Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About The Sunday Oregonian. (Portland, Ore.) 1881-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 16, 1900)
THE SUNDAY OREGONIAS, PORTLAXD, DECEMBER 16, 1900. 31 NOBMAN HOLT AZt o nyr, of "tie GenwwlrCHASLES KING Synopsis ot Preceding Chapters. Norman .Holt, favorite, son of an old Ken tucky family. Is reprimanded at West Point tor duelling, and Is -withdrawn by his high spirited father. His homecoming, in the "Win ter of 1800. Is celebrated by an old-fashioned Kentucky Christmas gathering. Anions the ruests are lalsy Lane, daughter of Dr. Holt'a Sawyer, and J. Burnett Malloy, both of Cincin nati. The latter brines letters of introduction irom Lane's partner, Mr. Mclntyre, and Is courteously received, but arouses the Jealousy of Norman Holt by his attentions to Daisy Lane. Malloy separates Miss Lane from the main party durlnjr a fox hunt, and at the Christmas ball the same evening affects an air of proprietorship distasteful to Daisy and obnoxious to his rival. Holt. But all ill feeling is forgotten, -when, at midnight, all surround Dr. Holt to drink the Christmas punch, which ceremony Is Interrupted by a midnight messenger, who announces the dan gerous Illness of Judge Mclntyre. Investiga tion reveals his financial affairs in a hopeless tangle, and that the Holt fortune is dissi pated. Henry and Norman Holt enter Lane's law office. In Cincinnati. Norman Holt enlists as a private in an Ohio Infantry Regiment. Malloy. through political Influence, is made Lieutenant lri the same company, and Henry Holt Joins the Confederate forces. Norman is ordered to conduct a skirmishing party, under Captain Wing, to Bellevlew. in search Of prominent rebels. Copyright. 1000. by G. W. Dillingham Co.) CHAPTER VIII, (Continued.) The night was still, cold and sparkling. -A. light snow had apparently been sifting down daring the day. for the fields now spread out before them white and fleecy. All about the village was seemingly peaceful and wrapped In slumber. Up to the north, the way they came, watchdogs were still barking, for farms lay thick along the highway south of the range, but .Asholt dogs were less alert or suspicious. Captain Wing seemed surprised, even un easy. "I half expected to find cavalry vldettes by this time," said he. "They surely would have them out if the town were occupied." One would think so," was the non committal answer, and then one of the attendant troopers turned suddenly in saddle and held up a warning hand. From ninder a clump of timber that stood by the roadside not more than a hundred yards ahead and close" to the roadside there came the loud, challenging neigh of a tethered horse, and instantly Wing bent forward, gripped with gauntleted hand the nostrils of his charger, and signaled to his party to doj the same. One trooper, a trifle slow or clumsy, failed, for an an swering neigh, had suddenly begun and then was as suddenly choked. Then over among a bunch of farm buildings east of the highway a mastiff lifted up a power ful voice aivd bow-wowed loud and long. Then there were sounds as of stamping hoofs down, closer to the edge of town, and next all four plainly saw It a tiny light flickcired and flared a minute under the trees. Teveallng dimly the shapes of two saddl d horses, then as suddenly blew out. Somebody, possibly to consult a watch, hid struck a light "That's a cav alry picket, sure as death," whispered a trooper, excitedly, but Wing turned on his guide. "Do you know who they are or from whore?" he muttered, in eager question. "No," was the low, prompt answer. "Back to the squadron," ordered Wing 3n a whisper. "No noise, now," he added. And not until well out of earshot was the pace quickened. Yet, despite precau tion, one iron-shod hoof struck aslant upon a stone, and, as though from flint and steel, a spark flew Into space, and Towser's angry yow-yow redoubled. Thosi fellows at the roadside must have seen It," muttered Wing. "Trot! Itlde ahead, orderly. Tell the First Lieutenant to mount and lead the squadron Into the cross-road to the west to the west, do you hear? We'll overtake them later. Halt, now, you other two. We've got to Btay Iiere and drive 'em back If any of them come sneaking out to see who we are. Rein out to the right and left off the road and keep quiet. For a moment the only sound along the highway was the dull thud of the orderly's hoofbeats as he trotted swiftly away. Even that was partly drowned by the clamor of the jnastlff now scouting the field toward the fence. Norman, si lent and stern, reined round behind the Captain as though to confront possible comers. He was right. The picket was aroused, and two shadowy forms of rid ers were soon seen coming cautiously up the pike. Presently voices were faintly audible, and the waiting trio sat with bated breath, the Captain with his re volver drawn. "I tell you I saw the spark and heard the hoofbeat," a low, yet excited voice was saying. "Some fella came down long hyuh to spy and see who we were." "Well, he's gone now. and we're not supposed to follow single spies all over Kalmuck. I'm goln back," was the im patient answer in a whang Norman Holt could nave recognized the world "over. It was the Vole of a hostler who had cared for his father's horses 100 times at the old Southern Inn. The other voice was that of a stranger. "Go back if you want to," was the re tort. "I don't co till I "Know more about what was out hyuh. Tou tell the boys to watch out 'n case I want 'em." But the stableman would not even ride "back alone. "Th ai'nt anybody out this way," said he, " cept some of. our fellas scoutin'. Oomo back I tell yuh!" And Asholt's un stable soldier was obviously demoralized toy the mystic terrors of the dark. "By heaven!" muttered Wing, between Ills set teeth, half turning to his silent .guide. "If we could only nab these two, -without noise, we could find out every thinc I need to know and then you wouldn't have to guide." But Holt neither spoke nor moved. He was listening with painful interest to the tones that even though unmusical, clown ishspoke to him of old and happy days. of the loved and joyous home. He and the captain were lurking In the shadows of a thick clump of ttmTjcr on the west side of the road. Fuller, their other trooper, was somewhere. Invisible, on the other side. Tho two Southern horsemen were by this time within SO paces. Being out -on the highway the forms could be. seen in the ralnt moonlight. Again the liostler spoke: "Like as not it's jus' some fella outen' the Colonel's escort been to see his folks art come around the long way from Belle--vlew." And Norman saw the Captain's pistol hand slowly rising, heard the muf fled click of the lock, and his heart be xan to throb and bound, but, as slowly the hand was lowered. The Captain shook his head. It would only arouse the whole detachment, wherever they might be, only alarm the whole neighborhood, and spoil the scheme that brought him and his Teady squadron so far forward Into hos tile territory- If only something might happen to tempt the two half a mile farther out! By this time tho squadron should be in the saddle and filing off the pike into the crossroads. Surely! for now the barks of half a dozen dogs ourst upon the car, and the stranger of the two approaching horsemen Impatient ly shook his rein, and touched spur to his mount, "1 must see what's going on to make all thnt row." said he, and fearless ly cantered ahead, deaf to the entreaties of the hostler, who. rolrang to a halt, gazed after him in dismay gazed only a sLl JeiL mm "(s minute, for all on a sudden a revolver was poked In his face, and stern voice muttered: "One sound, and you're a dead man!" A practiced hand lashed his wrists together on the cantle, a shadowy figure hand, rode on his left. A third trotted away northward, let down a bar or two, and signaled the trio to follow. Another minute and they were fox -trotting through the fields tq the northwest, away from the pike, and in 10 minutes had in cepted the squadron on the crossroads. "Now, Mr. Holt," said the captain, "guide on around town to Bellevlew, while I pump this bucolical party. If he isn't scared out of his wits he can re lieve you." Another ID minutes, with 4:30 close at iiand, the squadron was Jogging in col umn of twos southward through a coun try lane. Away to the eastward, half a mile, two twinkling lights had popped out from the windows of the sleeping town, but not a sound had reached them. Tho furious racket of the dogs had died away. Norman, with a Sergeant and three men, formed the far advance. No guard now at his bridle rein. Behind them a few yards came Wing with his trembling prisoner, closely watched. Even though Ills hands were tied, his tongue was loose. He was ready to tell anything. What Wing wanted to know was who was at Bellevlew, and he bide the prisoner lower his voice that others might not hear the reply. Only to Wing's listening ear it was audible. Colonel Carrington, of General Johnston's staff; Captain Harrod Sum mers, of General Buckner"s. and another whose name he didn't know. Was Dr. Holt at home? Certainly saw him yes terday! Could he guide them by tho shortest way to the manor? Certainly, this was the shortest, way. They'd be there In less than 10 minutes. Anybody there beyond the doctor and his three guests? Nobody but the escort 'bout a dozen cavalry. Look! There were lights at Bellevlew now, and, nod ding across the field, the prisoner Indi cated the direction, and there southeast ward lay the famous old homestead. What troops were these In Asholt. and how many? was the next question. O, there might be a right smart crowd, a hundred, he reckoned, and now, giving orders that the man should be carefully watched. Wing spurred to the front. "Is It the first road to the left we are to take? Does that bring us straight to Bellevlew?" he demanded of the silent guide. V lthout other answer Norman . . ktftM , .... . . .. I bowed. Ride back, orderly," said Wing, a strange excitement in his voice. "Tell Mr. Fanning to close at once on the held of column!" "My God!" he muttered to himself, "a hundred cavalry in the town, and nothing said about it! What's got to be done must be done quickly." Bitterly now he wished he had nabbed and si lenced that daring single scout who had gone northward along the pike. A trooper came galloping up from the rear. "Captain," said he, "Lieutenant Woods says they're rousing up back there In town. He heard a bugle, and we could see more lights. He thinks they've got wind of us somehow." "The devil you say!" growled Wing, glancing angrily back. Yes. where only two lights had been seen half a dozen were twinkling now, and one or two were dancing about like wlll-o'-the-wisps. "Trot!" he cried. "Pass the word to keep closed and come on! Mr. Holt, I'll have to trouble you to ride ahead here on my left. Ah! Here's the cross road now. Head of column to the left! Come on, men, we haven't a second to spare!" And now a dull, muffled thunder rose on the still morning air, the lpw rumble of a swift-moving column of horse, but swift as they were trotting eastward now and straight ahead for Bellevlew's gate, swift er still a single horseman was galloping headlong from town to the manor-h'ouse, and fairly tore in at the westward gate. Not four minutes later, straight into the same broad portal, with eager light ablaze In his eye, rode the daring young Cap tain, and by his side, his heart throbbing like mad, Norman Holt, silent, still, yet sustained by a wild excitement as they "D X IT!" HE FEEBLY W1IIXED, "LETME-OIT OPTHS HELL HOLE!" whirled Into the circular drive. One min ute more, as the leaders rounded a grav elly curve, Norman's straining eyes were greeted by a sight that wrung from him a low cry oi dismay almost ot terror. One window on the gateward side was dimly lighted, the window of his father's room. It was the signal never set except to tell the wanderer or the needy that the master was at home and the latchstrlng i out. He had guided his fathers enemies to that beloved father's capture, after all! And this this was the dawn of Christmas day. Loud rose the clash and clatter of twice a hundred hoofs, as the column swept rapidly .round the drive. Then loud and clear rang out the Captain's spirited or ders. "Move right on. lads. Circle the house surround it on every side. Mr. Wood, gallop to the stable and nab the guard before they can be out!" But now came a most unlooked for wel come. All on a sudden from four lower windows rang out the report of carbines, and one poor lad, with a yell of agony, clapped hand to his side and plunged headlong out of the saddle. A snorting, riderless horse went tearing round the lawn. From other windows poured other shots, seme of revolvers. Raging with disappointment, the Captain leaped from his saddle, shouted for a dozen men to follow him and rushed for the massive door of the mansion. They might as well have kicked at a stone wall, and what made matters Worse, carbines were now blazing at every window. From, some point within the besieged were able to land a few shots among the heaving, swarming dozen at the Captain's back, and two more poor fellows went down, pale and groaning. "Try the rear door! Come on!" yelled Wing, and led the dash round to the back of the big Kentucky houst There they met with what at flrst seemed better success. With a beam for a battering ram they burst In the flimsy door and found themselves groping In a pitch-dark hallway, a veritable cul de sac, and Wing, raging, ordered his men back until they could get a light. Meanwhile the shouts and shots without redoubled, but with no appreciable effect on the be sieged. Three or four of the guard, caught with the horses at the stable, had surrendered to superior force, but most ot them were already Inside the man sion, and the troopers who strove to force door or casement did It at their peril. All this while, as though In a daze, hardly knowing what he did. hardly crediting the evidence of his senses. Nor man Holt, flinging himself from saddle, was crouching In a little clump of shrubbery within tho encircling drive way. He listened to the wild shouts, the rapid shots of the besiegers, and noted the pool, steady response on part of the besieged. He heard Wing's voice shouting Imprecations and orders at the rear of the house. A soldier with a car bine rushed pa$t him, knelt and took aim at the second window from the main, doorway, pulled trigger and fired, and Norman saw him begin to reload the Ill-balanced, almost obsolete weapi on, then suddenly drop It. clap his hands over the abdomen, stagger blind ly Into the little patch of trees and sink down in misery almost at his feet. Then In a frenzy of grief and rage Nor man heard bis own name shouted from Up to lip. "Holt wanted! Holt wanted! Where's Holt? Captain wants Holt at the back of the house! Quick!" but he stood rooted to the spot. Even for the love of flag he could not lift hand against his father in that father's house. Up went the shout again, and a sergeant came running In search of the shrinking guide, but halted short and stood with hand lifted to his ear, listen ing. Only for a second or two, for he rushed Into the open with a yell that was heard all over the front of the place. "Mount! Mount! Lively! A hull regi ment's coming! Get the Captain's horse to hlra, quick!" he .shouted to the or derly left in charge as he sprang Into - awig, nice cvi nuexe llw darting throug.i the shrubbery, men saddle. Here, there, everywhere now. were rushing for their startled, snort ing chargers. Up the road toward town rose the tantarara of the trumpets. "Mount, you, or you're a goner!" yelled an oJQcer In Norman's ear. Then, rec ognized him, and. with still a louder shout, cried out, "Here's the guide, men! Here's the guide! Now. you! You led as Into this scrape, d n you! Lead us out, quick, and the safest way!" This time a hot muzzle well nigh burned the sol dier's skin, for Fanning had laid his re volver on Norman's thribblng temple. CHAPTER IX. " There was wrath in the Union camp when what had been Wing's squadron drilled back to Bardstown. It had eet forth strong, compact, and, to all out ward appearance, confident. Men in the line felt distinctly envious of ""these troopers who could ride so buoyantly away Into the -night, bent on deeds that were to teach the foe to repent this in vasion of a would-be neutral state. There was no envying of the dejected fragments that came straggling back. First to arrive was the main body, probably a little more . than half the original force, led now by Lieutenant Fan ning, and bringing with them one pris oner and a dozen different tales of dis aster. There was but a single point on which everybody seemed united. Dis aster, always demanding a victim, the whole blame was rested by them on the shoulders of their treacherous guide, who had purposely led them by a round about road, had given warning to the en emy's pickets in front of Asholt. and se- creted himself in the shrubbery when the attack began. Cowed, said they, by the Lieutenant's pistol, he had guided them homeward a much shorter way. (At least, so It seemed, and certainly It took far less time.) But they had left behind them their brave Captain, two Lieuten ants and half the men. some killed, some wounded, but all doubtless In the ene- wy's hands, and had had a terrible ride for it getting back. Some of the men did not scruple to declare they had cut their way through overpowering forces of Southern horse who covered the country In all directions All main tained that a great army was advanc ing upon them from beyond the Hardln- hllls, and that the sooner they sought shelter in the fortlfisatlons of Louis ville, the safer they would be. Some few went so far. In fine, as tho fortifi cations themselves, without the Inter mediate formality of reporting to a commander at Bardstown or other point. But this, too, was very early In the war days, before the Western Ameri can had begun to realize that the time had arrived when he could by any hu man possibility be called upon to obey any other will than bis own, unless he felt like it. The armies of the North had yet to learn the lesson of disci pline and, subordination. The day was fast corning when, aa Individuals, they could hardly believe they were the same who swarmed into Kentucky during the Fall of '6L It was a rough ride for Wing's squad ron, but Just as Wing had foretold. It was going hard with Norman Holt, held to be responsible for the entire failure. He had been turned over, a prisoner, by Lieutenant Fanning to the commanding officer of the Union camp, had been ar raigned before that high official the fol lowing morning, by which time a dozen more of the squadron had come riding or footing It leisurely in, saying dis dainful things of the comrades who had run away and left them to fight the whole gang, but there were no officers with these stragglers, and while what they said as to being left was entirely true, the weight of testimony went against them, as it did against Holt, who had no friend at court, who had not a soul to aid him when accused of de i&y' "OXE SOUND, A7D YOU ARE A DEAD MAX!" liberate treachery. The one officer to be heard upon the subject was Lieutenant Burnett Malloy; whose influencer was "dead against ' the accused." Of the squadron. Lieutenant Fanning and a Ser geant testified that they heard Captain Wing say he expected treachery on the part of the guide, and had heard 'him warn Holt that if they failed It should go hard with him. There was no one to speak for the guide. The Colonel listened In gloomy silence to the state ments of the various persons Interro gated, and when the brief preliminary examination was over, despite Holt's pro testations of Innocence and his plea not to be put under guard, orders were Is sued that, for reasons concerning the personal safety of the accused soldier, he should be sent forthwith to Louis ville, under heavy escort, there to be tried for his crime. To keep him anoth er hour at the front was simply to In vite lynching. That was n black night in" the career of Norman Ho'.t but no blacker than the Christmas Day just gone by. In bitter ness of heart unspeakable he found him self again and again recalling the warmth, the gladness, the hospitality of the Christmas of a year agone, his fath er's words of welcome, his genial toast to one and all "Peace on earth and good will toward inen, and may we meet' agalfi, one and all within these walls another year." Good God! What had that meet ing been! What had not loyalty cost him! And to what end to what good? Only his own abasement. On a rude platform car, surrounded by armed men, who had heard only the cruel stories at his cost. Norman was jolted back to the Junction, and thence northward to Louisville. The dawn of another day was upon them as the party climbed stiffly to the ground In the crowded station yard. He had spent nearly 48 hours without sleep, was broken In heart, health and hope. He felt that fate had arrayed all her forces against him; that now he had killed forever the possibility of being restored to his father's love and regard. He felt that henceforth he would be considered only as a son who had purposely, stealthily led these In vaders to his father's hearthstone in the hope of capturing and carrying off a prisoner. Who could have failed to hear the shouts for Holt Holt to come and show tho way into the rear of the loved old mansion? He had done his duty to the flag he had sworn to follow and de fend against every impulse and at any cost, and now the protection of that flag was denied him. He was treated as a felon and a criminal by those whom he had striven fo serve. He had come now to the very point of asking himself wheth er It were not, after all, a just reward for having decided against kith and kin, whether it were not wiser at last to re nounce the service of the United States and at first opportunity to make his way to his father's feet, and In tears and con trition to beg again his love and trust, to proclaim his repentance, and to seek only to die In the ranks of the South. He was sitting drearily, his head on his hands, when roughly bidden to arise and follow. He was cold, stiff and sore, but a numb ness seemed to be overcoming It all. In apathy he suffered himself to be led away to the quarters of the Provost Marshal, once a homestead where a blithe young voice and lightsome step had been wel comed time arid again, yet he took no heed. He never seemed to recognize It. They bade him sit and warm himself be fore a blazing Are In a big, square, troop littered room, and mechanically he obeyed, falling almost Immediately Into the same attitude of utter dejection from which they had aroused him on the car. But when an hour later they sought to stir him again, some merciful soul hav ing suggested coffee before taking the prisoner Into the presence or the Pro vost Marshal, they were powerjess. He had sunk to the floor and lay In a, stupor that refused to yield even to harsh measures. With a scared face the Ser gent went out for help, and re-entered with a surgeon on duty at the hospital across the way. His verdict was imme diate, comprehensive, characteristic: "This man'll never live to be hanged. Take him to the hospital right off." , And se It happened that when the regi-- ment marched with others to reinforce fthe command of old Major Slowtrot dis patched against tho fiery Tennesseean, who, leading his men through Cumber land Gap, was menacing Central Ken tucky opposite Mill Springs, loyal faces In Company C looked vainly for the bright, soldierly fellow they longed to hall as First Lieutenant Private Holt who, accused of treachery In deliberately mis leading a scouting force, giving warning to the enemy and betraying three offi cers and 30 men into their hands, lay writhing in the grasp of brain fever in a hospital. The man whom the company might have considered but small loss, now that they were beyond the reach of those commodities with which his bounty and wealth had so often supplied them, was almost unwillingly trudging along with the column and cursing the luck that postponed the trial of Private Holt, on which occasion he had promised him self and the Judge-Advocate of the de partment he would be present with high ly Important testimony. At no time had he been overanxious to come within range of hostile bullets, and no time had he ever been so anxious to sojourn in Louis ville. Strange, Indeed, was tho turn of fortune that, sending his rival, Norman Holt, to long languishing within hospital walls, brought hither, too, only a few days later, the girl on whose account his hatred of Holt had been so deadly. Young Lane, stricken down by some kind of camp fever while at the front, had managed to elude the vigilance of attendants, break out of bounds and bring on a relapse so severe that It was deemed best to .send him back to the permanent hospital at Louisville, and thither he was borne as the regiment marched away. Letters were written di rect to Major Lane, Judge-Advocate De partment, who was stationed East. He could not be spared, but down came his wife and daughter, the mother and sister of the reckless young soldier, and almost the first thing to flit across Holt's return ing consciousness was the vision of the face he loved, which looked, yet never saw him at all. Nor could she be blamed. Severe ill ness had greatly changed him. Neither Mrs. Lane nor her daughter recognized In the gaunt, haggard, fuzzy-bearded lad, lying so white and still across the big, airy room, the brave-hearted fellow, whose welcome home they had attended trie year agone. But he saw, knew, marveled and Importuned the steward for information. "Certainly, that was Lane's folks from Cincinnati, and Lane was very 111, too much so to b6 moved, and the1 doctors thought the case most serious. The la dles were come to take him home, but stayed to nurse him." That was what Lieutenant Malloy. it might be shrewdly suspected, would be glad to do. He was anything but fond of hard marching over frosty roads. January was gone when Norman Holt began to feel strength re turning to him. He had lost Interest In a campaign that had brought nothing but misery and misunderstanding, but the sight of her face revived all, or at least much of all the old longing, and love brings life and kindles ambition and will and determination. New cases were coming every day from the front. Other buildings were filling with the sick, though the army entering Kentucky was hardy as any ever sent to the field from flrst to last of that long, trying war. And when news came that Buckner had let go at Bowling Green and was falling back to the Cum berland, great was the rejoicing among the Union camps and great were the accessions at the hospitals, for Buckner cared not to be burdened with wounded, and so those too severely hit to be able to hobble were left behind for the pur suing Yank. Among those brought in were two men of Wing's squadron who had been badly shot In the assault on Bellevue, were captured by the enemy, and after a time trundled over to Bowl ing Green. Now, barely convalescent, these two troopers had been turned over to the care of the division surgeon at the main hospital, and one day soon after Holt was able to sit up an hefur or so, he saw them brought In and noted the queer look on the steward's face as, answering his languid question, that official re plied: "Two of that squadron that got cut up trying to capture a batch of reb officers visiting at well, you know more about it than I do. unless everybody lie;." So, even here, thought Norman, the belief was general that he had deliber ately led that luckless column Into am buscade. It made him shrink the more from his fellows, yet invested these wounded troopers with keen and pathetic Interest. To the young and pure-hearted it is a source of bitter sorrow to be mis judged With advancing years one gains philosophy, or enforced endurance, with th discovery that life Is made up of mis understandings. Recovery might have been even more remote in Norman's case, however, but for the presence within the same walls, though now In different wards, of these two men whom he longed to meet and assure of his utter Inno cence, and the occasional coming of this one girl whom he had learned In happier daya so fondly to love. At both en trances to his ward, however, night and day, there stood sentries with gleamjng bayonets. There was only one steward or attendant who seemed kindly disposed toward the lonely patient. Even his fellow-convalescents looked upon him with but thinly veiled aversion, which in his pride he never sought to palliate. The overworked surgeons barely noticed him on their hurried rounds, but this steward took special charge of his case and was apparently bent on getting him to talk, "to come out of yourself." as he ex pressed It, and, though too sad and worn to feel like chatting, Norman was grate ful for the kindliness and interest, grate ful that there was one friend of whom he could seek Information. It vjas through this humble soldier he heard from day to day of the gradual betterment in the condition of the wounded troopers, and could also leara the hour at which the ladles, were expected to arrive. They spent no more nights by young Lane's bedside now, but generally came in the morning about 9, and, passing thrdagh the broad corridor close to the open door of Norman's ward, were ushered Into the opposite room. The momentary glimpse thus obtained of her was almost the only sunshine that came Into his life. Then some ten days after their flrst appearance, fortune favored him In the unexpected way in which fortune's favors generally come. Among the patients In the opposite ward were a few whose fever had resulted in delirium. One night, all on a sudden, with a howl of terror, a poor fellow came bounding Into the corridor, and the sentry over Norman's door ac tually dropped his gun and ran, yelling, downstairs, frightened out of his wits by the apparition. Two attendants pursued the fleeing patient, leaving the sick to their own devices, and Norman, sitting up in bed, wide awake, was suddenly aware of a haggard young face peering cautiously Into the corridor from the op posite door. Away out along the gallery, with much outcry and rexcltement, the fugitive was run down and was being overpowered by tho rush of attendants. For the moment no o.ne In authority was left In either ward, and it was patent to Norman Holt's keen eyes that here was a patient attempting to escape. What was more, even in the changed, haggard face he recognized Theodore Lane. By this time, too, strength had measur ably returned, and excitement lent him more. It was the work of but a minute to slip Into tho loose hospital shoes and trousers with which he had been provid ed, to hasten to the doorway, and there, under the llgnt of the swinging lamp at the head of the stairs, just In time to confront the younger and weaker man. Norman Holt looked squarely Into the eyes of Daisy's brother, with only the quiet question, "Where are you going, Theodore?" It was the voice, not the face, the rattle-brained youngster knew at once, and realized, as he had done time and again, that here was his master. "Damn it" he feebly whined, "let me out of this hellhole! I will go. Holt! You've no right to stop me! You" "But I do stop you! Sergeant of the guard!" he called, In low, controlled voice, yet In the old authoritative tone, for he heard the clank of rifle butts and the sound of excited talk below. "A fever patient is loose. Come up here with two or three men." And the Sergeant came, just as the attendants, with their fighting lunatic, struggled back to the corridor. Lane miserably burst Into tears and meekly succumbed, being led back without pro test or resistance. Then the Srgeant stood facing Holt. "This Is a queer streak," said he. "You're no private soldier. You're the only man we are ordered to guard, and here you are acting as guard of the ward when your own was scared off his post. We've got to put on another man, for that fellow's completely demoralized. I'U tell the officer of the day about this tomorrow." It seems he did, and that others told Mrs. Lane, and that Mrs. Lane and her daughter begged to be permitted to see and thank the brave young soldier who had so befriended their poor, half-de-llrlous boy. And at 10 o'clock next morn ing, as Norman Holt sat close to the open door, he saw them coming, Mrs. Lane and Daisy, guided by the steward, and bent on their errand of gratitude to this unknown benefactor, himself a patient. And the lad felt his strength going, felt all his nerves quivering, felt as though the room were swimming round as he slowly found his feet and faced them. There was a faint, barely articulate cry from the daughter's lips. It was the mother's words that roused the entire ward. , "Norman Norman Holt! You here? Oh, my poor We thought we were told you were in prison." (To be continued.) DYSPEPTIC WOES. Facts About Thins o Eat UpNettlng Preconceived Theories. "I am Inclined to be a little dyspeptic," said one of a party of gentlemen, who had just taken seats In the restaurant, "and I used to bo very careful about my diet; but since moving to my present place, down the river, I have had all my precon ceived ideas in that regard knocked higher than a kite. "There Is a big canning factory on the Gulf Coast, not far from my plantation," he continued, "and among other things thoy put up Immense quantities of shrimps. All the llsht work is done by young women, and their favorite lunch consists of shrimps and buttermirlc" "Shrimps and buttermilk! What a mur derous combination!" exclaimed one of the party, shuddering. "That's what I thought myself, at first," said the gentleman from down the river. "It seemed like Sudden Death, but It Isn't. On the contrary the girls are all the per sonification of health. I never saw such rosy cheeks, bright eyes and dimpled arms! Why, the packing-room is a regu lar bower of beauty! And they eat a great deal, too! A quart of shrimps and half a gallon of buttermilk Is considered a mere snack. "But that wasn't the only thing that shook my faith in dieting rules," the planter went on. "The luggermen down there are the hardiest fellows in the S5iiT.yOlSoi SlieS A vacant chair an J a portrait on the wall strange symbols of success I Yet, in many a home these are the symbols of the success of the man who aid not find time to carefor his health, or neg lected the increasing warnings of disease which Nature save him. When the stomach is "weak" and food is imper fectly digested and assimilated, it is only a question of time until the break-down comes. The stomach is the very center of vi tal power and must be kept in health if sickness is to be avoided. Doctor Pierce's Golden Medical Discovery cures diseases of the stomach and othcr'organs of di gestion and nutri tion. It increases the supply of pure, rich blood, and gives the body strength to with stand the strain put upon it by the straggle for suc- "I was a sufferer from what the doctors called indigestion, bat after trying several emi nent physicians failed to get a cure," writes Mr. Frank Mericle, of Independence, Jackson Co., Ma, Box 473. "Some of my symptoms were soreness in pit of stomach, fullness, tired feel ing, constipation; sometimes soreness would extend to bowels. Some one recommended me to take Dr. Pierce's Golden Medical Discovery, which I did, and after taking only a few bottles of Discovery4 and your Pleasant Pellets' can say I derived, more benefit from them than any other medicine I ever tried. I began to gain flesh from, the start. Have recommended.it to others and will continue to do so." The sluggish liver made active by D& Pierce's Pleasant. Pellets. SKttt world. They have muscles like gnarled oak. and they don't know the meaning of sickness or fatigue. During the season they generally work until late at night; fHen they come In and eat a tremendous supper and go directly to bed. The sup per consists of fat bacon, fried; cold corn bsead sopped In the grease, and black-jack molasses. They seldom eat fish or oysters, because they get tired of them. To top off with, each man drinks from two to four big tin cups of coffee, strong enough to float cannon balls. Then they Ho down and sleep the sleep of happy peace ful Infants. In the morning they get up with the flush of health on their cheeks and devour more fat bacon." "Good Lord!" said a sallow man at tho other side of the table. "That's preudlce talking," retorted tho planter: "those excellent people have dis covered the secret of long life, which It to eat what you please. Ignore dyspepsia and It grovel3 before you. Walter, please bring me some pickled pigs' feet and strawberry ice cream." New Orleans Times-Democrat. THE PALATIAL REGONiAN BUILDING Xot a dnrk office la the building) . absolutely fireproof electric lights and artesian waterj perfect sanita tlon and thorough, ventilation. Ele vators ran day and. night. Booms. AEfSIJE, DR. GKORGE, Physician... .603-003 ANDERSON. GUSTAV, Attorney-at-Law.,.613 ASSOCIATED PRESS; E. Lu Powell, Mgr..E0Q AUSTEN. F. C . Manacer for Orexon and "Washington Bankers' Ufa Association, ot Des Molnea, la 502-503 BANKERS' IJFE ASSOCIATION; OP DES MOINES, IA.; F. C. Austen. Manager. 502-503 BATNTUN. GEO. R.. Manager for Chas. Scrlbners Sons 513 BEALS. EDWARD A., Forecast Official U. S. "Weather Bureau .'.. 010 BENJAMIN, R. "W., Dentist.. 314 BINS-WANGER, DR. O. S., Phys. & Sur.410-11 BROOKE, DR. J. M., Phys. & Surff....703-70 BROWN. MYRA. M. D 313-314 BRUERE. DR. G. E:, Physician... .412-413-414 CANNING. M. J 602-603 CATJKIN, G. E., District Agent Travelers' Insurance Co 713 CARDWELL, DR. J. R 50fl CHURCHILL. MRS. E. J 71Q-71T COFFET, DR. R. C., Phys. & Surgeon TOO COLUMBIA TELEPHONE COMPANY 004-005-006-607-013-614-615 CORNELIUS. C. "W., Phys. and Surgeon 200 COVER. F. C Cashier Equitable Life S00 COLLIER. P. F., Publisher; S. P. McGulre. Manager ...415-418 DAY. J. G. & I. N. 31D DAVIS. NAPOLEON, President Columbia Telephone Co..... 607 DICKSON, DR. J. F.. Physician 713-714 DRAKE. DR. H. B., Physician 512-513-514 DWYER, JOE F., Tobaccos 402 EDITORIAL ROOMS Eighth floor EQUITABLE LIFE INSURANCE SOCIETY; L. Samuel. Mgr.: F. C. Cover. Cashier.. ..303 EVENING TELEGRAM 325 Alder street FENTON. J. D.. Physician and Surgeon.500-510 FENTON, DR. HICKS a; Eye and Ear... .511 FENTON. MATTHEW F.. Dentist 502 GALVANI, W. H.. Engineer and Draughts man 600 GAVIN, A., President Oregon Camera Club, 214-215-210-217 GEARY. DR. EDWARD P., Physician and Surgeon, 212-213 GEBBIE PUB. CO.. Ltd.. Fine Art Pub lishers; M. C. McGreevy, Mgr 518 GIESY, A. J., Physician and Surgeon.. .700-710 GODDARD, E. C. & CO., Footwear Ground floor, 129 Sixth street GOLDMAN, WILLIAM, Manager Manhattan Life Insurance Co., of New York 200-210 GRANT. FRANK S.. Attorney-at-Law 617 HAMMAM TURKISH AND MEDICAL BATHS: J. D. McKlnnon. Propr 300-1-3 HAMMOND, A. B 310 HOLLISTER. DR. C C, Phys. & Sur..504-50 IDLEMAN, C. M., Attorney-at-Law... 416-17-18 JOHNSON. W. C 315-310-317 KADY, MARK T., Supervisor ot Agents Mutual Reserve Fund Life Ass'n.... .604-603 LAMONT. JOHN. Vice-President and Gen eral Manager Columbia Telephone Co 604 LITTLEFIELD. H. R.. Phys. and Surgeon..200 MACKAY, DR. A. E.. Phys. and aurg..711-713 MARTIN. J. L. & CO., Timber Lands 601 MAXWELL. DR. W. E., Phys. & Surg.701-2-3 McCOY, NEWTON, Attorney-at-Law 713 McFADEN. MISS IDA E., Stenographer.... 201 McGINN. HENRY E., Attorney-at-Law..3U-12 METT. HENRY i 213 MILLER, DR. HERBERT C. Dentist and Oral Surgeon 608-609 MOSSMAN. DR. E. P., Dentist 312-313-314 .MANHATTAN LIFE INSURANCE CO. of New York; W. Goldman, Manager. .. .200-210 MUTUAL RESERVE FUND JdFE ASS'N; Mark T. Kady, Supervisor ofSgenta.. 604-605 Mcelroy, dr. j. g.. phys. & sur.701-702-703 McFABLAND. E. B., Secretary Columbia Telephone Co 600 McGUIRE. S. P., Manager P. F. Collier. Publisher 415-410 McKIM, MAURICE. Attorney-at-Law 500 MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE CO. of New York; Wm. S. Pond, State Mgr.... 404-405-400 NICHOLAS. HORACE B.. Atfy-at-Law 713 NILES, M. L., Cashier Manhattan, Llfa In surance Co., of New York...... ....203 OREGON INFIRMARY OF OSTEOPATHY; Dr. L. B. Smith. Osteopath 408-409 OREGON CAMERA CLUB .214-215-216-21T PACIFIC CHRISTIAN PUB. CO.; J. F. Ghormley. Mgr , 303 POND, WM. S.. Stats Manager Mutual Llfa Ins. Co., of New York 404-405-400) PORTLAND EYE AND EAR INFHIMARY, Ground floor, 133 Sixth street PORTLAND MINING & TRUST CO.; J. H. Marshall, Manager 518 QUIMBY. L. P. W.. Game and Forestry Warden 716-71T . ROSENDALE. O. M., Metallurgist and Min ing Engineer 515-510 REED & MALCOLM. Opticians... 133 Sixth st. REED. F. C. Fl-ih Commissioner 407 RYAN. J. B., Attorney-at-Law 41T SAMUEL. L., Manager Equitable Life 300 SECURITY MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE Co.; H. F. Bushong. Gen. Agent for Ore. and Washington 501 SHERWOOD. J. W., Deputy Supreme Com mander K. O. T. M 517 SLOCUM, SAMUEL C, Phys. and Surg... .700 SMITH, DR. L. B., Osteopath 408-409 SONS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.500 STUART. DELL. Attorney-at-Law 617-618 STOLTE, DR. CHAS. E., Dentist 704-7C5 SURGEON OF THE S. P. RY. AND N. P. TERMINAL CO 700 STROWBRIDGE, THOMAS H.. Executive Special Agt. Mutual Life of New York... .400 SUPERINTENDENT'S OFFICE 201 TUCKER. DR. GEO. F., Dentist 610-611 U. S. WEATHER BUREAU 007-003-909-010 U. S. LIGHTHOUSE ENGINEERS. 13TH DIST.; Captain W. C Langfltt, Corps of Engineers, U. S. A SCO U. S. ENGINEER OFFICE. RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS; Captain W. C Langfltt. Corps of Engineers, U. S. A..810 WATERMAN, C. H., Cashier Mutual Life of New York 403 WILSON, DR. EDWARD N., Physician and Surseon ,....304-305 WILSON. DR. GEO. F.. Phys. & Surg..700-70T WILSON. DR. HOLT C. Phys. & Surff..5O7-503 WOOD. DR. W. L.. Physician 412-413-414 WILLAMETTE VALLEY TELEPH. CO... .613 A few more elegant office may bo had by applying to Portland Treat Company cf Oregon, 10O Third at., or .to the rent clerk In the building. III mm Jill IBi