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Show thing for the truth and the right; but it is certain I have acted as I believed KLOXDYKE HOUSES. was my duty then now always! Heaven knows I have struggled fiercely THOUSANDS KILLED WHILE and suffered bitterly; thi.t I have CROSSING MOUNTAINS. meant it should only be myseif to bo Immolated. Circumstances have cruelly Terror of the Mmgiiar Trail Moaj hemmed me in. I have only had the Which Death Overtake the la Way power given me to make the best of Faithful Animal The Ktory of a them. My conscience sustains me. Too Despondent Rian. well I know how little account I give to wealth or title. I count them both more empty and valueless than the (Special Letter.) froth of the sea. I am assured it is a 11EN the Alaskan snow melts next prouder thing to be the beloved and loving wife of a peasant than the negspring the bones of i.OOO horses will be lected, partner of a throne. And yet, there are some duties uncovered on the flats around Skag-ua- y higher than those of love. So, at least, it seems to me. But, Felicie, I bay and along no longer urge upon you this marriage the trail to the llundre d s .akes. with the marquis. You shall judge for have will perished yourself; whatever your decision, you before the snow bemay rely upon my support and coungins to fall and the tenance, even against your father's remaiuuer will be killed or die from anger." But his anger will be terrible, starvation before the winter Is half over. There is no way around It the sighed Felicie. poor horses must die. For weeks they no worse be I fear so; but it will than I have endured, even before dis- have been rushed to Skaguay on every obedience. It really seems t me that steamer sailing for the north. Many of you could not help yourself If you tried; them are already useless, and have but this strange state of affairs in been shot and thrown into the bay. France is in your favor. Ah, my child, Unfitted for the rough work, the scant of hay and grain taken along you have sat in judgment upon your supply has proven insufficient, and many of If see can avail mother; you yourself them live but a few weeks after they of far more propitious circumstances. are thrown from steamers to overboard "Dear, dear mamma, cried Felicie, swim ashore. Perhaps they will be I spoke through a flood of tears, used by the hungry miners for food, thoughtlessly; I never meant to hint but at any rate their frozen carcasses that I believed you anything but the will be found in the spring. angel you are! Not the least interesting part of the She flung herself upon her mother's great rush to the Klondyke has been breast, and they mingled their tears to- the horses taken in by the hundred. gether. After this they were both com- After the first Argonauts reached Skaforted. They shared the same couch guay word was sent back that horses that night, and long after Lady Felicia were absolutely necessary if one exhad fallen Into the sweet slumbers of pected to reach the lakes over the Innocence and youth, the pale mother White Pass trail before the river froze bent above her, whispering softly: up and navigation was stopped. They Oh, my beloved one, may Heaven sent back for horses in numbers, this spare you the bitter trials of your hopemove started the demand. A Klon-dykless mother. At least, though your could not take too many horses, be not and every one advised at least three warm, womanly devotion aroused, may you find a husband you to the man. can respect and honor, and not a There is hardly a horse left In the tyrannical master, who entire White River valley. Worn-ocrushes your most strenuous efforts tc farm horses, young colts, unbroken fulfil your .duties loyally. and every sort of horse were driven In two days longer, as Emile had fo Seattle by the enterprising farmers prophesied, the count arrived with his and sold to the Klondykers. A horse noble friend. If the servants marveled market was established in one of the at his quiet entrance', his freedom from prominent public squares. Hundreds the accustomed retinue of attendants, of horses were sold just before each they stood too much in awe of him to steamer sailed for Alaska. Oxen, comment upon it. He greeted the count- mules and dogs that were placed on ess with his usual stately courtesy, but sale with the horses were quickly purhe clasped his daughter to his heart ere chased at the owners figures. A horse he presented her to the marquis. It was true, that she was the dearest thing in the world to him, except his pride and his selfishness. He loved her as deeply as hlB narrow nature would allow. "This, De Berri, is Lady Felicie. You see she has quite outgrown the little girl you remember," said the father, proudly. The old marquis bowed gallantly over the trembling little hand extended to him. I greet the Lady Felicie with a great deal of pleasure, and no little admiration. But I shall allow a younger voice to describe the effect of such freBh loveliness upon our dull, Parisian . CHAPTER VII. repugnance to her marriage with the T the words their marquis. "You do not approve, then, of these eompanion lighted the little lantern unions which consult only fortune and hanging at his belt, title, Lady Felicie? observed Emile, whose round reflect- as they slowly left the wood. or threw the ghostly "I abhor them! returned she, with circle ' upon the fervor. And what says the oountess? ground. He held It "That it is cruel to excite repugup so that the pale light revealed to nance to a destiny you know is inhim her eager, evitable. But the system is as deearnest face in all testable to me as to any one. Its girlish loveliness, and gave to her It is to last but a frail moment his pale, noble countenance, with those longer!" ejaculated Emile. "O, France! deep, luminous eyes, that broad, intel- at what a terrible carnival of frightful lectual sweep of the forehead, and those passions is your purification to come! sadly wistful eyes. They had now reached the open Sweet image of the past! what can meadow from which the roof and chimexclaimed he. you know of Emile neys of the chateau could be plainly My mother has told me; and, ah, I Been. admire, I respect you so much; and I "Do not accompany us farther; there wish is no occasion for it, and your time is What do you wish, innocent one? valuable, said the countess. That I could comfort you! was He turned at once. t. Felicies fervent answer. "Then I wish you He seized her hand and kissed it pasThe ladies waited till the woods hid sionately. She was almost sure that a his figure from them, then went slowly shower of hot tearB accompanied the toward the chateau, from whose boucaress. doir windows, as they approached near, Be satisfied; you have comforted they saw the cheerful lights streaming me! Countess, this is the sweetest mo- forth like a beckoning star. ment I have known for years. said Lady Felicie, "I Oh, mamma, Heaven will reward you, sometime, wonder so much at you! Title nor forEmilel I can never for a moment tune, nor forty fathers should have doubt it. As for me, I am powerless separated me from Emile, so grand and to express my gratitude for your dis- heroic as he is! interested devotion. The countess paused suddenly, and He turned the light slowly upon her leaning heavily against her daughter, face, and was evidently shocked at the burst into a perfect passion of tears. traces of care and time. The stern pent emotion once finding So changed!" murmured he; "ah, vent, it seemed that she would never wear deepest. grow calm again. Felicie was deeply my lady, heart-grieYou had scarcely have been more worn alarmed. She passed both arms around bad you become a peasants wife. the reeling figure, kissed her frantiThe countesB made a deprecating ges- cally, called her by every endearing ture. name, and besought her to recover HuBh, Emile, do not allude to the composure. Nothing seemed to avail, past. I am a faded, careworn woman, until suddenly the idea occurred to the and I am the Countess Languedoc. daughter to feign alarm. Both should prevent you from recalling Hark! exclaimed she. Oh, mamany other knowledge of me. I am ma, is not that M. Pierre, yonder?" One great shudder shook the counthankful to see you still in the very am I and of strength; manly tess, and seizing Felicie by the hand, pride she dragged her into the shelter of a deeply grateful for your kindness. His eye had again turned upon cluster of mulberry trees. She listened anxiously for several moments, then The past years seem but a day when cautiously resumed their approach to I look upon her. It seems that I once the chateau. The little ruse had been more behold the Lady Violante of my euccesBful. They reached the balcony youthful dreams," murmured he, in a in safety; stealthily, followed the unused corridor and gained the boudoir. dreamy tone. The countess watched him uneasily. Hastily removing their wraps, and putMy daughter is betrothed to the ting them out of sight, the pair sat young Marquis De Berri. The marriage down, and assumed an attitude of careis to take place at once. less indolence, as though they had reI know, answered Emile, with a mained there through the whole evengrave smile; he is a noble youth, and ing. is worthy of her. Though these be We must show them that we are scarcely the times for marrying or giv- here. Open a book, Felicie, as though ing in marriage, may prosperity and you were reading, and then ring the peace attend them! It should be so, if bell and order a flask of wine. I am my poor will were law. And now to deathly faint. Give the order yourreturn to the danger which surrounds self, for I fancy I could not Bteady my you. It is Imperative that I return to tones yet." She leaned back in the Paris immediately, but I shall make no chair, her face as pale as marble. Lady tarrying there. I only go to perfect Felicie hastily obeyed her wish. The arrangements for your future safety. I maid hastily obeyed the command, then do not believe there will be any dis- said, timidly: turbance during my absence. At all Oh, my lady, have you looked out even re, you have this retreat in case of on the lawn this evening? Jaques deDipcrative need. I shall work on the clared there were dark shapes flitting tuberranean chamber the reBt of the about; though, to be sure, they had light, and leave it habitable, though nn spades nor lights. We are all so Jot as comfortable as I intend to leave frightened!" it. I think you will see the count in Foolish things go say your prayers fro days at the longest. Of course, and you will be safe," answered Lady mi will not need my caution to keep Felicie, to save her mother the occa111 that you have witnessed sion to speak. The girl went off wondering at the ntirely to yourselves. By all means Iry to appear before this wretched courage of the noble ladles, and quite iverscer as if you had still faith in hie innocently toll? a very broad falsehood to her mates in the servants hall. ionesty. We shall fortunately be spared the Only think, theres my lady and ieed of dissembling. He is aware how Lady Felicie as quiet and still as two Ittle respect we bear him. mice; they've been reading all the That is well. Now we must arrange evening as if no such things as ghosts iome signal, whereby, I may acquaint ever walked. with my presence here. What shall Jou ; CHAPTER VIII. OTHER and daughA bunch of wild flowers thrown on ter Bat in the luxudie rocky bridge of the meadow. I will rious boudoir In look for them myeelf, every morning, silence. iried Fellcie, eagerly. profound The minds of both Some one might pick them up. obwere teeming with served the countess. before them be I shall for earnest no; Oh, thought, answered Felicie. but neither dared i 111, So be it then. And now I will acgive language to them. The wine company you through the woods into chateau. of the had evidently relight vived the countess; Pray extinguish your lantern, cried Telicle, archly. I shall have no fancy the color had returned to her lips, alfor the uncanny company of a ghost. though her face was still pale. But she "Where are your fears, Felicie? In remained with her head supported by flew of all we have heard and seen, I one arm, her eyes drooping to the floor. ixpected you would need all my per- Felicie crept to her side, and nestled her hand Into the chilly, listless fingers suasion to keep calm. Ah! but I did not know in the be- that hung over the arm of the easy chair. They closed fondly over hers. ginning that Emile was to be our Still the girl dared not speak. cried At length the countess turned and Sweet, ingenuous child! me the fixed power "Heaven her mournful eyes upon the wistgive fimlle; I'o deserve your charming confidence, ful, girlish face. Countess i cannot resist the influence. My child, Bald she, "circumstances each-I for must so thank I you peculiar and delicate make it very 'fiolanle, such to speak plainly with to hare kindly embarrassing daughter ig yoir i ent intents for me. you, yet I cannot endure that you "I told her the story, Emile, to ex--I should judge wrongfully of your mothlain i rhy I bad kept her in such strict er's mothes. I may have erred; I may i llirement, and because of her girlish have lacked the courage to brave every good-nigh- fs Fe-llci- e. ht pro-lecto- r! oold-heart- Skaguay to the summit. In several places, where a great many horses were killed, the stench has grown so sickening that the dead bodies have been rolled down the hill by the miners for the same reason. One horse got fastened on the rorks, and was shot to end its sufferings. The dead body could not be pried loose and its legs were sawed off, the body thrown over the hill, and the stumps of legs that were fastened in the rocks were covered up. In another place a horse has stood erect for weeks with two feet fastened in the rocks. It was shot the second day, but the body cannot be pried loose. There are many ways in which the horses meet death on the trail. They will be staggering over slippery rocks and put their legs into crevices which e hold them in grip until the momentum of their bodies snaps their legs. They are then shot by the owner it he has a gun; if not, he waits until some one comes along who has. Several have been mired in the mud so deep that they could not be pulled out. At several points where the trail is very narrow and runs along the edge of a bluff horses are dally pushed over with their packs. They tell a story of a man who was thoroughly despondent. It wag raining hard. Everything had gone wrong. He had lost five or six horses in less than two days, some of them with their packs on their backs. He came to a bluff with his last remaining horse loaded down. A blockade, one of those trying features of the trail that occur very frequently, was on. The miner drove his' horse up to the edge of the cliff, drew his revolver and fired a bullet Into the horses brain, and watched the body roll for hundreds of feet down into the canon. He started back to Skaguay and took the first steamer for Seattle, without paying the least attention to the remainder of his outfit. vice-lik- er narrow-- minded, ut Th Intensity af the gnu' Ray. It is estimated that the earth re- ceives not more than one thousand millionth part of the total radiation of the suns rays. If any considerable proportion of this heat were concentrated upon the earth it would not only become uninhabitable,' but become speedily consumed. If the great accumulation of ice at the north pole were placed at a point on which this tremendous heat could be focused it would melt at the rate of 300,000,000 of miles of solid Ice per second, and the heat is estimated to generate energy at the rate of about 10,000 herse- - eyes. Your son has not accompanied you? observed the counteBB, to spare her agitated daughter the necessity of reply. Not yet, my dear madam. He took a more circuitous route. You are doubtless aware of the revolutionary state of the whole country. He was imprudent enough to express hlB indignation at the brutal insolence of the mob toward her gracious majesty, the queen, and very nearly paid the penalty of his boldness. I shall not feel quite easy till he reaches us. I have heard very little from Paris. You know our extreme isolation, and the count prohibited Intercourse with Fejua. I hope you do not apprehend serious results? One cannot say what will happen It had grown a little quieter, but the leaders are subtile now; they have but to touch a spring, and the mine is fired. Heaven help all who come in the way of the explosion. The countess looked anxiously over to her husband. Have you any fears insubordinate spirit reaching Fejus? asked she. Pshaw! ea Id the count, teBtlly, what do women know of such things. I must go and talk with M. Pierre, and see how affairs have gone on. interposed the countess, Stay, had you not better listen to my account first? I assure you it will be wiser. With his accustomed perversity, from the paltry desire to show that he was lord and master over this woman of twice his intellect and force of character, the count replied, contemptuously: Your account, Indeed! I would as soon question one of the servant girls. lf I should have to allow for your antipathy to my worthy Pierre, and the other half to your ignorance of all business matters, and then where would my result be? The countess colored deeply, while Felicia's eyes flashed Indignantly. of-thi- s one-ha- (TO SB COXTI'UISII.I THE VILLAGE SMITHY. ($20 per.) a horse, it made no difference whether it was sick, lame or blind, it was wanted In Alaska. It was not until the horses were landed at Skaguay that their troubles really began. In purchasing the animals no attention had been paid as to whether they were broken or not, and is a result about half of the ponies and cayuses had never had a saddle in their backs before. The breaking of the horse took from three to five lays, and was only accomplished after hours of constant cursing on the part In several instancss af the owners. fits animals refused to be broken, and were killed by their angry owners, or, becoming frightened, plunged into the bay, and were drowned. A worse trail for horses than the Skaguay trail could not be imagined. It runs through swamps, over slippery bowlders, the sharp rocks, around fragments of which cut the horses' feet to pieces; around projecting rocks ip the sides of the canon, where the frail is but a few feet In width and seyond is a drop of hundreds of feet. So many horses have been k!l ed along :he trail that one cannot get away tom the smell of decayed horses from was power to every square foot of its sui- - Rag rested Boon for Bather. It is suggested, as the life line and life saver are not always able to prevent the drowning of bathers at the summer resorts, that two or three rows of flexible stakes, each row describing an arc of a circle, be set, beginning at the shallowest point at high tide and curving out to deeper water Strong nets attached to the stakes and reaching the bottom would prevent people being carried beyond a point where they could be easily rescued. Beyond this line another oould be set for the benefit of swimmers and outside this a line of boats be station-ed- . The expense necessary to tbe carrying out of this plan should not be considered when the safety of human lives is In question. A new theater in New York state has been wired by a woman, who is said to be one of the most expert theatrical electricians In the country. She makes a specialty of designing switchboard, and says the work Is fascinating. |