dark and then he felt a hand laid on his shoulder. "Why, Georgle, my boy, I almost stepped upon you," said a voice, and George looked up sleepily to find his father standing over him. “Your mother has been worried about you. What have you been doing since 4 o’clock?” "Dreaming sir,” replied George, as he took his father's hand and hurried with him to the house for supper. Roy B. McCardell. Oamliltng “Chips” as furies. From the London Mall. It was when Brooks’ Club rejoiced In the name of Almack’s that It was the ren dezvous for high play, and there the cele brated Charles James Fox lost immense sums of money. At that time one of the rules was ttat members should keep a considerable sum of money on the table while playing—so guineas at one table, 20 at another. Wal pole says the play was for rouleaux of £6O each, and that 00,000 in specie was gener ally on the table. These large sums became a source of considerable Inconvenience, and then it was that counters, or chips, were intro duced. The Ivory set sold recently was a com plete one of eight counters, representing the following sums—half a guinea, 1 gui nea, 5, 10, 25, 60, 100, and 500 guineas. Nine pounds sterling was the price this rare set, which in the past represented 09114 guU neas, fetched. Many celebrated men lost and won large sums with these counters, among them Burke, Garrick, Hume, Walpole, Gibbon, Fltt. Fox, Sir Joshua Reynolds, the Prince of Wales (afterward George IV.). the Duke of York, and the Duke of Clarence (afterward William IV.) One of the greatest losses recoreded took place in 1899, when four players, whose united property was supposed to be worth £2,000,000, lost every farthing they pos sessed. • MINNISKA GINGER ALE WILL NOT CONSTIPATE—BOTTLED AT THE SPRING BY THE MINNISKA SPRING CO., AT WAUKESHA, WIS. SAVANNAH GROCERY CO., WHOLESALE AGENTS. The Alaska Pirate. A Piece of Amateur Detective Work That Reamed a Couple of Run away*. By CHARLES F. RRIMBLFK’OM. Late in the summer of 1697 I arrived In San Francisco seeking my fortune. Th 6 huge, massive buildings, the splendid stores, the glittering equipages, the glare, the noise, the hurrying crowds, almost bewildered me, and I felt that around al most any corner the fortune I was seek ing must be awaiting me. But it strange ly eluded my eager search. For many days I vainly asked for employment as a salesman, bookkeeper or bank clerk, for I felt competent for almost anything, having just graduated from the high school. The small sum of money I pos .sess<*d began to shrink alarmingly, and my gorgeous dreams to w’ear a sickly and faded hue. The Klondike gold excitement was at its height and many vessels were sail ing for Alaska. I often went dow'n to the water front to see these expeditions depart. There was usually a large crowd on the wharves, and the steamers got under way with flags flying and whistles blowing, and the hardy adventurers on the decks wildly waiving hats and hand kerchiefs. Then the crowd gravely drift ed back into the city, with here and there a sobbing woman. An ardent desire came upon he to embark for the Klondike, but I had not enough money to pay the fare, much less o procure the necessary out fit, without which It was utterly folly to srart. So I was compelled to abandon that Idea. One day while walking one of the principal streets I saw In gilt letter* on <he upper windows of a large building the words, "Detective Agency." A bril liant thought came to me, putting to (light my temporary discouragement. Why not apply for employment as a de tective? There was evidently a great variety of work open to a shrewd and clever young man in that capacity, and I believed that at last the read to fame and fortune lay before me. I climbed two flights ©f stairs, and ar i ivrd at a glasa door on which was In scribed: "Chief’s Office. Walk In." I nterod. A short man with a gray tnus rasche stood be.dde a large office desk. He looked at me inquiringly. “I wish to see the chief.” I said. “What do you want to see him for?” he asked, with a perceptible Irish accent. ”1 would like to get employment as a detective,” I replied. The man sat down at the desk and sur veyed me keenly. “I’m the chief," he said. "But you’re almost too young for the business, me boy. It takes exparyience and plenty of and, and often a handy knowledge of gun-fighting to ho a detective." “I wish you’d try me, sir,” I said, cour ageously. "I’m young, but I can learn.” "True enough,” he assented. "Well, I don’t mind giving you a little trial. Are you willing to take your life In your hand, me boy?” "Yes, sir.” I answered seriously, trying *o avoid turning pale. “Very well,” he said, approvingly. "Now, of course, you’ve heard ail about the Klondike gold mines. They’re very rich, and the steamers that come from there are every qne loaded with gold—millions and millions of dollars. Now, there are train robbers on the land, and there are pirates on the sea, and what finer haul for a pirate, do you think, than one of those Alaska steamers loaded down with gold dust and nuggets? Now’ listen care fully. I suspect that there’s a bloody band of pirates fitting out an expedition right here in Ban Francisco for the pur pose of capturing some of those steamers. I want you to go out and discover them If you can. Find out where their vessels is and how big a crew she carries, and all about it. But be careful! One false move, and like.ly as not you’ll be found floating in the bay to-morrow. Good bye, and good luck to you.” I reached the street and paused In a convenient doorway to collect my thoughts. Here was work cut out for me! lat first resolved to begin by pur chasing a large pistol, but further reflec tion assured me that I would have to de pend on shrewdness and skill to win suc cess. To obtain good results I must re main unsuspected and undiscovered by the pirates. So I set out for the water front. I walked along the wharves very much on the alert. I examined two vessels that were loading far the North, but ev erything about them seemed honest and commonplace. I continued my patrol, and at last, at a small, remote wharf, I found a steam schooner bound for Alaska. Her name was the Gadfly, and I learned that she waa to sail that very afternoon. Something about the craft, I do not know why, aroused my suspicions. The sailors were as busy as ants loading pro visions and stores. I approached and tried to engage one of them In conversa tion, but he repulsed me in a rude and sur ly manner. A large new deckhouse had been built on the schooner, evidently to accommodate quite a number of men. Even at that retired place there were a few Idlers gazing and gossiping. I Joined them, and sat down on an overturned boat, determined to watch everything that occurred. The first confirmation to try suspicions came from two roughly dressed men who paused near me. "They say the Gadfly Is going to Cop per river," sold one, with, a kind of sneer. “They can tell that to the marines." "Naw!" replied his companion. ’’She draws too much water. She couldn't git within twenty miles of the mouth." And they laughed as they walked away. In an hour or two some heavy cases were brought down and carefully hoisted on board. They were marked "Mining Machinery," but from their appearance I suspected that they contained cannon. Dinner time came and fussed, but I still remained at my post of observation. The sailors were working with greater speeed and toward 4 o’clock a large party of men came down and went on board. They were hardy, rugged looking fellows. Some of them carried guns, and In at least two rolls of blankets I discovered heavy revolvers in holsters. Among the passengers I saw a boy about my own age. He wore a fur cap and a heavy woolen coat of Arctic cut. He carried a Winchester rifle on his shoulder, and a big revolver and sheath knife in his belt. A large, shaggy black dog kept at his heels. He strutted about very proudly, although the other passen gers guyed him a great deal. It was now past the hour for sailing, and everything seemed to b on board, yet there was a long delay, and at last word was passed about that the Gadfly would not sail until very early the next Established 1823. WILSON WHISKEY. That’s All! rwm wxlsw DisTTmacci ccx. BtlUmvi Md Savannah Grocery Company, Distributors. morning. So the crowd that had come down to witness the departure gradually dispersed. The evening twilight slowly faded and darkness came. In Ihe mysterious maze of masts and rigging lanterns began to gleam like stars. To landward an occa sional electric l light threw out a broad glare. I heard the water sucking and splashing among the piles with a dreary sound, and I remembered with a shudder the chiefs ominous warning. There was loud talking and laughing on board the Gadfly, and I crept nearer to hear any words that might further con firm my belief In the evil errand of the schooner. Hut I heard nothing wrong ex cept a great deal of profanity. It seemed to me that they were waiting for something, for several times one of the officers had come on the wharf and looked up toward the city with an air of Impatience. I resolved to wait until I discovered what this person or thing was. Between 10 and 11 o'clock a heavy truck came rolling ponderously down the wharf. It was loaded with large barrels, about thirty of them. I heard sharp, suppressed orders on the Gadfly, and instantly the sailors swarmed out on the wharf and began to unload the barrels and roll them on board with every appearance of appre hensive haste, urged on by the profane mate. In my eagerness I walked boldly among them. "What Is in those barrels?” I asked a perspiring sailor. "Gunpowder, sonny," he growled, as he hurried away. But the mote's bloodshot eyes had spied me. He caught me by the shoulder and sent me staggering backwards. "You git out of here,” he snarled. Although very angry at such rude treat ment. I deemed It prudent to retire, es pecially as I had discovered what the bar rels contained. Gunpowder! Nothing more was needed to convince me that the Gadfly was bound upon a lawless errand. What would a mere peaceable passenger vessel do with thirty barrels of gunpow der? I felt sure, after this new discovery, that the mining machinery cases contained cannon. I set out at full speed for the detective agency. When I entered the chief’s office another man was seated at the desk, a large, dig nified gentleman with gray side whiskers. He looked up as I entered. "I wish to see the chief," I said, breath lessly. "I am the chief,” he replied. "What do you wish?” I stared at him with astonishment. "It was another man I saw this morn ing." I said. "He told me he was the chief, and gave me some detective work to do.” "Another man who called himself the chief!" repeated the gentleman with deep surprise. "I am the only chief here.” Although extremely puzzled, I hasten ed to explain the task that had been given me and the discoveries I had made. "This Is very strange." said the chief, equally puzzled. "I have heard nothing of any such plot as you describe, and I feel sure that none of my assistants would dare to usurp my authority in that man ner. and especially to place such an im portant matter as this purports to he in young and inexperienced hands." "But there is no time to lose, sir." I said boldly. "The Gadfly may sail at any time now that they have their powder on board.” "I will notify the harbor police," said the chief. He stepped to the telephone and spoke: "Is that Capt. Mardon? Has the steam schooner Gadfly sailed? Just left the wharf? Well, I have reason to believe that all Is not right on hoard. Signal the revenue cutter to stop her and send a boat on board. I will come down at once. All right. Good-bye." "Now. come with me," said Ihe chief. “We will go on board the Gadfly and see what is wrong there. Afterward. I must solve this mystery of the man who sent you on that errand." But before we quitted the office he tele phoned to someone asking If "Robert had come home yet.” And I thought ne look ed very much worried at the answer. We left the building and entered the chiefs buggy, which stood at the. door, and drove rapidly away to the water front. The chief roused the boatman at the boat landing, and in a few minutes we were tossing on the choppy bay in search of the Gadfly. We soon found her in the stream with her engines stopped, and there was some confusion and loud talk ing. We climbed on board, where we found an officer and a boat’s crew from the revenue cutter, surrounded by a crowd of the passengers and crew. The chief, in an undertone, soon explained to the lieutenant the suspicious circumstances in regard to the vessel. "Captain,” said the lieutenant, turning suddenly to the mastef of the Gadfly, "what are you going to do with thirty bar rels of gunpowder?" "Thirty barrels of gunpowder!” repeat ed the master, unguardedly, and with such genuine surprise that the lieutenant laugh ed outright. “Come, captain,” he said, cheerfully, “let us take a look at those thirty bar rels.” The captain was very reluctant, but he had to accompany the lieutenant below where it was soon discovered that the thirty barrels contained whisky instead of gunpowder. The sailor had purposely lied to me. It is against the federal law to take in toxicating liquors into Alaska, and as tbo Gadfly was bound for that territory it was evident that an Infraction of the laW wa s intended. The lieutenant promptly inform ed the master that he could not continue his voyage unless the whisky was left behind. 80 the thirty barrels wore hoisted out Into the boats and taken ashore, much to the disgust of the owners, who hnd counted on realizing a huge profit. As there proved to be nothing to support n suspicion of piracy, the Gadfly was per mitted to go on her way. ” But just as we were about to leave the schooner the big black dog that I had seen following the young fellow sprang up from below and leaped upon the chief with great Joy. "Carlo!” cried the chief, In a tone of amazement. "How did this dog come on board?” he demanded. "He came with a young fellow-one of the passengers,” replied the captain "Where is he? Bring him here at once ’• said the chief, sternly. The young passenger had disappeared but in a few minutes he was brought up from below, much against his will, , n q taken before the chief. "Why, Robert!” said the chief. Tt was all ho said, but the tone was full of grief and reproach. It seemed to cut the boy far more than angry words would have don© for his defiant look broke down, and he said, with almost a whimper: "I wanted to go. father.” It seemed that Robert was a runaway His baggage and numerous weapons were hoisted out, and he and Carlo returned with us in the boat. The boy was crest fallen, and I felt much sympathy for him. We all went back to the chiefs office! As we entered 1 saw there the man who had employed me that morning. I thought he looked scared, and he made a palpable effort to escape from the room, -but 1 call ed out quickly: “There, sir! There Is the man—the oth er chieC” It seemed to be the chiefs fate to be astonished that night. "What! Kenny!” he exclaimed. “Did you call yourself the chief and employ this boy this morning?” he asked severely. “Sure, ’iwas only a jok. ©lr,” replied Kenny. “Ain’t I the chief of the Janitors”’ "You’ll not remain chief of the janitor* very long if this happens again.” returned the chief, sharply. "Have you heard of any piratical expedition being fitted out in this city?” "Niver a one, sir,” confessed Kenny, whose brogue seemed to increase with his embarrassment. "How coutd you utter such an out rageous falsehood?” "Sure, couldn’t I see as plain as you can that he was a young greenhorn, and wasn’t he fair game, sir?” "No, certainly not. and you ought to be ashamed of yourself. As it happened great good came from your foolish Joke, otherwise I should take further notice of it. You may go. sir.” Kenny skulked out, glad to escape so easily. Then the chief and his son re tired to an inner office, where I suppose there was a serious conversation. After some time the chief came out and sat down at his desk. “My boy.” he said kindly, “you have done a great deal of good to-day. You have enabled me to rescue my only son from a dangerous expedition for which he was ill prepared. And you have pre vented from entering Alaska, thirty bar rels of whiskey, which dealt out to the Indians of that region, would have done far more damage than thirty barrels of gunpovredr. I shall make you a suitable reward.” But at that moment the door opened and a deep voice said: "I wish to see the chief.” I rose. with my heart in my mouth, and looked in my father’s worn and anxious face. He had come from our home in a distant city to that detec tive agency to enlist aid in searching for his truant son, for—l confess it with shame—l, too, was a runaway. Charles E. Brlmblecom. FE AT HE RE D SI K IDES. Led Vstrny ly flic Electric Light* li \\ iltinm Penn** lint. From the Philadelphia Record. In the proceedings of the Delaware Val ley Ornithological Club of Philadelphia, there Is an interesting account of Mr. W. L. Bally of the observations made and records kept at the electrical department of City Hall, of the various birds who owe their destruction to the beautiful cir cle of arc lights which are around the statue of William Penn. In August, 1897, a rare bird was found on the balcony, just below’ the lights of the tower, which, after attracting the at tention of many persons, was pronounced by Mr. Baily to be a young Sora Rail. This was the first victim after the light ing of the lumps on July 4 of that year, and from that time on records have been kept of all the birds found, their species being noted as well as the conditions of the weather at the time. More than a hundred specimens have been saved and many mounted by the su perintendent of the electrical department; eacTi morning, during migratory periods, roof, tower and court below’ being search ed for specimens, 529 in all having been secured. A red-tailed hawk, which made his home in the tower, carried away a number of birds. Mr. Bally states that he finds It a most convenient, as well as fairly accurate, way of observing the fall migration of birds, the- electrician of the tower merely push ing the button and the lights doing the rest. The weather data, its severity, changes of temperature, moonlight, etc., being espe cially noted as affecting the flight and number of victims. Observations show that in the fall of 1897 only about thirty were led astray, and six the following spring, while during a short period in September, 1898, thirty-tw’o were added to the list. During the great parade and Industrial Exposition of last year, when especial illumination was made and four festoons of lamps hung from the rim of Penn’s hat, the harvest of birds was great ly increased, no less than 452 birds being picked up in tw'o months. The writer thinks that the reason s>o few old birds strike the light is that they are experienc ed travelers, while the young birds, like children, are fascinated by the light and are lured to destruction. This Is especial ly so on dark and stormy nights when the birds fly nearer the earth. On moonlight nights no birds strike, except toward morning after the moon has disappeared. Another fact was noticed, that birds not only migrate in the early evening, but ill night until break of day. —At the Summer * Resort—May—“Dull, isn’t it?” Belle—Awfully! We haven't • thing to do except to explain to one an other why w© are not in Paris.”— Puck.