Year: 1873

l DUNN 1N1U HE HEARIe

 Edgar Bishop and Lucius Fernleig1 were in their early manhood-not more than one or two years beyond thirty and of all the moving, busy spirits o1 Duncliff they were the most positive and influential. Bishop was 8 lawyer and Fernleigh was merchant. They had prospered in the new town of the western land-they had helped to build the town up-and the wealth they had gained had been truly, manfully, and honestly earned. And Bishop and Fernleigh had been friends-had been like brothers through the years of thei1 pioneer labcrs-and like brothers they had joined in making patriotic use ot their wealth.

 In politics, through the years of youth they had worked and fought together; but a time had come at length when the old party lines seemed to be breaking up. A new party was forming, Busi- ness called Bishop to St. Louis, and during his absence 8 movement was made in Duncliff, and club was form ed in the interest of the new party, and Lucius Fernleigh was at its head. The old party organized club, and chose Edgar Bishop for its president, the members believing he would accept the position upon his returh. Fern leigh shook his head, and told them they had made mistake.

 Bishop will not accept" he said. "I know his feelings; he will identify himself with the party of progress and reform"

 But the merchant was mistaken. Business detained the lawyer beyond the limits originally set; but he wrote to his ton to which he had been elected, and saying they might draw upon him to the extent of thousand dollars in fur therance of the objects of the club. "It pains me, he wrote, "to learn that Fernleigh has gone over to the enemy. He has made a mistake, and will live to regret it.

 This letter was shown to Fernleigh, and it stirred him bitterly. Among his fellows he was loud and emphatic in his cepted in the political field; but in the sanguine. It was this sense of weak ness in his position that gave room for the bitter effect of Bishops letter.

 a called of the District Committee of the old party. There were accounts to be settled, and old bills to be paid. Fern some of the unsettled business was in his hands. He was waited upon on the morning of the day of the meeting, and requested to be present. His wife and youngest child were away in Clarkton,

 |. l. L. ,o4 T eo the purpose of returning home with remain and attend the meeting; and he telegraphed to his wife to that effect.

 Evening came, and the old committee all save Edgar Bishop-were present, with other friends. One of the num- Der reported that he had received a telegram from Bishop, and that he would be at home on the following day, whereupon it was voted to adjourn the meeting to the next evening. Fernleigh opposed the motion, but he was alone in his opposition, and his vote went for nothing.

 On the next day came intelligence of railroad horror Men and women had been killed! Lucius Fernleigh was like one distracted. He believed his yife and child had been on that train, homeward bound. He telegraphed to he station nearest to the scene of the disaster, and waited in agony of sus- pense for the answer. The answer came 1t length His wife and child had been on board the train but they were safe, and were on their way home. He sank upon his knees and thanked God! He would have gone out to meet the loved ones, but he might miss them on the way. and he would await their coming

 That evening he attended the meet ing again, and Edgar Bishop came in while the committee were in session. The lawyer was late because he had just arrived in town. He had met with an accident on the way, and had been delayed. There was Gvid mark upon his face, as of burn, and his left arm was in sling. Fernleigh did not greet him cheerfully, as of old. The memory of the letter ranked in his bosom, and made him wroth.

 In that region of country meeting like the present was seldom had with put the presence of the spirituous side board, and those who had prepared for 5he gathering had not failed to provide well-flled decanters.

 Late in the evening, after outstand- ing items of business had been disposed of. the matter of future movements was taken up, when it was. suggested that Lucius Fernleigh, having left the party, was no longer qualified to act with them. Fernleigh had been upon the point, at this stage of the proceedings, of resign ing his connection and had he been permitted to do so, all might have been well; but he did not relish this sum- mary expulsion, and he protested against 1t. In the course of the discussion which followed, and which was growing warm, Edgar Bishop spoke. He trust ed his friend would have the maniness to withdraw at once, and not put them to the disagreeable necessity of expell- ing him. .asal This fired Fernleigh to the highest pitch of endurance. He felt as Bishop did not feel. He had seen the letter ] which Bishop had written, and he had