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rOL. XYIII. ATLANTA. GA.. TUESDAY J MORNING MAY 24 1887 PRICE FIVE CENTS Our Story C6rnsk SCARLET OAKS. A Txle of a Virginia Country Vaml'y. F. Xotby, In the Springfield BeputiUcau. A Hammond had owned Scarlet Oaks for at least three generations. .The whole.'estate look its name from tho tall gronp of stately veks on the hill, under tho shelter of.whose gteat boughs the old homdstead stood. 1 Old lieTeily Hammond, as his neigbbors called him now, could not remember any time when he had not loved these trees. Finer'views distant mountain tangos, or ahlnlng llTer stretches might bo seen irons other sltes-other homes were •statelier—other places nearer the great thor -oughftns of business and the contors of men tsl activity, but Beverly Hammond, byjiaturo fond of old habits and traditions, was entirely contented with his uneventful and uuenergetic life. Ha remembered when ho wes.ajboy, pitying under these same trees, and. hearing the Hatch wind hntn in their tops, andl'he might have said, in the words of tholold (Inch: This is the voico which 1 teem to hear murmur, tug in my earn, like the sound of the time la the ears of the mystic—that voico, I say, is humming in my earn, and prevents ms horn hearing any -other. These oaks were leaved in freshest green -when be brought hie young brldo beneath their shade on their first home-coming—ah, did he not remember that day? aod another time he recalled, nearly two years afterward, when they were all shining with a lustrous scarlet, as the tun shone through thorn, look lug like a libation of rich red wine poured freely to the old gods of tho earth and air— sind hie first-born, Bichtrd—had lifted his baby head, and looked at that blaze of color, and laughed, and put oat his baby hands in glee. When the storms of winter came, burst* 4rg In fitry over the land with wild blasts of wind and driving snow and tloet, and ho and his family and ftlondt sat beside the blazing log fire in the wide chimney, and made good cheer in the old familiar, hemely fashion—ho would not havo tho cur- -tains drawn, bnt liked to see tho gigantic forms of tho old oaks, swinging their strong -boughs at if they defied tho storm. Ho watched -them many a wiptcr night, standing still and whiteinthe snowIlko faithful guards -sleeping boose—of tho wifo>nd child therein— And the stars shone through the boughs, as if they bad been fruits thereon. ■■ Bat Blchard and his brothers and sisters grew up as a brood of sturdy nestlings, ready for flight, and eager for new life, and abovo all motion and change. ‘ Let thorn try it," said the old min to hlmstlf, as he Meter*1) to their talk,-eager, impetuously rengainc,—-'only lot ■them try their wings, and they will bo content alter man had gone down before his fierce at* tack, but now it waa flight or captivity, and he gave the reinato his little mare with a hallo WUVIU tHJ tutu IT*UU fcUUJ TTflA UO UUUlfCUU -to como hick to tho old neat in tho Oaks—and -to own that it la the best after all.” Things were net going well with the Ham mond estate. How or d then large crops wore made, and money came in, bnt always, whether 1 good or bad, large sums want tho lessons were guw w. uisu, utigo sum. wane ■ont to defray the expense* of tho lavish home- keeping with doors wide open to all comers. Hot only gueata came in, but bills—salts wore .gained a temporary respite. Beverly mond could not reeolve to soil his slaves, or to tho old cue and comfort, and he adopted the fatal expedient of borrowing, until another difficulty arose—that of evon procuring moniy t r pay the Interest on them loans. In the mean while there srere other tronbles. Tint, the baby Margery—then Amy, a daugh ter of sixteen summon—grew ill and They were burled In the old family busying ftthor cm Id not ground—not ao far off that tho -catch a glimpse of tho white marbio shaft, or a leaves of tho scarlet oaks in antnmn. There remained fonr children—Blchard, the first bem—now a lad of nineteen at school and bird shooting In tho fall—overflowing with spirits and fond of settera and pointers,' horses ’ 1 lovable egotism self confidence; then camp another Beverly, brave end tender hearted, and loyal 4o the old home; Ellzt, a ahy, dark-eyed girl, jronngsr than Amy; Bobert,acbild of five. In spite of tb< empty cradle, and tho hush where An>|’a voice used_ to sound, the old house rang 3 hot and fiery brain, and impetuously into the cnoao of secession. His feelings grew more bitter, his enthusiasm (stronger, when the newt waa brought that Itlchaid had joined a regiment, and a picture -byhlm-f ins sent by him—taken at the first towa at which they had halted—in hit new uniform— the smiling debonnair young ftce looking ao tufit for danger and hardship, that tho mother -could hardly to* it fur tears. The days fol lowed when every lilt of killod and wounded was Matched In an agony of tenor—when mmorsof an impending engagement brought such analous night-watches—such sad days of waiting, at only those left behind—who drink She titter cop—ever know. And Hubert, tho congest, died in the safe sholtcr of home, and youngest, died in the safe sholtcr of home, in hi* mother’s arms, and Blchard escaped hart. Blchard himself took war as he did every thing site—lightly. He was a favorite with bia superior officers, who liked to eee hit merry ftce ted beer hit careless laugh between the crack of the rifles and the whiz) of the balls, and the men wen always ready to save him a hardship and do him a kindness. He really had little tent* of fear, and a marvellous knack for hairbreadth escapes—boasting that be was equally good for a charge or a run. “ * ‘ 1 leave, although One such adventure was to ha little knew at thatima, a lasting influenct over hit life. A party of advanced scoots hid rat on the country road, Richard been thrown ont on among them. There was little open cosntry, the woe da threw black masses of shadows across the faint moonlight, and only hers and then lay opan and level fields. It was ao atill that ycu could hear the impatient movement of a horse pulling for some green bough in ntch, or tha slightest word from his rider. Suddenly, crack, crack/ want the rifles, the foremost iconta fall beck, and tha until body of man steed, tide by side, ready to meet their assailants as they came. In the darkness they ftnclrd that they wan equally matched, hat those who came were hut the advance guard of a large body. They fought band to band, ao near that their hones’ heads almost touched in tho dark, and as one went down, 40 teemed to peas Into hit plan. The aouthern soldiers gave way, lint moving slowly backward, than urging their horses into a trot-then a gallop-bat shooting as they went. They separated, for each fox himself eenld brat gain tha shelter of the weeds on the other side of the field, and to escape from tht foes that wera pressing them ■shard. Richard was on a little gay hone, fall of life gnd spirit Bichtrd had frughg wall ao lerg aa then was a chance of victory, and man stretch every limb. Five or tlx wore after him, ore by one he left them behind. Two' remained, one of whom, on a poworfnl hay, was gaining at every strido. On ono tide lay the wide, open field, on the others worm fence, rough with projecting ends of rails—just beyond it waa e deop ditch but once ever, then wera the woods, reaching oo and on np the mountain sides—a safe cov er, ss Richard woll knew, for enysouthorn soldier familiar with their thadea. At a glance he determined to risk it—his mare would probably miss tho diteh, but even if dismounted he could gain the woods; aad he sharply wheeled his little mare straight for the oath, then drew rein and turned in another direction after cosier game. The man on the hay still followed. Exoept bit companion, fait dir: appearing from their view, they wero now soulyvisir “ I bio figures in tho field. The little gray mare rote to tho leap like a bird, cleared tho fence, cleared the ditch, and stood, quiver- log in every limb, on the otherstdo. The bay did not refuse the fence, hnthlsheel atm k the top rail and he ftll, and his rldor was thrown from him, his carbine hurled at loaatfifty yards off. Ton are my prisoner,” said Bichard with level, d pistol, as the man raised his head. The man nttored an orth—“That's hart lack.” he added, with a laogh, "when wo have routed the rest.” Richard langhcd good-naturedly. “Como, get up behind me—your bay Is done for. If we stay here, there may be a no v deal.” On the way to camp he learned hla prisoner's name, I. S. Reid, from the fsr west; and waa amused by his keen remarks, and reckloas sto ries of life on a ranch and In small mining towns. ITo treated him with every kindness, end when they parted, they exchtngol ad- other up dresses, and promised to look each __ after the war. It was quito characteristic of Bichard that he need up the envelope that evening to light his cigar, and in a month had hut year of the war waa gloomy at Sea r- ict Oaks—cot only public bnt private trouble weighed heavily on ita owner. Beverly, the son who had never given father or mother an fud, and frem the day tho news came fatblr waa an old man, walking heavily, and broken with Icrrow. He knew that flnancltl troubles lay in wait alter the days of mourn- the old horns? It wee on a 10ft aprlng twilight—when the air was fresh with dew, and amelia of budding things—that Itichtrd came back. Hit clothoa wero ragged, and ho was thin and broken down with marching and want of food, bnt his mother shed teaxs of joy over him. She would allow any one to speak of loss or trouble first week, and wont about her household not Inconvenience or privation sinoo Richard seemed touched 1 this love, and also by tho appealing confidenoo of his father, wh" told bier in long folks of which hit mother grew impatient-all tho tronbles, and debts and pressing tfiaims. 1 1 havo not been wise, I know,” ho said humbly, when Blchard criticised hit manage ment rather teverly, with tho unhesitating ■elf that I wanted to pat off tho evil day, wtt for yonr mother,”—he paused for a mo lt ent, then went on, “but now Scarlet Oaks is thim and I will listen to whatever brat— to nliovo the oatato, ’ wls'fully as he stopped. ”lt is a fioo old pltce—though ont of tho way - too fir from the railroad,” observed Richard, careless!} 'it has been a family place for generations.” said Beverly Hammond, a shadow falling on his fan, bnt trying to argue calmly. “ Tuoro Could bo nowhere else that yonr nemo is rec ognized at its full worth aa it Is here. Thero lisa been a Hammoad of Scarlet Oaks for almost £00 years.” Bichaid smiled a little. “i’erhaps we yonnger men do not value tra dition so much at yonr contemporaries did. Of cturfo tome arraugoment could bo made about tha debts— time gained for their payment—or the lower ikrm sold off—later, when northern capitalists begin to think of Investing In Vir- ' is land, or wo might dispose of a part of the Bia iauu. ur nu luiguit u *riot Oakf place itso'.f.’ 1 The father moved uneasily, bnt he said nothing. “If 1 were to remain here,” continued Rich ard, “and take charge of the farm, I should need money for current-expenses. I suppose it weald be impossible for yoa to furnish this?” * “Yes, ye»,” answered the father eagerly, “I have talked with my old friend, Judge Dab ney—” “The man who owns the mortgage?—to whom the other debts have been transferred?” ijucstiont-d Richard in surprise. “Yes—he is almost the only creditor now, but ho is an old friend—ho is as much inter* ested In yonr staying with ms, and saving the old place, aa I am. He talked ai kindly ai start the first year, lie u vorj fond of you, Richard.” Well”—said Richard rising np. scunds more practicable. There realty Is nosh* .... f „ au( j woafc leg better for me to do jast now,” out of the door humming “Dixie ” His father sighed, bat In his heart ho was md of his handsome, light-hearted son, and orgave him everything. ‘IIo is young now—ho will feel differently after a while,” he thought to himself; and he bis gray mare* like wuinh. ah** scathed oat of all the perils of war. Richard, after many solicitations, consented to call cn the Judge, who received him most cordially, heartily approving of his reso lution. “A few more young mtn like yoa woold be the very life blood of oar country, sir!” he said, with an old-fhabioned leaning to •11. UO HiU. WUU BU UIU'UWUIUUCU IVftUUJglU oratorical phrases—tho jodgo had often been called on to make speeches oo' the fourth of July, hubecnes, laying of corner-stones and tho like occasion*—“tho life blood of our coun try:” But at ho took ont his chock book ho added lilt’s advice in homely langaag* which Rich ard did not lika no woll as tho approval. That had almost made him feel os if it might be rather a fins thing to restore “Scarlet Oaks” to Us former glory. —was playing In the room, and looked op now aid then with bright, carioat eye.a.they talked. As tbs judge wot writing tho check, norther iiitorentered with littleceiemoay. Ho was rongb, 111 looking mu, whom Iticherd re membered as a former overseer for * gentle man in the neighborhood, Finchley, and he was surprised 10 too tho civility with which the judgo (noted him. At Finchley stared at him with econo block ayes, Richard wished that tho judge hod not been so evidently lent il g him money. "I don't approve of helping young men too mneb. Rich.nl,” mid the judge. “This is only for yonr father'srake-tiricUy fortno pnrpno of carrying on tha farm and getting Scarlet Oaks out of debt. I believe it wonld break your father's heart to givo up tho old plffiU. May Ood prosper yon in keeping it!” Finchley smiled rather unpleasantly. Ltttie John Dabney ran down to the gate with Blchard Hammond. “Do yon lovo yonr father?” ho aaked, with a child’s frank curi osity. “ Yes, of course,” answered Richard shortly. Ho na not used to being put in the second place, and have hit talent*, his energy his ting a pair of sweet, life on n farm go for nothing! ... l,Ufft_ . faoo, and patting his head caressingly. “Ho he comet.” Bnt this I suggestion was disregarded. Eliza ran ont to meet Bichard aa ha gal- a thick letter fury awe atrnck tone, ' north!’” trout porch. “Brotbor, hero a you, and only think,” in an “it's postmarked from the Here, at least, ha was a hero, and the consciousness tolacod hits wounded vanity. Eliza, he knew, wonld not venture to question him until he signified his willingness to speak. Tho ahy, reserved child looked np to him with absolute veneration. He came In to dinner in excellent spirits, ready to describe in his most entertaining man- 1 or his visit to Judge Dsbney, and hla uncouth visitor. If ho left out a few unessential re marks which the jadge had mado when hand leg him the money—well—Blchard on prlnd- His father recognized tho Judge's strango guest at once. ' Why; that wit rather a queer coincidence! Finchley Is the judge's creditor. tho Judge's strange I reckon ho Is as deeply in dobt to Finchley, u I am to him. Woll, well—it is hard to tell in whose hands property really 1 os now.” His trow clouded, and ho sighed deeply. “But tho greatest surprise after all is this,” and Richard * “ * cus looking!_ the by, I never told you about that"—and be tuo uj\ a uuver bum juu nuuuis tunk —auu mo dashed into a graphic sketch of tho fight and * ’ Ilf the chair, to which hit tense hearers listened with braatbless interest to tho vorw close. |Tho fellow fancoit himself rather indebted to mo for kinnness,” he” remarked in a careless tono, "and writes to offer mo a sharo in his cattle business-! ill's a big thing, yon can see, and he is going out to his ranch next week, and wsant me to Join him. I wonld noed nothing but my traveling e xpcnses,”ho oontlnno] thoughtfully. “Of ceurao ho thought I had enough for all that sort of thing—I don’t believe in crying pov erty in everybody's cars—and he wouldn't belly of offering money." take the liberty of offering money.” The mother Iqgked anxiously from fathar to "Yon eeo, father,” went on Blchard permit ivcly, “a good thing might bo made out of this cattle basinets in a year or two—It Is not like this slow farm-work with its penny profits. II should come back with money enough to pay loir all yonr Indebtedness and set Scarlet Oaks np for you lnold style—wonldn’tthat berathor bitter than l.nrying myself allvo hero?” “But, Richard." interposed tho mother tim iy,“how could yen go now; You said a moment ago you dbl not have tho moans?” rebeck of -.I-v. uUrtgo Dabney's wonld bo sufficient,” ho answered lightly, tapping it as "This: he spoke with his forefinger csreleuly. "I thought that—tho judgo told yonr f.thor it was to be and only for the flum—” “01,” said Richard in a proud tone, rising from the table, “if my ftther is unwilling to hud mo tho money, that end* it. Such an op portunity is not to be found twice, and it waa not only for my penonil benefit, aa yon aosm to inspect, that I wished to avail myaelf of Ilcld’a offer.” With an offended air ho left tho room. "Beverly, what does my boy moan by speak ing to to hla mother ;" the asked, with tears in her eyes. Tho old man bang hit bead. “My dear, women should not interfere In basinet* mat- tsis; thoy do not understand them. Wo must not Jet otraonly boy go without any help, anil feeling tsTf wo wero estranged from him In Interests,” he added, In a changed tono of voico. “No, no,” answered hit wife, coming q-ilckly to hltilde, “bnt most ho go now? Ho bit Just returned to ns, and what will yon do?” “I will explain about the chook to Jadge Dahncy myself. This really is a wonderful yo _ Hone of Boveriy Hammond’s financial tones had been so bitter to him aa that in which his wife's estate htd been swallowed up, and hit fatal step of borrowing money had boen taken with the vain hopa of keeping _ her from fool ing ita lost. Bichard went, and even before he loft, his hriher talked with at much enthusiasm as blmscifof the bonndloas resources of the west, and pitied tho lack of enterprise and spirit 1 list kept others at home. The first chock to bey’s. Hla old friend mot him wonted cordiality, hut he had plainly shown Ms distrust of Richard’s tnocost, and his dis approval of Us conduct in regard to the loan. The old us rode homeward, hit thonlden negligently in one hand, for his horse weidull, and not inclined to go without an ooeaelonal touch. Aa ho rode near tho old blacksmith's ■hop by the roadside, ha heard tho excited voices of a group of mon. FincUey teamed to he tho chief speaker. Yo don' say ho jo*' tuk tho mosey, on’ lit out?” ejaculated ono - of the listeners—epos moot lied. It's jot’ oz I am a-tollln’ yo’,” and Bovtrly Hammond reined up his horse, wUch stopped Hammond reined up bis horse, which (topped very willingly on tho outskirts of the gronp, and fell to grarlog. Finchley wont on, with out noticing that ho had another listener: “Tho Jcdgo tez, this here money Is for you ftthor, he tes, ‘not Air yo’,’ an' tho nex’ wook the fes' thing I beard, ha waa gone, on’ olo Ham mond amt to much u teched that money, all a made-np tala about his farmin’,” ’Twaa and ha aided with a crane laugh. The poplar twitch root in tho air and cam* down with fore* on Finchley's hood and shoulders, end the astonished mtn Brand him self tbs object of* furious castigation. ‘There, taka that, yon lying car!” •witch broke, and Boveriy Hammond throw 1 as the who fennd Finchley ts a rage rather ditflcol manage, and rods slowly away. But nothing cams of this. Mr. Hammond bia wife never saw him cross tho throsl, without ar slcty, bnt Finchley mane no fartl demonstration,and Mr. Hammond concluded that he wu not such a bad follow after all, bat nrderstood haw a ftther fait on hearing hiaton helled. He bimaalf could not ehariah a private grudge for a day. The years that followed won only marked by more and more smell economies, and tha ntnowing network of debts drawing cl osar amend them. Very ftw gueeta cam* now to such a qnlet homo, they no longer needed so mat y -rrTints or homo. When Bichaid cam* haik, then tha old lift could begin sgtio. Hire did not go to school. “It la better for a girl to bo with her mother,” laid Beverly Hammond. In troth, there was no monoy, and her help was needed in honehold work. He himself had lost and moro fccblo only brightening a letter came from Riohard, lllng of tome echemo for a colossal fortune. Mexico with wit “Ho i* so busy," said tho mother, “we cannot expect him to write ao rognlarlyat wo quiet, stay-at-home people ran manage to do”—or “Yon remember, Eliza, he mentioned having t< make a long Journey on some Important both noil connected with tho new railroad. Us will bo 1 tiro to writo on his retain”—and sometimes, “Porhapa his next letter may havo good nows- we havo waited for one ao long.” “Good news" hid bnt ono meaning for hor—the possibility of Richard’s sure return. “When Dick Hammond gitl back,” said Finchley^ with a sneor to his cronies, “then the Id mo a hint before, mako it all right next ought to have droj Never mind, Lizzie, 1 lime.” Eliza loft the room with tightly compressed lips. “The girl needs going ont in tho world,” ob served Blchard, sagely. “Annie wonld put a little life In hor In no time.” Nothing was said of the salo until at tha enpper tnblo when Blchard suddenly burst in- WOMEN AT THE POLLS. JedlS 1 bona _ an’no'll strop manners, an’tho muon' nade of green choose.” “Mother,” seld Eliza one day—oho was a tall slender girl of 21,with a ahy, roserrod meaner —“When things are qnlet a long, long time, y< 1 ha mother started. “Why child, whst queer question!” Sho thought of the many , Sho thongl _ „ boors they had sowed together silently—tho oldsr.eroman communing with memories, anxie ties Hid hopes—flint and kbsdowy—and for. getting tho yonnger life—and tho fait a keen pong of self-reproach. The child noodod tomo chtnge and amusement; that waa only natural. “I mean, mother, I am afraid of Ur. Finchley. I know he hates ftther, and ho has kopt quiet so long. Tho mother broke hor thread nervously. Oaks’’—there wts to bo a sal* at I*»t-“to spite yonr ftthei?” She asked with a trembling voico. Slim’s face ga- He las mado no more toward it. Oh the contrary a lawyer from Now York is negotiat ing for it- hnt Blchard will no doubt bs hero before then.” "He has not said anything of hit oomlng, mother.” ‘No; bnt that it jnit Ilko tho boy,”—to hit boy still, “f mother's heart ho was a boy still, "ho only ssnts to tako ns by surprise. That wonld bo Just like him.” “Mother," said Eliza, after a long pants, with her ryes cast down, “don’t yon think It might bo possible that thla lawyer ia acting for Mr. Finch’ey?” Hammond’s face grow a ahsdo prior. •That's a silly ldoa, ElIxaT yon letd too mtn; .- — id th’a quiet lift pats morbli head. ‘ “Eliza,” 'putting ont ^^and suddenly, “Who la that oomlng up the walk?” It urn a young man, tanned by tho ana, and with K All b< rrd. of athletic fignro and quick mcvcmciitr, about Richard's tizo and hofght. Ho was apparently of Richard's ago when ho went trsy.bat the mother did not think of cliau a sho watched him cagorly as he came nearer, nis eyes wore gray, his hair of a bronzo hue; Richard's wero both of a dark brown: It wos a stranger, and Mrs. Hammond, elrk with long deferred hopo, fell back pale and trembling. Tho yonng man sprang np tha step* with a bound, sent Eliza for wine, tho door* and win dows were open and had taken In tho alt ia- Ton at a glance, and Mrs. Hammond, revived by bis gentle attention, oat np; ho introduced himself as an old Alond, John Dsbney. The had died several jean boforo, and hit whole citato had only infflcod to pay his debts. All only ion hi supported bit mtalcsl education. . gono to work for hlmsolf, lotted bit mother, and given hlmsolf a “Dr. Dabney?” asked F.liz* with a blnsh, re- with whom sho and tho had gono fishing In tho joungor cinks and ponds. “Yes,but I did not expect, ho added, with a smile, "lo bear my title hero.” Mm Hammond looked still so weak, that hs Insisted on her lying down. 8ha would not consent to lot Ellzs stay with her. “No, no," - uf wou i<i rather ho qnito sho said Impatloutly, “I alone, tnd rest.” Ellu went back sorrowfully to thoir gnash chard; she's not “£ho mistook you fur Rlkm.iw, ...» ■ uw, kuu him for so long,” sho said, hor dark oyoo filling with tiara. His faco grow very grave and sympathetic Was she expecting him homo?” than- ipected him so long.” IIo began to talk of t othor things, and deliv ered a mrasago from bis mother—the record ing angst lately wiped out that nntrnth with simllo—urging a visit from Mrs. Hsmmond rod Elisa. “It wonld do your mothor good, tnd divert her mind,” ho urged. Eliza's oyoo tnu invert nor miutif no urjjou. r«n» n oyes brightened at tho thought, ami tho had half ....... j Q f t> pn raised for both when But Mr*. Hammond did not go. Tha next spoke of bio rtturn. One morning sho did not come to breakfast aa tuual, and three weeks aferwerd ahs was it nat, and Beverly Ham mond and his daughter wero ail atone In tho retire. Dr. Dihneylendcrlycntrratod Eliza to eemo „ his home—this time os Ita mistreat- but she would not conaont to leave hor father, “Ho shall always have a homo with os,” bo pleaded. She shook lur head. “IIo would not loavo Scarlet Oaks now. I could not ask him." Meantime the day of tho ulo approached; and by a cruel Irony of fate Blchard came. He wrote that ho had business of importanco in Washington, end would atop to MO them on route. His ftthor was in a state of tremulous exclti men t when ho arrived, but Eliza hit cold tnd benumbed, Bichtrd himself was silent at Hist bnt toon rallied. Ho htd grown vory bold place on his head, and added linos on ftce, showing tho marks of time. Elira felt t bat ho wsa looking at hor critically tnd that the darn on hor drew was on act of 'premedlattd poverty" in Ida eyes. The father uketl after his wife with old* beliii md conrtssy. •Ob, Annie ia very woll, thank yon.—and there’s a boy now—named after hor father Eiastus Fold- -be’otho richest man ont there, •nd U awfully pleated by the attention—bnt • L. I— takas kla 1/UtlrB fmitl Atl W Hill St fttwt lift tho hoy takes hit looks from oar sidt,” and h* smiled complacently, "When will yon bring them with yon?” askad Bliss. “Wo would like to know yonr fife “IVsll-Annie It UMd to living In rather a big way, yoa know—she ha* no idea tint I wasn't born with a fortune, and it wonld **em Wry pla'n to her—thla old place,” and ho loofcid at tho coiling whoro tho stains of leak ing wero visible, oral the plaster bsd follon Ella kept silence, and ha odd rat sod bia next remark to his father. “I mot Dsbney at tho station, and ho oooosod Inclined to bo social—ovory yonng follow about here will waat mo to gt ro him a lift, I dare *Kilza'i fiscs Irarnod with indignation. “John ia an cxcollont yonng man,” intorpoood Mr. Hammond nncaaily. “I don’t know a hotter." R'chsrd looked op, caoght the expression of E'lra’t hen and tucks into tho old uorry, heorty laugh. rty IsBfl _ Eh-dots tho wind blow that way? Von to a laugh and chuckle, and said:— “I'll tell yoa a capital Joko, ftthor, on old Finchley. Ho has boon raving np his money all those years—and hs thinks from my stop ping by now, that I want Scarlet Oaks, and ha Is going to mako his Now York lawyer ontbid mo—thinks ho laapitlngmo—and the troth is, I-wonidn’t havo the old place on my hands. It's entirely ont of tho world now, sud will tumble to pieces in n few years. We'll do well lo get rid of IE” The next day Blchard wont to tho sals. His father had Mamed vory quite, only assenting now and then In a Ufolera way to his remarks. Alter Bichard had been gono a few horns, ho eulltd Eliza anxiously to hla side:— “Will Finchley ont down tho oiks before I die, Elira? Ho slwayo raid ho would. Call shade onco moro—and il'a a mild day, toil Hannah to bring tho baby.” dng Alarmed by these wandering words, Ellzs ....... Into a feverish sloop, words. Bho had Mnt for tho phytic could only sit betldo him, and wait with an anxious and foreboding hurt. At last oho hind John Dabney's ftmlliar stop and thoroM to toll him her father was sleeping. Hs enter ed with so blight a face that sho pausod In sur- [.rife. Old Beverly Hammond opened hit eyes and (aught his look at tho same moment: “It himself op. “Yi s, good nows—tho host of nowai Biohsrl thenght totter of lt,*'ter ha heard old Finchley bisg, and bought It in. Tho old follow got f rand off when ho hoard of Richard’s money, and hocked ont boforo there had beats a dozen bids. Scarlet Oaks It yonrt u long as yon live!” testing hit hat np In a boyish style. A smile of delight ovorsproua tho old man's ftro. ‘Ho rlchard bought It! Thank God. thank Istan ax touch ood boy, Ellzs, and ha will not thorn?” ho said, turning appeal- “Why, no, ftthor—no ono wonld hurt tho 1 pillows, for 1 hastily arrange cllncd to llo down. John Dabney stepped forward and took him fiomheraimt-alifelMi form—bnt with tho smile ofccstacy still lingering on bis lips. ' ' !hod by his own kindly to it by giving tho old homestead to Elisa on her marrlago day; and antnmn after antnmn, the rod loaves of tho scarlet oaks fall fut and thick on Bovorly Hammond’s gravo, and cover It with a pall of gloiy, and Eliza's ohlldron play In their shado 0ow the Fair Ones of Washington Territory Cast Their Ualtota. Waii.a-Wali.a, May 10,-Althongh a toa ds rftot and acquainted with fear in our vicinity, I was appointed Judge ot election In Mica pro- clnct. A stiugglc was In progress betwixt rival loans lor the county seat, and runners hod boon through the precincts urging everybody to bring out Ihc votes of the ladles. In this chivalrous re gion our women have equal prerogatives with men, although thoy view the ballot with an tndiffisrsnea agonizing lo all advocates of suffrage. 1 went early to the polls, a small, log school, house In the hills, shadowed by lofty pines, A . rough wsgon rood ran by the schorl house, where* In deer trscis were quite as common as hoof-prints of hones. The ladies were not early at tho poll* A Illlle before noon came a family parly, a maw, wife and three children. Boon alter, from every direction, as If by preconcerted arrangement, wagons drove up containing similar households, hot only were all tho little ones brought along, bat enormous Jugs of milk end basket* of lunch. Tho hsrhelon . scattered tim idly sud tho ladles swarmed In upon..uo moved Iho benches around thellro, blockaded the doorway, and took ouilro pos*onion of tho prom- bes. They were farmers' wives, traxom, scuslblo and cuorgollc. A moro domestic scene ono seldom sees. Ileic a mother nursing her baby, then a tend father Doling his infant daughter, yonder* knot of women exchanging reclpas for mixed pickles, tnd again an eager group sotting oat lurch and pasalog pie ami sliced pork to their friends.; J could not at first understand thla Invasion, until I learned that the achoolhouse waa tha ouo pubUa rssoi t for social purposes. Dances, panics, singing Tho Story olToin, Joo (Cnd Jake. From tho AK Lake Tribune. Tcm Collett, with two frlonds whom I shall christen Joo and Jako, was making a slow and neon near some hot springs not tar from Walker like. Discovering a largo holo or pool that wu full of cold water tnd convenient to ouo of tho hottest or Iho hot springs, thoy turned tho hot watsr ss It flowed ont of the spring Into tho pool, unit tho hot end cold water Dlcmllng mods It ex actly the right temperature for abath. This done, tbty plunged in and enjoyed tho delicious water ts only these con who have traveled some day! over dusty alkali trails In hot weathor. When suppsr wu over and tho j had lighted thole pines, the theme of conversation for olong time M thoy smoked, waa tho dcllclouh bath they had takon, and Ibo wonderful senso of refreshment It had brought them. Full of Iho Joy of It, they spread their blankets on a grssoy plot hentath somo wil lows a few yards distant from tho spring and full asleep. Tom was np with Iho dawn. Rooollccllons of bin lino bath or tho previous ovonlug woro still frtsb In hla mind, ho, bounding up Rom hit blank ets with a ship and t Jump, bo plungod Into tho pool to hla middle. With a groin of agony ho sprang outfagaln with tho agility of a wildcat. Tho hot water had bgcn running all night. Houn bo- loro dawn the cold-water pool bad been roadered almost as hot as that or the hot spring Itsel r. Brief as had been Iho ncriod between hla entry and hla exit, Tom'! fair shin waa changed to the color of • lolled lobster. He waa toon In s terrible state, aa tbo skin was almost sufficiently cooked to pcol off. A» ho asserts, ho “wu u loader os s yonng pultst that bad been cooked two hoars." With infinite care he draw on his pantaloons end boots, though hs fell ts though tbo cookod flesh were peellug oil In strips wherevar his clothing touched him. Foro- log back tbo toon ot anguish that wero welling out or bia eyes Tom erupt back to ctmp. Though It waa a most difficult thing 10 do, no put on hit oldllmo frank smile u bo nesrod tho sloeplng Pisco at tho willows, for Jako bad awakonodand wu ilttina on Ida blankets, gaping and stretching. Seeing Tom approach, Jako asked where ho had I cen—lf ho bad beon oat looking after their po nies. Tom replied that bo bad ao enjoyed his both of Iho evening boron, and had boon so much ban- cflltd by It, tbit be could not think of b.osklug up camp without repeating It. “Jskr,” sold be, “it's Just lovely!” Jtko did not wait to bear more. Bouncing up from bis blankets bo tubed away toward the pool. As swiftly as bo oould move, considering the tender condition of his skin, Tom followed, and dodging bohlad a con venient ciumpof willows, kopt covert watch. Jake threw off tbo lew dafla In which ho bad slept, bounced Into the pool, uttered a yell of mingled anguish end rtgo, then clawed his way out upon tho greOntnrf with Uto colorlty or an alder. As scon u ho stood erect he begin making twin ap plications of bis open hinds to various putt of his body to ornst the ptln, each particular square Inch of bis hide teeming to hart wore* than tbu other. All this time ho wot swearing sbluestretk. Und er tnd louder rots bis voice, as Its hi began to brook upon bis mind, whoa Tom stepped out from bit bldleg piece, cry fog: “llusbup! Would you bawl Uke 0 bull cgii tnd (Ivo ns awty, when that othsi ■on of a gnu np In camp Is not yot cookod; Yo tnd I btvc hid our dote. Man, we mutt cook him or wo shall nsver hew the last of It.” Boot hot by this, Jako carefully drew on bis (routers ana shirt and Iho pair leisurely proceeded to ctmp. By Ibis time JOS bad oommtnced to route np, Bering Tom and Jako approaching bo asked If ihey bad "fbnnd tbo atock-the pontes?” “Boniest no," sold Tom, "sro haven’t boon look ing tor the potties. Wa bars boon taking a bath. Doycu think,” said bo, as be stood bolding his ^.s.isuwis nwtt (mm thft rftftr of hta Mrvm. "An held hero. Mgnal for a general tMemblago of frload*, and the wemeu had evidently given moro thought to thla Act than to tho original motive of theoccaaion. Pi ill they tamo. Jiy coon the building waa fairly packed, and tho plcnlo appearance Increased with every arrival. “It you iron ginghama and callcocaon the wrong aide they look”— “Ilia very beat c6w. Tbo unotv was ilcop, and all tho poor thing got to eat was moss’*— “They aay her victuals taftto of plno gum half tho 1 Inc. Drot»a from the pitch ranora”— "I pulled tho poor child's tooth myao!f, ao”— “Who shall you vote for, Sue?” “Me? I don t know. Jack ain't hero yet." “Mamma, give xne como pic, too." “Oh, Klizn, at the polls after n’ll" "1 cp. Didn't want to come n bit. BUI la repub lican and 1 told him I’d vote democratic aura If ho nmdo me come. But he aald uo mattor, ao bng aa wo both voto for Spokane Falla’ ’ Took! I gucu we’ro every bit aa sharp at tho men folka" Don't vote for Bplcer. They aay ho iroatt hit wifo perfectly awfUl." “1 tall you, Umea has changed!" commented s man In bloat© and overalls leaning against a plno. “When 1 was aboy, to home in Indianny, 1 recol lect heatin’ maw and paw talk this votin' bualnen over. *1 tell ye,' says tho old man to her, T wouldn't have ye go to the poll! nohow. Yoa'd have to walk up to the box through a crowd of loafers, all smokin' pipes and itarln^at ye, and • you’d sink through the floor.’ llo orto bo hero now." But at last, after Innch was eaten and pat aviy, and the babies bad had their naps and the ladle* had exhausted all tho goailp, a general movement was made towayd departure. It was a long way* homo, and (he cows to milk, and wator to draw» and aupper to get and tho breakfast dUheatowaih at the beds of all. After such a festival ono might suppose tho ladies would! vole cheerily, bat this was not tbo t-axe. It had been postponed as longaa possible and notv that it must actually bedono they went at It spitefnlly. Here was a hunhand handing rival tickets to hia wife and raying for tho public oar, “You can vote whichever you like.” at tho same Ume gripping hii own ba'lot with a resolute air and a Jtw of such outline ax mado ouo bopo hta hj»ou*o would vole aa bo did, In llictircrcAU of domcfctlo peace. There adamo waa Imperatmdy thrusting on hex husband the prohibition tlckec. Thera prohibition ladles were earnest and la* pantaloons away from the rear or hU person, “do yon think we’d break camp without one more mag- ..irtsvMt mint? Knt mrvh " nlficrotswlm? Not mock.' Alibis Joe sprang np crying: “Not much, you Utt” and dished away toward Iho mile pood. As Jos disappeared behind tbs willows Tom Jot disappeared behind tbs willows Tom sprang for hit pistol and look off ai} the caps. Ho tnd Jako then secured tbetr own revolvers, Tom cry- ■(jet your pistol, Jako-quick: Tboro’ll bo SsMJTiM ^ r'mS tot lie socccidlai Urns day*. give In Ihrir ballots with an air ( Beyond tbcio few who bad a definite personal pot pose, Ilia voting wu perfunctory tnd dons with msnlfi.t dislike. Tho ladles oach handed Ibot ballot to tho Inspector hiilMtlnily, watcHod curt ouily ss I10 put it m Iho boa and turned away with a loss or tbu bead. "Then : Ii'a tho Hnt lime I crer voted, and 11H bo tbu last I” J hope flpokona Ftlb atte tbo county owt so wa can slay boms next Umo." "You men must bo growing weak-minded when you drag an old lady like me out to vote. I'm 70 ytert old. Old enough to know botterl” And nllb contemptuous air lbs dames rtUrad id iho wagons. Alas! Tbo perversity or human nature! While many of their titters In the oast si*b for snfltago those who have It hold it in dl*> (lain. Now cimo young Tyndall and hb wifo on bon*- back, and User* wsk quite a stir among tho Indira who still lingered In the wagons and tbo "hoobaaf* around iho titei. Ttudn.l bad purchuod Uioold* tit and largest ranch In the precinct and had brought t bride from “an Francisco several month* before. Ft w htd seen her, for she was vory retired and aristocratic. A young women, with peachy glilbh ftoo, a wealth of blonde btlr tnd round, bright bluo eyev, attired ln*n elegant riding habit of dork (TOM velvet, wltb a long plume on ber dainty cap. , "Bho looks very young I ” mid tho Inspoctor as the couple drew dost. "Do you think she'* old enough to volet" "No, i don't," replied ono of iho Judges. "Then tho oitgbt not to bo allowed." “You’ll bare lo ssk her oge,” told another ot the judges. The burly inspector looked concerned and nerv ous. More nervous yet u Iho bride came lo, glanood atout and blushed lo And herself tbu only woman prcstoL Tyndall, wbou* dram and hcariog showed etrir culture, nodded lo the officials, took hb wife's ins and escorted her forward. He picked out hb tldt c u Rom ibo table, folded ouo tod banded to ber, folded Ibo other and bold It hotwMu hb finger* Mrs. Tyndall presented btraoU before tho ballot box oiul raised her ticket, uncertain whst coat util. Ber Innocont bluo oyot retted on the Its ■sector with o pretty look of wonder and Inquiry. The Inspector dropped hot ballot Into the box. No doubt a berb renklse in hbcoucteooolothia day* tin. Tyndall stood looking on an instant, with, out nsovtng. “ft that ail?” she cried at list, astonished. 'Thai's all. You’ve voted, Blelle,” sold bM bu*. episode ki her. woooacrr cnua When Iho Oo* So Bo Qnoen. From Ibo Argonaut. Ono o? Ibo first things Quoon Victoria dM, osi bearing UsaUba had succoodml lo ibo Ibroooi “Am I rcalif quota?” askod tho oxritod prtnera*. •You ore. Indeed, modems," repltod tbo tady l^- waiung. "And I sen do whet I cboraw by rtftFTj SBSBBBBfgSi inljr, roar nu3«*ty-^ •JehSsHSS iiiaMUt of tbo Ibftqa, euAHft