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Clinton New Era, 1893-03-03, Page 3The Beaver Trap Phineas Parker was awake before the ldrSt stook of dawn, one cold winter Morning of 1710. Phineas was a bright- eyed lad of twelve, stout of heart and strong gflimb, and no little help to his father in those days when living, in Conneetieut Colony, at least, meant plenty of hard work for everybody. The Parker home was, like most others of the time, a log -house, well built and well filled with children, It 'was pleasantly located near the Hop river, and commanded a beautiful view up and down the valley, Behind it tine forest stretched for many miles, broken by an occasional clearing in the center of which was a settler's cabin and, more frequently, a circle of In- dian wigwams. When Phineas opened leis eyes on this particular morning, he lay very still and listened. He could hear the gentle, regular breathing of his young- er brothers, Harlan and Piave), who lay sleeping in the same bed with him. Soon his keenly attentive ears caught another and more welcome sound—a movement in the room below. His father •was upl Instantly he sprang out upon the icy floor; quickly he pull- ed on his thick, woolen stockings, his rough trowsers and jacket; then taking his shoes in his hand and stooping to avoid hitting the rafters, he crept noiselessly down the ladder which led up to his loft. Asa Parker, a stalwart, resolute but pleasan t -natured roan, stood raking open the ashes in the fire -place. He was dressed in leather breeches and __jacket, with long leggings of the same tough material. About his waist was a hunting -belt, in which were thrust a couple of knives. He piled dry chips on the embers, and the flames burst forth just as Phineas came down from the loft. His father heard his foot- step and turned around. In thedeu- ing fire -light the strong resemi ce between the two faces was clearly vis- ible. Both had the same ruddy com- plexion, bright blue eyes and well -cut features. But now the expression on the boy's countenance was pleading, while that of the father was a mixture of approval and hesitation. They look- ed at each other a moment in silence. Then Mr Parker smiled slightly, and a look of great delight immediately over- spread the boy's face. "You promised, father," Phineas said, putting down his shoes and com- ing toward the fire -place. "I didn't count on your having such sharp ears," the man said, laughing softly.. "'Twill be a long walk and a cold one for your young legs; but you will get no harm from that. And it is high time that you were learning to be a hunter. If aught should happen to me, Phineas, you are the main depen- dence of your mother." He laid his hand on Phineas' should- er as he said this, and looked thought- fully down at him. The boy's heart swelled; he drew himself up and felt that years had been added to his age by this proof of`his father's confidence. They exchanged no more words. In haste they warmed and ate the food which the mother had left ready. They drew their fur caps well down over their ears and buttoned their jackets closely. Last of all, they put on their heavy shoes. Then Mr Park- er slung his powder horn over his shoulder, took down his gun and start- ed toward the door. Phineas, with a stout oak stick firmly grasped, follow- ed. The moonbeamsstill lay upon the snow as they walked along the narrow path which led into the forest. But daybreak was near at hand; before they had gone more than a mile or two, the sky was rosy -red. Phineas thought that he had never seen anything so beautiful as the scene which spread around him. Now and then a rabbit or a squirrel scampered across their way, turning its bright eyes inquisi- tively at the intruders and darting away beyond the reach of harm. But neither of the two -legged folk, who went steadily forward through the woods, was minded to disturb these in- nocent denizens of the wilderness. Phineas was, for once, too happy and too proud to even think of a "brush." His mind and heart were now on high- er game. As for his father, he strode on with darkening brow and troubled thoughts. For some time back, he had suspected meddling at his beaver traps. These were several miles from home, and their game formed no small portion of the Parker revenues. Asa had been especially successful during this sea- son, and took great pride in his store of well -cured pelts. But of late he had found his traps empty, with many evi- dences that his beavers had been stol- en. Surprised, indignant, and at last exasperated, he resolved to keep a sharp lookout and, if possible, to dis- cover and punish the thief. As they approached the place, he half regretted that he had allowed Phineas to come with him. He was but a little fellow, after all, and he would fain have him spared the dark side of life a while longer. And yet— the thought again recurred to him—if a bullet from the gun of this wary rob- ber should lay him low, Phineas would then= --But what was that? He looked closer; he saw a faintly outlined foot- print on the snow, two of them, indeed, one following straight behind the other. For an instant his heart stood still. Only an Indian walked like that. They were not far from his largest trap, and he knew as surely then as he did an hour later that these scarcely visible tracks kept on to that place, branching neither to the right nor the left. He turned to Phineas. He spoke to to him in a whisper. "Phineas," he said, laying his band again on the shoulder fast growing to a level with his own, "I must go on alone now. Climb into this tree and wait for me. If I am not back within one hour, follow the path and find me. And whatever happens, he a good boy to your mother." He looked earnestly into the eager young face; he took his large silver 'watch and slipped it into the boy's jacket pocket. Phineas was startled and awed by his father's strange manner. But he had been trained to unquestioning obedience. - "Yes, father," he said, looking up bravely at him. Then he climbed into the slippery branches of an oak, while the man went cautiously on, 1n a few minutes he turned from the trail and made a wide detour, coming to a large rock. Stealthily he crept to this, slewly he ,drew himself up and peered down at ,e his trap. A tall Indian was in the very act of taking out a fat beaver. Asa Parker's blood ran hot through his veins; to ills f#nger-tips he burned with anger at this piece of treachery which be would not ,have believed had he not seen it with his own eyes. For many years the most friendly feeling bad existed between the In- dians and the white people in the Hop River valley. Presents of corn and grain, skins and fruit were frequently ercohanged; and it was= strange thing for sinewy young braves to speud a day or two at the log -cabins ,iot the "palefaces." The cordial good -will and honorable dealing which had gown up between former generations in this neighborhood had never been violated until now, so far as anyone knew. The white man watched the dextor- ous movements of the wily robber. He was thinking vigorously at the same time. What if he would let him de- part with his booty? He knew only too well that such a course meant fur- ther thefts, more daring advance, and, in all probability, unreasonable de- mands upon the isolated, unprotected family, not stopping short of cruel murder of them all, if once blood be- gan to flow. i What if he killed him? A dozen other red skins might be hiding within sound of his gun, ready to spring to the help of their comrade! That, too, meant the speedy destruction of him- self and all who were dear to hien. He weighed the question carefully. He made uphis mind. A moment later the bullt whistled through the frosty air. With a yell of agony the Indian leaped from the ground, then fell heavily upon the snow and lay mo- tionless. When the smglte had clear- ed away, Asa looked around with searching glance; his ears were keen to detect the slightest sound; his hastily reloaded gun was drawn up to his shoulder; not moving a muscle, he waited. But he saw nothing; he heard nothing. Minute after minute passed. Then, still silently, trying to look in every direction at once, he ventured to slide down the rock; he made his way toward the prostrate Pequot. Bend- ing above him he saw that his aim had been sure. The bullet had gone straight through his heart. He would steal no more beavers from a white man's trap. And now arose another question of no small importance. What should be done with the body? Again Asa Par- ker considered. Again he made up his mind. His face was set and stern. The work of the next few hours would be no child's play. It was attended with no little danger, but he did not hesitate. First of all, he set the trap. Then he turned to the dead Indian. As he did so, he heard quick steps approching. He,seized his gun and pointed it to- ward the dark object he could dimly see among the trees. But the next in- stant he lowered it. Phineas was run- ing along the trail. His face was white, but his eyes were blazing and be brandished his club. "0, father," he cried, "I heard the gun, and I couldn't wait there." "Hush, boy," said Asa sternly, point- ing to the lifeless figure at his feet. Phineas looked down, and his eyes grew round in astonishment. He had - seen but few Indians, for he was seldom allowed to go far from home, and they were always objects of great curiosity; never of dread.But now he felt a strange thrill all through him as he gazed wonderingly at the large, brown features, gay with paint; the long, coarse plaits of hair; the feathers, the leggings, the moccasins, the blankets of this one, lying there so quietly. He watched every movement of his father breathlessly, as he wrapped him se- curely and compactly from sight in his blanket; This done, Asa hid the beav- er behind the rock, covering it with snow. He gave his powder -horn and gun to Phineas, saying briefly. "Watch, and make no noise." Then he lifted his uncanny burden upon his shoulder and started toward home, At each step he feared, indeed expected, to be surrounded by Indians in anything but a friendly frame of mind. Every moment of that silent march through the forest, with his father and his father's awful compan- ion, his nerves at the highest tension of excitement, alert, vigilant, yet feel- ing brave enough with the gun, to meet the whole tribe of revengeful Pequots, was remembered to his dying day by Phineas Parker. On and on they went, as swiftly as possible and as noiselessly. At last, what seemed to the boy a thousand years, they came within sight of their little cabin. Then for the first time, Asa spoke to his little son: "Put down the gun, Phineas," he said very softly. "Go tell your mother to take all the children up the loft with her and keep them there until I come. Sayno more. Then come back to me." Phineas flew to de the errand. Esther Parker was a brave woman. Her cheek grew pale; -but she, too, had learned to obey unhesitatingly. She Thgathered her six little ones and sent em up the ladder before her. She sang to them; she told them wonder- ful tales; she kept them, amused and contented; but all the while her thoughts and her heart were outside with Asa and their boy. What were they doing? What did those strange, dull, continuous sounds, apparently beneath the house, mean? Would they never cease? Could they come from the small cellar which had been dug. at her special request, before their cabin was begun? How little had she dreamed then that this very cellar was to furnish a grave for one of the brav- est young chiefs of Hop River Valley. But so it was. After long, hard la- bor on the part of the far-seeing, de- termined settler, the burial place was safely hidden from sight or sound,of any of the tribe. It remained forever unknown to them; and the beaver - trap of Asa Parker was never again molested. For days and weeks and even months the father and mother and oldest son of this little family kept a strict watch for any sign of revenge on the part of possible spectators of the tragedy. But time passed on, and at length they became convinced that if, indeed, ob- served at all, it had taught a whole- some fear of the "speaking gun." One hundred years later, the chil- dren of Phineas' children built a hand- some residence upon the very site of the tog -house. Before the foundations were laid,•tho cellar was deepened and enlarged. In the course of this work, the spades of the men rattled against some strange objects. One by one they were taken out and laid side by side upon the s xass. Bones, and human bones! A shudder crept over the blue- ' ,Children Cry fol' Pitcher's Castoria, THE cr4INToN nEtior. Ems, eyed boy and the dark-haired, dimpled. little Esther who came from their play to see thein, They turned to their father with eyes full of wondering questions, .At first he did not see them. He was recalling the thrilling narrative he { had so often heard from his grandfath• er's own lips. With careful hand be arranged the crumbling remains of the culprit for burial, and then he told his children the story of their great-grand- father's Indian. Mrs. A. A. Williams Lynn, Mass. For the Good of Others Rev. Mr. Williams Heartily En- „ a darses Hoods Sarsaparilla. We are pleased to present this from Rev. A. A. Williams, of the Sillsbee street Christian Church, Lynn, Mass.: " I see no reason why a clergyman, more than a layman, who knows whereof he speaks, should hesitate to approve an Article of Merit and worth, from which ho or his family have been signally benefited, and whose commenda- tion may serve to extend those benefits to others by increasing their confidence. My wife has for many years been a sufferer from severe Nervous Headache for which she found little help. She has tried ,many things that promised wo11 but per- formed little. Last fall a friend gave her a bot- tle of Ilood's Sarsaparilla. It seems surpris- ing what simply one bottle could and did do for her. The attacks of headache decreased In number and were less violent in their Inten- sity, while her general health has been im- proved. Iter appetite has also been better. -7?roni our experience with Hood's Sarsaparilla I have no hesitation hi endorsing its merit$.» A. A. WILLIAMS.. HOOD'S PILLS aro the best faintly cathartic, gentle and effective. Try a box. Price 25c CRISP AND CASUAL. A jelly fish of ten pounds when dried weighs about ten grains. Minards Linament is used by physicians An ordinary housefly has 8,000 eyes; the dragon, 28,000 eyes. Glory Hallelujah Jones is the imposing name of a Mississippi colored parson. Minard's Linament is used for horses &oattle Enough spider web to go around the world would weigh one-half pound. A Maryland factory states that it pet up 4,000,000 cans of corn last season . Nearly 22,000 Hindoos lost their lives last year from being bitten by snakes. Minard's Liniment is the Best The strongest telescope brings the moon to an apparent distance of 100 miles. --The The amount " of tobacco chewed in the Unittd States last year was eighty-five tons Of the:69,000 Frenchmen who fought with Napoleon at Waterloo only eight now survive. mom Prayers against the Home Rule Bill•are offered in ell the Protestant ohurohes of the Dioueee of Down, in Ulster. ' le negrocoiner et Knob Nostar,'Mo., fell 64 feet down a shaft, striking on bis head, The force of the eononssion broke his shoul- der, brit his head sustained only a scalp wound. The Queen of the Sandwich Islands bas something of a name herself, but it is short and sweet in comparison with that of her daughter, the Princess Viotoria Kawekle Kaiulani Lunalilo Kalaninaiahilapalapa. Mrs Nancy Philips, of North Carolina, nearly 8e years of age, put in the loom and ,'wove fifteen yards of cloth from the 13th to the 20th of January, which embraced the very coldest days. Her loom was in an old house with only one fireplace. American Bear and Eagle Elk, two Sioux Indiana, who were taken to Sydney, N. S. W., as part of a sort of wild west show, are in the hands of the police at that plane. They broke their contract, then went broke themselves, and soon joined the profession of tramps. • Rebecca Wilkinson, ofBrownevalley, incl. says: "I had been in a distressed condition for three years from Nervousness, Weakness of the Stomach, Dyspepsia and Indsgestiou until my health was gone. I had been doctoring constantly with no relief.. I nought one bottle of South American Ner- vine, which done me more good than $50 worth of dootoring I ever did in my life. I would advise every weakly person to use this valnahle and lovely remedy. A trial bottle will convince • you. Warranted by Watts & Co. Druggist. Brooding over the iinpending loseof hie office, Postmaster Jas. Judson, of Pratte- ville, N. Y., has become violently insane, and threatened to kill certain Democrats, whom he blamed for hie political misfor- tune" The change in the duty on binder twine will not interfere with the manufacture of that article in the Central Prison Toron • to by the Ontario Government with convict labor. The Government will proceed with its manufacture, and have a large quantity made by harvest time. After a burglar in a San Francisco cloth- ing store had packed. up two valises of goods he Dame face to face with his own reflection in a large mirror, fired five bullets into the image, thinking it was the watch- man, and barely escaped before the arrival of the policeman whom his shots summon- ed. Qaa.-.a.m...wt. ate. i �{ jlNil7 y� 111r, - ,>JJ Diseases are often difficult to remedy. its :� tt OF PURE NORWEGIAN COD LI 'ER i OIL AND HYPOPHOSPHI T ES ;; OF L!ME AND SODA, will restore a lost appetite lost clime, g and check wasting diseases, especial- : Coughs in children, witn wonderful rapidity. Coughs and colds are easily !tiller+ by a few doses of this remarkable remedy. d PALATABLE AS MILK. Be sure to,r<t; U —*Pievnitine Jie.,)marine, put zip in salzuon-colure,l rrenared only by Scott FL Bowne, Ba'levi'.lo, English Spavin Liniment removes all hard, soft or calloused Lumps and Blem- ishes from horses, Blood Spavin, Curbs, Splints, Ring Bone, Sweeney, Stifles, Sprains, Sore and Swollen Throat, Coughs, eta. Save $50 by use of one bottle. War- ranted the most wonderful Blemish flee* ever lee- ever known. Sold by Watt's & Co. 1,2 gist. The number of languages spoken by,man- kind at the present is estimated at 3,000. The Bible has been translated into 200 only, but these 200 are spoken by about two- thirds of the whole population of the globe. It is reported that nearly 9,000 women in England ialready have signed the protest against the introduction of crinoline. Itch, Mange and Scratches of every kind on human or animals, cured in 30 minutes by Woolford's Sanitary Lotion. This never fails. Sold by Watt's & Co. Druggist. England received about 10,067,600 letters from the United States last year. Germany received 5,858,040 letters and France 1,- 884,040. An obedience to the simple laws of hygiene and the use of Ayer's Sarsaparilla will enable the most delicate man or sickly woman to pass in ease and safety from the icy atmosphere of February to the warm, moist days of April. It is the best of the spring medicines. Minard's Liniment lambermau's friend The average weight of the Chinese brain is said to bo heavier than the average weight of the brain of any other race. A young woman died in Leigh, England, last week from the effect of being struck in the eye by a snowball thrown in fan by a boy. Mon nutting ice at Buxton, Me., found a half blown water lily imbedded in one of the cakes. It was thawed out, pet in a sunny window and soon blossomed out as handsomely as any lily in July. RIIEIIIIIATIeb1 CUBED Ix A DAY.—Sonth American Rheumatic Cnre for Rheuma- tism and Neuralgia radically &tree in 1 to 3 days. Its action upon the system is re- markable and mysterious. It removes at once the cause and the disease immediate - y disappears. The first dose greatly been - fit 75 cents. Warranted by Watte & Co. Druggist. The wife of a teamster at Springfield, Ohio, Mrs Yates, recently made her twenty- fourth oontribntion to the native popula- tion of the country. She was married at 14 years. Tho oldest is 27 and -'her off- spring inelnde 5 sets of twins. BANNER ROUTE. Does it ever strike you that the new Wabash line between Detroit and Chicago, just completed, forme part of the shortest line from Canada to the World Fair City and the groat west. Tho new trains on the Wabash are absolutely the finest in the World; not half the advantages of this Railway oan bo outlined here, any R. It ticket agent will tell you the rest, write or call at our new office, N. E. Co. Ring & Tonga street To onto. J. B. Richardson - Canadian Passe or spat. Nothing is made in vain. Not even bad eggs are laid in vain. Years ago those that had survived their culinary usefulness were of no value to dealers, who used to pay garbage collectors to take them away. Nowadays bad eggs are almost a regular article of commerce. The yolks can be so treated as to make a most valuable dressing for kid and other fine leather. Instead of paying to have bad eggs taken away the dealers sell them to the makers of this dressing at a fair price. Large quantities of the egg -yolks dressing are exported to Europe. To Preserve The richness, color, and beauty of the hair, the greatest care is necessary, much harm being done by the use of worthless dressings. To be sure of having a first-class article, ask your druggist or perfumer for Ayer's Hair Vigor. It is absolutely superior to any other preparation of the kind. It restores the original color and fullness to hair which has become thin, faded, or gray. It keeps the scalp cool, moist, and free from dandruff. It heals itching humors, prevents baldness, and imparts to THE HAIR a silken texture and lasting fragrance. No toilet can be considered complete without this rrfost popular and elegant of all hair -dressings. "My hair began turning gray and falling out when was about 25 years of age. I have lately been using Ayer's Hair Vigor, and it is causing a new growth of hair of the natural color."— R. J. Lowry, Jones Prairie,• Texas. "Over a year ago I had a severe fever, and when I recovered, my hair began to fall out, and what little remain - cd turned gray. I tried various remedies, but without success, till at last I began to USE Ayer's Hair Vigor, and now my hair is growing rapidly and is restored to its original color.' —Mrs. Annie Collins, Dighton, Mass. " I have. used Ayer's Hair Vigor for nearly five years, and my hair is moist, glossy, and in n excellent state of preservation. I am forty years old, and have ridden the plains for twenty-five years."—Wm. Henry Ott, alias "Mus.. tang Bill," Newcastle, Wyo. • Ayer's Hair Vigor PccparedSol by Drugg ace 1E.verywhc e. Mau, , March 1S9a, felt is 4 II\\U\\\`,V ,•moi \\\ :• • Castor's is Dr. Samuel Pitcher's prescription for Want. c and Children. It contains neither Opium, Morphine nor other Narcotic substance. It is a harmless substitute, for Paregoric, Drops, Soothing Syrups, and Castor Oft. It is Pleasant. Its guarantee is thirty years' use by 7vrillions ofMothers. Castoria destroys Worms and allayy feverishness. Castoria prevents vomiting Sour Curd, cures Diarrhoea and Wind Colic. Castoria . relieves teething troubles, cures constipation and flatulency. Castoria assimilates the food, regulates the stomach and bowels, giving healthy and natural sleep. Case toriais the Children's Panacea—the Mother's Friend. Castoria. "Castoria Is an excellent modlclno for chil- dren. Mothers have repeatedly told me of its good effect upon their children." Dn. G. 0. Oe000n, Lowell, Masa. " Castoria is the best remedy for children of which I am acquainted. I hope the day is not far distant when mothers will consider the real interest of their children, and use Castoria in- stead of the various quack nostrums w hick aro destroying their loved once, by forcing opium, morphine, soothing syrup and other hurtful agents down their throats, thereby sending them to premature graves." Da. 3. F. Ku:cuer oa, Conway, Ar The Centaur Comby, Tr BE Castoria. "Castorla Is sowoll adapted to children that I recommend it essuperior toany pre criptton known to me." rt. A. Arecae, ill. D., 111 So. Oxford St., Brooklyn, N. Y. "Our physicians in the children's depart- ment have spoken highly of their experi- ence) in their outside practi-ri with Castoria, and although wo only have among our medical supplies what is kcowu as regular products, yet wo aro free to confess that the merits of Castoria has won us to look with favor upon it." UNIT= $osPrral. AND DISPENSAIST, Boston, Mass, Ai LnN C. SMrTn, Fres., usray Street, Now York City. ivEw Goons Come and see our stock of New Fruits, Peels, Figs. Nuts & Currants , Together with the largest stock and variety of CHINA and GLASSWARE GOODS --At prioee that aetorish everybody, Come one Dome all and see. INo offence whether you buy or not. J. w. Irwin, Grocer MACKAY BLOCK, - - - - CLINTON. e e' SPRING Will be here in a short time and we are ready for it with a stock of New FRUITS such as RAISINS, CURRANTS, NUTS, FIGS, DATES, ORANG-ES LEMONS' also the beet PEELS in the msrket. Should you need anything in the way of CROCKERY—such as DINNER, TEA or TOILET SETS come and see our stock. The goods and prices are right. FANCY CUPS and SAUCERS, Children's Sete, &o., for Holiday Presents. The Best 50 cent TEA in town. 26 lbs. SUGAR for $1. Full stook of GENERAL GROCERIES. Prices as low as any. MCMTIRRAY & WJLTS stationery Fancy & Goods 54 rt? We have just opened out the most complete stock of Fancy Goods in the shape of BOOKS, BIBLES, TOYS, BERLIN WOOLS, DOLL" And hundreds of other articles suitable for Xmas gifts we have ever offered to the public. Subscriptions taken for all Newspapers and Magazines.';? W.TH. Simpson, Clinton. Bookseller and Stationer YOUR MONEY Bays more now than it would two weeks ago in certain lines. YOUR LIFE oan be made pleasanter,by the consciousness that you are dealing the very best and moat economical way. WE WILL SAVE YOU many dollars on desirable bargains in Boots, Shoes, Overshoes, Rubbers, Socks,Trunksj, Valises, Groceries, &c. A few figures to convince yon that it is our intention to make the month of February'?`; the beat in our selling experience. Men's Laced Boots..e0 75 Ladiee'DongolaBntten$1 25 5lbsgoodl Biaok Tea..$1 00 Men's Laced Boots.. Fel 85 Ladies'Overshoes,eome Pot Barley 3o a paand Men's Laced Boots.. 1 00 sizes 0 50 Bird Seed 5o a pound Men's Gaiters • 1 00 Ladies' Oxford Shoes 0 50 Canned Peaches, 2 for 0 25,I, Men's Overshoes .... 1 00 Children's Boots 0 25 3 Cana Mackerel for,,, 025. Men's Ame. Rubbers.. 0 35 Children's Slippers 0 25 4 cans Corn, Peas, Ail. Men's Rubbers & Sox 1 25 Women's Slippers0 20 pies, Tomatoes, Beane Men's Long Boots.... 1 00 BoyaSolidLoather B'ts 0 50 or Pumpkin for 0 26 Men's Pelt Boots.... 1 00 Boys' Long Boots.... 0 75 2 Bottles'Piokelh for0' Ladies' Laced Boots.. 0 50 Boys' Rubbers 0 85 2 Washboards:for..., 0 d11: Ladies' Laced Boots.. 0 05 61bs Good Japan Tea 1 00 2 Brooms for 0,26',, ,Ladies' Batton Boots 0 75 8 Cane Sardines for 0 25 2 25c Bars of Soap for 0, 25 ; Ladies' Button Booth 1 OQ 4 pao.Corn or Laundry 2 Pails for .. „0:2$ - Starch for) 0 25 4 'MUMS CASH II. "GP. JESSOP Cash • Merchant, ELME L i eeteei .s r