Newspaper Page Text
. ' -- r
THE WASHIHGTOK HEXAID, 8TT1TDAT, JAHTJAET 1, 191 1.
I
THE DEPUTY AVENGER
c
SYNOPSIS.
- Whin about to drown himself. M J" In
tercepted by John Cltfford, a mysterious Jdm"
rronusMi great wraith. Jarret signs an agrasnent
to do Gttffonrs Wading for sercn r"-, WfS
then establishes the young man. under uie name i
llnl CJellaid. In s magnihcent country nouso ana
uppttes nun liberally with .money.
TSul laus in lore with. Margarethenstone, danj
kcofi judge, and is encouraged In his ct W
Clifford. Too late the young man learns that ha
is heir to a law? fortune, and tries In Tain to hare
Clifford release him fnm his pledge.
Mrs, Snetistooc. a rather mysterious wpman.
mother of Margaret- questic Paul doaely as to his
identity, and he afterward sees her In a midttgut
consultation with a stranger.
CHAPTER XIL
Troubled by the curt brevity of this
note, Paul looked at his watch and saw
that it was a quarter to 11. Then, with
out a word, he went toward the door.
"I wonder if it's a development of this
devil's bargain." he thought as he strode
down the avenue. Then he half wished
he had ordered his horse to be saddled;
but no, that would have meant delay,
and possibly the groom at the Hermitage
would have gone to bed, and his conver
sation with Clifford might bo lengthy.
As he walked on. Paul wondered if this
sudden summons to the Hermitage had
anything to do with Mrs. Shenstone's
secret meeting with the man. who was
a, stranger to him. Yet it did not seem
fikely. Mrs. Shenstone had evidently
known something of Paul Jarrefs fam
ily, whereas Clifford knew nothing about
them. On that point Paul was certain.
Impatience made him hasten, and it
took him less time than usual to cover
tha distance oetween Castlesteads and
the Hermitage.
The door was opened by the butler, who
evidently expected him.
"This way, sir." he said, when Paul
had declined to remoe his overcoat.
"Mr. Clelland." announced the man.
and Paul entered the library. He had
unbuttoned his light overcoat, and it
was thrown back, revealing a quantity
of shirt front in which diamond studs
glittered. The well-cut clothes revealed
his fine figure, and as he came forward
with his head thrown back like a oung
war horse who has scented the smell of
battle. John Clifford marveled at the
wonderful change prosperity had wrought
In his appearance. Then, as he recalled
the man lie had brought back from the
verge of death he realized that even
then he had been a striiting looKing man.
one who could easily have passed as an
aristocrat come to giief. Vet he had
only been a city clerk, and for the hun
dredth time Clifford asked himself who
had been this man's father,
"f thould have ben hero earlier, but I
was at the Hall when jour note came,
and Evans didn t tee it until he expected
me home, or he would have tent a groom
with it," said Paul, standing by the ta
ble and looking down at Clifford, who
was seated at the other side.
"I allowed for the possibility nay, I
should say probability that you would
be at the Hall, so I did not expect you
until Late. Won't you sit down?" and he
indicated a chair by the fire, and as Paul
seated himself lie turned to face him.
"I told you it was urgent I should see
Ljou. It is -about oui compact. I have
something for you to do."
Paul's face became grim.
"What is it?" ho asked.
Clifford looked full at him.
"At Easter Judge Shenstone will be at
home, and you will shoot him!" he said.
bending forward and speaking in a low
tone. Paul regarded him with horror. At
Brst ho thought Clifford must have gone
id. but the longer he looked the more
I certain he became that his companion
was sane and terribly in earnest.
'T won't do it! Man. you cannot mean
lit. knowing that I am engaged to ins
I child!
That engagement was part of my
scheme. You bound yourseit to oo my
will; you have been well paid and now
I require you to do the worn tor wnicn
you have received payment in advance."
Paul rose to his teeu
"Ask me anything but this. I cannot!
do it. I would rather take my own life." I
he said, in a hoarse, strained tone. I
"Listen! I require you to shoot Judge J
Shenstone. You are a good shot, lie,
will not suffer, but he will die." j
"I tell you I won't do it. Ill put a
bullet In my own brain first," interrupted
Paul.
"If you did. it wouldn't sae Judge
Shenstone, and after he had been shot
which would happen before your death:
of that I should take care whether you
I committed suicide or not I should put
P4 ...... r..tn.. on.? tlin rl vnn Into
111 jour tUlll -". " - r .r
would regard you as a murderer and sui
cide." "You are tli devil!" exclaimed Paul.
"Leave me out of the question. You
are bound to m-. sworn to do my will.
tt vnn t-ri vour bargain no one will
know that it was you who killed the J
judge. I shall plan it skilltuuy, ana uie
JS1 S; wlu? SvT"" '
"Do you think 1 could mary her with
her father's blood on my nanus.' j-aui
demanded.
"I don't know, but if you refuse to oo
my bidding she will ncer be your wife.
Judge Shenstone will die. and the proof
that vou killed him. apart from your
own confession, shall bo ample. What
will Margaret Shenstone think of you
then?"
"I will expose the whole tiling. I will
warn tho judga and tell hl"i how you
got mo ra your power. I w . let every
one know that I am really Paol Jarrer."
"And I will swear that you are out of
"your mind. I will bring proof that you
are Paul Clelland. tho sou of my old
friend, and as a punishment for breaking
your bond you shall spend the rest of
your life In an asylum. :no aouDt it
juld end In your becoming a violent
lunatic One word more. I have a bit
ter wrong to avenge, and nothing that
yoa can say will change my plains. Only
Jf you fail me It will mean for you death
by the hangman or spending your lifo
la a lunatic asylum. If you fulfill our
bargain you will never bo suspected, and
you will have all you now have and even
greater riches. Tako your choice."
"I will not commit murder. I would
sooner die on the gallows, or go into
un asylum, than be guilty of such a
thing." replied Paul in a resolute toue.
Clifford smiled grimly.
"The night wo made the bargain,
against which you now rebel, you asked
me if murder was included in the com
pact. I told you that it was a sealed
programme, and you accepted my terms,
knowing It might mean that you had
to Idll a man. Prosperity has developed
scruples that you didn't feci then."
Paul's face became scarlet.
"You do well to taunt me with the
weakness of which you took advantage.
Man, you know 1 was half starved and
at-war with the world when you gave me
K't glimpse of what warmth, food, and lux-;.-jy-ury
meant. 1 have been worse than
j7,aan. He sold his birthright for a mess
Vr-f' of .pottage; I've sold ray soul for it. Do
"yt.vn!l ttitntr "Vvn 4vtl fplt fliA ma man
5,1I think you've con tn vol to-be toler-.
-,-na.wy.aoppy since you became engaged." '
': : 'ISfvptea;1 1 isnt In jJie nature of a -man to
' iKirar inau nappy in (itrr auvicur. kiiu
IE
By HEDLEY RICHARDS.
IT
bondman, but I've loathed myselt for
my weakness. I ought to have gone back
to the river that night."
"Paul Clelland, there's one thins none
of us can do, and that is, undo the past,
and it always influences our future. You
made that bargain and you must stick
to it or you will pay for it. For seven
years you were to be mine body and
soul yet seven months have not passed
and you want to break the bond. I tell
you that you 'hall not do so unless you
are prepared to pay to the uttermost
farthing. Go; I will give you a week to
think the matter over. Nay, you shall
have nine days. The judge comes home
a week from to-day Thursday night. On
Saturday night you must give me- your
answer, and remember, if you still re
fute to fulfill the compact you will find
ma mfrcilcss. One thing more; you must
give me your solemn promise not to warn
the Judge of the fato in store for him,"
said Clifford, watching his companion
keenly.
Paui hesitated.
"If I give that promise, will you in
return promise that the judge shall not
come to any harm during that period?"
he said.
"I promise that until then Judge Shen
stone's life stall be safe so far as l.
or any one instigated by me, is con
cerned." "Then I will not give Mr. Shenstone
any warning until the nine days have
elapsed, though I think it would be bet
ter if we settled the matter at once,"
said Paul.
"You fool, I want to save you from
destruction. I will have my vengeance
and I will not put myself in your power,
which means that unless you carry out
the compact your own life will pay the
penalty. Now go. and don't let me see
you again until the day after Good Fri
day." CHAPTER XTTT.
Marjraret'a Mother.
Without a Tvord Paul turned and left
the room, and very soon he was on his
way home.
"I've got to like the fellow too well,
but I must not let his scruples stand in
Uie way of ray revenge. If Paul Clel
land refuses fb fulfill the bargain he will
have to pay for it, even though I suf-1
fer in knowing what his fate will be. !
and it4 won't be the fate I have promised
him. It won't suit mo to let him hang
for Judge Shenstone's murder, but he
shall pay dearly for trying to thwart
me in my schemes, when I thought I
had got the very man I required," he
reflected.
As for Paul, when he reached Castle
that he had I
steads ho went to a room
chosen for his own particular den and
thougnt oer what Clifford had said, and I
he realized that if he failed to-do what'
tho former required, it was quite likely
it would cost him his life. Ho did not
believe that Clifford wculd risk his mak
ing any disclosures; it was more likely
he would iecue his death blow before
the judge's lite was attempted. Then he j -Tommy. I've a secret to tell you. It's
told himself he had been very blind not"at,out Mrs. Shenstone; it's something
to suspect something when Clifford ex-1 dreadful."
pressed his satisfaction at the intimacy
hptufpn him and tho fahenstones. no
could remember many things now that
ought to have made his suspicious.
"What had Judge Shenstone done to
incur Clifford's hatred? The judge did
not appear to know the master of the
Hermitage, yet it was certain the latter
hated the Shenstones bitterly. What
did it mean?" It was a difficult question
to answer, and Paul went to bed with
it unanswered.
"What is the matter. Paul? You look
troubled and ill. I could fancy some
great sorrow had come to you since I
S.IW you last night." said Margaret next
day, looking at him with loving eyes.
I am not well, and I'm a bit bothered.
I did something foolish in the past, and
like every one else. I have to pay for my
j my mistakes." he said, trying to speak
ngniiy.
"I am sorry." she said; but she did not
ask what his trouble was; she would not
ask for a confidence that was not freely
given.
"Don't trouble your head about me.
darling; most most men have a fit of
the bluus occasionally, and I'm no ex
ception," he said, smilling, and hoping
(o banish her anxiety. "By the way,
how is your mother?" he added.
Margaret's face clouded.
"She's very poorly this morning. I
wanted her to stay in bed, but sne said
she should get up."
"Did she get up last night?" asked
Paul.
"No. Her head w-as very bad, then
after midnight! . After that she couldn't
get to sleep again, and this morning she
looks dreadful, said Margaret.
"Who looks dreadful?" asked Mrs.
i snensiime, jjiu lurams, mcy s-aw m
! whng Paul at"you were notice impossible for him to marry her if
at all well. Really, mother. I think you
would have been wiser to stay in bed."
raid Margaret, regarding her with solic-
-. .
ituae.
"I have had enough of bed. I went
upstaire at a little afer S last night and
I've only just got up," she said, and as
shti spoko her eyes were fixed on Paul.
"Did you remain in bed the whole
time?" he asked, on the impulse of the
moment, as he remembered the scene in
tho woods of the night before, when he
came suddenly on a man and a woman,
and heard tho words, "My life is a mis
cry." "Of course I did! Do you think I
could have done anything better?" she
asked, still watching him keenly.
"I think rest is always a good thing,"
he replied evasively. '
Mrs. Shenstone laughed, a mirthless
laugh.
"Why don't you rest, Mr. Clelland.
You look as though you needed it. I
shouldn't be surprised to hear that you
had buried your best friend; you look
so wretched."
"Margaret Is my best friend as well
as my sweetheart," he said, smiling at
tho girl, who returned his gaze with a
look of love
Mrs. Shenstone glanced from one to the
other, and her face brightened.
"It docs ono-good to see two people
so much In love with each other," she
said, as she seated herself in a chair
near the fire.
About this time Hagar Herrfes was on
her way home. She had been to see
some poor people, and Hagar never went
empty-banded. The contents of the
basket had been left at the cottage,'
and as.she walked she swung the basket
tightly, while she thought of Paul Clel
land. Since his engagement to -Margaret
she had tried not to think of him, doing
ncr utmost to overcome the love that
had -sprung up unbidden in her heart;
hut it was not easy. Suddenly her, re
verie was broaen by a merry voice say
tag: '
"Good morning, Miss Herries,"' and
looking around she saw Mr. rCathcart or
Tommy, aa he was called by his friends.
Hazar extended her hand'verr cordial
ly. It had been a real trouble thati Mr.
Lciifford would not; allow Temmy-to come
lotno .oupe-aTrjena; sa.naa. never.
17
I
ford had not told her that the young man
had aspirations of that kind.
"I didn't hear your footsteps," she said.
"No; I just came over that stile, but
you were looking straight ahead of you,
and I hurried, hoping to catch you up.
I am not allowed to come to the Hermi
tage, though I'd give half of what I am
worth if Mr. Clifford would let me come,
as he does Clelland."
"Mr. Clelland is the son of an old
friend," said Hagar. who believed she
was speaking the truth.
Tommy drew nearer.
"But he isn't in lovo with you. and I
am; but Clifford keeps you like a nun,
and I want to know if you'll marry me?"
"Hush!" and Hagar laid her hand gent
ly on his arm. "You won't know me, so
how can you love me?"
"That's just It. I do love you. It seems
to mo that I loved you the first moment I
saw you. Talk about falling head over
heels in love! I did, and it's the genu
ine article. I'm not a fellow who changes.
It I like people I stick to them through
thick and thin, and it's not liking I have
for you. Hagar it's love. Won't you give
me a bit of hope?"
Hagar sighed. Here was this man .in
love with her, and she didn't care for
him. while her heart had been given to
Clelland unsought.
"I'm a beast to make you unhappy,"
he said.
She smiled, as she looked up at him for
the first time sinco he had declared his
love.
"I'm not unhappy; but I'm sorry that
you care for me, because I don't " Then
she paused.
"You don't care for me. Well, it's not
to be expected. I'm not much of a fellow
for a girl to love, but Tin desperately in
love with you, and I fancy if that old
martinet would give me a chance 1 could
make you care a trifle for me. You see,
I"vo never loved any one before, not
really. I was Lady Lascelles' page boy,
or something in that line. I went her
messages and rode with her sort of play
ed the fool; but there's one thing I didn't
do, and that is love her. Now. won't you
promise to think of me?"
"1 shall always think kindly of you."
"That's right, and remember I love you,
and lovo begets love." he said, as they
paused at the gates leading into the Her
mitage grounds.
"Daren't you ask me in?" he added.
Harar 'auched merrily.
"I'm not sure that I want to. Good
by," and she passed through the gate
just as a high dogcart, with a pair of
horses tandem, with Lady Lascelles
perched on Uie box seat, came in view.
Drawing the reins she called out:
"Jump up. Tommy."
For a moment he hesitated, then climb
ed on to the seat beside her.
Shp turned her head and spoko to a
srm who was seated with folded arms
at me ua.
Get down. Foster. I shan't want you.
,Tp r-athcart will onen the gates."
-j say." protested Tommy, who did not
want a tete-a-tete drive.
"Be quick. Foster." and the man's feet
had scarcely touched the ground when
hpr ladvshin brought the whip smartly
'down on the leader, and as he plunged
t.. forward snc said:
CHAPTER XTV.
The Unexpected Happens.
Good Friday had come and gone. Paul
had spent the day at Allington Hall, and
the judge's manner had been kinder than
of yore. It was quite evident that his
future son-in-law was gaining in favor
w itli him.
He had asked Paul to dine with them
on the Saturday, and the latter had ex
cused himself on the score that Mr. Clif
ford expected him that night; but he
had spent the afternoon with Margaret,
and after tea lie had walked leisurely
home, thinking of what lay before him.
His mind was definitely made up. He
would refuse to commit murder, even if
the victim were not Judge Shenstone.
He would not stain his hands with any
man's blood.
When he made that awful compact
with Clifford he had not been himself.
Half starved and overwrought, like a
dog willing to do anything for the hand
that fed him. he had made an unholy
bargain and he would break It, though
the breaking might cost him his life
But he would fight Clifford should not
have it all his own way. Karly the next
! morning he would ride over and tell
Judge Shenstone the whole story. He
was a clever, Kccn-wittca man, atcus-
torn tc .weighing men In . U-
and he would be fair !n his judgment.
Perhaps it might mean losing Margaret,
whose love was ever, more to him than
life, but if he obeyed Clifford's behest
she would still be lost to him. It wouiu
his hanas were stained with her fathers
blood. He must tell the judge, and it
was just possible he might at some ru-
turrt inr !.t "fnptnrot hp(nnip ills Wlie.
"- " " " :..; ,
letter nau come trom uunoru con
taining nothing but the words:
I shall exixct yoa at 11 tewiisht. Do not ride;
tho groom will have retired. CMFFOKD.
The very briefness ot the note, wun
out any nrefix. had told Paul that the
ether man's determination was unshaken,
but it nuzzled him as to the reason such
a late hour had been named for his visit.
Then he came to the conclusion that
Clifford would think he was dining at
the Hall.
"Would he ever dine there again?"
Paul asked himself. The revelation he
intended making Uie next morning must
affect the judge's attitude toward him.
Mrs. Shenstone, for some reason of her
own. desired the marriage. Would she
try to Influence her husband? Paul
shrugged his shoulders. He was not very
fond of Margaret's mother, and felt that
he should not care to owe his happiness
to her.
Busy with his own thoughts, the time
passed quickly, and looking at his
watch. Paul was surprised to see tliat
it was 10:20. so. putting on. his overcoat.
he told the. butler that he was going
to walk as 'far as the Hermitage, but
hp Oinulrl not be lonir. and. taking up
a stick that he sometimes carried a)
night, he set off. On arriving at the
Hermitage. Mr. Clifford opened the door
and led the way to his own sitting-room.
As (they entered the clock on the 'mantel
piece struck eleven, and two grandfather
flecks In tho hall joined in. '
You are punctual," said Mr. Clifford,
as he took his' stand at one side of the
fireplace vand faced his guest, but with
out asking him to sit down.
"Yes; It is better to get the matter
settled. I should have come earlier hit
for your note," replied Paul. "
1 wanted to give you the longest pos
sible time I could to consider the mat
ter.. Mow. tell mei are ye-u prepared to
carry out the bargain we made?"
"No," and PauTs voice was low; but
emphatic.. There wm a ring of decision
In it, that told, the ether jnan nbTraiad
was made up. aadat 'argument j. were
useless. 8tUl, I h resolved tsinakaa
llnaU atteni-.Vv,W.w'V .-?
life, the abhorrence of the girl who now
loves you. a ruined' life for ner. ana
neither father nor lover spared to her."
said Clifford, speaking in a quiet, de
liberate tone.
'X would rather she abhorred me for
what I have not done than that, having
her father's blood on my hands, she
should regard me with love. It would
be unbearable to live with her under
such conditions," said Paul.
"Then you have counted the cost?
said the other man grimly.
"Yes: I have. If I did what you asked
me to do it would cost me my soul. You
are older than I am. yet you would force
me to do that which could damn my
sould through all eternity."
Paul Clifford's eyes blazed with fury.
"Man, what have I got to do with
your soul? I've a soul, but I'd lose it a
thousand times over to get my revenge,
and you a man who cannot keep his
oath think to balk me, but I tell you
no one in heaven or earth shall do
that." he said in a tone that scarcely
rose above a whisper of concentrated
fury.
"You think not, but there is a power
that can bring your schemes of ven
geance to nothing, vuid as for my oath,
I might have kept It to my eternal sor
row if I had not become friendly with
the Shenstones. You want me' to be
come a second Judas, and I refuse," said
Paul.
"Then go." replied Clifford, pointing to
the door, and Paul passed out and Into
the darkness of the night that seemed to
wrap him round like a mantle, but the
starless sky was as nothing to the black
darkness that rested on his soul as he
thought that unless he succeeded in warn
ing Judge Shenstone there would be mur
der, and it would be laid on him.
This tnought roused Paul and made
him resolve to go at once to Allington
Hall and rouse the judge, and then con
fide in him. Perhaps the latter would re
gard him as insane, but he dare not run
any risks. He would go home first and
tell them that he should probably remain
tho night at the Hall. Having come to
this decision Paul strode forward at a
rapid pace.
No sooner had Paul left the room than
Clifford locked the door. Then he went
toward tho fireplace, and adroitly touch
ing a panel at one side it moved, reveal
ing an aperture large enough to admit a
man.
Clifford passed through this opening and
stood on a broad stone slab, from which
a flight of long, uneven steps descended.
Listening intently he heard a footstep,
and. waiting until the step drew nearer,
called out in a subdued .tone:
"Is that you. Josh?"
"Yes, gov'nor," and a big, thick-set
man with gray hair, but active and evi
dently of great strength, came slowly up
the steps.
"Be quick. Josh, I have work for you
to do," said Clifford impatiently. His
usual calm seemed to have forsaken him.
"All right, gov'nor," and the man
quickened his steps; then, on reaching the
little square where Clifford was standing,
he followed him through the aperture into
what was known as the master's sitting
room.
The existence of the sliding panel that
led to 'a flight of steps and from there
to an underground passage, from which
another flight of steps gave egress to an
unfrequented corner of the garden, was
not generally known. The agent who had
sold the house had evidently not been
awraro of the fact, which Mr. Clifford had
discovered ty accident, and the knowl
edge had been of value to him in many
ways, particularly after the advent ot
Clelland. as It had enabled the man callea
Joshua to leave the house unknown to any
one. This man knew about Clifford's past
life, though to all he appeared only his
master's valet and confidential servant.
But Jo-h was more than that, he knew
what had caused the bitter thirst for re
venge, and he sympathized with it.
"He's been, and he has absolutely re
fused to keep to Uie bargain, s-o there
is only one thing to be done you must
go back. If you cut arross the fields,
you'll be In time to catch him in that
lonely stretch of lane between here and
Castleytcads. I've put the stick there
ready for you," and Clifford glanced
through the aperture.
"Give him one blow, a blow that will
mean concussion of the brain, and people
will think ho Is silly if he talks any
nonsense; then take his watch and purse
and ronie back here. They'll say it was
'v thief who assaulted him. Now go.
there's other work to be done before
morning." said Clifford.
Josh did not move.
"If that's what you're leaving that
panel open for you can shut it," he said
In a stolid tone.
Clifford looked at him In amazement.
"Are vou golticr to fail me. too?" he
asked in a husky tone.
No, gov'nor. 'hit's not in my reck
oning, but all the same, there's no need
for mc to follow that young chap, and
I'm glad there isn't."
Speak out! What do you mean?" de
manded Clifford.
"Well, Mr. Clifford, this here matter
has been taken out of your hands, but
before I say any more I'll shut that
panel," and crossing the room Josh
touched u sprinf, and the panel slid into
place. Then he turned and faced Mr.
Clifford.
"Gov'nor, you told me to take a look
at the Hall, to get acquainted with the
lay of the rooms, sti I went down to
have a look, calculating 1 should be
bade in -time to receive my orders. It
was quite dark, and the tights were
out In most of the rooms, but the smoke
room was lighted and the blinds were
up. so 1 managed to peep in at one of
the windows, that open like doors. What
do you think I saw?" ,
"1 don't know." and there was a ring
of impatience in Clifford's voice.
Josh drew nearer and spoke in a whis
per: "I saw Judge Shenstone lying on his
face on the floor, and there was blood
on his clothes and all about. He was
dead, and he dloU a violent death."
TO BE CONTINUED TO-MORROW.
(Copyright, 1309. by The North American Company.)
Some Peculiar Titles.
The following is a list of odd titles
selected for some of our latest plays:
"The Nest Egg."
"Tho Scarecrow."
"The Faun."
"The Happiest Night of His Life."
"The Girl of My Dreams."
"The Foolish Virgin."
"It Can't Be as Bad as All That."
"In Search of a Sinner."
"When All Has Been Said."
"The Bridal Trip."
"Marriage a la Carte."
"Green Stockings."
"The House with the Green sfhuttirs."
FURS AUCTION
Surplus Stock .
SAKS FUR CO.,
Beginning TUESDAY,
JAN. 3, for one week,
within salesrooms of
C.G. Sloan &Co.;(Inc.),
1407GStN.,W.
rTOn"Eihlbition Monday until
.sstfife;a ,y-Tv'
YOU, 'HONEY!? YOU.
(Written far The Washington Ucnld.)
God keep you safe! through an the year,
A happy gladsome year of cheer.
May all life's burdens grow more light
And make this dear world still more
bright
For you. Honey, you!
A glad New Year, dear may you wake
Into love's own joy and make
Song and fragrance fresh and new
In the pulse and soul of you.
You, Honey, you!
May love's roses bloom and blow.
And their hearts of beauty show.
May you find their secret true.
In the love I breathe for you.
You, Honey, you!
Sometimes my days seem o'er long.
Sometimes I'm weak, sometimes strong.
But this I know, you stand apart
With the healing of your heart.
You, Honey, you!
With planted foot, and brandished steel
The New Year comes with clash and zeal
And through his bugle's ringing throat
Speeds along a loyous note.
For you, Hone'y, you!
The light fades down the midnight sky,
The shadows grow and multiply.
Death then life the glad New Year.
And you. dear heart, you are so near.
Y'ou, Honey, you!
The New Year comes with wide-spread
wings.
The old holds memory's whisperings.
I ask of God His greatest boon
The Ughb that comes from love's 'high
moon.
For you. Honey, you!
I plead for you a jear so fair
Through all Its days will be my prayer.
God keep you safe, my precious friend.
And grant you peace unto life s end.
You, Honey, you!
The light that shineth unto day
Be on your path how and alway.
Oh, may you lind love's secret true
And hold it in the soul or you.
You, Honey, you!
The night is cold' Dark winter hours.
I want the old year's love and flowers.
(Memory with her eyelids wet)
June's roses and swet mignonette.
" And you. Honey, you!
The old we must not thfnk upon.
Cornhusks. when the car is gone.
We must crown this vigorous youth.
Sing and laugh with him in truth.
Honey, I crown you!
The light that came for you and me.
May it guide your path and alway
Through all the years I know you'll be
The precious friend you arc to me.
You. Honey, you!
Wide open then, my soul I throw,
Good-by. old year. I loved you so.
The new's so fair; to young a thing
With broken harp, my love, I smg
To you. Honey, you!
The snow falls fast: the ways are white.
So came to you and me love's light.
The bells ring out; I kneel and pray.
(jOd bless you now and alway.
You, Honey, you!
Some year, when all my songs arc done.
And God makes me new and strosg and
youngs
So I may sleep and wake more fair.
My warm young heart awaits you there.
You, Honey. You!
ALL'S SHARPS BALCH.
December, 1710.
ABOUT THE PLAYERS.
Vesta Victoria arrived from Europe on
Friday under contract to William Morris.
Lillian Boardman and Irene Martin are
with the "Song Revue" at Chase's next
w eek.
Henrietta Crosman has discarded "The
Duchess of Suds" In favor of "Antl
Matrimony," her former play.
Billy Gaston is back in vaudeville, and
at Chase's next week will stng a dozen
of his own new winning warbles.
Rosina Henley, a daughter of Helen
Bertram and the late E. J. Henley, Is
appearing in "Marriage a la Carte."
One of the January attractions that is
assured a hearty reception Is George
Evans and his Honey Boy Minstrels.
The Columbia Theater is preparing for
the annual engagement of Chauncey
Olcott, who has a new play this season.
Laura Nelson Hall will create the lead
ing role in "Everywoman." which Is
among the new Savage productions for
tho new year.
Agnes Scott, one of Chase's stars next
week, is the author of "The Wall Be
tween," as well as "Drifting." which is
her latest success.
Carter De Haven received a Christmas
present in the shape of an infant, which
arrjved in the De Haven household on
Friday. The mother was Flora Parker.
John Slavln Is again playing his old
part in "The Girl and the Kaiser." the
Viennese operetta which Is running at the
Herald Square Theater. New York.
Genial Bob Bldke will "still be inter
preted by Frank J. Mclntyre when "The
Traveling Salesman" comes to the Co
lumbia Theater the week of January 16.
T. Daniel Frawiey, one of Washington's
successful actor-managers, is now playing
an Important part in "The Spendthrift,
which comes to the Columbia Theater
next week.
Rose Stahl will closb her four years'
association with "Tho Chorus Lady" In
Jersey City, N. J., January 7, and will
start preparations of her new play,
"Maggie Pepper," by Charles Klein.
Edna May Is to come from her retire
ment to appear In the title part of 'The
Belle of New York"' in aid of a memorial
hospital in London. The affair will take
place at the Savoy Theater on Febru
ary 13.
"Doc" While, tho famous Chicago
American pitcher, who Is tossing timely
topics. In vaudeville and conies to Chase's
next week. Is a native of this city and
took the degree of D. D. S. at George
town University.
Chauncey Olcott is in Philadelphia, and
until he leaves that city there will be no
more dinner parties or social engage
ments, for all the cooks and -upstairs
maids are getting ready to honor Mr,
Olcott with their presence.
Reports from the West are highly en
couraging about Henry Woodruff. He Is
starring in "The Genius." which is now a
musical- entertainment of an enjoyable
quality. Mr. Woodruff remains a star
under Mort H. Singer's management.
MUllcent Evans, who has just closed
with Douglas Fairbanks in "The Cub,"
has ben engaged for the leading female
rolo in William H. Crane's new play,
"U. S Minister Bedloe," by George Ade.
opening in the beautiful new Blackstone
Theater in -Chicago.
William Lawrence, for five years Uncle
Josh in "The Old Homestead." will head
another company in the play, which wilt
sro to the Coast. The production will be
made under the personal direction of
Dehman Thompson, and the tour will e
managed by Franklin ThompBon...
- The'daaci- of ancient rKajyWli.Srhich
Bvth.Jtt.MMal. wWraM iraaBfVM
Poe15
No. 9.
"The Bells."
EDGAR ALLAN POE.
Hear the sledjes with the beUs-
SUrcr bells ,' ...
What a world of merriment their melody foreteul
How they tinkle, tinkle, tinkle
In tao ley air of night!
While the stars that oeriprink
All uVs heuens arem to twinkle
With a crystalline delight
Keeping time. time, time.
In a sort of Ranic rhyme, .
To tho tintinnabolaUon that so musically welU
From the bell, bell, bells. Delis.
Bells, bells, bdto
From the jff'"? and the tinkling of the bells.
Hear the mellow wedding bells
Golden bells!
What a world of happiness and harmony loreteus.
Through the balmy air of night.
How they ring out their delight;
i'rotn the molten golden notes.
And all in time
What a Unrid ctlttr floats
To the turtle-doTC that listens while be gloats
On the moon!
Ob. from out the sounding cells
What a gosh of euphony Toltitmnously wells:
How it swells! How it dwells
On, the future! how It tells
Of U.o rapture that impels
To tho swinging and the ringing
Of the Irils. bells, bells.
Of the bells, bells, bells, bells.
Hells, bells, bells
To the rhyming and the chiming of the bells.
When Edgar Allan Poc wrote that odd
roncc-it. "The Bells. ' the first two stanzas
r ,..i,iv. am nrinipil nhave. he was com
pellcd to rewrite it twice before it was j
acceptable, and then no was uuauiu .i
secure for his laoor more man me puirj
sum of. Jt;. It was paltry, for even
when Poe attempted to sell this poetic
effort in many ways it was a remark
.ih1 one lie had already gained con
siderable reputation, both as story teller
and as poet. When the original manu
script was offered for sale, close to a
century after it was written. In Phila
delphia, the appreciation of the autnor
had risen to that extent tnat tnc pur
chaser was compelled to pay $2,145 for
it. Just $24C0more than its value at
the time of its writing. If Poe. In his
lifetime, had received as many hun
dreds of dollars for the poem as the
owners of the manuscript received thou
sands for the mere autograph, and cor
resnondinclv as much for his other lit
erary efforts, the life of the poet would
no doubt have been comforted in its clos
ing days, or might even have been pro
lunged to a green and useful old age.
To those .vho are well versed in tne
character of the life led by the poet, this
may be doubted, for the reason that it
would ha-e been an incentive to have
led his life into even more dissipated
channels, but this can hardly have been
the result, for the dissipation which
ended with Poe's fatal debauch at Balti
more, in June. 1S49, was undoubtedly
nromDted by despair, and that despair
resulted partly from domestic and partly
from financial troubles. '
It was to Mrs. Marie Louise Shew,
who had befriended the poet in many
substantia! ways, in his deciding years,
that Foe owed the suggestion tor "The
Eells" It is a strange fact that shs
had never found time to read any of
the writings of the poet for whom sne
felt so deep an affection and sympathy.
One day Poe called on her and said:
"Marie Louise, I have to wri(e a poem.
I have no feeling, no sentiment, no in
spiration." His hostess persuaded him to have
some tea. which she served in the con-
ui-iKiinrv. Through the open window
fa tho sound of church bells. Mrs. I
Shew said, playfully: "Here is paper."
n th mot declined It. declaring:
I so dislike the sound ot Dens to-nignx.
t rannot write. I am exhausted.
The lady then took up the pen. and,
pretending to Imitate his handwriting,
wrote: "The Bells, by E. A. Poe." Then
in pure sportiveness. she added this line:
"The bells, the little silver bells."
Poc took the hint a.nd expanded the line
Into a stanza of six lines. Then Mrs.
Shew suggested for the next stanza:
"The heavy iron bells."
This Poe expanded into eleven addl-
tion with the concert by the Imperial
Russian Court Balalaika Orchestra, are
in four acts and seven scenes. Dancing
formed an important part in the religious
ceremonies or the ancient Egyptians, and
it was in this fact that Miss St. Denis
found her inspration for this second se
ries of Oriental dances.
As Albert Chevalier and his company,
apearing at the Hackett Theater In
"Daddy Dufard." glvo matinee perform
ances on Thursday, whereas the English
players, appearing in Louis N. Parkers
"Pomander Walk" at Wallack's. play the
conventional Wednesday matinee, the two
companies will exchange visits this week.
On Wednesday the "Daddy Dufard" com
pany will see the "comedy of happiness"
jit Wallack's: on Thursday the quaint
dwellers in "Pomander Walk" will leave
their Queen Anne houses to applaud the
artistry of their gifted countryman.
Chevalier.
To lecture on the Monkey.
Prof. Richard L. Garner, traveler and
scientist, who has spent nearly twenty
years in' the African jungle studying the
speech of the monkey folk. Is home for
good He Is offering the fruits of his
years of study in a series of lectures
which he will give at the Belasco, begin
ning next Sunday evening with "Studies
of the Great Apes at Home." His sec
ond lecture, prepared particularly with
a view of 'interesting the younger gen
eration and telling of "Child Life of the
Jungle Folk," will be given the follow
ing Tuesday afternoon, and on the fol
lowing Sunday evening the professor will
describe "ine empire oi uai .
which he has known so intimately dur
ing the past two decades. Original stere
optlcon views have been prepared to
illustrate these lectures, ano ouaic. .
highly educated young chimpanzee, will
play a star part with the professor.-
Lecture on "Famous Paintings."
Dwight Elmendorf will return to the
National Theater Thursday afternoon.
January 19. when he will repeat his lec
ture, "Famous Paintings." Many wonder
ful pictures make up this Elmendorf gal
lery. In it one- will find examples of the
works of Jan Stcen, Franz Halz, Rem
brandt. Rubens. Fra Flllppe Llppl.
Leonardo da Vlnclr Murlllo. Velasquez.
Titian, and dozens of others. Not. of
course, the original canvases themselves,
but truthrul, realistic reproductlonsdone
by the magic of the camera and the lec
turer's skillful coloring. The tour starts
from the Ryks Museum, in Amsterdam,
and proceeds through the galleries of
Berlin. Munich, Dresden, Florence, Rome,
Seville. Madrid., Vienna, and Paris.
Faversham in a Hew Play.
William Faversham will appear for the
first time In Edward Knoblauch' rplay,
"The Faun." at the Murat Theater. In
rtianarjolls. Ind.. on January 2. Mr.
Knoblauch, author of the new play, has
arrived in this country from London and
has Joined Mr. Faversham at Kansas City
a .1.1,. -..... ulv ViIm. I11 Tijb Vatm"
ana wm icmwu ! . .
in ncoduced in New York in January.
Other plays by Mr. "Knoblauch that have
.been) seen in tnw.couniry are -ana nu-
Uimlte," which' Lena Ashweirproaucea in
Amorlr four.voars .aoo and "The Cot
tan Jfcf UMTAlrr'that was glvca.at the
New TlMMrsMt season. V
Kamqus
tional lines. He next copied out the poem
and headed it "By Mrs. M. L. Shew, re
marking that it was her poem, as she had
suggested and composed so much of it.
Such was the germ of this remarkable
poem which melodiously mimics, in verbal
and metrical harmonics, so xnarvelously
the respective metallic tones silver, gold
en, brazen, and iron of sleigh-bells, wed
ding bells, steeple bells, and alarm bells.
The poem went through no less than
three transformations, however, before It
reached the public in the final form pub
lished in Sartain's Union Magazine, in
November, 1S49, one month after Poe'a
death. In a note accompanying the poem
in this magazine Mr. Sartain gave the
following account of its evolution:
"There is a curious piece of literary
history connected with this poem. It il
lustrates the gradual development of an
idea in the mind of a man of original
genius. This poem came into our posses
sion about a year since (consequently
about December 184S). It then consisted
of seventeen lines. About six months
afterward we received the poem enlarged
and altered nearly to its present size and
form, and about three months since the
author sent another alteration and en
largement, in which condition the poem
was left at the time of his death."
The original version, containing only
seventeen lines, divided into two stanzas.
was as follows:
"THE BKLL8"-A SONG.
I.
The bells! Bear the belli!
The merry wedding bella.
The little direr bells!
How fairly-like a melody there dwells
Krom the silrcr tinkling cells
Of the bells.
"II.
The bells! Ah. the bells!
The beary iron bells!
Hear the tolling of the beCa!
Hear the toelk!
How homUc a monody there floats
From their throats
om their deep-toned throats!
How I shudder at their notes
From the melancholy throats
Of the bells, bells, bells!
Of the bells!
Poe's enemies have charged that he
sold the poem three times over to dif
ferent magazines. The charge la entirely
false, but Mr. Sartain explains that It
was he who paid Poe three times for
three versions of "Tho Bells." himself in
sisting on so doing, because the poems
were substantially distince pieces. "In the
form he first submitted it." says Mr.
Sartain in his reminiscences, "consisting
of seventeen lines of small merit, ho re
ceived $13. but after he had rewritten and
improved it to 113 lines, he was paid $30
more."
The poet, it will be remembered, lost
his wife, Virginia Clemm. on January 30.
1S47. Thereafter he was as one distraught.
"Deprived of the companionship and sym
pathy of his child wife." writes Mr. W.
V. Gill, a friendly biographer, "the poet
suffered what was to him the agony of
utter loneliness. Night after night he
would arise from hl3 sleepless pillow
and, dressing himself, wander to
the grave of his lost one. and. throwing
himself down on the cold ground, weep
bitterly for hours at a time. He found it
impossible to sleep without the presence
of some friend by his bedside. For a long
time after Virginia's death he seems to
have been desperately ill and unnerved.
To deaden his grief he had recourse to
liquor and drugs.
Sick as he was. necessity forced nlm
'to take up his pen, ana it was curing
'these last years that no wrote nis prose
poenr of "Eureka" and lyrics like "Ula
lume," "Annabel Lee," and 'The Bells."
It was Mrs. Shew, already mentioned,
who proved Poe's truest friend and bene
factor In this period of abject misery.
She had done what she could by personal
ministration and by raising subscriptions
from his friends to soothe the last days
of the dying wife, to secure her decent
burial, and to rescue Poe from the pecu
niary difficulties In which the long sick
ness of his wife plunged him.
Philharmonic Orchestra.
The season sale of seats for the three
concerts at the National Theater by the
New York Philharmonic Orchestra will
be opened at T. Arthur Smith's ticket
office a week from to-morrow morning.
The concerts, which mark the first ap
pearance In this city of that world-famed
organization, which is now in its sixty
ninth year, arc scheduled for Tuesday
afternoons, January 21, February 28. and
March 28. Orders that reach Mr. Smith
prior to the opening of the regular sale
will be filled in the order of their receipt.
For the first concert, on January 24, a
special all-Wagner programme has been
prepared, with Mme. Johanna Gadski as
the soloist. On February 28 the pro
gramme will include last season's great
orchestral success In New York, the
Bach Suite, with Mr. Gustav Mahler at
the harpsichord while conducting. The
concluding programme will have as solo
ist Ernest Hutcheson, the well-known
pianist, playing the MacDowell Second
Concerto. This engagement is particu
larly notable, in that despite the world
wide fame of the organization, which in
the sixty-nine years of its existence has
numbered among its conductors the fore
most orchestral leaders of the world, it
will be the first time the orchestra has
ever been heard in Washington. Even at
this time It was only through the enter
prise and liberality of T. Arthur Smith
that contracts bringing it here were
finally signed.
GOD IS MT UFE."
In loring recognition of the beantifol life and
character of Mrs. Eddy and the uplifting tod-Bee
of her teaching uroo the world.
"Cj-1 Is my Life." I'm still on the field.
Holding the Banner of Troth unfurled.
If faithful Hell constantly walk with oa,
Lo! e'en to the end of the world,
"find is my Life." I gladly march on.
Working the fullness or that life we knew
He calleth. Sly Father. I come. I come!
And my soul with thanksgitinaa o'erflow.
"God is my Life." I am stepping a piece
Farther en. advancing by His gentle aid;
Gaining broader and grander views of His torn.
While m strength upon Him is staid.
"God is my Life." This I offer Him nosy.
A mind Iruewnl by His grace dirloe;
I meekly, with gratitude, lay my all-then
On His altar lore's pure. holy ihrtoa,
"God is my Lite." I feel Him near.
Riming ss ccassth this mortal strife;
In His sublime plan, eternal and grand.
' There is no death all is life.
"God is my Life." Dear ones, weep not;
Look up. to His kind will I bow.
StiU I am healing and feeding my sheep
As out Shepherd is teaching me now.
"Cod is my Life.'- Rejoice now with me,
Cloods break, light shines thro' the rift:
Serene and calm I wait and find , ,
Snert peace. Ditinc Lore's prcdoua gift.
"God U ray life." Speak not of death.
For Spirit, the Infinite, ne'er knows decay;
IB1 faith we are climbing God's highway of truta,
And Be fnidcth a day by day. s
"God is my life." The sun atnkcta here. v
TO shine for aye beyond the mortal, sight;
There U.no death. In HUB I me.
And wake t know world more bright.
"Ocd Is wy Life." Thea,trost aad kaow
That U lfe.tfcxth fbrerrr most be Stat.
n.i.rjrf.1 Father; Ty wffl alone bdone.
I Atiwtea- la Tke we tea cwr'pueeat, sL,
. .
4r
