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.v-‘g- ' ~ 37 WNW" ' , 3 'i i a l v i ,- - me to go abroad “00‘000000000000000000‘ 3290.0 0.00.00.0’0 0,0 0.00.0 0.0 (.00.00.00.0 0.0 0.00.0500; 0.0 0.0:? . 0 -»0 0:0 0:0 0:0 0:0 ’z’ 0:0 00 0 3 0.0 0.0 .0. ’ 3 0:0 0.0 ’0‘ 010 Q 0 0:0 a. 0:0 .z. ‘0’ 0’0 ~o0~v0 000000000000000' b; 0.94.0 f; 0.‘ 000 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0 .00.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 I. 'I am quite a young girl, and a. la- dy-librarian by profession. While travelling to various counâ€" try houses, I have met with many strange adventures, though indexing musty old libraries sounds dry as dust to the casual ear. Being one of a. large family, I re vel in the relaxation of Work, by which I escape "the trivial round, the common task," though often I pine for riches, ease, and chiffons. One bright sunny morning I met an old friend of my father'sâ€"Mr. Jessopâ€"who often recommends me to book-collecting friends. “My dear," he said, “I’ve a little job for you, if you like to take it on.” My eyes glistene'd, for at the m0< ment I was “out of Work.” “I have mentioned you to a tie lighti’ul old lady," he continued, “living in a beautiful country house. She is anxious to have her splendid library catalogued by a professional. I warn you she is eccentric, but in a very nice Wayâ€"so good and kind to everybody, and especially fond of girls." . I-thanked him heartily, declaring I loved eccentric people. - “Then I will ask her to write to you,” he said. Sure enough, a few days later I reâ€" ceived a request to visit Stanley House. But the letter brought with it a sense of disappointment, for Mrs. Shopperton' info‘rmed me she was going for a short tour abroad, so I should not see her. “I have a very nice housekeeper," she wrote, “who will look after your comfort. I hope you will make yourself quite at home. The carâ€" riage shall meet you at the staâ€" tion.” ‘ On my arrival I was greeted by a pleasurable surprise. A lady in purâ€" ple velvet, with a beautiful lace man- tilla swathing in her white hair,’ came across the hall to greet _me. ' She had quaint side curls, and a beâ€" nign expression. One or two ex- quisite jewels glittered in her laces. “My dear," she said, drawing me to the fire, "I never expected to have the pleasure of seeing you, but I have had great trouble with my servants the last day or two. My housekeeper, upon whom I absoluteâ€" ly rely, has been called away to the bedside of a. dying friend; and, ow- ing,r to an unfortunate disagreement amongst the domesmcs, I find myself very Shorthanded. I have therefore put off my visit abroad until to-morâ€" row, when my housekeeper returns. I felt it was not quite safe to leave this establishment with no one to keep order.” I tried to be very sympathetic, for the old lady attracted me. She looked at me very admiringly, now and then dropping a compliment that sent the blood tingling to my cheeks. She told me I talked well, declarâ€" ing it was a pity I had not seen more of the world. I said that I was one of a large family, and there- fore unable to travel. She drew .from me many of my hopes and .as- pirations. - “We will have our coffee,” she said, “in the Venetian chamber. You are sure to lose your way at 'first in this house, it is so queerly built. There are strange passages in the walls, which would lend them- selves very conveniently to burglars. They are well supplied with small 'doors in the panels of the rooms. See," she said, drawing a curtain aside as we entered the Venetian chamber, “here is a little door you Would hardly observe, even were the curtain absent. The passage behind runs the whole length of the house. It is dark and dusty, and I should not advise you to enter on a, voyage . of discovery." "It. certainly looks very ghostly," I said, as we sat on a low sofa, comfortably sipping our coffee. The old lady’s eycs rested upon me benignly. “I feel so happy toâ€"night," she murmured. “You have made me re- alize how lonely my life is." She took my hand and stroked it aloftly. I half expected to hear her purr. Then came one of the most startling moments of my life. Mrs. Shepperton, whom that very d.v I had seen only for the first time, made an amazing proposition. ,She told me I reminded her very for- cibly of a daughter she had lost long years ago. She expressed an intense desire for my company, and begged with her on the following morning. “It won’t be for very long, she declared soothingly. “And I will buy you some lovely. Parisian clothes if your wardrobe is insufficient. I will write to your mother toâ€"mor- row, and explain what I have done. I am sure she could not possibly mind, especially as we were intro- duced by a mutual friend." Somehow ‘I still felt under a. spell, and the delightful suggestion proved too tempting. I have always been impressionable and somewhat hot- headed, I fear. Assuring myself that my family could have no objection, I joyfully consented to accompany Mrs. ' Shopperton on her pleasure trip. As we talked over the many deâ€" lights of foreign travel, I suddenly started forward, grasping her elâ€" bow, ' 7' “What is; the matter, child?" she . asked. “I saw a figure," I gasped, “hid- ing in that curtain opposite. I could have declared the form of a man stood behind the velvet. The outâ€" line of his shoulder showed quite disâ€" tinctly.” Mrs. Shepperton started up, tremâ€" bling. "It must have been your fancy,” she cried, begging me to look be- hind the curtain; but, of course, this was useless. Had anyone been there, he would have retired through the panel door into the long, dark pass- age beyond. I tried to forget what I had seen. telling myself it was only imagina- tion; but the memory haunted me as I went up to bed. "Never mind,” I thought. “To- morrow you will be far away from this lonely building." I dreamt of was about to enjoy. _- II. The following morning 'Mrs. Shep- perton appeared somewhat depressed at breakfast. “I want you, dear,” she said, in her soft, the way to the station. in a few minutes. change this cheque for £100, you must bring me In notes." I took the cheque, and drove away cheerfully, glad to feel I could do her a service. The drive was a very hilly one, and a little tOWn nestled at the foot As the carriage proceeded at a. slow pace, 9. well- dressed man sprang forward, appar- ently from the hedges, and took off of a steep descent. his hat to me. I felt time to think, he jumped into the carriage, and seated himself beside me. I nervously grasped the pre- cious cheque close in my hand. “What do you Want?" I asked sternly, quivering with indignation at his impertinent action. " “Excuse me,_ miss," he said, “but I want that cheque for £100 which you are going to cash at the bank.” “You may want it," I said, con- a case of highway vinced this was robbery, “but you Won’t get it." “Don’t be alarmed,” he answered, reading my thoughts. “After all, you are quite right not to give it up. I suppose you are unaware you are being made the victim of a, very I saw you arrive yes‘ cruel trick? terday, and judged by your looks you were not an accomplice, though the accomplices are many .of the ~Mrs. Shepperton, you know. One has played her false, and a very large scheme is about to end in failâ€" ure. "The old lady who received you so affectionately last evening, and tempted you to accept her invitation of foreign travel, was, strange to relate, the housekeeper, who should have received you, according to Mrs. Shepperton's orders. This intriguâ€" ing woman has effected a. most start- ling disguise, not only annexing her mistress’ clothes, but making her appearance absolutely similar. Havâ€" ing cleared the house of every hon- est servant, she had arranged to leave England under Mrs. Shopperâ€" ton’s name, taking with her a large quantity of jewelry and a plate of immense value. “Should suspicion have fallen up- on her, you were to Lave been the scapegoat. For that reason she sent yon to change the cheque this mom- ing, which, of course, has been forg- ed, with many others lately paid. I was hiding in the house last night, and hear-d your conversation in the Venetian chamber. Had you gone aWay with her, it is terrible to think of the position in which you might have been placed." As I listened to his Words, my blood froze in my veins. “How can I know whether you are , telling me the truth?” I asked, still suspicious of the stranger. , “You cannot tell," he replied, "un- til you are given proofs. We are going to drive to the police station, where you will find the real Mrs. Shepperton, who has been recalled to the neighborhood, and warned of the intrigue." I began to tremble violently, but still kept fast hold of the cheque, determined to give it to no one but the real Mrs. Shepperton herself. “I don't wonder you believed in that evil woman,” continued the stranger. "She has completely de- ceived her confiding old mistress. Presently, when we bring them face to face with each other, on the railâ€" way station, there will be little or no doubt left in Mrs. Shepperton’s mind.” I could hardly bear the suspense till the carriage 'drew up in front of the police station, and I followed the tall man through the gateway. In a little room I espied a pale, trembling figure. An old lady in costly array, with exquisite furs and dainty laces, eyed me curiously as I entered. For a moment I'stared at her open-mouthedâ€"the white side curls, the arched eyebrows, were all so like the Mrs. Shepperton with whom I had conversed not an . hour a o. gUntil I had arrived, she had still hoped there might be some mistake; but my amazement at seeing her proved the truth of the detective’s story, the pleasures of wealth, and of the many luxuries I if you will, my . cooing veice, “to do an errand for me on I shall drive in a closed marriage, but you must go round by the mum in the Victoria, which will be at the door I need a little spare money for our travelling exâ€" penses. Please go to the bank and which myself turning very red, for I hardly knew what to do, since he was a, total stranger. Before I had “Why do you look at me so strangely?" she asked. "Perhaps you have seen somebody like me?" She placedPher shaking hand on my arm, and I noticed a tear rolling down‘ her withered check. I spread out the cheque on the table before her, and she peered at it curiously through her glasses. In a few words as possible I explained What had 00-. curred. “Then it is true," she gasped, in a broken voice. “And I would have trusted her with my life!” She staggered to the door. “We have to go to the railway staâ€" tion,”.she said. “It will be a very awful momcnt indeed.” , I turned to the inspector pleading- ly. “May Mrs. Shepperton not return to Stanley House without seeing that wicked woman again?" -I beg- ged. “Surely you and your men can arrest this imposter without givâ€" ing this poor lady the pain of an encounter?” She threw me a, grateful glance as I made the suggestion. “Of course, if Mrs. Shepperton pre- fers it," said the inspector, someâ€" what aggrieved that she should wish to forgo the excitement of catching the thief redâ€"handed. “I am very gratede to you,.' nnn “I am very grateful to you,” said the tremulous old voice, as, seizing her reprieve, we were drawn slowly back up the long, steep hill. "I feel you have had a great disap- pointment; but, remember, at the same time you have been mercifully delivered from very grave things." I bowed my head at the solemn words. My heart was too full at that moment to speak. A restful sensation came over me as we turned in at the old stone gateway. It was to be duty, not pleasure, and I began to think perâ€" haps duty was the better after all.â€" London Answers. +. FINEST 0F ROYAL SCEPTERS. __. Description of King Edward’s Priceless Jewels. The Royal‘scepter of England, sur- mounted by the orb and cross, is one of the most splendid Objects of the regalia and one of the most beautiful pieces of rocco jewelry new existing in the world. It was made for the coronation of Charles II. by SirjRobert Vyner, the royal gold- smjth. . - The scepter is of gold, two feet nine inches long, richly jeweled at either end and handed with enamelâ€" ed and jeweled bands. At the top is the orb and cross, surmounting a crown-like ornament. Originally a fleurâ€"deâ€"lis supported the orb and crown, but this has been altered since Sir R. Vyner's time. The cross patee. at. the top is thickly incrusted with‘ diamonds, the central one on either side being an exceptionally large stone. The cross rises upon the orb, which is one great faceted amethyst. Round the orb is a jeweled band of diamonds and rubies; over it runs the band on which the cross rests, and it is supported by four upright bars set with magnificent emeralds and sapphires. - The orb and crown thus glittering with precious jewels rest upon the arches of the crownâ€"like ornament already mentioned, and this is also studded with splendid rubies and sapphires and decorated with onâ€" ameled ornanmnts. The shaft of the scepter is spiral above and vertical- ly banded below, and round the shaft are rings of blue enamel , set with diamonds. ' The handle is a most exquisite piece of goldstmith’s Work of white enamel set with rubies, sapphires and diamonds, and the butt of the scepter is composed of a ball with a knob, the ball being banded at its junction with the handle with an- other Wonderful ornament of enamel set with great rubies and emeralds. ______+.___ MISSIONARY’S SKULL. The last Australian mail brings an interview with the Rev. A. E. Hunt, 3. New Guinea missionary, who had just arrived in Sydney, says the London Globe. He brought with him the skull of the late Rev. John Chalmers, who, it will be remember- ed, Was killed and eaten by Papvuan Cannibals. From inquiries he made on the spot, Mr. Hunt thinks that Mr. Chalmers and his companion, the Rev. Mr. Oliver Tompkins, met their horrible fate through arriving at a village Where, in consequence of the erection of some sacred build- ing, a tribal cannibal feast was in contemplation. The dcspa‘tch box of the veteran missionary was found to contain his diary, written up to the eve of the massacre, and his will. __.__.+.___. REFLEX FATIGUE. Sidney â€" "I'm terribly tired of life.” Rodney â€" "You have never had to work." ‘ Sidney â€" "I know; but I’m so delicately constituted that it ex- hausts my vitality to see other peo- ple work.” m,”â€" HOW TO GET A WHEEL. You should not be without a bicycle to-day. The cost of one is very easy. Write to Canada Cycle &. Motor Co., Limited, 34: King St., West, and ask about June prices for "Cleveland," “Massey â€" Harris,” “Brantford,” and “Perfect” bi- cycles, ' IN BASE 'UF AGUIDENTS. WHILE AWAITIN G THE DOC- TOR’S COMING. Geo. F. Shrady, the Celebrated Surgeon, Gives Some Valu- able Hints. In the case of an ordinary accident what is the most eilective aid which can be rendered by an ordinary per- son with ordinary appliances ‘2 The question cannot be too often rereated. The judgment of non-pro- fessional persons in such matters is likely, to be unscientific, and popular advice is more or less misleading. In the army and navy and on our railroads men are regularly educated to make the best in emergencies of the appliances at hand. With our railroads and car lines and the machinery so plentiful ev- erywhere, accidents of one sort or another are common. The most alarming cases to the laymen in such mattersâ€"certainly those which arouse most concernâ€"are those causâ€" ing a flow of blood. The sight of blood is of itself ghastly, and the flow, , if profuse, is likely to cause death in a few minutes. Mishaps which cause loss of blood are more likely to occur than any other class of accident. _ The general advice for such emer- gencies to stop the bleeding is familiar. There are tWO Ways of checking the flow of bloodâ€"by di- rect pressure of finger or thumb on the open vein or artery or by means of a pad and a firm bandage over the en‘tire wound. The treatment depends upon the location of the in- jury and its seriousness. In bandagâ€" ing a limb the pressure should, of course, be applied at a point be- tween the heart and the wound. The simplest plan is usually to place a snugly applied bandage between the points. . If the wound, for example, be in the hand. the constriction should be applied at the wrist or somewhere around the arm above the elbow. The philosophy of such treatment is very simple. The heart pumps the blood and the pressure merely shuts- off the current. A FAINTIN G PERSON. To restore a fainting person first lay the body in an easy position on the back and lbosen all the clothing about the neck, chest and waist. Give him plenty of air and keep him as quiet as possible. The practice of dashing cold water in the face is an excellent one, as it tends to ex- cite respiration. ' The same effect is sometimes produced by gently slapâ€" ping the front of the chest, or by applying smelling salts to the nose. If more treatment is required the physician is the only perSOn who can safely apply it. , A similar treatment should be fol- lowed in the case of one suffering from a fit. It is a mistake to chafe the hands of the unconscious victim. The custom of forcing salt down an epileptic's threat is a mistaken kindâ€" ness. The best thing to do is to make him as easy and comfortable as possible and leave him to work out his fit alone. An epileptic, not- withstanding his apparent sulfering, is aIWays unconscious during the atâ€" tack. The natural sleep which fol- lows is the best possible restora- tive. The best treatment for a dog bite is to control the circulation in the affected part. It is quite safe, for example, to suck" the wound if it be done immediately. The more freely the wound bleeds, if there be any poison in it, the better. The Inâ€" dians, when bitten by snakes, it will be remembered, plunge the affected part in running Water to make it bleed as freely as possible. The wound should be cauterized, but until this can be done by an ex- pert‘ hand it is well to make every effort to cleanse it. The bite of a rattlesnake, which is the most venomous we are likely to receive in this latitude, should be treated in a' similarway. First get rid of the poison if possible. It is well to place a. ligature about the arm or leg, above the bite, until the latter can be cauterized. THE STINGS OF BEES, hornets and similar insects are scarcely serious enough to call for more than passing attention. At worst the pain is likely to pass off in a few minutes. The old fashioned plan of applying a poultice of mud to the wound is evidently based on the indications to exclude air and cool the part. A light wash of amâ€" monia or soda will give almost im-’ mediate relief. The reason for this appears to be due to the fact that the cause of the pain and swelling is an acid injected by the insect when it bites. It is claimed by some au- thorities that this poison has the property of dissolving the blood in the wound and thus making it easier for-the insect to imbibe it. By other scientific observers it, is claimed that the poison paralyzes the coats of the smaller vessels and produces a local congestion favorable to a fuller meal than under ordinary conditions. In the case of the mosquito bite, which has been studied with much Care of late, there tion of these phenomena. In the case of a series of stings it is well, after local applications have been made, to give stimulants and, keep the patient as quiet as possible unâ€" til the shock has passed off. An immense amount of whiskey has been consumed with the excuse of curing bites or stings. In the great majority of cases .of snake bites in our northern latitudes the patients Would get along quite as well, per- » haps better, without the stimulant. is evidently a combina-_ stimulant when the shock from the snake poison is overwhelming and attended with severe prostration. The bite of certain tropical snakes, for example,'produces such a shock that death is likely to follow before the body regains its normal condiâ€" tion. It. is well to bear in mind that generally a small dose of whis- key, at regular intervals, is more effective than large single doses. FOR HEAT PROSTRATION. Heat exhaustion is a comparative- ly common accident which everyom should be able to deal with effective- ly. The first thing to do is, to get the victim of n. sun-stroke .out of the sun. The coolest and most quiet place should be selected. Next try to relieve the heat of the surface. which is very great in such victims. The pei-s'riration is checked and th( temperature is very high. .The patient should always lie on his back and in the most comfort; able position possible. Cold Water should be thrown on the bared head and chest, and, if possible, cracked icgplaced on the head. A teaspoon‘ ful of whiskey should also be ad‘ ministered at intervals, care being taken not to give too much. Then is nothing more that can be dent with safety to the sufferer until th: physician arrives. It must be harm in mind that a high degree of humid- ity is a leading contributory cause oi suns-troke, and extra precautiom should be taken against accident: under the circumstances. When I person who is either working in tht sun or indoors becomes dizzy, faint, nauseated or suddenly feverish from lack of perspiration he should rest at once, have cool applications to the head and chest and be as free an possible from all nervous excitement. Often this simple and timely treat ment may prevent a- more serious seizure, as the latter may come quit! suddenly and Without further warn mg. _.~â€"«_§_~.___. A TIGER SHOW IN INDIA. __â€"â€" The Animal is Carried. From Town to Town. A sketch made on the streets of _a town in the province of Bengal, In dia, shows a method somewhat un usual, even in that country, bj which a tiger may be put on publi( exhibition. Instead of being confined in a zoo or menagerie, where thl people are required to visit him an< pay a regular price of admission the tiger is carried around in. tht towns, where everybody can see bin and pay or not, as they please. Tlu native OWner collects the small Coin: that people choose to pay, .whill his assistant attends to the team This tiger was captured when a cub, and when he was half growu or mom a. strap of heavy leather was fas- tened around his neck and anothel around his flanks. For greater se ' curity these straps are connected b5 a. lighter oneâ€"running along the ani- mal’s bacl. Firmly attached to the neck strap, or yoke, are two stout iron chains, fastened to the oppositc ends of the platform-frame. Strap: could not safely take the place 0! these front chains, for the tiger': sharp teeth would soon gnaw through the leather and set him at liberty. To the hinder strap, 01 belt, are fastened two straps, eacl: firmly looped to the platform frame. Thus the powerful beast is firmlj held captive, and at the same t-inu is left sufficiently free in his motions o STAND OR CROUCH. The platform is framed on two long stout bamboo poles, which serve alsc as shafts for the small Indian or which drags the cart. An ox not thoroughly trained would be in mor- tal terror of his load. The platform is mounted on two rough, heavy cari wheels such as are used in Indial and the outfit is complete. We can imagine the timid curiosity with which the women, and especiah ly the children in the streets of a town, or along the country road, would gaze at their strange visitor. They have heard may a story of the slaying of human beings by the dreaded “man-eater" of the jungle, and perhaps one of their own num< ber has fallen a victim. The main cater is usually an older tiger, WhOSd strength is failing and whose teeth have partly lost their sharpness. Such a beast finds it easier to lurk in the vicinity of settlements and to pick up an occasional man. Woman or child, than to run down Wild cattle. The largest, fiercest and most brightly colored tigers are found in the province of Bengal, near the mouth of the Ganges river, and not far from Calcutta. A full-«grown Bengal tiger sometimes measures ten feet from nose to tip of tail. Such a monster makes no more account oi springing upon a man than a cat does of seizing a mouse. He sur< passes the lion in strength and fer< ocity, and has no rival among beast: of prey except the grizzly bear and the recently discovered giant bear 0! Alaska. -â€"â€"â€"--+ PROOF OF A REAL LADY. Little Miss Muggs (haughtily) “Your mother ain’t no lady." Little Miss Freckles: “Why nin's she?” . Little Miss Mug-gs: “I’ve see: her pouring hot Water from the ket tie into a big pan, and she had av apron on, too. She’s no lady. l lady‘ would rather eat off dirt; plates than wash gem herself; S there!" Whiskey, however, is excellent 3‘s"; ‘ " £1 AH»... -. v - . 0| , , j...” w ....<_x “"111- L '3‘} a («We ‘- 9 re 5U :- snug. “I _..,.....I '-..;~c~¢‘~-w"n-~mws. N, I '9”? l r’-‘ ,3,