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Show THE man entered, and at the man’s astonishment. “Yes, looking sir. In the drawing-room, and said in a low, sweet vuice: +in the grounds a moment ago.” “May I hope that you have not quite “Then show me to her.” forgotten me, doctor?” The servant led the way to the The doctor arose and looked fixedly at dark, handsome for ing room, and tered. face of his visitor a moment, then laid down his pipe, In and taking the offered hand. said with a “Kugene Bristow, if my memory serves me right.” “Right you are, doctor, and right glad am I to find one of my old friends who remembers me yet.” “Sit down, my boy, sit down,” said the doctor. “So vou have come home at last.” “Yes, I returned in consequence of my uncle’s death, the particulars of which were sent me by his lawyers. I have great as arm-chair Eugene drawen- beside an open her face against the purple covering of the chair. Her dark, lustrous hair fell in wavy masses over her shoulders. Yet, with all the matchless beauty of her face, there was a vague, indefinable, inexpressible sense of something lacking. For a moment Eugene stood watching her intently. When, with a soft, noiseless tread he approached her and said: ‘Euciiel: She gasped and started to her feet arrival, heard something of the sad affliction which has befallen my dear cousin, Lucille.” “A sad affliction, indeed,” replied the doctor. “And the most curious, com- upon plicated case that ever came under my notice. Even Webb, the most noted sightless orbs full upon him, put her hand to her forehead, and so stood for brain specialist in the country, whom summoned on the case, is with an expression of I confounded, and can make nothing of it.” “Itis of Lucille I wished more particularly to consult you, doctor,” said Eugene. “After hearing what I did of her condition, one a retired window a.young girl sat gazing pensively out upon the wilderness of flowers below, her head, half turned, and resting on her hand, showed the perfect profile of smile: also, since my I think.” “Ts she alone?” he asked again. “J think so, sin. I saw Miss Hubbard advancing to where the doctor sat, held out his hand the Is Lucille within?” I feared knowledge of my the memory lest the return and fear and turning wonder her dark, one moment. The next, she sighed and shook her head sadly; then sinking back to her former position in the chair, ask-— ‘““Who are you?” TO BE CONTINUED. stidden might revive]. of her late bereavement and DANCING GIRLS OF SIAM, — Poised on tiptoe, bending their arms and limbs back as far as they will reach and picking up bits of straw with their eyelids, nasium. cushioned “Journeys gives a very arms picking up is that this Now, past of Bangkok in graphic in the Zigzag the Antipodes,” description of the a bit of straw with the vye- lids can be learned only by the youngest of them, who are made to practice it in order to render them flexible in every “Hivery incident of her life before that time, even her own name, was forgotten. theory girls wonderful physical training of these girls, whose ages vary frem five to twenty years. The curious and subtle feat of |-of the chair. Her life lies all dead behind her. dancing The new volume series, fever left her.” The young man’s nostrils dilated with ‘along breath, and his hands relaxed firm grasp on the the are always exercising in the royal gym- “And her mind,” continued the doctor, “is atotal blank up to the hour her Webb’s face, ed calmly: the trying scenes through which she has so recently passed, and so preve hurtful, perhaps even fatal, in her présent state. What is your opinion?” “Yeu need have no fears,” said the doctor, “on that score. I see your knowledge of the case is very slight. In the first place she is totally blind.” “T understood so much,” said. Eugene. their her is part of: the body.: not destroyed, but only lies dormant, insensible; and the question is how to There are two long rows of benches, one a little higher than the other. On the revive it. But here, again, her blindness proves the greatest difficulty we lower is a row of little girls, and on the upper bench are laid fine polished bits of straw. At the sound of the drum the little girls all together bend back have to overcome. Once remove that, and the constant sight of familiar objects and faces around her might gradually lead her back to the broken thread of her past, and finally to her complete recovery.” “And is there no hope that her sight the neck and head until they touch the bits of straw, which with wonderful dexterity they secure between the corners of the eyelids. The may be restored?” asked Eugene. “There is always hope,” replied and the doctor. “But the chance in her case is so infinitely remote as to be hardly worth a thought. However, I am ex- Cup-dance poetic young is the most of their dances. women with atier of graceful A row of cups on their heads take their places in the centre of the gymnasium. A burst of joyous music follows. On hearing this pecting Webb down within the month, they simultaneously, with military prewhen he will bring with him a great cision, kneel down, fold their hands, and oculist who will make a careful exami- bow their heads until their foreheads nation of the case, and upon whose decision our last hope rests. So, you see now how impossible that your presence at the Hall could be harmful to her in any way. On the contrary, if it had any effect, it would be a beneficial one, as being a part of that lost past we wish her to regain.” “T see.” answered highest object you rest pains assured to that I aid you in the wish to attain.” “Heaven grant that you may be more successful than we have yet been,” replied the doctor as Eugene left the room. Going back to the village tavern, where he had lodged the night before, _ Eugene ordered his traps and luggage to be sent up to the Hall and started out to walk. The gate was open and he walked 3 briskly through and on up to the house, BION “ © = their arms, heads and feet. “And I thank you for the trouble you have taken to state the case so plain#y to me. I shall go, then, directly to the no Sg ‘N a“ 4 a miracle - of art.such as found only among physical training. people of the The music swells into a rapturous tumult. dancers raise their delicate feet, their arms and fingers with in seemiug The curve im- possible flexures, sway to and fro like withes of willow, agitate all the muscles of the body like the flutter of leaves in a soft evening breeze, but still keep the tier of cups on their heads. At other times a cup full of some liquid is placed on the floorin the centre of the hall. A girl will spring to her feet and dance about it in round wild eddies, and sud- denly lying herself down, keeping her arms folded tight on her breast, will take up the cup with her lips and drain the liquid without spilling a drop. know, your honor, that my before the office door whither side has it is Foiled by Fate: the estate were produced, with receipts for the insurance paid by different com- mate, was the last “He Last, George Grimshaw was and told how, at the time of the called, wreck, the captain, Skewes, ran to Richard Arden’s cabin to rouse him. How he, An almost over Then the room lief. . The drew array of a long breath evidence of re- against prisoner seemed impregnable. Even Septimus was alittle the discour- room, Richard as he called took the mus said: “Your honor, the the name. stand, and foundation Septiof out case rests on my client’s story, which I desire him to tell, as briefly as possible, without interruption, from beginning to end, after which we will endeavor to substantiate it by corroborative evidence in our possession.” Richard then related all that had be- fallen him during his absence. When he mentioned Skewes dying confession, Septimus, who was watching, saw George Grimshaw start and grow pale, after which he motioned his counsel to come to him, when they held a short whispered conversation, and the attorney returned to his seat. Joe Land was next called, and related his meeting with Richard and the subsequent events until they parted. Sandy passed that he was the last man on the vessel, except Sandy Gibbons, who waited for the captain an‘ Richard until the last When George finished, every person in is Gibbons now?” asked Septimus. calmly: boat was leaving the sinking vessel, and was obliged to throw himself into the sea to escape. to leave the ves- was,” answered George. “Where return unHe swore George, had waited for their til he dared wait no longer. man sel?” asked Septimus. panies on the vessel. out the may be spare Eugene > scribe a succession of rapid and intricate keeping time to the music law stood I they had tracked him. They knocked, With Faith and Love for mill-stones in his mind to object to the reading of and receiving no answer, tried the door. Grinding by day and night, this statement or confession, for the Finding it locked they burst it open and Can we ever know the triumph, reason that, as stated by the witness, it entered. The riches and beauty of work, Prone upon the-fioor, the dark blood bears only the signature of the writer. Or escape the weary treadmill I only ask that I may be allowed to read oozing from anawful wound in the And the famine of soul that lurk it, when, if in your honor’s opinion, it temple, lay George Grimshaw, a smoking © In the hearts of those who fail should appear irrelevant, I am _ willing pistol in his hand. To accept the promise sweet Beside him his father knelt wlth ‘| that it should be struck out of the eviThat the busy mills of God, dence.” clasped hands, and moaned: “Shall be fiiled with the finest wheat.” “Oh, George! my son! my son!” The prosecution immediately obHELEN Knapp GARRETT, A convulsive shudder shook his frame jected, but the court sustained Septiin Rural New Yorker. mus in so far as the reading of it, prob- and he fell forward across the body of ably more out of curiosity to hear it his son. Both dead! God have mercy on their souls! than anything else. Not to weary the reader with a repetition, we will simply state that it told} CHAPTER XXIV. CONCLUSION. how he had been paid to scuttle the Vulture so that the owners might reaThe trial was finished and Septimus lize the insurance on a worthless vessel gained his case, of course, winning, as 3 and cargo. How hehad taken Sandy the daily papers said, a “brilliant triGibbons into the plot and how Sandy umph of law over crime.” Richard Arden’s Fortune. helped do the scuttling. How he having In the course of his testimony Sandy | suspected foul play when Richard did Gibbons told how he had been carried not make his appearance when boats quite a distance down stream by the were lowered, went below and found him current, after George Grimshaw pushed CHAPTER XXIII. locked in his cabin, and after succeeding him in the river. He came to the surAN OLD ACQUANTANCE COMES FORWARD in releasing him, found they were both face under the thwarts of a skiff, lying IN THE NICK OF TIME. locked down. Of his rescue by Richard by the wharf with two sailors in it, from The news that a person claiming to be and their escape. a vessel anchored in the river. They When Septimus finished, he glanced at were waiting to take off an officer to the Richard Arden had turned up had spread like wildfire through the town. George Grimshaw, and saw that his face vessel which was to sail the next mornIt was the first real, genuine sensation was a shade paler but his bearing was as ing. They saw him as he came up and that had struck Ardentown since the ad- calm as usual. pulled him into the skiff just as the Then the opposing counsel arose and officer appeared. vent of the railroad, and the inhabiThey explained, and tants turned out en masse to the said: one of them suggested that, as they were “Your honor, our learned brother has short handed, they take Sandy aboard trial. Asa natural consequence the court gained his point. He has read the so- with them. The officer assented, and room was literally packed with eager, called confession of Captain Skewes; when Sandy came to his senses, he curious spectators, while (as theatrical much good may itdo him. It was very found himself on the blue water. It was men would say) hundreds were turned interesting, and I would suggest the a long voyage, but when Sandy got back, writer (whoever he or she may be) to he had come direct to Ardentown, with away at the door. The first day was entirely taken up by turn his attention to sensational story- the result narrated. the prosecution in calling ‘witnesses to writing as a profession. I move, howSandy escaped punishment by having ever, that it be stricken out of the evi- given such valuable testimony, and his identify Richard. Some of these swore positively to his dence, as it is not attested by a single turning over a new leaf. : ident'ty at first, but in the skilful hands witness, and for that reason alone is inRichard found his affairs in a terrible te of the prosecution, they soon became as valid as testimony. state but with the aid of the gold Joe The motion was sustained and Septi- Land brought with him, he managed to doubtful as the rest. The next day, the prosecution pro- mus was in despair. set everything right; but there is a new He had hoped that the confession sign on the warehouse front now, which duced the affidavits of the officers and crew of the Vulture, who swore they would be admitted when the court had reads “Arden & Land.” had left the vessel in asinking condi- heard it. Without that his testimony They secured their mine from. the tion, with the captain and Richard on would be as nothing when compared to Mexican government, and named it the > board, and that, to the best of their be- the overwhelming evidence of the pros- “Hidden Treasure.” It proved one of lief, she could not have lived five min- ecution. the most valuable mining properties in To gain time Septimus called George the country. utes longer. Then the advertisements for the Grimshaw to the stand. One day when it was found necessary “You say that Sandy Gibbons, the to engage Septimus to settle some legal missing heir,or any other claimant, to aged. — He called Richard Arden first. There was an audible titter through- circles, here. learned brother on the other the cups steadily on their heads by some marvelous jerk of theneck. Then suddenly springing to their feet, they de- Next follows 39 Hall, and vou may e the polished marble floor, keeping rising. _ shall ‘ touch By grinding with our might honor, imperceptible George as he tremor answered “T do not know.” the silence following answer was broken by which cried: Seferey” a hoarse the voice And a. shaggy haired man was geen struggling through the crowd near the door, while a breathless silence fell upon the room. : In an instant Septimus comprehended the situation, and in a voice that rang triumphant cried: “Call. Sandy Gibbons.” The man made his way to the stand. George Grimshaw, his face distorted with rage and dispair, walked quietly over and stood by a window, with his eyes fixed on Sandy. “Will he tell all?” he asked himself as Sandy stood to be sworn. The oath was administered and he took the stand. “What is your name?” asked Septimus. “Sandy Gibbons, y’r honor.” “Your occupation?” “Sailor.” ; “Mr. Gibbons, did you hear the reading of that statement, the dying confession of Skewes, the captain of the Vulture?” “iE did, y’r- honor,” “T wish to ask you one more question,” said Septimus. so far as it “Is that statement, in relates to you, true—or false?” “True—so “Arrest difficulty about the mine, Joe Land came to Richard and said in a guarded tone: “T gs’pose we’ve got to have a lawyer for this bizness?” “Yes,” replied Richard. “And Smirk is a good one?” “T think so,” answered Richard. “Well, then,” said Joe, lowering his voice,” let’s give him an interest before he owns the whole mine!” And it was done. The Arden trial brought Septimus into notice, and his fame spread. He got the credit of being one of the he deserved it. and Grace are Heisajudge as happy as that man!” cried Septimus, clever that now. He the day is long, and several minature Septimuses and Graces adorn their home. In course of time there was a Mrs. Richard Arden of course, “and they lived ‘ong and were happy ever after.” Joe Land, after a long and valiant siege, persuaded a buxom widow of Ardentown to share his prosperity. One more mention and we are done. Septimus had Dr. Drugall arraigned on a long list of charges, too numerous to mention, of all of which the affable little man was convicted. He is now breaking stone for the government in strict seclusion. But he has lost none of his bland and winning ways. He appears to imagine that his fellow convicts are in his charge, and the prison a “pri- vate asylum,” and when the guard comes to the doctor’s cell to let him out to work, bring his food, or what not, he invariably finds the little man waiting for him at the door, bowing and smiling and rubbing his hands (which, by the way, are not so soft and smooth now) as much as to say: “Walk right in, my dear. help me God!”’ most lawyers in the country, and proved We are all friends here.” [THE END.| + young ing your se ejaculate Now, cat ere and. in no very pleasant tone: “Comein.” The door opened and aforeign read that statement. ernment the pipe from his mouth that statement is in my possession—it is ene comfortably smoking in his study, when a knock at the door caused him to take Life is a mill, but whether A treadmill for a slave Or a mill of God, for grinding The precious gift He gave, Depends on us; and only. i sat client speak of a written statement or confession given him by Skewes just before he died. You also, doubtless, heard the witness swear that he had never ‘ related in the preceding chapters, Doctor Hubbard heard my , “Williams, do you know me?” che asked. “God bless me!”:exclaimed the man, after an instant’s hesitation. “It’s Master ’Gene!” “Right, Williams,” said Kugene smil- two has doubtless eck events some pointing te George Grimshaw. Too late. A crash of broken glass and wood and George was gone. With a terrible oath he had leaped through the window, carrying glass and sash with him. Ten minutes later two officers of the “Your honor | months after the day, Then Septimus arose and said: LIFE. 7 sunny of | bright, one { One where he was met at the door by the servants. TY. WEEKLY. : CHAPTER. WESTERN |