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Only a Circus Rider,
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Only a Circus Rider, What a handsome man • "I believe you are infatuated with him, and he only a circus rider! I am ashamed of you, Jane Randolph." Perhaps "and the beautiful girl lifted her eyes dreamily at her almost equally fair cousin as she replied—" perhaps I see deeper into his character and right position in life I than you do, Isabelle." Right position ? Fiddlesticks! You put me out of all patience with such nonsense. Right position, indeed As if one with the slightest pretension toeven more than common decency, if that much, would become the spangled hero of a sawdust ring." H Spangled he is not. No one ever dressed with less of tinsel and more refined taste in his chosen wallt of life. Hero he is, for even your carping criticism cannot deny he is the peer of all riders you have ever seen that no one can approach him in grace that he is exceptionally daring. I can tell you, Isabelle, there is something more than brute muscle— there is mind in the dlVection of his move- ments, and all around bow to its mastery." A prince in disguise laughed her com- panion. More than a prince in good looks, and I shall be very much surprised if he is not also one in education. His face reveals that much, and his slightest motions betray the gentleman." "A gentleman circus-rider: A white- blackbird and Isabella laughed long and bitterly. 11 W by not as much as in any other pro- fession? Have you forgotten the copy you were so fond of writing at school, and eter- nally dinning in my ears ?" 11 1 Worth makes the man,' and the rest P Pshaw! I have learned better since then." II Have forgotten your bread-and-butter days retorted Jane, for the first time per- mitting her tongue to drop gall. I trust years have brought discretion." And, a la Pitt, I the atrocious crime of being a young "Stop, Jane There comes your hero again." And a hero he is, every inch of him." Charles Manvers—"Claude St. Leon, the Apollo of the Arena," as named in the bril- liantly illuminated posters-passed down the street utterly unconscious of being the cause of discussion in the rival beauties. And it is doubtful if the matter would have pro- voked even as much as a smile had he known it, He was a singularly graceful and handsome man—one would have said a close student, rather than one living by deeds of muscular and reckless daring. His figure was tall and lithe—his eyes and hair of extreme blackness- the former most expressive, and the latter piled in nlnsterinpf ourls about a shapely head. His hands and feet were small, mark- ing, according to the prevailing opinion, aristocratic birth and blue blood." His skin was singularly fair, his manners a trifle haughty, and the expression of his face always sad. Of his history nothing was known. A veil carefully concealed it from the world. He had never known any other life, and yet kept himself aloof from coarse association—always left as soon as his part in the performance was ended. And this mystery made him the topiu of conversation among the easily dazzled girls far more than would otherwise have been the case; and had he been so disposed, he could readily have persuaded many a foolish heiress into a match that would have little pleased her parents. The world has yet to learn that many a manly and true heart beats beneath the tinselled garments of those who waste life and strength for their amusement-that they have equal loves and sorrows-more of phy- sical suffering and few joys. it was growing late in the afternoon, atnd the hero of the arena pressed forward to a distant part of the city, entered a modest- looking house, passed to the upper story and into neatly-furnished apartments—those of j his mother and himself and a singled aged servant. What makes you so late p" asked his parent, in the querulous tone of one who has long been an invalid. 1 was detained unexpectedly. I hope you are feeling better," he replied. "You always are. Did you bring the money ? No, I am no better." He handed her some gold, and, turning to the side table, he sat town and partook of a hurried meal before going to ,the amphi- theatre. At the first glance one would have said there could have boen no relationship between the mother and son. She was an old, hag-like woman-never could have pos- sessed much of beauty, and he must have in- herited from his father, of whom he had no recollection-must have gotten from him, also, the taste for study, in which be so secretly indulged at every available moment —the high arnbition-the fond desire to become famous in the world through some other medium than the one he was follow ing. ing. His mother, ill for years, and not long to remain in this world, had hinted a strange union, and that was all he could learn. Would the icy fingers of death give to her lips free utterance ? He bad hoped, longed and prayed that such might be the case. But till that hour came he would have to bear patiently with her ill temper and grasping avarice, even though like a prisoned eagle beating against the bars of freedom, His meal finished, he bade his mother good night, and passing into the other room held a brief and whispered conversation with the servant, one who had beer, very long with them. j It was'soon, however, interrupted by moans from the sick chamber, to which they both hastened to look after the sufferer. I And he who was most interested of all of I the earth listened as well. Then both started, and in a moment were by the bedside—the bed over which the shadows of the dark- winged angel of death were fast lowering. It was too late! Respiration had almost ceased < Lbo tonguo was paralysed; the ash v i lips moved, but gave forth no sound. The eyes looked wistfully, and the efforts to speak were painful to behold. Her thin and bony hands still clutched the money that had been given her, but a great change had come over the faoe. The stern and cold lines had softened, and both the watchers saw that she would have given all her hope for this world —almost, if not quite, all for the next-for even a very brief interval of speech. It was too late Like many who die thus suddenly, she had put off until the hour of revelation was beyond her power, and the secret died with her. No, not so. As the nurse composed the chilling form, a scrap of paper was found beneath the pillow, upon which were scrawled a few lines. She handed it to her companion. He read it, and sank into a seat with as fervent aa ejaculation of thankfulness as ever was breathed by mortal lips. For a time he sat as some one overcome by good fortune. Then the striking of the cloak aroused him, and after a few hnrried instruc- tions, he rushed forth to play his part, mut- tering as he went, For the last time—the very last. Then I am free The amphitheatre was crowded. It was a gala night, and the assembly far more bril- liant than usual. Every seat was occupied, every eye turned upon him as he entered, dressed with unusual beauty, and with his handsome face lighted as no one had ever seen it before. This was remarked by his associates upon his first appearance among them, and, though none questioned him, it became the subject of comment. But the man who took care of his horse ventured the remark that he would need to be on his guard. Why F" was curtly asked. I have never seen the mare so wild and ugly as she is to-night." Pshaw! some one has been teasing her and you are afraid of her." 0 "That may be, sir;" and—and under his breath—" she is wild anyhow, and I don't think you are much better." Of the truth of these words the A polio of the Arena became satisfied as he looked upon his favourite trick horses. They were two beauties, one white has milk and the other of raven blackness, with the contrast striking as they dashed at wild speed around the ring, he rapidly changing position from one to the other. The minor attractions having been gone through with, he stepped from behind the curtain, and was greeted with such a storm of applause as to cause envy in the hearts of all the other performers. Nothing like it had ever been received by them. But though his eyes wandered coldly over the vast sea of eager faces, he felt his bosom thrill at the. triumphant reception, and resolved to outdo all his former efforts to make his name re- membered for that night, if it never would be from any other. He bowed his acknowledgments as' the horses were being brought in, sharing with him the applause, and then sprang to bis place upon the coal black one, and executed the most daring postures with an ease and skill that almost robbed them of the appear- ance of eff-ort. The coal-black horse ran steadily, and re- vealed the perfect training he had received; but the snow-white mare was restive and un- certain in her gait, and the watchful eyes of those experienced in such matters instantly saw that she was not to be relied upon when the trying moment came, With something of passion flushing his handsome face, after having been thwarted in an easy leap, the rider changed his posi- tion to her back, checked her furious speed, attempted to quiet her, and at last dealt heavy blows with his whip, leaving crimson ridges on the silky hide. A visible tremor shook the forms of the ringmaster, clown, and attendants. They knew she would never endure the lash, and her laid-down ears told plainly that all the lurking devil of her nature was aroused. The fearless rider saw their doubts. He under- stood their feelings, but only smiled, and, after riding at the most reckless speed for a time, thrilling the heart of every looker-on, he succeeded in reducing the mare to some- thing of quiet, and began making prepara- tions for the final and grand effort. This was one never before attempted by any man in any ring. Reversing his steeds so that they would run in coui-ter directions at the same time, he proposed to first leap from one to the other while at flying speed, and at last, in the crowning effort, to the high leap and turn a somersault. The profession understood it far better than the audience; but even they comprehended enough to sit with bated breath, many shuddering, with turned-away faces—all as if hanging by a single hair over some wild terror, The most reckless feats of rope or trapeze were tame when compared to it. With them there was, at least, a shadow of certainty; with him, nothing! One horse was flying from beneath his feet while he was in the act of leaping to the other, and that other bound- ing away even while he was attempting to gain a footing. Under the most ordinary circumstance the attempt to perform such an act was very nearly allied to madness, with the horses running steadily, and truly was hazardous in the extreme. But with one of them now halting, now dashing ahead, and erratic in her course, foolhardy was a mild name for it and lunatic was freely coupled with that of him who thus set at defiance all regard for safety. Break his neck, as true as I am a sinner!" muttered the clown under his breath. Never saw such a fool in my life would say he was crazy drunk if I didn't know he never drank. 'By all that is lovely! he has made the leap in safety. y The latter part of his words, at least, were true. The Apollo of the Arena had leaped from the black to the white steed, and was, standing firm and kissing his finger tips to the audience, who were wild with applause, Once again he repeated the daring act, then paused to breathe himself and his pant- ing steeds, and Jane Randolph (who had been among the most interested of the spectators) whispered to her fair cousin Isabella, "What think you now of my hero f" lie is a hero, indeed; but I sincerely wish he would give over such acts It fairly makes the blood curdle within my heart!" fI Hush he is starting again and the hands of the cousins were clasped and pressed together in the intensity of their breathless excitement. The white mare whirled like a wind-driven snowflake to the right; the black horse as a tempest-swept thunder-cloud to the left; the rider braced himself for the effort, looked gayly around, bowed, threw a somersault. The mare sprang aside as his feet touched her, and he fell heavily to the ground, and with his head doubled under him He has broken his neck vociferated the clown, giving way to his feelings, regardless of all propriety. -0 Amid the crush of eager men and fainting women the unfortunate man was lifted up- a mere bruised, breathless, lifeless lump of olay i "Carry him to my house," said a command- ing voico, and the words of so well-known and respected a man as Doator Randolph were not to be disputed. For a long time he (with others who prof- fered their service) worked to flare the Heat- ing life, and in the end was successful. Then the physician passed into another room, where his daughter and her cousin were seated, and, in answer to eager questioning, said, Jane, the circus rider will live. His fall was a terrible one, but he was simply stunned. In a few days he will be able to be about again." And resume his matchless performance, father ?" That he will never do, my child Why, father ?" Because he is my son and your bruther And he went on and explained of his having been stolen when very young—trained by the wretch of a woman he had called mother for her own ends-that she bad died suddenly, and- My brother!" gasped Jane, interrupting him. Now I know why he possessed so strong and powerful an attraction for me. I must go and see him." In good time, my child." That good time soon came. The" Apollo of the Arena disappeared from publio life, and the majority fancied had been instantly killed but Jane and her cousin knew this was not the case, and the former was not surprised when, a year later, the latter whispered to her of a love that had grown into her young life. So you have found your hero, Isabella ?" Yes," with a rosy blush. And an Apollo of the Arena ?' Yes, but the arena is circumscribed—is only my very heart of hearts —Evening1 World.
Montgomery Peel.
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Montgomery Peel. I shall never forget the first time I ever saw Montgomery Peel. He was, as a justice of the peace, presiding at the preliminary trial of A ndrew Brukemore, charged with the murder of David C. Cahoon. I was a mere boy at the time, but I remember that Mont- gomery Peel made a profound impression on me, and I also recollect that when my father, in answer to a question, said that a justice of the peace was not a high officer, I wondered why Peel had taken the Peace; wondered why he had not declared himself Governor of the State. He was a very tall man, with black, inquiring eyes, and a great growth of dark brown whiskers. He presided aj my ideal of dignity; his voice was penetrating and his questions were to the point. At first everyone appeared to think that Andrew Brukemore was surely the murderer of David C. Cahoon, but as the examination proceeded, as the justice threw the soft light of apparent innocence upon the dark complexion of seeming guilt, it was plainly seen that the prisoner would not be held to await the action of the grand jury. H Gentlemen," said Montgomery Peel, arising and addressing the assembly, I have attempted to look with the eye of calmness and wisdom into this case. I have blunted my ears to the whisperings of prejudice, and within myself I have quieted every impulse that sought to jump towards a hasty conclu- sion. A t first the evidence was bold against the man, but what at first seemed to be a wall of evidence now proves to be a fog or deception.! Andrew Brukemore," he continued, turning majestically to the prisoner, there are times, sir, when we are called upon to face the trials of dark severity. You have faced yours, and now step aside without a stain upon your garments. Gentlemen, it is my desire that you all shake hands with Mr. Brukemore." The scene was affecting. In that quiet Virginia community murder was of rare oc- currence. Indeed, many old men who were present had never before seen a prisoner held under so grave a charge. Everyone pressed forward and shook hands with Brukemore, and I remember hearing a red-headed, freckled- faced boy say, 11 1 reckon the folks are cryin, pap, 'cause they air sorry they ain't goin' to hang him." This trial seemed to make a different man of Montgomery Peel, for he attended church more regularly, and when his term of office expired he did not announce himself as a can- didate for re-election. One day, several years ago, father and I were riding through the woods when we came upon Montgomery Peel cutting down a tree. Why, what are you doing here t" my father asked. You are surely not chopping firewood this hot weather." No," said the giant-and he was indeed a giant—" I am going to build a house." What, build a house away out here P" Yes, for the house I am going to build would be out of place anywhere except in the quiet woods, I am going to build a church." It will take a strong preacher, Peel, to draw a congregation away up here." If the size of the congregation depends upon the strength of the preacher it is likely to be small, for 1 am to be the preacher." You are joking." Did you ever know me to joke f" be asked, standing with one hand resting on the tree and gazing earnestly at my father. I don't know that I ever did, Peel, but T can hardly believe that a man of your bright prospects could content himself with preach- iag in this lonely place. Why, there is not a house within three miles." Peter sometimes preached many miles distant from any house, yet thousands of people went to hear him." Yes, that is true but Peter proclaimed a new and interesting gospel, while you can only hope to follow in a well-worn path." He gazed intently at my father, and thus answered: NA-e have seen a path that was worn, and then we have seen it deserted; have seen the grass and weeds grow where the ground was once made smooth and bare by many feet. True enough, Peel. And now let me say that if you are in earnest I hope that you may be instrumental in drawing thou- sands Srom the wickedness of the world." I dare not hope to draw thousands," said he.. I dare not picture to my mind a multitude flocking to hear me but I will dare hope to draw one soul away from an awaiting destruction, and if I do even that much I shall feel that my church has been built to some purpose." As we rode along my father was silent for some time, and then, as though speaking to himself, said: The poor fellow has lost his mind." The report that Montgomery Peel was building a church far away in the woodi naturally awakened great interest in the community. Many of the men declared that he must have lost his mind, but the women, with that hopeful sympathy which ever ex- pects a good result from an ostensibly pious action, averred that he was appointed to bring about a great reformation. Wives per- suaded their husbands to assist in building the church, and thus aided, Peel was soon ready to deliver his first sermon. It was on a Sunday, warm, bright and beautiful, that hundreds of people flocked to see him. I re- member hearing one man, a cynical fellow, remark: Oh, he has gone off this way for effect. He knows that if he had gone into a regular church nobody would pay any attention to him. He always was a sort of theatrical fellow anyway." Why do youcall him a theatrical fellow (" the mail's wife spoke up. "1 am sure that I never heard of his going to a theatre." Mary Ann, you don't know what you are talking abo< I know enough not to talk about a man that is trying to do good in the world." "Good in the world!" her husband con- temptuously repeated. 11 There's altogether too much talk these days about men doing good in the world. If a man wants to do good, why don't he plant something and raise stuff for the people to eat?" It is quite as important to take oare of mortal fruit grows upon the tree of sincere repentance. I believe that each of us owes to God a life of simple purity and honesty. Our alloted time on earth is but few days, and what should we gam though we were placed in high position among men, for high positions soon crumble into the daat of forgetfulness and soon pass away ? It is not enough simply to declare that we love the claiming to have been directly called to deliver the Word uuto you-that is, I heard no voice telling me to preach but I did feel that I could do muoh good, and that it was my duty to spend the rest of my life in this service. I shall attempt no revolution and those of you that have come expect- ing to hear a new doctrine, or even a new explanation of an old doctrine, will be disappointed. I believe im- poor people's souls." 1 don't know about that The Lord will fix the soul business all right." The church was crowded. Montgomery Peel sepped forward on a sort of platform, still majestic, but with a spriukling of grey in his beard. A hymn was sung, a prayer was offered, and then the preacher thus began: My friends, 1 will not explain why I have erected this church other than that I have taken it upon myself to preach the Word of God. I do not come before yoo Lord, for love is often selfish it is not enough simply to praise the Lord, for praise is some- times the offshoot of fear. While professing to love the Lord, and while showing that we praise Him, we must look with tender- ness upon the faults of others, we must speak no evil word of a neighbour, neither shall we bear tales, for the man who comes and tells us that some one has spoken in our dispraise may profess that he took our part and bushed the mouth of slander, yet he destroys our happiness for an entire day. Every Sunday hereafter—that is, 1\0 long as I am able-I shall preach in this house, urging repentance and kindness of heart. Many people have wondered at the great ohange that has come over me. This was a natural result of so unexpected an action. Bear with me—come and commune with me, and I do not think that any one will ever regret that this humble house was placed here among the trees." Many years passed. I grew up and wan- dered in foreign countries. My father passed away, and still, a letter from an old friend told me, Montgomery Peel con- tinued to preach. I returned home, and on the following Sunday went to the log churob, now almost covered with moss. The congre- gation was singing a hymn when my friend and I entered. H Where is the preacher P" I asked when we had sat down. Hasn't come up yet. He lives in a oellar immediately under the floor, and has grown so old and infirm that we sometimes have to wait for him." The hymn was finished, and still he did not come. Another hymn was sung, and then a man arose and said he would go dowr and see if anything had happened to the preaoher. The man soon returned. "Brethren," said he, the old man is dead. Those of you who desire to do so may come down and see him." Nearly everyone shrank back, but I went down into the cellar. The old man, shrivelled and white with age, lay upon a bed of straw. The place was dark, and when we held a candle near his face we found a paper pinned to the bosom of his shirt. Written on the outside of the paper were these words: "Read this to the congregation." We went upstairs, and the man that had found the dead preacher thus addressed the awe-stricken congregation Brethren and sisters, we have a somninn-cation from the old gentleman whose voice you shall never again hear." He then read as follows :— The hand of death is upon me, and I feel that it is my duty to say a few words to you, my dear people. You have been so good, so patient and so kind, that I love you with all my soul. I have loved you ever sinee I needed your love. I will tell you when I first needed your love and sympathy Many years ago I was walking along a lonely road. Night hawks may have cried, but 1 did not hear them; I could not have heard the voice of an angel had it shouted at me. I met a man I knew that he was coming that way. 'Hold,' said 1. He stopped and asked what I wanted. I want you,' said 1. 4 What do you want with me r' 'I want you to give me some- thing.' What do you want me to give r' Your life.' Why ?' I Because you ruined my home years ago.' I sprang on him there in the moonlight. I cut out his heart and wiped his face with it. That man was David C. Cahoon. OPIE READ in Arkansato Traveller.
A Lecture on Economy.
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A Lecture on Economy. A stupid-looking tramp knocked at one of the finest residences in Austin, and was received by the lady of the house. "What do you want ?" H Please'm, give me a dime to buy a glass of bread 'cuse me, I mean a loaf of beer." I haven't got any money." Havn't got no money ? Then, madam, modest as this cottage is, I would suggest your moving into a cheaper house you are evidently living beyond your means. Economy is wealth. Economise in the way of clothes and house rent. Cut your expenses, and then, perhaps, some day you will have a dime to spare-a dime, madam, that may be the means of preventing a hungry aud thirsty fellow-mortal from committing suicide or it may be a quarter—a ooin of the value of 25 cents—that will upholster the dark clouds of the horizon of his despairing soul, with a silver-plated lining, and fill his stomach with bock beer. Good-day, fair lady."
Absent-Minded Chivalry.
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Absent-Minded Chivalry. Better than a hundred sermons against duelling is the amusing little story of the actors Ducazoll and Desesaarts. They bad to fight each other. Dugazon was a big man-a regular son of Anak. Despssarts was a little fellow. Just when they were about to begin a thought struck Dasessarts. It occurred to him that he could scarcely miss his haystack of an opponent, even if he tried. He was a chival- rous person. He produced a bit of chalk from his pocket, and therewith he marked off a space upon his adversary's broad chest. "No bit of mind outside that line will count," said he. The big man burst into a fit of laughter. They all did. And awny they went, arm-in-arm, to the nearest cafe. ■ 11
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HOLLOWAY'S FILLS AND OINTMENT are particu- larly recommended to persona who h*re to pus their lt»e» t'l confined and crowded places. Hundred! of thousand* oar fellow creatures toU from morninf until evening •» factories and workshops to tho detriment of their health »|1<l the deterioration of the race. They suffer in eoiweflueooe from indigestion, flatulence, and want of appetite, and theøfl complaints, if neglected, bring about nervousness and of the vital powers. Holloway's reraediea can be oaea nj such sufferers to their very great advantaga. as tha age nild in action aud certain in their effects. >o one fore, lose a day's work' when ufting them—a matter sequence to thoae whose daily bread depends on toil. 1.5UW < rattay AND ROCKB'S frelih larnt are t 4 »
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the tunnel which led from one portion of the gardens to the other, Manvers eagerly inquired if the nocturnal visitor had yet made his appearance. tL." He came about five minutes before you arrived, and went straight to the reptile house," answered the man. H Let us go then, at once," returned the major. Won't you see Motee first, sir ? asked the keeper, U She is real frolicsome to- night." ff Later, later," repliedManvers impatiently, and without another word the man led the way in the required direction. I The night was intensely hot and sultry, and as they passed some of the dens the various inmates could be seen moving rest- lessly backwards and forwards as though influenced1,by the atmospherio conditions of the bight. All at once there was a blinding flash Of lightning, followed by a crash of thunder, and then the rain began to fall in warm, 1 heavy drops. They had by this time, how- ever, reached the door of the reptile house, and as Manvers crossed the threshold he came to a sudden halt, absolutely petrified at the spectacle which met his eyes. The gas was alight, and the bright glow penetrated into every nook and corner of the spacious room. The electrioity of the atmosphere appeared to have had a strange and terrible effect upon .the denizens of the various cages and glass- houses. The hage pythons were darting about from branch to branch of the leafless tree trunks, which had been planted for their convenience. Their eyes flashed with a wild gleam that was absolutely terrifying, while their jaws were widely extended as though in search of prey. The venomous snakes, too, were moving rest- lessly about, and the death adder and the water vipers were pressing their hideous heads against the thick plate glass sheets with which their compartments were faced. The sharp skirr of the rattlesnake was distinctly audible. Repulsive-looking lizards scraped the gravel with their claws, and every now and then opened a malevolent-looking mouth, plentifully furnished with sharp, file-like teeth. Even the alligators were not free from the prevailing influence, and darted about with quick and sudden jerks, which oonverted the water of the little tank in which they were confined into a sheet of foam. For a brief space Manvers was so fascinated by this strange speotacle of the reptile world that he hardly noticed a little group gathered round a table in one oorner of the room, and which consisted of the keepers and a tall, j white-bearded figure, in which the major at tDoe recognised Dr. Langton Hesselton. All at once the men made a brisk move- ment, which bad the effect of immediately taking them some feet from the table. Take care, sir cried one of them, for heaven's sake, take care I On a night like this the creature cannot be safely handled." t A contemptuous smile passed over the livid face of the doctor. II You do not know what you are talking of," answered he. Bhoot (the ghost) knows me perfectly well, and would not harm me for the world. If you are afraid you can leave me; my work will be over in a very few minutes." As he spol-e, he raised the lid of a deal box, whioh had been placed upon the table, and in another instant the flat head and dark, shining body of a cobra, some three feet in length, appeared above the edge. The reptile, like the rest of the creatures, seemed excited and uneasy, but made no attempt to strike its fangs into the hand which the doctor drew softly down its back. "Gently, gently, my beautiful Bhoot," mur- mured the doctor, speaking in the soft accents of the Hindustani language, with which Manvers was perfectly conversant. There is no occasion for irritability, the pang will be but a transient one, and the service I require to-night the last I shall ask of you. Come, then, destroyer of the kingly race of Oranipore. Aha, when I caught you beneath the mango tree in the garden and placed you in the bed of my noble master the Rajah of Oranipore, you little thought that you would also cause the death of his daughter Heera and raise me to th,- rank of luler of a vast and fertile land. The same poison, chosen from the same source which sent a tyrant out of the world, stopped like a stroke of a thunderbolt the beatings of Heera's irresolute heart. The same hand which placed you beneath the silken quilt ef the father pricked the arm of the daughter, and sent your poison dancing and festering through her veins. One more service, my beauty, and you are free to enjoy the rest of your reptile existence in peace. All seems bright at present. Every obstacle is removed from my path, and all 1 have to do is to return to the East and claims the Throne of Oranipore and yet at times I have strange, uneasy feelings, some- times a dark shadow seems to drive away the fairness of the prospect. I cannot tell where it may come from, but there are moments when the gibbet looms before me, and I feel the hangman's cord tighten around my throat. You can save me from hat; a drop of your subtle poison which lurks in your venomous fang will render me, should the occasion arise, as free as the air I breathe. '1 hese poor fools believe that I came here for a scientific experiment, but they little know that I come to preserve the means of solving the mighty secret which has puzzled the wise ..Den of every age, the Secret of Death." I His voice, soft as it was, was plainly audible above the strange sounds with which the place was filled, and not a syllable escaped the listening ear of Manvers. U Come, Queen of the jungle," continued the doctor, "one little twinge and all will be over, and, remember, beauty, the poisonous gland will grow again and you will be as deadly and venomous as ever." The reptile had wound its tail round the doctor's arm, and was gazing up into his face with the bright eyes which glittered like dia- monds. The doctor's right hand stol400 ir-to bis pocket, and re-appeared again holding a minute pair of silver forceps, whilst his left began to glide gently down to the creature's neck. But the moment had now come when Idanvers, who had been spellbound by the atrange eoene and the terrible confession which had dropped from the murderer's lips, could no longer restrain himself. With a bound he sprang forward and, grasping the doctor by the shoulder, exclaimed in a voice whioh quivered with emotion, Treacherous assassin, have I hunted you down at last. Men, seize him; the villain has just confessed to two murders of the vilest description. I have heard every word he said, and a viler Monster never trod this earth." The start which Langton Hesselton gave and the sudden approach of a stranger irri- tated the cobra; in an instant her hood was inflated and with a sharp hiss she darted her fangs into the hand which grasped the silver forceps. A spaim of pain passed over I the livid features and with a sudden impulse of fury he tore the snake from his arm, and, throwing it upon the floor, trampled her to death, regardless of the many bites which the creature inflicted upon him in her death agony. "It is enough," said he, recovering bis oalmness. It No mortal skill can save me. I do not know who you are," he continued, addressing )Iajiverg, though your face seems familiar to me. At any rate, had it not been for my dead friend here, your evidence would have lixed the cord round my throat; as it is, I escape the bangmaa and. the gibbet; even if lose the rich lands and domed palaces of Oranipore." Dr. Langton Hesselton was a true prophet; in three hours he was a dead man, for the poison which had destroyed father and daughter proved equany fatal to their murderer. After Manvers had given his deposition at the inquest he was no longer visited by the gloomy thoughts and strange visions which had since Heera's death marred his repose, and when at the end of his furlough he re- joined his regiment, which had returned from the East, he discovered that the Government, finding that there were no heirs to the Throne of Oranipore, had taken possession of the country, which now formed one of the numerous States which had been grasped by the iron hand of annexation. [THE END.] NEXT WEEK:-— A COMPLETE STORY, ENTITLED, THE MYSTERY OF THE PALACE BORGEN.