The Portland daily press., 1878-10-26

her sigh echoed, and turning about she be-
held at her elbow Hercules. With little
suppressed scream of delight she gave him her
hand, then drew it back hastily, and looked
at the groups OF eager archers. They we're
all engaged upon business, and with them
Eurytus, who was keeping the score. All
had their backs turned toward her: so she
turned to Hercules and held out he- cheek
to be kissed.
He looked very nice, for he was in full
achery costume which in those days was
very becoming uniform worn by members of
the Ancient Order of Poresters on fete DAYS.
He had gorgeous hat turned up at the side
and studded with large brass nails, and feath-
ers OF all the primitive colors nodded in the
breeze.
"Oh, what have you come here for p asked
Iole.
"You, DEAR" replied Hercules.
but you know papa doesn't like you."
"Ihat makes no difference, so long as his
daughter does not share his sentiments"
And are you still single?"
"Quite." replied Hercules with the most
innocent smile.
You are nice.''
"Yes, the costume is rather tasty isn't it ?"
"Because you wear it. Have you had any
refreshment?''
"One sip of nectar. But 1 thirst for more.
WIN yOu give tuo announcer taSteY'
"They might see %
Come into the shrubbery, and set up
little refreshment on your own account"
eYou naughty darling''
They walked about the myrtles until loud
shout proclaimed that victory was won-so
far; then Hercules strolled down to the group
and bent his bow, while Iole, who had slyly
resumed her oseat, clasped her hands, and
prayed for her lovers success.
The archers were just hosting the ugly
man upon their shoulders, be having alone
hit the bulps-eye, when Hercules, in a voice
that reached Iole's ear, said quietly but stern
ly:
Stake that man down."
"But he has won the prize!'' cried every
one, except Eurytus. He had become sud-
denly ill at the sight of Hercules.
''No he hasn't, said Hercules, 81 haven't
fired yet, and mean to. If anybody wishes
to kno " why, he may know that it's because
am Hercules"
"Herculesv'
'Just so. Now then, marker, mind your
bulPs-eye."
He shot, and his arrow went wide of the
mark.
81 thought should hit it," he said calmly.
But you didn't" remarked he who had.
'Did you say didn't hit the bulrs.eye ?"
asked Hercules, doubling his fist.
mo; said nothing of the kind. only
remarked it was a tie"
"Yes. a tie p shouted every one.
."Then we'll shoot off. Best two out of
three. You shoot first," said Hercules.
The champion shot and went wide of the
marx; Tor the muscles of his body, like the
remainder OF his arrows, were all in culver,
"Allow me to congratulate you," said Her
cules, and took his adversary's hand and
shook it warmly, smashing his fingers with
his iron grasp. Then he shot and made an
outer; but the champion could not use his
fingerslfor the third shot, and so Hercules was
acclaimed victor. He went to Eurytus and
embraced him.
I'VE will have dance in honor of this &C.
casion," said he. "Order a good supper and
send for band and plenty OF nice girls"
Eurytus obeyed.
Deianira was at home making pudaings
when messenger arrived with a short letter.
1t was brief, and ran thus: "Be good enough
to send my evening dress per bearer. Yours
IN haste, HERCULES" Deianira was never
free from suspicious, and now they were
aroused to the full by this request for the full
dress. She piled the messenger with much
liquor and punch, and then pumped him.
She learned the whole truth, and while the
bearer was recovering sobriety she planned
revenge. That prescription of Nessus had
NV poSn ioIgotleui IL was MADE up IN the
form OF an ointment and labeled Holloway's
but it was nothing of the kind. No, the
most fearful drugs, known only to the worst
OF chemists, were compounded together, and
this mixture she carefully spread over the in
side of Hercules dress shirt.
"There," said she, "that will make him
dance, I'll warrant"
And it did. The first few rounds of a
dance with his young bride caused the ONT
ment to melt. His shirt stuck to him like a
pitch plaster, but it was pitch in state of
combustion. In a few minutes he was en-
veloped in fame. Then the great qualities of
his mind were displayed, for, despite the fire
that ragged upon him, he never for moment
lost his equanimity. In fact, nothing could
put him out. He was burned to a cinder !:
but the gods, admiring his genial qualities,
accepted him among their number Tinsley's