Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Brussels Post, 1909-9-2, Page 7MYSTE9IOIIS BEY Olt, PLANNING} FOE, TIU FUTWtE, CHAPTER XVII. he bent forward to search the face that was resting against ids shoul- Geralsl gently tool, the two cord- dor, "1 hops you are not so wcund- fieates from the Bands of his be- ed as your words seem to imply trothed, carefully refolded and re- over these recent revelations which turned theta to hit wallet, Then have so turned things topsy-turey. I he drew her again with iu his arms. world rather a thousand times "Yes, Allison, it has been proved forego the establishment of nay beyond a doubt that 1 am Adam claim as the heir to this fortune Brewster's son. Are yousorry?" than have you experience a single "No, no 1 I am so glad -so pang." glad!" the fair girl unhesitatingly A merry little laugh interrupted responded, as she nestled closer to him at this point, and a pair of soft hien; "but oh! is not too bad that arms stole fondly about his neclr, he could not have known -that you "You dear, sensitive, self -deny - both could not have, known the ing boy! Did you think I really truth when you first went into his meant a word of all that nonsense? office? Be would have loved you No, indeed, and I am even unmaid- so--he would have been so proud enly enough to confoes that I am of you. He was very fond of you, perfectly delighted with the present and trusted youas be trusted no arrangement. I wouldn't have 'e one else," changed for titre world; for Since "Yes, Iknow that, and it has you aro so generous -hearted as to been a great comfort to me," Ger- wish to endow a certain poverty- ald replied with unsteady lips. stricken little waif with all you pee - "Those words of commendation, sees, there will now be nothing to almost the first that he ever ad- keep us apart any longer. The dressed to me, have been more to world would probably be shocked 1110 than uncounted gold would be " at such a confession, and cry `lin- "Or lin"Ot• course they have, Gerald, modest! mercenary!' But what and I am so glad, too, that I hap- Dare. I? I am only hungry to be pentad' to overhear them, and could loved, and for a home where we repeat them so publicly as I did. can be all in all to each other.". 1 shall never forget how earnestly "My darling!" whispered Gerald and kindly he looked at you when delightedly. "I might have known he said. I would stake my fortune that you were in jest—that you upon your integrity and faithfuls would never maliciously twit upon noes to my interests.'" facts. And we shall make a home "How well you have remembered just as soon ar, the lawsuit is end - them, Allison !" said Gerald, bend- ed, Where shall it be, Allison 1" ing to kiss the lips that had re- "Oh, in the old heuse, during the peated those words which were so wtinter, Gerald," she eagerly re - precious to him." plied. "Then we must spend some "Why, how could I ever forget part of each year at Lakeview, them?" she returned, with sur- where you .proved yourself such a prise. "They made me so proud of hero—I cannot giveup either of you, and I just gloried in repeat- those dear places. But that villa ing therein court that day, and see- at Newport I never want to enter ing the face of the judge light up again; that dreadful man has pois- with that look of gladness which oned its atmosphere for me. Sell told how thankful he was not to it, Gerald, and Ivo will find some be obliged tosentence you; while other summer home." "You shall have everything your own way, my darling, and you could not ;have pleased me better than to ehoose, as you have done, to Live in the old familiar places, where T have been in the habit of Seeing you and father—my father 1 How strange it seems to say it, Allison, axle] it is the first time I have over called him so," Gerald concluded, John Hubbard looked as if he would have been glad to strangle me for having upset his schemes." "Allison, I am afraid we are talk- ing too long," Gerald remarked, with some anxiety, for her cheeks were crimson, her eyes shone like stars, and her manner was excit- ed. "No, indeed. It does not tiro me at all to talk, and I a rase happy flushing from mingled emotions as to be table to go over all these be referred to Mr. Brewster in this things with you," she returned, way. with a joyous little laugh. "Isn't "How very sad and mysterious the separation of your father and mother wast" Allison thoughtfully observed, "I cannot believe that papa intended to do his young wife any wrong, for he was a good man through and through; but his ap- parent desertion of her is to me most strange." "So it seemed to me at first," Gerald replied, "but, as T have thought more about it, I cannot help fooling that it my mother had lived, all would eventually have been well with them. There is cer- tainly something very mysterious about their relations, but the erec- tion -of that monument over my mo- ther's grave, proves to that he never wilfully repudiated her dur- ing her life, and was determined. that no reproach should be entailed upon her memory. But by the way, Allison," he added, with a sudden thought, "how du you suppose it happened 'that one of the other victims of that accident was report- ed as Miss Brewster 1" "Oh, I imagine my card -case was accountable for that mistake. It. was probably found lying beside some one else, and so•it was taken for granted that the person was Miss Brewster." "But, of course, the Iady's friends woald know better than that when they identified her," objected Ger- ald. "True, and yet the reporter's ac- count may have been Written before the poor thing' was identified, and thus he never discovered his mis- take; or, even if he did, he may not have thought it worth while to rectify it. I should really like to know who the girl was," Allison. concluded thoughtfully, Later the lovers joined the fam- ily below, and a pleasant, social evening followed, although Gerald considerately took his leave at an early hour, having first arranged, if the following day should prove tc• be fine, to take Allison for a drive. It did prove to be an ideal winter day, and snugly csconoed among abundant robes, the lovers spent a couple of hours driving; The re- mainder of the day was quietly, passed' with the Lymane and Lady Bromley, Gerald only leaving in mean to catch the evening express for New Ybrk, it queer, though, that such a little pressure upon my brain could have made my mind a blank for so many months, and that such a simple op- eration should have restored to ,,. me the memory of everything?" "It is, indeed, and 1 know of one, at least, who will always be profoundly grateful for that re storation," said her lover earnest- ly. "The world has been very dark to me, love, ever since last July, until yesterday, when Mr. Lyttle- ton told me the wonderful news thab yon were not lost to me." "Well, I am sure you have told me something almost as wonderful to -day," Allison smilingly respond- ed, "Oh, to think of it—that you are the heir to all papa's money 1" "It is rather startling, I admit, said Gerald. "And now"—with a roguish look into the lovely blue eyes regarding him—"having won my spurs, I shall have no hesita- tion in taking my bride just as soon as she can be persuaded to appoint the day when she will add the `Mrs,.' to her name. You will not even Have to change it, dear." "H'm 1 Conditions have changed somewhat since that day when I' tried to make you promise that you wouldn't mincl about the 'spurs,' retorted Allison, with smiling mock- er"Indeed, they have;" "They are exactly reversed. I haven't even a clerkship to share with you,. said Allison wickedly. "I am glad of it," returned her lever sententiously, "Gerald Winchester Brewster, emu are usurper. You have rob- bed my fathers daughter of her fortune, and now you date affirm that you rejoice in her poverty !" exclaimed Allison, with affected sternness. "It 18no robbery, love; it will all be yours just the same, to use as you like. We are only availing ourselves of a caprice of fate and the consequent formalities of law to establish your rights,": the young man explained. "But"..still preserving her mis- chievous mood—"suppose I should refuse to—to come to you as poor a,s a church mouse' I don't forget how lofty somebody was about a year ago when 'somebody else al- most unsexed herself, and proposed The Lymans expressed a groat deal of regret at the thought of parting with her, for she had grown to seem almost like a daughter to them, but, of course, they could not fail to rejoice meet heartily, in view of Tier recovery and her flat- tering prospects for the future; while, as they were in the habit of frequently visiting New York, they wore comforted with the thought that they could time sec her often. The day after Gerald's depar- ture, Ellen Carson was permitted to pay Allison a call(, and it was very touching to witness the girl's heartfelt joy ,over the restoration of her youthful benefactress, "I never was 80 glad about; any- thing in my life 1" she exclaimed, with a beaming face, as she rever- ently took the dainty white hand which Allison extended to her; "and you're going to get your mon- ey all back too, aiu't you?" she concluded, with eager interest, "Yes, I expect it will all come to me," the fair invalid smilingly re- sponded, but not thinking it neces- sary to explain just how the for- tune was going to be restored to her; "Well, I reckon 1 can help them do a little fighting on .that law - lawsuit," said Ellen, with an air of importance. "I've always hank- ered to do something for you, ever since you gave me those ten dol- lars, and now I'm going to tell all I know, to make those greedy thieves shell out what they stole from you," Allison smiled at her original re- marks, but thanked her, and told her that she felt sure that every- thing would end ail right. A day or two after . Gerald's re- turn from his visit to Boston, ho received a note from the chief offi- cer of the bank where he had serv- ed solong under Mr. Brewster. A new president and other offi- cers had been appointed, and the concern was being managed on a different basis. The writer of the note asked Gerald if he would kind- ly step around to the bank at his earliest convenience, as there was a, matter of business upon which he wished to consult him, Accordingly, the following morn- ing the young man presented him- self in the private office of the pre- sident, when that gentleman in- formed him that he wished to be instructed bow to gain 'access to the secret vault which he under- stood the former president had had constructed for his individual use, but as no one in the bank knew where it was located, he had taken the liberty to send for him to give tum the information. "I want just such a place for my own convenience," he observed. "I have spent hours searching for it, but without success, and I confess that my curiosity regarding this clever hiding -place has become al- most a mania," he concluded, snail- . ng. "Have you Mr. Brewster's keys?" Gerald inquired, but with othrill of repulsion as he recalled the experiences of that never -to -be - forgotten Sunday when he had come there to execute his secret 0ommis- sion. "Yes ; . here they are," his com- panion replied, as he took from a drawer the identical ring which the late banker had given him during his last interview with him. "This is the key to the secret vault," said Gerald, singling out from the others the tiny bit of steel. "Yes, I imagined so; but as yet T have been unable to discover any lock which it will fit," the banker 'responded. "I can let you into the secret very shortly if you will come with me to the vault," our hero observed, whereupon they proceeded directly to the place. The drawer which had been Mr. Brewster's individual receptacle for important papers was drawn forth, when, by the light of a can- dle, Gerald pointed out the narrow siot in the panel behind which was the secret vault, CHAPTER XVIII. Tho key was inserted, turned half -round, and the mystery was in- stantly solved as that painted iron plate sprang outward, from its place, "Alta! that is indeed a very cle- ver arraugementl" remarked tho president, in a tong of satisfaction ; "and I am exceedingly obliged to you, Mr, Winchester, for taking the trouble to come to point it out to me. i" "You are very welcome, sir," Gerald courteously replied, "I wonder if there is anything in the place uow I" said the other gentleman curiously. "I am quite sure there is not," said Gerald. "Mr, . Brewster did not mention anything but the two bozos whenhe eommissioned inc to come hero for them. "It cannot clo any hare» to inves tigate, the banker observed, as he thrust his hand deep into the aperture. "Ala I" he suddenly ejaculated again, in a tone of tri- umph, when, upon drawing it forth, Gerald espied ;t small book clasped to his fingers, LO share and share alike. Perhaps It was arranged •ed biefore he left, . bringing the light to bear upon 111 certain young lady, who has however, that its sone as Allison i;, they saw there was a label on seemed to sing into a nameless nc- should he prent.rnc.c1 strong lin acivt•r. ' "Voters of Miro/lean body all of a sadden, liossassos a ououch t.,. c�•�clurr the ir;p, shr. ii•avel,. spark of the same fire in her nature ,,hould accompany Lady Bromley ,15 -," the geetle,nan read aloud., that once animated 'an • aspiring hack'te New York andrcn;ain with ! L et altl ,i arlc d cioltut I\, the lust knight." her until the 1rawsuit ac"c.4 decided, '' r .rr tri uvto,• lna. face. "Allison!" Gerald, ityoung ,int !c sc 1111 int- Hutt .i.i,t the very tear e la Al.lisoat exclaimed Geral a when tl c• p c c f s dote of keep pain in his tone, while mediately he married, alalia is marriage. McKendry's Fall and Winter Style B ok The daintiest hats you ever saw, the velry latest styles, and at prices which cannot be equalled anywhere in Canada, ,At great expense this boob has been prepared for our out-of-town cus- tomers. It contains lovely hall -tone drawings of the most approved Hats to be worn during the fall and winter season, suitable for any age from tot to matron, Thousands of ladies in every part of Canada have proven the excellence of our work, and at the same time have made a most sub - sundial saving in price, The list of customers is growing each season, You should be on the lift, McKcndrys "The Home of the Hat Beautiful" Write to -day as the demand for oar "Style Book" is very great. McKendry's Limited 226 - 228 'Yonge Street Toronto, Ont. mmetwanumwsmearceuteamensmameam "May I look at it, sir?" he ques- tioned, with repressed excitement, "Certainly—certainly," said his companion, as he cheerfully passed It to him, With a hand that trembled vis- ibly, Gerald opened it and hastily scanned a few pages here and there, hie heart beating with groat, start- led throbs as he read. "Mr. ,Bancroft," he at length remarked, "I believe that this lit- tle book will prove to be of the Most vital importance in the forthcom- ing contest for the Brewster for- tune, and with your permission I will take it to Mr, Lyttleton." "Certainly you have my permis sion, I have no right whatever to the book, and if there is anything in it that will bring that rascally guardian of the late Mr. Brewster's pretty daughter to justice and' give the rightful heirs theproperty, no one will be more glad that T. I have believed from the first that the man was guilty of the foulest fraud. That was a sad fate the poor little girl. met with 1" Mr. Bancroft responded. It had been thought best not to reveal the facts regarding Allison's wonderful escape and recovery un- til $1..e should appear in court to, confront the man who had so deep- ly wronged her, Tho young man then bade the banker good morning, and, with the priceless little book buttoned close against his heart, hurried back to Mr. Lyttleton's office. "What on earth is the matter, Gerald?" that gentleman exclaimed the moment he opened the door; "yott look as if you had seen a ghost 1" "I have --a very tangible ghost of the past," said the young man, with repressed excitement. "I be- lieve that 1 have in my possession all missing links connected with my mother's history, and ample ma- terial, as well, to solve the mystery of my father's apparent desertion of her." And eagerly drawing forth the precious book which had been dis- covered in the secret vault, he laid it before his friend, and explained where and how he had come by it. "Gerald, if that is the case, you are a lucky fellow," cried Mr. Lyttletoo, starting up, all on the. alert. "But here," ha added, after glancing at the label and passing it back; "you must first read it by yourself—there may be some things iu it that no one but yourself should know." Gerald stood regarding it a me - der date ten days later, in Paris, Gerald read "No letter 1 What can it mean? Tom brought me in a whole pilo this morning, but not the one I wished for above all others, Surely M. c<uid net have neglected to write, knowing that I would be wild with anxiety if I did not hear from her Ly every steamer." Page after page Gerald turned, searching for these signhfieant allu- sions to the dear one se reluctant- ly left behind, There were various bright and animated accounts of people, places and things. Paris was described in a vivacious way, which betrayed that the writer thoroughly appreci- ated the gay city and its'inhabi- tants. The affectionate welcome re- ceived from his mother and other friends who were to comprise the party which was going to the "land of the midnight sun" was faithful- ly and vividly recorded; but through all there ran that plaintive note—'`No letter from M." The reader followed the writer through Norway and Sweden, and many other places on route, and his own heart ached in sympathy with that of the impatient and unwilling tourist, whose hopes were never realized. It was evident that his anxiety so preyed upon his mind that he was at times really ill on account cf it, for mention was frequently made of having been "laid up for a day or two," and also of his mo- ther's annoyance at having her trip interrupted because of it. Their tour had evidently been extended far beyond the time at Bast determined upon, for months were passed in traveling from place Se place. Mention was made several times a determination to break away from the party and go directly home—the "anxiety and suspense were becoming intolerable" ; but these resolutions were always ap- parently overruled by the eutreat- ter or commands of his mother. At last there came an entry that was almost paralyzing, for it com- prised but one word, and was the only one upon the page: "Dead 1" The next entry was two days lat. er, and read thus: "Good heavens! How have I lived since receiving those home papers? Who could have sent me ment with an air of indecision, that New Haven paper with that Then he took it mechanically, and, , paragraph marked ? It looks as sitting clown at his desk, opened it if 501110 one had discovered our sec- ret, and was flaunting it with cruel spite in my face. Dead! my dar- ling dead! No, no ! I cannot—will not believe it, And yet there it is in black and white, and branded on "Germanic, 8 p.m., June 28, 18—, my brain in letters of fire: `We Sailed at 12 M., but I am blamed lsaru with deep regret of the recent if I like the way in which I have death, of quick consumption, of and begau to read. The first entry in the book, which was evidently a diary, had been made on shipboard, and read thus: been hustled off.; but father insisted that I must join mother in Paris by the eigth of July, and no other vessel would leave in season. I'm deuced lonesome, in spite of the foot that the governor sent Tom, his valet, along with me—to pre- serve the importance of the family, I suppose, since we are going to the North Cape with a swell crowd. Ball! I abominate style, and I've no earthly use for a valet. Poor 31.1 7t was tough on both of us, when we had everything planned for such a oozy time all by our- selves, The Germanic is a dandy boat, every convenience, fast sail- er, first-class table. The only thing lacking is the heart to enjoy it all; but that I've left behind me." Every clay of the ensuing voyage MIS noted, various items of interest recorded, the captain, crew, and pees news described, and in almost v' cry entry there was also some al- lusion to "M„" which plainly re- vealed a heart hungering for some loved presence. On the last day at sea there was this record: "Have written it long letter to i1iy., dear girl over yonder, which I. shall mail the lurituent we land; ;nit 1 feel 1 as if 1 can h•irdly- wait for the nest vessel to arrive, when I shitll aatrei3 hear front her,,, Miss Miriam Harris, who was a "'f-eauti"ul and talented young lady, and a resident of this city for many years,' That is all—vague, mys- terious, maddeniug1 Where did she die, and when, and who cared for her? There is no date given! I shall go toad' I nmst go home at once, to learn the truth. Oh, my love ! my love!" The record elided abruptly here, and for upward of six weeks no- thing more was written in the diary. Then the- journal was resumed, in. ILontlen: "Have been ill for many weeks, unci would have been glad if the end had come but my dreary life seems likely to be prolonged indefinitely. T thank the fates, however, that my mother is at last weary of wan- dering, and we are to go hone some time within the next fortnight." The next entry of any interest to Gerald was mode on shipboard "Have been terribly seasick for two days— snmelbing nnneual for me; but when the body suffers, the heart lets up a little. Wont en deck for a while this afternoon, and met a. Miss Porte,. and her sister. Thee, tatter's a sweet little blondo who reminds me strongly ,of M. They are returning from n visit to some friends in England." There we,. anti„ng ca special in.- Three days afterward occurred. tvret. For several pages, until, un- this: amostolommonemosiel "Had an enjoyable promenade on the upper deck with little Miss Por- ter, She is a very winning little body—she appeared to divine at once that I had some secret sor- row, and her manner was full of a gentle, indescribable sympathy. She makes me thiuk of M, more and more,” There was nothing additional for a couple of weeks, and then there were three or four pages that were full of fire and passion : "Made a discovery to -day that has almost made a murderer of me, and I must let off steam, or do some desperate deed. I have been hoodwinked for months. I have been the victim of the. most dia- bolical plot that was ever conceiv- ed against a human. being. My father, by some means unknown to me, discovered the fact of my mar- riage to M. some time last summer, and, instead of ranting and tearing and denouncing me, he craftily set himself at work to part us, and he succeeded but too well. He plan- ned that trip abroad to Norway, Sweden, and all those other tire- some places for the sole purpose of getting me out of the way, to en- able him to mature some scheme to separate me from my. darling. Alas 1 grief and death aided him in this but too effectually ; for, of course, she must have grieved her- self to death over the belief that I had 'cruelly deserted her. "The cat was let out of the bag in a strange way. I wanted Tom to do an errand for me this morning and when he did not answer the bell T set about hunting him up. I found him in his own room, over- hauling his trunk. He had just turned it upside down as I entered, and among a lot of rubbish I espied a letter that had a familiar look. I captured it. It was one that I bad given him to mail to M. when I first reached London. 7 pounced upon him like a cat upon a mouse, and demanded the meaning of it. At first he sworn that it must have got into his trunk by mistake. But Irl, suspicious being aroused fright- ened the fellow almost to death, and he confessed that, -by my fa- ther's orders, he had intercepted every letter addressed to New Hav- en. He could easily do this, as it had always been his duty to attend to the mailing of all letters, as well as to the collecting of them, wherever we went. "Having gleaned that much from him, I went downstairs and faced my father, and we had it out be- tween us, hotandheavy. He saw that the truth must come, and he concealed nothing. He had heard of my attentions to M. while 1 was in college, and he commissioned some one to watch me; but it was only when I was on the point of graduating that he learned that I was actually married to her. He was in a terrible rage at first; he could not endure the scandal of well a misalliance, for he at once set his wits to work to find some way for me out of the scrape. Hence his plot and his orders to go abroad. Tom, the valet, was sent along to act, with my mother, as a spy, and with instructions to in- tercept every letter that was nailed to et sent .from New Raven, This. he felt sure would result in making M. feel that she had been desert- ed in cold blood if kept up long enough, and so he rested and loft natters to take their own coarse for a while. "At length he thought the time ripe for action, and he wont to see her and try to browbeat her 11110 suing for a divorce upon the ground of desertion. But she had disap- peared from New haven, and no one could tell him anything abort her, Later he received a paper from his spy in New Haven, and found, to his great relief, that it eontainod a notice of M,'s death, That settled everything. I was free, and there was no further need of making exenses to keep hie abroad. The same mail that bora that fatal paper to ane contained a letter to my mother bidcling her conte hone, a summons which elm would gladly have obeyed immedi- ately, but for my long illness. This is the caned story which 1 wrung froth my father. When it was fin- ished I left the house in 0 white Beat 'of passion, swearing that I would never enter it again," (To be continued.). !.,i,.i•q`.i•'i�ih�"i•.i•,i`.F.�,t�.N�i`4„i,;� Fashion Hints. drat• elrek+ t- leteelekielek.fat i't"i$ FADS AND FANCIES,: Fashionable fans are small, Most of the ttwav coats .dhow ad, ded futineas, Some of the smartesthats are 0±1100mon tone, Many summer parasols are made of English chintz, Shadow striped mohairs are ex- cellent for traveling wear, Allthe pretty, faded,' washed -oat dyes continue to bo modish. .. Birds perched on top of parasol handles are seed everywhere, New turbans ate all large and generally are simply,trimined, Oriental designs and colorings have a great vogue among parasols, High waisted, ane piece frocks aro quaint and baring for children, Narrow embroidered silk ties aro worked in colors on white or a eel, or, "Middy" blouses for young girls are popular for out of door sports, There is a rumor that jackets will not figure in the autumn ;styles. A number of the straw hats are f the color of corn ripe from the fields. Black sashes accompany many colored owns, and are even worn with white. Roumanian embroidery appears on many hats, blouses, frocks, and coat slits. Messaline silks in exquisite Dres- den pattern make the daintiest of underwear. Gold and silver threads and col- ored silks are much used to orna- ment filet net lace. Skirtings are nearly all striped, which adds to the long lined effects of the season, Cross stitch embroidery has a re- vival, It is used on cushion cov- ers, table covers, bags, etc. Filet lace or embroidery on net- ting is one of the most fashionable trimmings of the hour. Bronze pumps, finished with t single strap and large rosette or buckle, are in great favor. Sashes are used wherever a line needs lengthening or floating ends will enhance an effect. There is afad for scenting fans by keeping sandalwood in the fan box or by the use of sachet. Net overskirts are seen on many of the summer dresses, and are par- ticularly pretty over colors. A mass of mixed blossoms that eclipse the crown of the hat is the milliner's favorite trimming. One of the late season fads is the linen coat of pale color with a long roll collar of black satin. Shaded chiffon in two colors is to be worn extensively this fall over silk shaded in the same colors. A few gathers have crept in as a relief from the tight skirt, and even plaits are onee more employed. The black ribbed silks make ef- fective facings for the large hats of white and light colored straws. Fans of spangled gauze are num- kierous, each with a chain to match the design of the fan in color. Silk covered hairpins are a rec- ent invention. They are said to stay in the hair longer than the old nd• Leaves and scrolls are seen in abundance in new laces, and de- signs which savor of heraldic devic- es are popular. In direct contrast to the season's fashion of buttoning the long coats with two or three buttons just be- low elow the collars a new mode has coma in of fastening the three -quartet; length with three buttons just above the lower hem. '5 MICROSCOPIC ARMIES. One hears a good deal now -a -days c.f the enormous military forces of Germany, Franco and Russia, gen- erally accompanied by some deer oratory remark about the British army. But what of the smallest of the world? At least the British army is better than that of Mona- earabineers, and 20 firemen. This is the smallest army in the world. Next *ernes Luxembourg, with 135 gendarmes, 170 volunteers, and 39 musicians. In San 7VIarino the Government can place in the field nine companies, comprising 950 men and 30 officers, commanded by a marshal. On a `'peace footing,' " this Republic can place only one company of GO Wren on the parade - ground. An amusing feature of the military organization in Liberia is lithe. proport.ien of officers to pri- vates, there being some 800 of the 'former, and only 900 of the lat- terl Three witnesses—a Frenchman, a Dutchman, Said an Irishman—were asked for their deanitions as to what constituted a gentleman. "A gentleman," said the Frenchman, is e man {hitt has five counts In his family,' '`No,•' said the Dutch- man, "A gentleman is a man thab Dever gra`c'e pain to his fellow -crea- tures." "A ginileinian,,' said Pat, "is tt than that asks you to come in, ghat gets out the whisky and tells xeu to help ytnlrsclf, aim walks away to the window while you're doing it I"•