% Toilers of the Columbia By PAUL D E L A N E Y a u t h o r o f " L o r d o f the D e a e r t , " " O r e t o n S k e t c h e s ," mud o th e r P o c l t l c e o e a t Storlea C H A P TE R X X I — Continued. The dash finally came. The boats cauie togethei like so many battering rams. Curses arose loud over the calm waters. The boats surged back and forth like living animals. The grim dark forms of the fishermen writhed and contested with each other like serpents of the sea. “ Back you gillnettere! You des- tioyeis of the fish!“ shouted the north- aiders. “ Away with you, you trappers! You cause our families to sta rve!" re­ plied the men from the soutliside, with bitter oaths. The resistance on the part of the northsiders was short lived. The over­ whelming numbers against them soon began to tell. By sheer force they weie driven toward their traps. The prows of the southsiders’ boats were against theirs, and they were swept along like driftwood before a huge raft. The red in the east was making things more vis:ble on the water. It was easy to see that the northsiders were losing ground at every point. But suddenly a volley of shots rang out down the liver. Another followed. The curses of the fishermen rose above these. “ The soldiers!?” shouted the north- aiders. “ Cursse upon the head of Gabe Jarvi!” shouted the southsiders. Then the steamer carrying the m ilitia appeared dividing the contest­ ing fishermen like chaff. They fired volleys occasionally above the heads of the retreating belligerents in older to hasten their departure. “ Bang!” rang out a rifle shot from a retreating party to the south. “ la k e th at!” exclaimed a murder­ ous looking southsider as the smoke cleared from the muzzle of his gun. Old Seadog fell back into the arms of his eons. The bullet had found its mark. “ T a k e th is!” said another south- eider as he raised his rifle to his shoulder. “ You have betrayed us, Gobe Jarvi, and you shall pay the penalty!” “ Don’t shoot, fool, it is a woman!” exclaimed a man as he seized the nMe­ rle of the would-be assassin’s gun. It was Dan lapham . He had been overpowered and taxen a prisoner. As he grabbed the southsider’s gun it dis­ charged. Lapham looked in the direc­ tion the bullet had gone and saw in the pilot house of the steamboat which had come to their rescue the form of Sankala! The girl was pale as death, but she clung to the wheel in a spirit of des­ peration, and the boat continued upon its course, ploughing through the craft of the contending fishermen, the south­ siders retreating with all possible speed. C H A P TE R X X I I . Hazel Snubs Sankala. “ It is simply a shame— it is a burn­ ing shame!” “ That it is, but it is the way of the Seadoge. They were always hard­ hearted wretches. The g ill takes after her father and is not to blame so much after a ll.” “ But she ought to have enough woman ' about her to show that she has a heart. The idea of going to the ball and her poor old father lying at the point ot death.” “ But she is in love, you know, and all people are fools who are in love. Since that m ilitia captain set foot on shore she lost her head and has thought of nothing else since. 1 don’ t see anything in a state militiaman to lose one’s bead over. Why my hus­ band was a United States regular. I f I had a daughter I would teach her a lesson she would remember. A regu­ lar wouldn’ t wipe his foot on a m ilitia­ man.” “ Still Captain Budlong is a nice fel­ low and was kind to us. He did his duty and made the southsiders go home. He is not a bad looker either, and you know that counts, too. It would be a feather in H azel’s cap if she could capture the captain of the m ilitia.” “ The average state militiaman is no more than a dude, a rich man’s son kept in idleness and is not worth any woman’s while. He thinks all of the women are crazy over him and struts around with uniform on like a peacock and more fit to look at than to use. I have no patience with militiamen. My husband was a regular.” “ They say, though, this young Cap­ tain Budlong is poor. The most of his men are rich but be is only a clerk in a store and was chosen by his men be­ cause of his honesty and bravery. I think Hazel would be a good catch for him. He could take charge of her father’s business, and if all accounts are true some one may be needed, for the old man is threatened with blood- poisoning from that wound the south­ siders gave him .” “ Yes, and to think that Hazel would go to the hall when her father is ex­ pected to die! It is simply a shame— a burning shame!” The above conversation took place between two matrons of the fishing v il­ lage on the northside of the Columbia. Ten days of peace had reigned on the river. Since the arrival of the m ilitia and dispersion of the fishermen there had been no further trouble. The front carrying the command of Captain Rud- long had kept up a constaut patrol of the river day and night and no at­ tempt had been made on the part of the southsiders to renew hostilities. In fact committees had been ap­ pointed consisting of fishermen from each side of the river to arrange dupli­ cate bills governing the fishing indus­ try of the river which were to be passed by the respective legislatures of the two states. Dan Lapham was a committeeman from the north side. It was the night of the day upon which the agreement had been reached. Peace was at last declared between the toilers of the Columbia. The north­ siders were not to extend their trap­ building any farther south and the southsiders agreed not to cross a certain line with their nets which was settled upon as the center of the stream through the fishing waters. The active and exciting life of the fishermen had its influence upon their manner of obtaining pleasure and rec­ reation. They did not cultivate the intellect as a whole. In fact only a few turned their attention to books. Athletes by nature the men devoted much time to athletics. They had their ball grounds, tennis courts and club rooms. Indoor sports were as much in favor as their outdoor sports. As hand-ball players the village team stood ready to challenge any of the cities. Foot-ball and baseball playing, in their respective seasons, found these fishermen in the field opposing the best teams in the country. Aside from athletics, dancing was the magic means of amusing both voung and old. No week ever passed during the season that the fishermen did not engage in this pastime. It was an occasion in which all took a part and the large hall provided for the purpose was always crowded. A fisherman is nevei too young or too old to dance. Dancing was the means of celebrat­ ing all important events. No higher tribute could be paid an individual or event than by giving a ball. It was the zenith point in bestowing honors. The settlement of the dispute be­ tween the northsiders and southsiders occasioned the geratest ba’ l in the his­ tory of the northside village. They were weaker in numbers but had won out in a measure and were determined to celebrate the occasion in a fit and proper manner. There were honors due to many and the fishermen were not slow to bestow these upon the deserving ones. The occasion of peace come on for its share. In fact, it was called the great peace ball. W hile there were indviduals who shared the honors, Captain Bud­ long and his men were the honored guests. Dan Lapham had dis­ tinguished himself on the water and as a commissioner in settling the trouble and Sankala was the heroine of the hour. To Captain Budlong and his men she was tne most conspicuous per­ sonage at the mouth of the Columbia. The fishermen so accustomed to the ex­ citement of river life, the act of the girl in saving the boatload of soldiers was not looked upon as a much out of the ordinary, though they all recognized in Sankala a remarkable young woman. The hall was decorated as it had never been decorated before. The floor was waxed with greater care, and mu­ sicians had been employed from the nearest town. The rude fisher-folk were decked out in their best garments. The women took unusual care with their toilets. When the ball room was filled at an earlv hour, the people of the fishing village presented a very good appearance. The soldiers, many of them from the ctiy, were surprised to see the presto change from the rug­ ged men of the fish-traps, and the care­ less girls of the beach to the gallant and gay figtnes of the ball-room. Human nature is much the same among oil classes, and it was not ma­ terially diffeieut among the fisher-folk. Many of them had gathered early. The women were seated in groups, and commenting on those who entered lat­ er. Young girls and boys were skip­ ping across the hall in a frolicsome, aimless manner. Old men sat in the corners and looked on in silence. A faint cheer rose over the room. Captain Budlong entered accompanied by Hasel Seadog. The applause was riF T Y YEARS AOO. for the captain. “ Is Sankala coming?” askrd one of Last night the/ had a r'hrtatmas trae down the women of another. at the new church; and “ She promised after long persuasion A lot Ilf th ing« t he jr did. somehow. ! couldn’ t undoraUnd — to come. But she only agreed to re­ A 1st ot th in g« urw tangled that we never main a short time. Kingwoht is about need to know exhuasted from his work with the ’ Way hark inioug those Christmas tim e« of O ft; yea r« ago. wounded and Sankala does uot think it right anyway, to celebrate while the The preacher rude to meetln’ In a new •team wagon which wounded are so low. She thought It Made aucb a racket that It nigh scared wrong to give the ball while Old Seadog Pobhln lu the ditch: The sermon fairly recle«] with words no- is lying at the point of death.” bo«ty e'er heard Bow “ It doesn’ t seem to worry Hazel, I From good ol«| llrothct lia u 'l W lggln ». Bfty years ago. his daughter,” remarked another woman who was watchtng the rich fish­ The orimii was moat wonderful; but then It aoenir«! to uio erman’s child, wreathed in smiles, sound a« rev'rent aa It somehow while she eutertaiued the captain ol It didn't ought to lie; the m iiitia. But when they aaigt "Joy to the W o rld ,"— ah, then I felt the glow The crowd had gathered and the That thrilled my soul those Cbrtatniaa tim e» grain! march and quadrille that fol­ o f Bfty years ago. lowed were over. A ll weie seated I «cerned again when a slight sensation near the A“ d "S fiS t& S door caaused the pleasure seekers to T o where m» ««,ul could w < acmea. clear to the giddeu «hure look in the direction. The soldiers 1 Joined and sang, "T h e laird la Comal I -et commenced to applaud, and continued Earth Receive H er K ing! 1-et Kerry Heart Prepare lllm Itoora, and until the house fairly (hook. l>au • loaven ami Rature Hlngl" Lapham and Sankala had just entered. j Sankala was very pale. She was 'twaa a aong to »w e ll the heart! The dressed very plainly but neatly, and illd «.£ £ 2 gmCdlTh.aTiuward the voices carried her left arm in a strip of white of thv crowd; looked out beyond the earth and silk which pended from her neck. The My soul •aw the gleam and glow soldiers flocked anout her and weie Across the walls of Jasper where the living watcra flow. profuse with congratulation". “ Excuse me, there is Sankala, onr And over all I heard a voice rise high, and ever higher brave little heroine!” said Captain A girl's sweet voice angelic floating down Budlong and left Hazel and rushed to ward from the choir; Its melody «w|ft tangled In my tender grasp the hand of the orphan. heart strings so The men broke away at the ap­ • here came to me a vision from that Chrlet proach of the commander. Captain mas long ago. Budlong was full of praise for the girl, 1 .. . skies inquired about her wounded atm and those tender eyes I knew; was very attentive. ' An>r*r>me'alone straight this one— pardon me Mr. Lapham !'' ®ot of paradise l « t h St., I.oa Angeles, Cal., President said the captain turning to Banka la’ s rb* w,,hl" m’ U“ ‘# Woman's Benevolent Ass'n, write«: • • I suffered with la grippe for seven «w ort after making the request of her. ; weeks, and nothing I could do or take “ Dan doesn’t waltz,” replied San- And 'Z Z 't T i * ? * "n*' helped me until I tried Pcruna. kala. A vlaloa of the old log church, ths llttls “ 1 felt at once that 1 had at last se­ Christ maw t res “ Then may I have this one— I w ill A b laie with tiny lights; I heard a voles I cure«! the right medicine and I kspt be careful with the arm?” said the used to know Within three captain for the music was just sarting And lo r * In th>sw old Christmas tim es ot steadily improving. fifty years ago weeks I was fully restored, and I am up and the dancers were beginning. “ Certainly,” replied Sankala as Dan I felt her hand upon my arm; I heard ths gla«l that I gave that truly great rem­ sleigh bells ring; edy a trial. I w ill never he without nodded his approval. And through my inlud the echoes ran. “ Let it again.” When the waltz wat over Captain Heaven and Nature K ing!" In a letter dated August 31, 1904, Mrs. I saw again the cedars bend beneath the Budlong escorted Sankala to a seat rbant'ulng «n ew ; near Hazel & dog. Sankala spoko to Again t felt my sw eetheart's kiss o f fifty 1 Marsh aaya: “ I have never yet heard the efficacy of 1‘eruna questioned. We Hazel but the latter took no notice of y ea r» ago. still use it. I traveled through Ken­ her. Captain Budlong saw it but Sing on fo r aye, O triumph aongl My aplrlt tucky and Tennessee three years ago, thought Hazel d id not hear Sankala »oar» above u i And Joins an anthem all-divine, a song o f j where I found Pertina doing its good speak. purest love. “ I have just hail a nice dance with I’ ve cast away the thralls of age, flung off I work. Much of it ia being used here also.” — Henrietta A. 8. Marsh. our little heroine.” remaiked the cap- Tb, bough» . „ o r a ... Address Dr. Hartman, President of tain. “ Don't you think she is pretty; wreathe and climb. The Hartman Sanitarium, Columims, and good?” { • » « • « • • “ She is only one of our employes The aong was done T h e light« wer» out. Ohio. HO PE FOR TH E S IC K A VICTIM OF LA GRIPPE. and I do not recognize her as a social »«'hoe« all worm » t ill— , ,, i :. l ii . l o The blue eye» onoe more «leeping en the equal,” replied Hazel with all the Sea- long-fWotte» hill; d o g v e n o m e x p re s s e d in h e r _ v o ic e and And I am old ah. very old! and yet my I dlmmiug eye» ¡H a r e caught a gleam prophetic from the gatea o f paradise. C le r ic a l J o lt . 8he was w«-althy and conse«]uently a target for much flattery. "la it a sin," ahe aaked her aplrltual adviser, "to take pleaaure in having people call me beautiful?” "O f course It is, my child,” replied the good old pnraon. " I t Is always wicked to encourag«» falsehood." Captain Budlong looked sharply at his companion. His first lieutenant “ Joy to the W o rld !" I quaver o'er the relieved Sankala’s embarassment by I haunting old refrain ile on through the lonely tears that leading her to another poition of the And «m fa ll like summer rain; room. Dan Lapham was engaging a For every year that b ow » my head but nearer brings, I know, number of fishermen at another por- . . . . . . ... .. . My love of tboo» old C brU tn aa tim e» of tion of the bonze by telling them of ' flfty y,.uni a(0. M other« w ill find Mr«. Winslow’« Soothing the result of the peace commission’ s — L ow ell Otu» Kec»e, In L e »lt»’» W eekly. Byrup tha bast remedy tons# tor thatr children labors. during tha teething iwrlod. The dance continued until nearly j C H R I8 T M A S IN 8ERVIA. R e a s o n « tile I n q u i r y . midnight without farther incident when ----------- "A llow tne, Mr. Iilfklns,’ said the a messenger rushed in, almost out of ■♦■"•a Clan» Receive» Prreenta Instead hostess to n late arrival, "to Introduce breath, and announced that Old Sea-1 of Olvlnig Them, doo WM dvintr I ,n H*‘rrU the)r Chriatmaa ere In Captain de .Ion«*s, a man who has °f, „ ‘ ‘ . .. , , a »omewhat peculiar waj. Tha father of face«! death In a score o f battles.” Ringwold, too, has collapsed and family go«-» luto the wood and cuts ” Plena«*