The Irish standard., 1896-04-04

the actual presence of a lofty, inspir-
ing yet delicate spirit-a Boadicea-
indeed, he might say Joan of Arc
in the person of their very charming
hostess, Mrs. Brant.
Not only were they favored by her
social and hospita BILE ministration, but
Nv her active and enthusiastic coopera-
ton in the glorious work they had in
hand. It was through her correspon-
ence and earnest advocacy that they
were to be favored tonight with the
aid and counsel of one of the most dis
tlnguished and powerful men in the
southern district Of California, Judge
Beeswinger, of Los Angeles.
He had not the honor of that gentle
mans personal acquaintance; he be-
ieved he was not far from wrong in
saying that this was also the misfor-
tune of every gentleman present, but
the name itself was a tower Of strength.
He would go further and say that Mrs.
Brant herself was personally u7lac-
auainted with him, but that it was
through the fervor, poetry, grace and
genius OF her correspondence with that
gentleman that they were to have the
honor of his presence that very even
ing. 1t was understood that advices
had been received of his departure, and
that he might be expected at Robes
at any moment.
But what proof have we Of Judge
Beeswinger's soundness?" said a lazy
a IVA ~
Col. StarbottIc's periods. Nobody
here seems to know him by sight; is
it not risky to admit a man to our
meeting whom we are unable to iden-
tify?'
81 reckon nobody but a fool or some
prying mudsill of Yankee would trust
hls skin here" returned another, land
if he did we'd know what to do with
him.
But Clarence's attention was riveted
on his wife, and the significant speech
passed him as UNDECIDED as had the
colonels rhetoric. She, was looking
very handsome and slightly flushed,
with proud light in her eyes that he
had never seen before.
Absorbed in the discussion, she
seemed to be paying little attention to
Capt. Pinckney, as she rose suddenly
to her feet.
"Judge Beeswinger will be attended
here by Mr.. MacNiel of the Fair Plains
hotel, who will youch for him and in
troduce him." she said in a clear voice
which rang with an inperiousness that
Clarence we'll remembered. 1.-THE judge
was to arrive by the coach from Mar
tinez to Fair Plains, and is due now"
"But is there no gentleman to intro
duce him? Must we take him on the
word Of common trader-by Jove, a
whisky seller!" continued the previous
voice. sueeringly.
"On the word of a lady, Mr.. Brooks"
said Capt. Pinclney, with a slight
gesture toward Mrs. Brant, "who an
swers for BOTH"
Clarence had started slightly at his
wife's voice and the information it con-
veyed. His fellow passenger and the
confdant of MacNicl was the man they
We're expecting. If they had recognized
him (Clarence), would they not warn
the company of his proximity?
He held his breath as the sound of
voices came from the outer gate of the
courtyard Mrs. Brant rose-but at the
same moment the gate swung open
and man entered. 1t was the Mis-
sourian.
He turned with an old-fashioned
courtesy to the single woman standing
on the balcony. MY fair CORE
spondent, believe! I am Judge. Bee
swinger. Your agent, AIacNiel, passed
Inc through our guards at the gate.
but did not deem it advisable to bring
him into this assembly of gentlemen
without your further consideration. [
trust was right"
The quiet dignity, and self-posses-
sion, the quaint, oldfashioned colonial
precision of speech, modified by soft
Virginian intonatfon, and, above all.
some singular dividuality in the man
himself, produced a profound sensa-
ton, and seemed to suddenly give this
gathering an impressiveness it had
lacked before.
For an instant Clarence forgot him.
self and his personal wrongs in the
shock of Indignation ne felt at this po-
tent addition to the ranks of his
enemies. He saw his wife's eyes sparkle
with pride over her acquisition, and no.
ticed that Pinckney cast disturbed
glance at the newcomer.
The stranger assembled the few steps
to the balcony and took Mrs. Brant's
hand with profound courtesy.
Introduce me to my colleagues-dis-
tinctly and separately. 1t behooves
man at such Il moment to know TO whom
he intrusts his life and honor, and the
life and honor of his cause
It was evidently no mere formal cour-
tesy of the stranger. AS he stepped
forward along the balcony, and under
Mrs Brant's graceful guidance. was
introduced to each Of the members. he
not only listened with scrupulous care
and attention to the name and profess
sion of each man, but bent upon him a
clear. searching glance that seemed to
photograph him in his memory. with
two exceptions.
He passed Col. Starbottle's expanding
shirt frill with bow of elaborate pre-
cision, and said: Col. Starbottle's
fame requires neither introduction nor
explanation He stopped before Capt.
Pickney and paused.
IAN officer of the United States army,
believe, sir?''
"1es"
educated at West Point. think. by
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