The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1901-01-03

the mice nibbled the end Of the package,
and where 1t lay until Laura, in sweeping
the room, found it. Without even giving
it an examination, she threw into the
drawer of an old bureau, and 10 minutes
later had forgotten all about II. The mat
ter soon passed from the mind Of Harry
Granger, and he never even missed the
package. .
Harry formed the acquaintance of Jack
Moore, his sisters lover. Though she had
rejected Jack again and again, he insisted
on bringing her home in his sleigh every
Friday evening. On every occasion lie re-
newed his offer, until he became so annoy
ing that she informed him she would ride
home with him no more unless he desisted.
On the first FriGdy after having delIv-
cred the pretty school teacher ut her
mothers door, he turned his sleigh about
to return, when he suddenly discovered
Harry Granger approaching him. He had
ing up his sleigh alongside the brother OF
the being he adorcd. he asked:
Say, Harry, do you know any way that
a fellow could get knocked ON the head
honorably:'
Harry smiled and asked:
ado you really want to be knocked on
the head;'
Yes. if it can be done honorably. Mind
you, | don't want any suicide or disgrace
in the affair."
What do you mean, JackI'
Il want to die"
you want to die? Well. that is rather
odd for healthy Young man like you.
Why has life become such burden,
Its all on account O. that sister o
yours, Harry. | don't mind tellin' you. |
love Edith can't help it. l love the
very ground she walks on, but it don't do
me any good: she don't care for me, and
has told me So"
Harry, considerably panied at the reve-
lation. said:
81 hope Edith is not to blame for this"
mo, she amt, one Bit" Jack quickly
interposed. Il am the one that is to
blame, and nobody else. i might a-knowed
she couldn't love 4 poor, ignorant back
woods Teller like me. / was a fool, but,
Harry. that don't make it any more pleas
ant. | want to get knocked on the head
and leave this world, Now, if you know
o any desperate venture, let me have it,"
Harry glanced at the strong. vigorous
figure before him, and remembered that
Burr was in need Of recuits.
Jack, would you like to found a mighty
empire?" he asked.
rs there any chance to get killed by
doing it," he asked.
There might be. but hope you won't"
I'm in for it. 1t don't make Nc sort o
empire or tear down one; all l am lookin'
for is a good chance to be put out o my.
misery in decent sort of manner"
Harry promised to explain what he
meant when next they met. He did so,
and Jack enlisted. He was ordered to re-
port at Marietta early in April, well armed
and equipped for some dangerous and I'M
known enterprise.
The Winter wore on and Spring came.
Harry prepared to leave. There was
general stir among Burr's friends from
New York to New Orleans, and prepara-
tons for the expedition began. Harry
babe his mother and sisters adieu and
started for Marietta on horseback. =
An hour on the road and he met an ~
shriveled, tOothless hag. slowly ambling
along. She paused, leaned on her staff,
glared at him, and said:
Stop
what do you want with me, old
witch?' he asked, with the usual impu-
dence of youth.
witch. Ye do well to call me witch. Ye
air one o. Aaron Burr.s poor, deluded |
fools; now, amt ye?'
What is that to youT' he asked.
young man, go back L yer mother.
There is only death, ruin, and dishonor be-
fore ye. Aaron Burr will drag sc down t.
hell"
1.-The old creature is mad" Harry
thought, as he spurred his horse down the
road. The elatter of hoofs drowned the
which the old woman hurled
1T the head of Burr and all engaged in his
enterprise.
ITO be continued)