Weekly Mail

OUR NEW •• SERIAL. E. Ft < t— y ■ ■■ THE SQUARE PEG," BY W. E. NORRIS. For careful finish and artistic effect there is no newspaper gerialist to com- pete with Mr. W. E. Norris. Without being in any way sensa- tional, his splendid love stories attrct by the variety of their incident; his style is picturesque and his narratives full of humour. THE SQUARE PEG". is a West Country story, containing scenes of remarkable strength and p-assages of quiet, but effective, humour. It is written in Mr. Norris's best style. THE SQUARE PEG." SEE "WEEKLY MAIL" APRIL 25.

1 KEEP ON SAWING, PARSON.' WRECK VICTIM'S PRESENCE OF MIND. A wonderful exhibition of nerve was given by J. A. M'Kittrick, a. wealthy Missouri cattleman, who was pinned under an engine in a train wreck near St. Louis, Missouri. Mr. M'Kittrick was a passenger in the guard's van of a goods train which was standing in a siding when an express train ran into it and wrecked it. The van was overturned, and M'Kittrick Was pinned under the engine of the express train, one of the wheels resting on his left leg below the knee. When the passengers on the ex- press train reached him, M'Kittrick. who wjfs fully conscious, called out: "I guess if you can push back the locomotive I will drag myself out and live another few days." This was impossible, a.nd soon steam began to escape from the engine over his leg. Galling one of the passengers to him, M'Kittrick E;aid:- "The bone is clean gone below the knee. isn't it?" When he was told that it was he drew a large knife from his pocket, and, calling the Rev. A. Allen, one of the pas- sengers to him, he handed him the knife, saying, Here, stranger, I sec you have a parson's coat on, and I am going to try your nerve. Take this knife and cut away the leg at the knee, and we will show this pesky steam that there is life in the old man yet." The clergyman unhesitatingly accepted the responsibility, and knelt down beside the injured man a.nd applied the knife while a dozen others continued their efforts to fa.n away the steam. The knife was blunt, and M'Kittriok's tendons were tough, and as the clergyman hacked a.way with the knife W Kittrick appeared to be on the verge of fainting. Miss Emma Renmer. a trained nurse, who was on the train, offered him some brandy. "I have not touched fire-water for five years," he said, "but I will try a drop now Keep on sawing, parson, or I am a deader." When the last tendon was severed the clergyma,n fainted. The other passengers pioked M'Kittrick up, and carried him to a passenger carriage, where Miss Benner impro- vised a turniquet from her veil. lie was taken to the hospital at St. Louis, where he died a few hours after his arrival.

-13 CHILDREN'S CHtST TROUBLES A safe and certain Cure in VENO'S LIGHTNING COUGH CURE. Mr. Henry J. Rolls, The Grove Lodge, Malpas, Newport (Mon.), writes: Our little boy suffered for years with bronchitis and a chronic cough, and I tried endless cough syrups, embrocations, and doctor's medi- cines in vain. At last I tried your great remedy, and noticed an improvement after two doses only, and one large bottle effected a radical cure. It also cured him of a bad whooping cough, and I am sure that Veno's Lightning Cough Cure saved my boy's life." Veno's Lightning Cough Cure is the surest remedy for all chest and lung troubles; price d., ls. lid., and 28. 9d., of all chemists. 9077

PLOT TO BLOW UP A PIER. A dastardly attempt, fortunately with un- successful results, was made to blow up the White Star liner new pier, New York. Two bombs which had been concealed on the pier partly "explodoo, but did little damage. It is believed in some quarters that the outrage was an act of private revenge on the part of some strikers against an un- popular contractor.

THE WIFE'S SECRET. We had been married about a year when I came home one night full of love and ten- derness for my little wife.. She was the dearest creature, and I had hard work to coax my father-in-law into letting me have her. I felt surprised to find the front door closed, for she usually stood there waiting for me; but as there were lights in the dining-room, I fancied there might be guests within. I was sure of this when I noticed that the blinds were down, and the gas lighted, although it was rather early, and saw the shadow of a man's head upon the blind-an exaggerated caricature of a shadow, with a hooked nose and a great mass of curling hair on the forehead. I saw two hands flourished in the air, and then the head vanished as though" the figure it belonged to had stooped down--stooped or knelt- and again it lifted itself and bobbed about h an absurd way that shadows have. Who could it be? I asked myseif, as I tried my latch-key in the door, only to find that I could not open it. It was locked or bolted on the inside. I shook it violently. On the instant the gas was turned out in the dining-room. "Who on earth has locked the doOtl'?" I heard my wife cry. "Is that you, Henry?" "Yes," I answered. "Why don't you let me in?" "I am trying to," replied my wife; "the key won't turn. Be patient. There, I've done it." The door opened I entered the dark dining-room. "Why, Phemie, what has become of the light?" I asked. "I'll ha,\e one in a moment," my wife replied. "tVhy did you put it out?" I asked. "We are going to have tea upstairs in the drawing-room," she said. "Come on, tea is quite ready." I followed her. A moment after I heard the street door shut softly. "Who if that?" I inquired. "What did you say, deax?,, inquired my wife. "iSomeone went o,ut of the door ju&t now," said 1. "Do you think so?" aske.d my wife. There were only three of us in the house. Phemie, myself, and Brown, the servant girl, who just then appeared with a covered dish in her hand. "There may be thieves in the houee," I cried, starting up. My wife caught me by the coat-tails. "Don't go," she cried. "They may shoot you." I did go, however, but the delay had been sufficient to allow any evil-disposed parson to escape. I returned to the table, but I was not in a pleasant frame of mind. It was quite plain to me that Phemie was deceiving me. Therv had been some one in the dining-room, auJ she had contrived that I should not meet him. People had told me Phemie was a flirt before I married her. How did I know but that some old beau had been to call upon her? However, I said nothing. I merely brooded. I tried to think of any objectionable rela- tion. But Phemic's were all that could be desired. In novels it is always a brother of bad character who meets his sister by stealth and causes tragedies. But Phemie's only brother was a very good young man who was studying for the ministry. Had she any debts "I did not know of. and was this a creditor? I inquired of myself. But a creditor ootild not have bean induced to remain in the dark while a hus- band was smuggled out of the way. He would otave faced me with his little bill. Whatever it was I would give her a chance to explain, I thought. Anu the girl having cleared away the tea things, I cleared my throat, pushed my chair back, and lighted a cigar. Do you know. Phemie," I said, with an effort, I ve been thinking \ery seriously, very seriously about something?" "Oh, don't, please," sa.id my wife, "I hate that sort of thing. I liked you because you were jolly and didn't bother." "Well, let me change my form of words. I have been asking mYSelf-" "Brother John is always asking himself, and he is such a bore." gaid Phemie. I shall not be a bore, I hope," said I, "for you will a.gr with me, I am sure. I was about to say that it has occurred to me that no married couple can be happy unless the fullest confidence exists between them." "You mean that they ought to tell each other every blessed thing?" said Phemie. said I. ''1 said Phemie. "There might be J? little secrets without any harm "There could not," I insisted. "Why yes, there could," said Phemie. "How absurd you are!" Of} the contrary, you are very far from wise, said 1. There might be things in a. man s business life not worth talking of, but a woman should not have the shadow of a secret from her wedded lord "My gracious!" cried phemie. "How solemn! I could not stand that sort of thing long, my dear." "You will, however, be careful to remem- ber tha„ that 13 my opinion," said I. There was a shadow between us for the first time. Alas! in the morning it deepened. I answered the postman's knock myself. He had a paper for me, a letter for the servant, and a postal-oard for my wife. Before I placed it at her plate I read it. It bore these words:— I had no time to say anything. I will come again at three to-morrow afternoon. All or nothing. M.M. "All or nothing." What did this mean? However, I could wait. My wife would tell me. At this moment she entered the room, walked to her place, took up the postal-card, and havine read it. deliberately tore it in two and threw it into the grate. Who has writteft to you, my dear?" I asked. Shan't tell you, Henry." replied my wife. "You know I hold that we may have our little secrets from each other without doing any harm" She tried to make a joke of it, but it was becoming a serious matter to me. I reasoned that I would be at home at three o'clock that day. I had resolved that I would know all. If there were any explanation to be had of curly hair which threw its shadow on the blinds, I intended to have it. A secret that must be kept from me was not likely to be a very simple one. Men had boec. deceived before. Why not I? Accordingly, having reported at my place of businesss, and obtained leave of absence from noon, I stale homeward, like a thief in the night—about the hour of one p.m. Fortunately for my plan, I knew Phemie would then be out shopping, and the girl had gone to the end of the garden to do some little washing in the laundry. I let myself in with my latch- key, and hid myself in a narrow closet, under the stairs in the hall, which had been given over to me for my own exclusive use. My gun, my fishing-rod, my photographic apparatus, my revolver, my sketch-books were there, and I possessed the key. It was not an airy place and I was cramped for room, but I locked myself in, and, crouched in the most uncomfortable position, bided my time. It was not actually a very long period, but it seemed eternity to me as I counted ;.he quarters as they struck oo. a clock that had been one of our wedding presents. At last the bell rang, and Brown opened the door, and in a moment more ushered a man into the dining-room. I heard him pacing op and down and whist- ling as he waited. Then Brown opened the door, and eaid:— "WaJk up, please., Missus will see you on the second floor. Somebody might come a.nd interrupt down here." They left the room together, and I, wild with fury, sure at last that some terrible secret was hidden in my wife's bosom, rushed after them. I had snatched my pistol from the wall. To be sure it was not loaded. And I reached the door of the drawing-room just in time to meet Brown coming out. She uttered a shriek and caught me by the wrist. She was quite as strong as I, and she speedily disarmed me. "What ails ye, sir?" she said. "Are ye crazy?" "This time I am not to be deceived," said 1. "Let me pasb; I saw him enter." "You are making a fool of yourself, sir," said she. "I niver lived with a lady that didn't do the same. The men is always mad. < but I niver saw the equal of you, sir, when you're in a passion," said our strong-minded, strong-limbed maid of all work- But I had recovered myself a.nd contrived to pass her at last. I She weighed nearly eleven stone, a.nd had muscular development in due proportion, so I did not do it without a struggle. I dashed the door open and walked in. A man with black ourling hair was kneeling on the floor. At that moment he was about to tie up a number of old dresses in a bundle. Any oder little tines you have send tu me," he said; "I pay de highest brice for old does of any shentleman in de business." You see, dear," Phemie explained, when the necessary explanations had taken place. I refused yesterday to sell the blue poles naise and the black silk dress, and that was what the note meant. All or nothing. I wanted some money that was not yours to buy you a present with. You know my prin- ciples about married people's little secrets differ from yours." I was glad to be forgiven on any terms. And Phemie has done exactly as she pleases ever since.

J CHAPTER XVII. a afternoon Dreadless was better, ^fearly himself again. His appetite liad umed, and 'with it Ms strength. Accord- V. I took him downstairs with me, and thn out into the grounds. would not ride that day, but I took a walk. The dog was near my eide ail the e" ^"hen I returned I was told by Siffian of great flutter and excitement* "m, London visitors had arrived. "a,re mos* etylisih, miss!" she said, "a,re most etylisih, miss!" she said, Boiw +v[^e ^oluse eeemis that gay and cheerful ™ey are in it. Shall I come up into room with you now, Miss. West, and .<-r^°ia about them?" Oh^Ie. are they now?" I answered. j where aren't they?" was her reply. gj. the gentlemen are out about the how 8' *?ut I am Ti ot sure. The valets, aiiy- a in the servants' hall. Why, we has n3<wTVa'Tlts' ':a'l now; it was arranged this ei DII1S. and famished to took quite _t?aiLt; and they are there like the finest ^ttamen theirselvcs, a.nd having plenty of and pipes to smoke. I sttippoee they'll ^iip presently to lay out their gentlemen's touch" to me they don't do l And what about the ladies?" I asked as reached my own room. .» there—you're better, Dreadless!" said ^lrl, flinging herself on her lrnees a.nd to caress the great hound. surprise, he snarled a little, aind "oed away from her. "hat does ihe mean by this?" I eaid. he started to her feet and turned pale, j i ca,n't make out, miss, unices it was that took the food from mother last nigrht and e him the first bit. He never took one Pa""8101, and refused the rest." Where is that food?" I asked, scarlet with l'ag(> y ™em,t down to find it last nigfht, miss; H know what a state we was in about the li?Sc' 011 my m'°ther—she was fit to be hung- up fact, cried all night km.g—" Bh ttU^ where is the food?" I repeated. I iT* set Bolton to take it to a chemist to ^aoalyeod. This &ort oi thing is too iniqui- 'T ain't to be found, miss; I haven't the ^intest notion where it was put nor who bJT^ away. lloet likely, miss, it was that man, Oa3thorpe." Susan!" I answered, putting my hand g. foroheaxi. Was there ever a poor beset by enemies!" It eeerms like it, indeed, miss. But you'll in^n.3, p^ea's:a:n,t time now; having company the house makes a great difFeir-enoe." to an effoirt I tried to turn my thoughts the gueets, whom, after all, I must be civil ladies also in their rooms?" I Yesi, miss, aind their maid is With them— mamzelLe eoimethinig—a very fine person." And what sort are the ladies them- "wves?" ,b,I4wY Pramcee is very qiUèer and dried up, aorf (~,esBe8 y0:ung, as young as you. Miss; her daughter, Mass Drake, is a band- Oozae, aughty Y¡OU!DJg' lady who carries her m the air, but seems rather afraid of mother." I ((^°n't sound epecially toteresitimig," &f' Have you seen the gentlemeai?" «S0,n''8 ^ice became low and cautious. u Trevor is very nice, miss—" do you meam by 'very nice'?" 11 Oh., cheerful, and young, and everyday. to think a good deal off Miss Drake." the other gentleman, Susan?" ^me here, Dreadiless; I must make ^^n-as with you," said Susan. ^Answer my quesitd'on, Susecn." I said and leave t>he dog aterne. If he (jT/3 urr,frie«)diy towards yon, ymr aire in you me,ddle wiltih hdim. Please try d remeimJbefr that Direadilees is very di&n- «^Ous if reused." » ^tusan retreajted at cmoe, amd fitwod by the "edside „"l was thinking', mdss," she ea-id eagerjly, that a most toeatntifu'l white lace dmeisis. that come in the box from Ixxndon wooild be the tZVW yo-" ^11118 What aboiit the other gentleman? I 6aid. llave yon him r Yes," said Susan m a. low tone. --And what is ih e liker" Queer—I should ray," ¡;ai'd Sii,,an. "Yo,rt "Sfci&^L-judg0 for yorlelf, miæ. ILe ain't OTdi- ialt how is be queer? Tell me what you Wj*; 1 want to prepared. Mrs. Malebar ^^4 very ™ue]i e^aTtied when she heard °ne ?,U^tS- TeMme' 7/^m' evac. you know. n "^iKh filled with enidden tears. v' objq (Jf> Would stop up here—never go she said; and then eiie •>i Worn* 0 ?reat wail otf crying1. I wisih do,r stop up h ere and be gnarded by dr>, I do. They'll near kill me for jf° "> but I do—'I do!" aft,r y<>Ujr words mean amythimg," I eaid, a minxute's pause, "there is but one g, for me to adopt." wiped the tears hastily from heir eyes << towards me. j hat is that, miss?" Opened one of my drawers and took the blue sili flag from its hiding place. I wave this," I said, "from my bed- h^11 Squire Coverdale of the Manor ev^ P^mieed to come and rescue me. Wbat- jj*" enemies I may have in this house, he j,„ P^oimised to protect me. If it is real'lly ^^S'xry for me, Susan, to be a prisoner in y room, I will summon Squire Ooverdale berate me." Oh, miss," said Stusan, I must speak. To MlVe deajlin^s with that man is tihe worst of but •^°u ajre> the frying-pan now, miss, i*, have dealings with him you'll be „ "he fire." ^^And I dion't believe a sinigle word you I answered, my voice choking with if you diare to insinuate evil —Ssa.inrst a good man like Squire Ooverdade, must be imagining all the other things well, x will not wave the blue flag to-day, I have it in case of emergency. Susan, 1 n<>t fear my Dl°t even the main ho is called Mr. Graham, and whom, you o<f as queer. You shall dress me with possible eleiganee, and I will go down- at dimmer-time." „ Very well, miss," said Susan. I taite the dog with me, as usual." *v wfill be frightened of the dO'g, miss, '■hose fine folk." If they are," I replied, "they can go into special room wilucfli is arranged for them, in I stay in. my rooms—my draw- e-rooon and my dining-room. Now, please, .s.a;n.. go downstairs and fetch me some Q." She did so. I ate, drank, and was refreshed, 'I did not fed at aJJ frightened; in short, ray mettle was TO. Susan's words with aJ"d to Squire Coverdal, had caused me 8ttcib. righteous anger that I felt tihait I was t niiatch even for tlhe strange visitors and servante. ■Shortly before dimmer I ewspt downstairs In raY bearntiful dress, Dreadlese, as usual, Wxmipanying me. The great dog was so ^herently a gentleman that not for the would he put a paw upon my white to e. I entered t,he drawing-room, and saw, ^y surprise, that two ladies were already and a man, who might have been j^nt thirty-five years of age and had a ^ain, but not particularly disagreeable ^°e- The elder of the two ladies was ootm- forward to greet me, when, sihe caught Sfht q.1 Droa^ieee. She instantly uttered a (/iek, amd said, in a harsh, metallic voice: m -Pot goodness' sa,ke! Frank Trevor, take Tat dog out of the room!" laid my hand very firmly on tihe boair- ^"nd s collar. ilh- You will not touclh my dog, please," was j* remark, and I ad-vise you to be careful. 'Wilil not interfere with any of you if yon ^Ye ham alone; but he does not wisih to be Am I speaking to Lady Frances advanced a step or two towards the lady, «,. » ipstead of shaking hands, dropped her a was a fine woman and wefltt-preeerved. <iiress was magnificent, and her neok aaid flittediing with diamonds. The slim, KT~ €^1 who stood by her side might have abofut my own. age. She had a eome- j ^t wooden face and expressiondess eyes. jj^ade small talk for these three people, jr&dlesis all the time standing close to me. Frances was a groat talker, and was (d^.ntly enraptured with everything. Row bizarre—how quaint your life is!" SaJid" When we decided to come here take you by storm we rather expected a so,mewha.t ganctoe-looking coiunittry not one like yon. Isn't Miss West a srar- le'9• saibella ? Her dress, too—her vrtnode YQtl pileaae talk about me when I am

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♦ LOVE IN A LIGHTHOUSE "But you do care for me a little. Nannie?" "Care for you, indeed!" was the coquetti sh response. No, I don't. Not the least bit in the world." It was a strange place for love-making. Not a Fifth-avenue ball-room, nor yet the green gloom of a half-lighted conservatory, nor the fragrant aisles of a forest glen, but the blue, sparkling bosom of the October tea, with Mr. Julian Gore's boat drawn up to the solid stone piers of Gray Point Lighthouse, and pretty Nannie Edgecumbe's dimpled fuee leaning out of the narrow slit of a window just above. And very handsome Mr. Gore looked as he rested on his oars and looked UP. with the sunshine of the Indian summer on his dark, tropical face, his jetty nair blown about by the sIt breeze, and his cheek glowing with the exercise of rowing. Come down and let me in, Nannie," he appealed. "The idea of keeping a fellow rocking on the ocean in this sort of way! Couldn't possibly," retorted the peachy- faced beauty. It's against the rules to admit strangers into the lighthouse." "Then promise me, Nannie, that you will go with me to the party to-night." "Oh, the party! Why should a. grand city gentleman like you trouble himself about our parties?" demurely questioned Nannie. "But I'm not a gay city gentleman. I m only a poor artist, as I've told you half a. dozen times." Then you had better confine your atten- tion to art, I'm thinking," said Nannie. That's just what 1 am doing. I'm going to Echo Cave now. to sketch those grand eld rocks." 1 wish you good luck, I'm sure," said Nannie, apparently intent on a speck on her rosy finger-nail. Come, promise me first. Do, Nannie, and I'll go away with the lightest heart that ever beat in human breast." But Nannie Edgecumbe shut the window, and ran laughing u.p the winding stone stepB which led, corkscrew fashion, to the lantern at the top. A dizzy height it would have seemed to anyone unaccustomed to it. but Nannie had passed no inconsiderable portion of her life there, ever since she was a child. There was her little rocking-chair and the bit of home- made black and scarlet rug that kept her feet off the cold stone floor, and there was a monthly rose, and a little box of blossom- ing candytuft in the window close alongside her blue-ribboned work-box, while an open book lay on the floor, just where she had dropped it five minutes ugo. Caleb Edgecumbe was the lighthouse- keeper; but Nannie, his motherless child, often took the duty off his hands when he had business 'in the village or saw an oppor- tunity of earning a little money at his trade of ship caulker. More than onoe, too. in an emergency, she herself had lighted the lamps, and had speat all night up there in the wild, wind-shaken light of the light- house; for Nannie was a little heroine in her way, and feared absolutely nothing. She was pretty, too—very pretty—with a round, childish face, chestnut-brown hair, which clustered in abundant ripples about her forehead, and eyes of a limpid blue, that eoemed to deepen and change at every word. and a trim figure, dressed in dark blue cambric, with a rose at the threat, a.nd odd, antique rings of chased gold, which had belonged to her grandmother once, swinging from her ears. I don't think I shall go with him," said Nannie, swaying softly back and forth in her little rooking-eh<air, and working busily away at the particular pair of hose for her father which she was darning. "Abram Hyde will be glad enough to take me, and Mr. Gore musn't be allowed to suppose that I am one of those very rrpe apples which are ready to drop into his mouth before he shakes the tree. Men have their own way so much in the world that it does them good to meet a counter-current sometimes. 1 ) wonder"—knitting her pretty, level brows— "if he really does care for me? Yes, I am almost sure of that; but the thing is, do I care for him?" I The very problem which Julian Gore would have given ten of the best years of his life to elucidate satisfactorily. Did the lighthouse keeper s lovely daughter care for him, or did 'she not ? Late in the afternoon, and the long shadow of the lighthouse stretching away to the east, while on the other side the declining sun threw its ribbon of dazzling gold across the sea; and Nannie, looking idly out of the high-up casements, could just see a little boat rocking on the far-away tide. ItLJu1^ 601,6 coding back again," she tnou„nt, with a momentary deepening of the colour on her cheek. "But I'll not promise him-no, indeed!" But the next moment the soft, rosy glow faded a/ay from her face; she leaned for- ward vy^th a start. It is Julian Gore's boat!" she exclaimed 1 iNa/mae Edgecumbe often spoke aloud to erself in the solitude of the lighthouse tower — but it is empty, and the boat rope is trailing in the water behind. Great Heaven as she rose involuntarily to her feet, with both hands clasped tightly together, his boat has drifted away, and he is there alone in the Echo Cave with the rising tide. And he cannot swim, and if he could the reef and breakers along the coast would baffle anyone who was not used to them from his child- hood up. Oh, what shall I do? What shall I do?" She r haded her eyes with one hand and looked off towards the shore in a sort of vague hope that her father might be coming to "relieve guard," even po early in the after- noon as this. But nothing was visible except the glittering flow of waves and the sandy stretch of shore beyond. "I won't wait!" she said to herself. "I won't wait!" The lighthouse boat lay safely moored under the piers—the boat which Nannie her- self could have guided anywhere within five miles of the Gray Point Bocks; but it never occurred to the brave little sentinel to desert her post even for an hour. From her child- hood she had been taught that her first duty was to the lighthouse and the light. Like Casabianca, she would have died at her station had there been need. But when, in the purple October dusk, Caleb Edgecumbe ascended the steps of the tall stone tower, from whose crest a line of red fire already cleft the twilight, he found Nannie eagerly waiting for him. Don't fasten the boat. father/' said she; I want it." For she was determined that her hand, and hers alone, should rescue Julian Gore. Going back to shore a/ready, lass?" said the old man. "Why, I thought you'd stay and have a bit of supper with me." I can't, father," said Nannie, breathlessly. "Don't stop me now! What time is it high tide at Echo Cave?" The old man paused a second or so to calculate—to Nannie it seemed an age. At half-past seven, pr thereabout," aaid he. slowly. i Then I shall be in time," said Nannie as the sprang lightly into the boat and puiled away, with a long steaay stroke, towards the north; while old Caleb -watched her with boundless amazement. "Hajs the girl gone crazy?" he questioned himself. Echo Cave was a grand point for <ght- seers and curiosity-seekers in that part of the coast. It extended in aeeries of natural | terraces up under a beetling roof of rock, and at low tide was the coolest, wildest, most fairy-palace-like of retreats imaginable. But, as Nannie Edgecumbe knew well, when the tide was in the roof itself was beaten by the rushing tides for some two or three hours, while all the shelving ridges of rock below were totally submerged. And when she saw the drifting boat, and knew that Julian Gore was prisoned in Echo Gave, it was small wonder that her heart sank within her. Pulling—pulling steadily on, with a sus- tained effort and strength of muscle which would have seemed incredible to those who are unaware of the daily discipline in which the dwellers of the seashore are trained, Nannie sent her boat lightly and rapidly over the water, until at last she came in sight of the black mass of rocks. Thank God! the tide was high, but not at its highest. And, clinging desperately to the ragged edge of the topmost ledge, she could just discern the pallid face of Julian Gore, who stood shoulder-high in the water. with his jetty hair drenched with salt spray. It was a dangerous thing to guide the frail little boat over the sunken masses of sharp rock, but Nannie Edgecumbe's arm was both strong and skilful. "Let go the rook," said she. "And when the next wave rides me in make a spring for the boat. Thank God—now you are safe, I think!" she added to herself, as she leaned on the wet and prostrate figure that lay at be" feet. "He has fainted. I should like to faint myself if I had the time." Then you did care for me a little, Namnie, after aJl?" "Nonsense!" said Nannie Edgecumbe. "Let go of my hands, if you please, Mr. Gore." Not until you answer me from. your heart." Well, then—what shall I say?" It was a week after Julian Gore's rescue from the jaws of death. He had met Nannie Edgecumbe on the sea shore, and he had placed himself resolutely in her pathway. Only three little words, Naillnie-' I love you. And with scarlet cheeks and averted face, Nannie murmured the oonfessiom of her heart. "Oh, Julian, I do love you! But I never knew how much until I thought you were drowned under the shadow of Echo Rock." And so the problem of Nannie Edgecumbe's life had wrought out it own solution.

LAUGH & GROW FAT HUMOROUS PARS FROM EVERYWHERE. My dear fellow," exclaimed a clerk to an Irish colleague, why on earth are you wearing your socks inside out?" "Because there are holes in the other side!" was the reply. A boy who had been taken for a long walk wanted to ride home. Nonsense!" remarked his father. "What are your legs for?" To make me feel tired!" replied the lad. Here is an item about a convict who writes humourous verses in prison," re- marked the sub-editor of a provincial paper to his chief. "Ah," was the response, "perhaps that's what he'a in for!" Caller: Do you think the doctor is going to help you, Mr. Jones? Jones: He may, if I can only follow his orders. He told me to drink hot water thirty minutes before every meal, but it is hard work to drink hot water for thirty minutes. "Do you know Lord PecEham?" asked a sportsman of a gun" who had been a wretched failure in the field Oh, yes! I've often shot at his house," was the reply. "Ever hit it?" was the question thai followed. A certain nobleman well-known to society, while one dJ?..y strolling round his stables, came across his coachman's little boy on a seat playing with toys. After talking to the youngster a short time, he said, "Well, my little man. do you know who I am?" "Oh, yes," replied the boy, "you're the man who rides in isy father's carriage." An admirer of a young lady who had executed a Chopin polonaise upon the piano beamed with delight. "There," he said, turning to the young lady's brother, when the last eollo had died away, that's what I call a. finished performance!" Yes, it's finished," responded the brother, with fervour; "we've got that much to be thaukful for." "Prisoner," said the Judge, "yon eay your wife hit you on the head with a plate. Is that so?" Yes, sorr," answered the prisoner, who rejoiced in the name of Mulligan, and who had Irish nationality written largely on his features. "But," said the Judge, "your head doetsn't show marks of any kind." No, sorr," answered Mr. Mulligan, with a touch of pride, but ye should ha' seen that pliate." As a patroness of struggling and dis- coura-g- artists and musicians, Mrs. Pollen, was not markedly successful, although she had plenty of money and a warm heart, and was interested in art and artists. 'Ye brought some of my last wintor's sketches to show you," said one poor young man whom she had asked to call upon her, "but I do not feel satisfied with them. They are not as good in some ways as the work I did a year ago." "Nonsense!" cried Mrs. Follen with loud cheerfulness, patting him on the shoulder, "you paint just as well as you did last yea.r- as well as you ever have. Your taste's im.p,roYine-that's au!" HARD LINES. A motorist was arrested recently while driving slowly through a New Zealand town and fined £ 5. He demanded why he had been so treated, ag he had not violated any speed regulations, but could get no satisfaction. The officer of the council explained the whole matter. We held a meeting last night and decided that this racing must stop. This man was the first to come along slow enough for us to catch, so we arrested him." WHERE HE WAS WRONG. A curate, now to a small seaside town, in visiting a number of cottages, found many complaints of hard times, and one poor woman in particular was very voluble on the subject. The reverened gentleman kindly predicted better times in store. "And tell your husband," he said, "that he must be very-thankful to be able to keep his head above water." That's just where you're wrong, sir," was the reply; my good man has kept his head above water too long already, worse luck." The curate looked surprised until the good lady explained: You see, sir, my husband, he's a diver." BEFORE HE'D FINISHED. The park policeman, seeing a youngster standing on the brink of one of the ponds in his domain, acoosted the youth, What's the matter, Tommy?" he inquired. The youngster pointed to a boy's hat, which was bobbing up and down in the middle of "My bruvver he sobbed. I the pond. But tli3 brave bobby waited not to hear more. In a flash he had divested himself of his coat and waded into the ice-cold water. He reached the hat, and dived. He came up at last, but with the hat only. I Oan' find him!" he gasped. Where was I he standing when he fell in ?" The boy gaped. "He ain't fell in," he said. "He's over there I was going to tell you he threwed my hat into the pond, but you wouldn't lemme finish." PROFITABLE DEALING. The stranger gazed with interest upon the crafty features of the poker players. It was the first time in his life that he had visited an out-and-out, no-mistake, fig-for-the-Govern- ment gambling hell. It was a game of poker that had no limit, and the men played not for the gaining of pleasure but for the pleasure of gain. To the psychologist it was an engrossing study. Suddenly he frowned. He had seen the dealer slip four aces from the bottom of the pack. "Great Christopher," whispered the stran- ger excitedly, clutchinr. the sleeve of the man next him, "Did you see that? Why, that scoundrel in the crimson shirt just dealt him. self four aces." self four aces." The other looked at the stranger calmly. "Well," he 6aid, "wasn't it his deal?" "Well," he said. "wasn't it his deal?"

GREEN OLD AGE. TAKING ANOTHER LEASE OF LIPIC AND OBTAINING A HEALTHY AND WELL-REGULATED SYSTEM, ASSISTED BY DR. MORSE'S INDIAN ROOT PILLS. To reach a green old age and enjoy good health can only be attained by the care of the system, which may at times require a little assistance. The first essential to good health is to keep the stomach in a sound condition. It is not the quantity of food we eat, but what we digest and assimilate, that nourishes the body. Growing old ought not to mean growing weak and feeble. It does not mean weakness or feebleness for those who eat with a good appetite and sound digestion. It is therefore of the utmost importance that old people should retain the power to dif t and assimilate food which is the sole rurce of physical strength. When age K ings feebleness it is generally because of the failure to assimilate the nutrition contained in food. To those in declining years who find that nature responds less readily to the demands made upon her, and who need a mild, yet searching remedy, to keep their system in proper working order, there is nothing like Dr. Morse's Indian Root Pills. For sale by all Chemists and Stores, price I/ii per bottle, or 6 bottles for 6/6, or will be sent by the Proprietors, The W. H. Comstock Co., Ltd., 21, Farringdon Avenue, London, E.C. A free sample will be forwarded on receipt of Id. stamp.

not present," I said; at which words Mies Drake's face was suddenly illuminated by quite a pleasant smile, and Mr. Trevor said under his breath, "Bravo!" JuA before dinner was annoutneed my fourth guest entered the drawing-room. The moment I saw him I started, for was he not in all partiouilars, even to the most minute detail, the benevolent old gentleman, wfho had looked at me out of the picture? His face was cteeidedly handsome, even classical in outline. Over his venerable countenance there radiated an exprefision of wonderful benevolence. He was tail, but well made. His dreiss was immaculate and, I should have imagined, brand new. He did not ehonv a trace of nervousness, but, coming up to me, took my hand eagerly and looked into my eyes. The queerest sensation, swept all over me when he did this. In vain, try as I would, I could not quite recover my composure. When he dtrcpiped my hand, however, I lost the feeling of overpowering nervousness, and, as Gaitnorpe at that moment ammouene-ed diinner, I asked the oM gentleman to take Lady Frances to the dining-room. He did so with the most courtly grace imaginable. Mr. Trevor followed with Mies Drake, and I came behind with my faithful sentinel, Bread'ess. To my dismay, however, I fonind that whem we were seated at dinner Mr. Graham was at my other side. Just for a minute he j touched my feet with his, and I felt a thrill of fear, mingled with the most strange curio- sity, visit me. I removed my foot at once, and the sensation passed. Lady Frances's Lorud voice dominated the diming-table, but I found tha,t my other guest replied to her in gentle and musical tones. She plied him with questions; she was evidently very much interested in him. "Your return from the Far, Far East is such a great event, Mr. Graham, you must tell 118 all about those delightful countries you visited. We sffiai'l hang upon your words. DClesn't London and the society of the pre- sent day seem rathe,r-rather-crude-, to say ) the least of it, after the polish of the Bast?" His muBicai voice dropped; he replied in tones which I could not catch. I found myself watching him as though fascinated; I forgot my other guests, so deeply did he interest me. When dinner came to an end, Lady Frances and her daughter returned With me to the d na; win £ -room. Now, tit here close to me," said Lady Frances. She patted the sofa by her side. Sit down., like a good girl. Do you know that you are remarkably handsome?" "Please don't talk personal things," I could not help replying. Lady Frances laughed. "Isn't she an oddity, Isabel?" was her remark. Isabel Dra-ke agtain favoured me with that rare smile of absolute pleasure. "I like her," she said; "I like bIlunt people." You always were queer, my dear," said her mother. "Sit down, do; and open a book. I want to talk to Miss Wet it. We have come here all the way from. liondon just to please you, Miss West." "It is very gocd of you," I answered in siome astoniEUinent, "but I never invited you." "That is quite delicious!" murmured Miss Drake, smiling again. "You did not, my dear, but your umole, J'armes Boxall, did througih his agent, Mr. Eousely. We are here for two days, no more; then we go om to ouir friends, the OhebdaJcs, at Ghebdiale Chase. Isabel and I find it hard work to get throlugh all our engagements. But do tell me what you think of Mr. Graham." He is very peculiar," I replied. He is quite delicious," tjlic amswered. "Do you lanuw tibat he is one of the greatest tra- valleys of the present day? He has b-een- ÓIh, in places where a white man htas never eeit hds foot bafloire. I can see that lie is very moicih toik'U'n with yiciu; I am suire you witlfl like him. A:h! aii»d here he comes. Avihat a efhiort time these men dto take over their wine, but I suppose that tihe attraction in the dirawingKroom is too great." Mr. Gra-hajm and Mr. Trevor entered the room. Mr. Graham immediately, without the slightest preamble, walked up to my side, drew a ciia-ir forward, and. eat near me. Xow, tell nin- all about yotcrse.lf," he said. I have Tiiothin-g to tell you," I rep-lied. Iu vain I sought to get away from his eyes. His eyes were wonderful—of a deeip velvety brown." His complexion was rather swarthy, his thick hair very white. I could not help glancing towards the picture, and it seemed to me as I did so that the eyes in the picture mccked me. They wore hds to a certainty. I thought he would speak a-baut the resembliainicc, but he did not appear even to see that I had glanced in that direction. What a fine dbg you have, Miss West!" was his next remark. He held out his thin white hand as he spoke totwairds Dreaddeets. To my unbounded amazement the diog rose slowly to his mag- nificent height, went up to the stranger, and licked bus hand. What does this meam?" I couild not help saying. All animals love me," he said gently, "as I Dove all creatures, gireait and small. My motto m life m umivereial love; it absolutely silirut6 out hate. Don't you agree wit,h me?" "No, I don't," I answered, "for I could never feed it- I llove some people and halte cthe's. I am a good lovetr, and a good hater." •' You very young," he said in that musical voice. "You will ha.te lees and love more as you gtrciw older." Slhall I?" Yes; to a certainty you will. Aren't you going to tell me about your life?" Why ^u-Id I?" I replied; "it would not interest you. You wre mistaken, he said, dircxfKpiiiig his ..OIloc. All young etreatures who aire beauti- ful interest me. I have been too. long parted from the life of beauty." He sighed, amid for a brief instant a look otf horror filled his eyes. It transformed hie face so completely that I should mot have knowa him; butt almost before I could remark it it was gone, and the angelic, benevolent look had returned. "WillI you teU me about yourself?" I said. Lady Frances says you are a great travel- ler-that you have been in many lands and have seen many people. Is that so?" 1 never talik of myself," was his reply. "What I have seen I have seen, what I have endured I have endured. Miss West, when we visit fairyland and then come back to the common events of life, we seldom talk of ouir experiences. Think how interesting tilie world would be if we couLd really behold tae dryads coming out of the oak trees, and the fairies as th,c,y dance on the grass, and the riymphs as they bathe, in the streams. 1 have seen them often, often, but I don't speak of them." You have the gift of imagination," I replied. I have," he said, and he gave me a queer glance, which again thiraUed me. All the time, while he was talking, the dog pressed up close to him, and, finally, the head of Dread!leæth{) moct discreet, the most difficuilt-to-be-wcii animal—rested OlD Mr. Graham's fuuoo. He passed his hand two or three times over the dog's broad forehead, and the dog, as though mesmerised, dropped off asleep. Your power O'VIea" this animal is extraordi- nary," I said. Not at all," he answered. "I invariably pierc.e below the surface; I see into the souls of creatures." Lady Frances made an impatient move- ment at that instant. Are we to play bridge cr anything amus- ing?" she asked, with a slight yawn. I confessed that I did not know bridge, but Mr. Graham rlcse, and immediately expretseed hds wiiliniginees to join in a game. The four made a rubber, and soon were absorbed in the intricacies of this fascinating pastime. They evidently played for large stakes, and I saw by Lady Frances's face that she was losing and that Mr. Gralham was winning rubber after rubber. Willen the game oamè to an end we all retired for the night. As I was going upstairs Mr. Graham held out his hand, and took mine gently between both his own. "I am so old amd you so young," he said, amd yet there is an affinity between us. I shall have the pleasure of seeing you again to-morrow, when we may have some further talks. Good-nigfhit, dear child. Good-uight, you peerless dog." The dog parted from him with evident un- willingness, looking baok once or twice as he followed me upstairs. I will confess that during the night that followed I slept soundly. The night before I had lain awake; now I was completely worn out. I slept sweetly and without fear. When I awoike in the morning the sun was shining into my room, and Dreadles8 was standing by my bedside. He looked im- patient, and -wagged his tail. His eyes seemed to say, Get up, and let us once again find ourselves in the presence of that gond and fascinating gentleman." Who was Mr Grabam ? Why bad he such a likeness to tlhe picture on the wall? What did Susan know about him, for instance? I rang mv bell, amd sihe appeared. I observed that her eyes were red, as tbougfh eihe had been crying very hard. Her face filled me with dismay. Suean, what do you mean?" I oouIld not help saying. She buirst out crying again. Now, you must stop that," I said. "What good will tears dlo? I suppose you think that I. am in danger, and you are— frightened?" That is just it, miss," she replied. "You are in danger. I am frightened." "Listen," I said. "I verily believe that all the things that I have been told since I entered tihis house are made up by the people who surround me for the sake otf frightening me. On all hands I am todd that I am surrounded by mystery and danger. But I have never yet perceived the danger except when my dog was nearly poisoned." 11 Ah, miss," said poor Sueau, "there is worse than that. If you only would be care- ful." S'hall I use the blue flag?" I Said sud- denly. She coloured and gasped. "b," she said. "That would be from the frying-pau into the fire. No, no; nolt the blue flag." Very well," I said. You oertainJy do your best to take all the nerve from me. I don't think you are very kind. You only hint at danger without saying from where it springs. Teill Bolton to be in readiness for me, and I will ride Bonavista this morn- ing. The dJolg is quite well, and will aooom- pairy us." "I would not let that dog, miss, out of my sight for a quarter of a minute," said Susan. If you have a leader put it on him, miss. I speak what I know. I never did think that Dreadless had his weak points, but he has. Calthorpe told me already it would happen, and Galthorpe was right." You mean," I said, turning white and my voice trembling, that Gal thorp e knew that the dog would take to Mr. Graham?" Susan nodded. "I wish to the Lord," she said suddenly, that you had given ihim to Bolton this morning! Balt,on would I'oek him up in the stables and keep the key. Then he would be safe." Oh, no," I answered; "he stays with me; I cannot and will not part with him." Notwithstanding Susan's gloomy words, I really did not feel much fear. Bet-idon, deliverance was so close at hand; only one d'ay and one mere night of these guests at The Chase, and I should be away, away; and safe, quite, quite sale. Nevertheless, wheal I had finished my toilet, a eudden impulse came over me. I crosfed the room, and, opening the drawer where the little blue flag lay, I took it out and put it into my pocket. "I may as well ha-ve it with me," I thought. I then called my d'og, and went downstairs. Lady Frances and her daughter and the two gentlemen, awaited me in the dining- room. The dog went straight to Mr. Graham, wagged his tail, and looked into his eyes. Mr. Graham touched his head with the tips of his long slender fingers. The dog almost slobbered with delight. Come here, Dreadless," I said. Fotr the first time since the Squire bad given me the animal he did not obey, but pressed closer to Mr. Graham. Go to your mistress," said the man. in his musical voice, and Dreadless immediately came to me. After breakfast, accompanied by the dog, I went out. The air of the house seemed too "Yon surely are not the victim of fear?" close. There was a queer sense of oppression all over me. I was going towards the stables, meaning to tell Bolton myself to prepare the bouses and accompany me on a lomg ride, when a voice behind caused me to turn, and I saw Mr. Graham advancing to meet me. Where are you going?" he asked. To the stables," I said, to see my groom." What for?" was his next inquiry. I might have tillought hds manner an im. pertinence uttered by another man, but! somehow, this angelicJookang being could not be impertinent, whatever he eaid. "I want to ride my horse, Bonavista." All, don't," he said in the most pleading tone. I cannot, alas, ride, and I wamt your society so badly." My desire to ride left me on the spot. I will stay with you, of course," I said. Thank you very, very much. Where shall we walk?" "Wherever you please, I He turned immediately in th2 direction, of the house, and before I had rea.ised it we were walking along a path now quite clean and neat, which ra.n at the other s'ide of the wall-tho very path Which I had myself tra- versed on the moirning after my first arrival at The Ohase. A curious sort of high wall this, 6aid my companion. companion. Yes," I answered. Do you know what is at the other side. "I have not the slightest idea," I eaid. "Aren't you curious to know?" I I made no answer. He slackened his pace. 'There is a postern door juet here," he siuo I have the key in my pocket. Shall we pass through and find out?" Squire Ooverdaic's warning rushed over my heart. Susan's tears returned to my memory; but greater at that moment, more moanenr; tone, more overpowering than even the words of my own true love was that curious long- ing within me to fiind out, as Mother Eve had done long ago, what the forbidden fruit was like. The other side of that wall was as the forbidden fruit to me. My silence did not in the least surprise my companion. He stopped before the postern door and took a shining- key from his pocket. "iShall we go in?" be said, gently. It wouLd be nice to explore the place, wouldn't lt'< Yes—no—I do not think I will go in there with you, Mr. Graham." Very well," he answered. He put the key back again,, into his pocket. We continued to crawl along by inches ait the other side of the wall. "You are naturally curim-ts; he eaid, after a pause. WDll, -yes,-a little," I said; "bat that is wnong, isn't it?" "Wrong?" he answered. "WhoaJt would the worM be like without curiosity? Would dis- coveries be made? Would knowledge be acquired? Should we belong to the England of to-day without that which you call wrong? Curiosity means the birth of all knowledge, of all discovery, of all power. It is right, not wrong, to indulge in it." The dog ha.d left me and pressed close to Mr. Graham. We re-traced our steps in the direction of the postern, door. Suddenly I uttered an exclamation. Why, it was not here when first I came!" I said. "Oh, no," he answered very gently; it was put here a day or two ago." "Why so?" I replied. Come inside, and I will tell you," was hds reply. No—oh, m-.o-and yet-" He turned and faced me. His soft brown eyes wetre dancing with fun his whole intel- ligent face was radiant. "Now, my dear young lady," lie said; "what is the matter with you? Do you sup- pose that a dragon hides at the other side of this wall? Let me inform you1 that I know what is within—pleasant pastures and the good things otf life. Why, tihe wall but hides the west wing of the oJd house. In that wing I reposed Last night, so did Lady Frances, so did Miss Drake, so did Mr, Tre- vor, also our servants. Did we look this morning when we came down to breakfaist as though we bad enoountered dragons or even any ghosts? Were not our manners calm, our whole demeanour natural? What do you mean? Why do you hesitate? You, surely, are not the victim of fear." As he spoke, ■ without a moment's hesita- ticn, he again slipped the silver key from his pocket, inserted it in the lock, and threw the door wide open. If for an instant I hesi- ta.ted on the threshold, the dog didn't. With a glad bound he darted within, and I fol- lowed him. (To be concluded.)