The Philadelphia Times from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania • Page 22

THE TiMES-PriLJLADELFHlA, 1SUXDAY MOKNINtt, IVOVEMbEK 13, 1SU2. 22 GREW OLD IN A DAY. DISOBEYED ORDERS BUT OXCE. peole 1 MONOPOLIST IN MINT SHE CUTS THE STRAWS FOR SALOONS ALSO. HIS FIRST BEAR HUNT A CHICAGO STEAMBOAT CAPTAIN TAKE3 UP HIS GUV.

4 at the idea of the change. One proprietor said other mint was sold here and he had tried somo of it, but he and his patrons preferred to buy and pay for the best. A couple of years ago a man out in the county attempted to go into the business, and came around to the various saloons with the strictest regularity throughout the entire summer, but so far as heard from he never secured a customer, and he gave up theeffort One of tho. best-known saloon men on Pine street said he did not believe any one could start into the business now and dispose of glad to know yonr fanning is to stop at "'I am not weary, she said, "I will fan you 'A generous offer enough were I to remain in this heated atmosphere I said lightly, 'but I am going away 1' I started to my feet, but she was too quick for me. With the elasticity of a cat she bad sprung at me, and held me down with her soft hands, kneeling herself at my feet.

Her big eyes glowed like fire. 'You shall not go," she panted, 'you shall not "Surprised beyond degree at the girl's con-duet I cried out: 'Be ofT, you little and attompted to extricate myself from her but her small hands held mo like a vise. Just then my aunt's step was heard in the hall beyond. Titine sprang to her feet. With one bound she was over the railing and speeding away through the roses.

I saw her no more till late in the evening. She came to me looking very meek and humble. "'Before Monsieur goes- he will see La Terese n'est co pas she said. "I knew La Terese quite well by reputation. She was the old voodoo queen or witch who inhabited tho little white-washed cabin at the lower end of the plantation.

I had often intended to visit this old woman and was grateful now to Titine for reminding me of her. It was arranged for mo to rido down to the lower landing to take the boat, so as to avoid tbe heat of the day's travel, and I left a little early to allow myself time to pay a visit to La Terese. "The little white cabin fairly scintillated in tho sun as I approached, but tho door was closed aud there seemed no evidence of any inmate. Dismounting, I hitched my horse to the magnolia tree which stood near, aud was about to knock when the heavy door swung back noiselessly and a voice from within said Entrez, John Barnwell; you have been a long time "The little stream of light through the open doorway showed me onlya stretch of the hard, beaten dirt floor and tho bare wall beyond. This, aud tho door closed, leaviug me in semi-darkness.

The air was cool, with that peculiar quality that one finds in underground caves and heavy with the redolence of mingled odors. I remember tbctn now A Man Who Wa Burled Alive for Nearly Three Honrs. I'll wager tbe wine there is not a gentleman present who can guess witbin ten years of my age," said Calvin S. Freeman, wnosat talking with some fellow traveling men In the rotunda of tbe Southern. The guesses ran all tbe way from 48 to 65.

"I am just 34 years old," said Mr. Freeman. "I was born in 1858. I grew old lu a day. I have passed through the most terrible ordeal to which a mortal was ever subjected I was burled alive and lay In tbe urare, with six feet of earth on top of me, for nearly three hours.

That was at Edinburgh, Scotland, nearly nine years ago. I was boru In that city. At the age of 21 I married a girl who had been my playmate in cnildbood. "A year later I was taken sick and after an Illness of but twodays.was pronounced dead, and preparations were made for my burial. I was as conscious as at this moment, but unable to speak or move a muscle.

A great weight seemed to lie on my chest and eyelids. All that nlgbt and until 10 o'clock next day I lay with a cloth over my face, listening to tbe preparations for my Interment. At that hour I was placed in a cofEu, tbe funeral services were read and I was consigned to tbe grave. There was no stifling sensation, for I bad ceased to breathe, but the black loneliness of tbose hours haunts me day and night. I felt that I would come out of tbe trance state before death ensued, would slowly smother to death, and tbe thougbt added horror to my situation.

I had read of graves being opened wbere people had been burled alive, and how they bad torn their flesh with their nails and turned over In their coffins In a mad struggle for air. I wondered if there was any way by which I could quickly destroy myself when nature asserted Its sway. Every hour seemed to me as days. "It, was Tuesday when I was burled, and I fancied I could near the Sunday chimes of the church which stood a few yards distant. I wondered who my neighbor was on the right and who on the left, and If they, were buried alive.

I wondered If there really was snob a thing as death, orif I was doomed lo lie conscious in that prison forever. Suddenly I felt a muscle twitch. 'Jt Is coming I thought. A minute more and I will be struggling for breath. I felt a faini flutter at the heart.

I gave a little irasp and the air seemed freighted wllh lead. I tried lo breathe, bul it was like drawing letld water luto my lungs. I had resolved uot to move a muscle, to die wilh my bands folded ou my breast, so that If my body was ever taken up my friends would not suspect tbeawlul truth, bull could not lie still. "The struggle began, and I fought. In my narrow prison house as a man only rights for lile.

Horrible as it was, I seemed to hear my wile's voice ringing In my ears. It was a cry of agony. I tried to answer It, but could not. A succession of thunder peals shook my prison house. It was the heavy blows of axes breaking oen the box which contained the coffin.

A moment laler I was lying on the churchyard sward In my wife's arms. After my tnlerment sba conceived the notion that I hnd been burled alive, and, to quiet her fears, the grave was opened. I went Into tbe grave a young man, aud came out aged, as you see mo now." THE LAW IN ALABAMA. A Young Attorney Who Was Discouraged by Country Judge. From tbe St.

Louis Globe-Democrat. "I am just back from Alabama," said William II. Palm, a disciple of Blackstone, to a Globe-Democrat reporter In the rotunda of the Llndell. "I went down there to practice law, but got discouraged and came back North to look for a new location. Business? Oh, yes; I had plenty of business down there, but rny clients insisted on paying me In coonsklns, moonlight wblsky and political support.

Ispeut three days ou a case lor a widow breach of promise suit damages, $10,000, and she sent me a crock of clabber, a peck of yams nnd a pair of home-knit blue socks that would fit tbe big-tooled girl of Ohio. I didn't mind that so much as I did the cool disregard for law of tbe Judges before whom I was ealled to plead. "I was detained to defend a young fellow charged with shooting a man at a horse race one Sunday afternoon. I proved conclusively that at tbe time tbe shooting occurred my client was attending divine service at a church half a mile distnnt. Three witnesses testified that they saw him there, and I thought I had established au alibi beyond ihe peradventure of a doubt aud said so In my speech, which I fell quite sorry Daniel Webster was not present lo enjoy.

Alter I sat down the Judge took a chew of North Carolina dog-leg tobacco, put on his specs and called the defendant up before him. VV'har he Inquired. The defendant replied that hewas'bawn' four miles southwest of Smuglown, ou the plantation of 'Squire Sanders. 'Thai settles said Ihe Judge. 'All the Yankee lawyers In Christendom couldn't con vl nee this co' I that a native o' Ole Alubamer was squalted down in a church a-slngln' o' Psalms when tharwasa boss race an' tree whisky only halfanillo away.

You docketed to go to jiill until the gran' jury kin sol on yonrcase. The tnan was killed at that boss race, an1 II stands t' reason that you was tbar or They Couldn't Walt. From the Detroit Free Press. "I met a man on the train tbe other day, coming from one of the b-a-d sections of the Southwest," remarked the drummer easily, and sounded htm as to why be was returning to Michigan." Don't Jlke It down there," be said in a plaintive key. What's the matter with It "They shoot too much.

Why, when I first went down there. Just as regular as Saturday nlsibt came Ihey killed two or three people." "Did they keep It up at that rate?" "No." "Ah. got better after you went there, did thev?" No. They got so thev couldn't wait until Saturday night and I thought It was time to leave." Arrtnrus' Great Brightness. From the Oentlenian's Magazine.

A minute parallax nf about one-sixtieth of a second of arc found for Arcturus by Dr. EIRIn gives a most astounding result. This small parallax Implies a distance from the earth equal to about 12,000,000 times tbe sun's distance. This vast distance would produce a diminution of light of about magnitudes, so that the sun placed at the distance of Arclurus would be reduced to a star of only magnitudes. It would not be visible with an opera-glass.

Arcl urns Is, therefore, in round numbers magnitudes, or over fi.000 times brighter than the sun would be at the same distance. To Knjoy a Celebration. From the New York Weekly. Blnks. Yes, my family took in the whole Colum bus celebration, and It abont balf killed us.

Such crowds! I thought sometimes we'd never get out alive." Minks. "My family enjoyed the Columbus celebration Immensely." I don't see bow." We stayed at borne and read abont It." Not Fitted for Traveling. From Good News. "Little Dot. "I wonder why there isn't ever any spider webs in tbe corners of railroad cars?" Lllt'e Dick.

"Spiders have eight eyes, an' I guess It's too much trouble to keep tbe cin ders out. Baby Had III Way. My shaving brush Is missing and my shoe horn can't he found. My comb and brush I cannot see, my cane Is nowhere round. My tall silk bat is ruffled up, my pens have gone ast ray-But all this woe Is naught to me, for baby's had his way.

What though my shoes are minus strings, my man uscripts awry I know that this betokens babe's been spared a heartfelt cry. What though the floor is ever strewn with toys, by nigin ana day 7 Is there not pleasure In the thought that baby's had his way It hurts to hsvo my moustache pulled, and games at 4 A. M. Are not Just suited to my mind but Jack Is fond of them. And, after all, It seems to me no man can well gain say That there Is lots of fun about when baby has bis way.

Fo, son nnd heir, continue on thy happy, blest career Ne'er shall thy iludrty Interpose to raise tbe scalding tear. Whatever discomfort comes to me, ccaso not thy Joyous play As fur as I'm concerned, my boy, go on and have yonr way, Xonrton 71d-i)l. An Incident In the Life of a Brave Sea Captain Now Dead. From the San Francisco Examiner. Tne Pacific Mali steamer San Juan, which arrived from Panama yesterday morning witb her colors ball-masted, brought the body o( her late commander.

Captain James Mc-Crae, whose deatb at sea on the 121b. Instant baa already been announced. Tbe dead man's widow and children camo here from their borne In tbe interior to receive the remains aud approve the funeral arrangements made by tbe Masons, in which order tbo deceased was a master. Captain McCrae was 53 years of nge at the time of his deatb, and forty-four of tbose years were spent at sea. He was a native of wbere he took to ships at the age of 9, but he had considered himself an American in every sense but that of birth since Uo was 15, wbeu be New York his home port.

Lacking early educational advantages, his progress was slow, but be was a hard student of book's as well as navigation, and he qualified for mate's position shortly niter attaining his majority. He was first oflicer on one of the Savannah steamers out of New York twenty-four years ago, when the terrible Morning Star disasteroccurred oft the Southern Atlantic coast. The Slar took fire while unusually crowded with passengers, among whom were the members ol a largo opera troupe. Captain McCrae had the deck when tho burning steamer was sighted and bis captain was asleep. Tbe boats could uot contain a tenth part of the panic-stricken passengers aud a hundred or more were overbnard, clinging to anything In theshapeof a float they could lay their hands on when the rescuing vessel arrived.

Young McCrae rau so close to the Star that tbe heal could be felt, on hia steamer and set all the crew at work saving lives. His captain, a highly nervous, excitable man, eameon deck In the midst ot the heroic efforts and ordered the steamer pulled away lrom Ihe burning craft for (ear (bat the boilers would explode and do him some damage. McCrae protested rigorously ncainst leaving the unfonuuales in the water to their fate, but his superior was obdurate and would not eveo allow some of his willing crew to take a boat ou tbe ground that they would he likely to lose their own lives. McCrae saw a woman floating ou a bit of plunk not lar away and before anyone could put out a hand lo stop him ho had stripped ofT his outer clothing and plunged overboard. A magnificent swimmer, be had Utile difficulty In effecting a fescue in tills Instance, and no sooner was the lady on board than he started olf again.

Twice he repeated his daring teat, saving a lite each lime, and them the captain ordered bim lo desist. McCrae's reply lsnllll famous. "Caplaiu," be said, "I acknowledge your authority. I have been at sea forlweuly years and have never disobeyed an order. I would not now If there were not lives at stake.

As it is, I shall con tin no to go as loug as I have strengi li." Again he struck out, nnd again be lielppd unfortunate to the side ot the steamer. The captain would have steamed away be yond reach of the pending explosion had he dared, but his passengers would have taken command if he had attempted to do so. nnd he was forced to stand by uutil there was no possibility of accomplishing further work of rescue. McCrae was the hero of New York when be reached port, and the enthusiastic passengers took un columns of space In exploiting bis brave manliness. He won bis command on this, Ihe vessel assigned bimbelusrthe old Mauhatian on the Savannah run.

Then he entered the employ of tho Alexander Line to Havana, and Inter served several years on the Garrison Krazil Line. He next came to this coast for tho Pacific Mail Company, tak-ins a run on tho south coast branch lino between Champerlco and Panama. Five years ago ho was glveu a through steamer. There are no dlsaslers to blot Captain McCrae's record as a seaman, nnd he was a true type of tbo first-class of American sailor, daring and courageous, fallhlul to his employer, and ready lo sacrifice his own life for lliose In his charge at any time. Tbe Mornlngsiar Incident, while Ibe principal one In his career.

Is only one ol many deeds of life saving to his credit. A WAR-TIME SAWBONES. Tht Story of a Man Who Was Snvrd From a Barbaric Doctor. From the St. Louis Chronicle.

"Tbe mosl terrible exhibition of barbaric cruelty I witnessed during the war occurred at Richmond, Ky" said Captain J. K. Klein, of Louisville. I was with tho gallant John Morgan, and more's the pily that the brutality I refer to was perpetrated by one of our men. He was a young surgeon.

Just out of a medical college, nnd his blood was aflame witb ardor for tho Confederacy. When the battle was euded I was placed In charge of one of the hospital corps. We were going over tbo field, ministering to tbe dead and dying, and my attention was attracted by the piteous wails of a man close to the line of the Federal lntrenclimenls. There was such a distressful pathos In his words that I hurried to taltn. When I got close enough to distinguish bis words I beard blin plead 'For God's sake, docior, kill me! Don't cut my legs off and leave me a cripple." "At a glance I saw what was going on.

The plending man was a Union soldier wilh only a flesh wound In the thigh of the right leg, which disabled bim temporarily only. His tormentor was an enthusiastic young surgeon, who bad Just Joined our command. The Juvenile reprobate had deliberately bound tbe poor devil to a log, and was leisurely preparing to saw off his left leg for no other reason In the world than that he wanted to dlRable the soldier for further service during the war. He had stripped the man's leg bare to the thigh, tied a siring lightly around It several Inchps above the knee, and bad marked off with tbe point of bis knife a streak around tbe leg where he Intended lo make the amputation. My duly was plain.

"At first I thought to shoot tbe Inhuman monster down in bis tracks, but I realized that bis punishment would he suffieb'nily severe when John Morgan nnd Duke learned of his often Re, so I placed him under arrest, marched him up blnre tbose men nnd told them what I bad prevented him doing. promptly placed tn chains, a conrl-martlol soon tried bim and sentenced him to be shot. Sufficient Influence was brought to bear, however, to save his lito, tbousli he was cashiered trnm the army. By some means he made his wav North, began tbe practice ol medlclno at Heading, and to-day Is the rankest hater of the South, perhaps, In the State of Pennsylvania." WIIEX EDISOX WAS YOQ'G. Another Amuilng Story of the "Wli-ard'i" Skill With the Key.

From tbe St. Louis Globe. Democrat. I was an operator In the Memphis office when Thomas A. Edison applied to the manager for a position," said A.

C. Rock feller, a member of tbe Reminiscence Club that was In session at the Llndell, He came walking into tbe office one morning, looking like a veritable hayseed, lie wore a hickory shirt, a pair of butternut pan is tucked Into the tops or boots a size too large and guiltless of blacking. 'Where's the wne his query ns he glanced around tbe office. No one replied at once and be repeated tbe question. The manager askd bim what he could do for bim and tbe future great proceeded to strike him for a Job.

Business was rushing, and the otflco was two men short, so almost any kind ota lighting sllnger was welcome. He was assigned to a desk and a fusilade of winks went tbe rounds of the ofllce, tor the 'Jay' was put on the St, Louis wire, tho hardest In the office. "At this end of tbe lino was an operator whowas chain lightning and knew It. Edison bad hardly got sealed before St. Louis called.

Tho new-comer responded and St. Louis started tn on a loug report, and be pumped It In like a bouse afire. Edison threw bis leg over tho arm of bis chair, leisurely transferred a wad ol spruce gum from his pocket to his mouth, picked up a pen, examined critically and sinned In, abont two hundred words behind, lie didn't stay there long, though. St. Louis let out another link of speed, and still not her, and the Instrument on Ed I Bim 'r table hummed like an old lyle Singer sewing muchlne.

Eery man In office left bis desk and catbered around the 'Jay' to see wbat lie whs doing with that electric cyclone. Well, sir, be was right on tbe word and was putting It down Iu tbe prettiest copper plate bund you ever saw, even crossing bis i's and dotting his i'a and punctuating with as much care us a man editing telegraph for 'rut' printers. SI. Louis got tired by and by and began to slow down. FaIIkou opened I ho key and said.

Here, here! this Is no primer cl ass 1 Get a hustle on Well, sir, that broke SU Louis all up. Ho had been 'niwhidlug' Memphis for a long time and we were terribly sore, and lo have a man In our office that could walk nil over him mane us feel like man whose horse had won the Derby. 1 saw Ihe 'wizzard' not long nijo. He doesn't wrar a hickory shirt nor put his pants In bis boots, but be Is Toiy lar from being a dude yet." A LIVELY CHASE IN ARKANSAS Surrounding a Trio of Bears With Hounds, the Hunters Let the Fun Go on, for a Few Minntes and Then Finished Their Prey With Revolvers. From the Chicago News Record.

Captain Stines, the commander of the Chi-cora, plying between the Graham Morton docks in Kenton Harbor and Chicago, is somewhat of a sportsman and generally goes gunning every year for big game down in Askansas. He is planning a trip into the wild woods some time next month, if his boat ties up for the winter. For the last five years the captain has spent from three to five weeks each winter in that region beyond the Mississippi with varying luck and always the guest of Swanton, a native and resident of the central part of the State. Swanton is the typical Arkausan, has the vernacular to perfection and is whole-souled aud jolly and a regular Davy Crockett with his rifle. In that country wild turkey aro plentiful.

The man who goes there from Chicago usually takes a breech-loader and fills his shells with buckshot. The "native" scorns the modern Improvements, and with his muzzle-loading rifle brings down the turkey, bear or catamount, as the panther is called there, with as much dexterity and as little fuss as John Earle drops ducks at Euglish Lake. Last year Captain Stines had the pleasurable excitement of being one of a party of six in a bear chase. Horses and hounds are used in this sort of hunt, but the lake captain, not being equally at home on the bridge and in the saddle, preferred to walk. The courtesy of the Arkansas gentlemen who formed the party would not permit them to leave their guest behind, and so it was arranged that a guide should escort Captain Stines to an elevated piece of ground where he might witness tho finish and be in at the death.

While a guide was piloting tho captain through the jungles and canebrake to the rendezvous of bear, dog aud hunter, the leader struck a trail and a high at the same time, and the chase began. The captain tells the story "Horses and men plunged into the jungle, the men carrying big revolvers and long hnnting-knives, bnt no guns, for fighting with bears is always done at short range. Contrary to the usually accepted theory, bears will not attack a man unless driven into a corner or by the very strongest pangs of starvation. In fact, bruin will turn bis stubby tail and put out at a gallop as quick as a deer. He will fight dogs, however.

The men were dressed in regular frontier style and rode gallantly. There was no hesitancy on the part of the horses and the riders had to keep a sharp lookout for low branches and the trees that the would crowd against in winding about. From the baying of the hounds you might well suppose that the trail was hot. My guide hardly waited to locate me, when he mounted bis horse and away he went to join the pack. Bears do not run so awfully fast, and it was about three yours before I got a sight of the sport.

Nearer and nearer came the howls, reminding me of a foggy night on tbe Chicago river. Then I heard a crackling of brush, saw threo shaggy heads and three little red tongues hanging out of three savage mouths. I've been in a number of pretty tough storms at sea and have heard the timbers crack like glass in my boats, but I never had creeps before. Really, my were as big as port lights for a minute. I didu't stay there long.

I cut loose and put about behind a big tree. "Just then the captaiu of the party spurred np his horse and gave a command to the hounds that they understood. In a minute thero was the biggest wrangling aud snnrluiff and snapping that ever got adrift, and no second mate could bold a cable to the captain's cussin'. As the pow.wow didn't get any closer I got from behind the tree and 6aw a fight that would give Jim Corbett points on 6parring. "The three bears sat there on their haunches in the middle of a tangle of twenty houuds.

Right and left those heavy fore-paws went out from the shoulder; tho dogs would dodge, recover and go at it agaiu. Finally the old she bear got a good lick in on one of the hounds and sent him to earth, deader than a door nail. The captain thought the fun was going too far, and at a signal the men dismounted and drew their revolvers. They advanced within three feet of the bears. A lively fusilade began which lasted about five minutes.

When quiet came there were five dead on the field three bears and two hounds. The she bear weighed 6-tO pounds and the cubs between 400 and 500 pounds. "That was my first bear hunt, but not the last. I went down thcro more for the sport of shooting wild turkeys than anything else, but one day I found game that suited me better. As I was trailing along through the swamps I noticed a slight motion of the bushes in front, and at once was on my guard, for we had been hearing piercing panther yells for a week.

I followed along carefully for abont forty rods, when heavy timber was reached. I sprung upon tbe roots of an upturned tree just as the panther for -my gue9S was not wrong started into the forest on the run. At tbe crack of my rifle tho animal turned with a scream that went clear through me, for it sounded like the voice of a woman. "The great cat thrashed around furiously for a few minutes and then lay still, and I ventured np. He was dead as fine a specimen of panther as had ever been shot in those swamps.

That same day I got five wild turkeys, and considered it goed enough to quit on." Nothing the Matter With George. From the Chicago Tribune. Mamma. "George Wlnkelford called to see you again last nlgbt, Irene, did he not? He Is a worthy young man, and I hope you didn't treat bim distantly." Miss Irene.wlth a vivid blush. Distantly? Not at all.

I I was very much drawn to bim, mamma." Love's Teat- From Texas liftings. Rich Merchant (to bis daughter). "I say, Emma, I Ib'lDk that young man who calls on you so much really means business." Kmma. What mukes you think so?" Merchant. "Nothing, except he called at tbe commercial agency last week to And out bow much I was really worth," Aniblgnoua.

From the Indianapolis Journal. The Plain L'ltlzeu. "1 see they bavenamed a street after you. You ought to feel proud." Tbe EmlnentCltlzi-n. "Iam not so certain of that.

It starts from a brewery and ends at the Jail." Splendid. From Puck. I've got a scheme," said Sellers. "What Is It?" "Why uot feed sheep on Ihe cotton plant and grow shoddy right on tbe animal?" It Heated Him. From Truth.

Mrs. Hojaek. "My last millinery bill mad my husband sweat," Mrs. Tomdlk, "It caused purse-piratlon, did It?" THE LITTLE MINT WOMAN She Lives in St. Louis and Her Business is a Paying One What is More, Noliody Could Cut Her Out With Her Customers, So Well is She Known.

From the St. Louis Globe-Democrat. For nearly half a century the fancy saloons of St. Louis those that are known as first-class houses havo been supplied from one source with all' the mint and straws which they have found useful in dispensing the fancy drinks over fancy bars to fancy customers. The peculiar feature about this mercantile transaction is that although the saloon men have thus constantly purchased from the same family, not one man in the city, so far as known, knows the name or address of tbo persou or persons from whom he has been buying.

During the summer every saloon in the heart of the city, from tho Lin-dell to tbe Southern, and from the eastern limits back, simply wait for "the little mint woman," as she is known, and when the season goes her daily visits simply chango to semi-weekly, then weekly, and then cease till spring comes again. Each morning a little woman, neat and prim-looking and evidently German, walks into the saloon, asks how many bunches of mint are wanted or how many bundles of straws, lays them upon tho counter, takes the cash in exchange and walks out. And this is the way it has bceu for nearly fifty years. Curiosity prompted a reporter to make some inquiries in regard to this uuitjuo business and its interesting representative, and a question at Booster's brought the response "Oh, yes; you mean that little mint woman. No, 1 don't know what her name is or where she lives.

Yes, we buy from herall the timo both mint and straws. The season is so nearly goue now that she comes only twice a week. Her days are Tuesdays and Fridays; she will be here to-morrow and you cau see ber and talk with her yourself." Inquiries at tho Olive Branch and Car-niody's" and other similar places brought the same information, or rather lack of information. No ono knew of her except as the "mint woman," but all were sure she would be in next morning at or near 8 o'clock. Next morning at 8 o'clock she was met and informed that if she could spare a short while people would like to know something of her and her business, with its beginning and its growth.

TAI.KIXO OF HERSELF AND BUSINESS. My name is Mary Weber," she said, and I live in tbe northern edge of the city. As for the beginning of tho business I can't tell you much. The first I remember is helping my mother at tho business. She was Mrs.

Sandmann and my name was Mary Sandmann. My father suffered with rheumatism and paralysis and tho sale of mint and straws supported the family. I helped my mother, and soon did all the work myself, so when my mother died l.iust kept up the business. My own daughter helps me some now, hut I don't want her to much, as I would rather have her constantly at school. 1 hope you will not say I am making such a fortune outofthe business, for I am not.

Of course it gives me a comfortable, living, but sometimes the work is disagreeable, and then you know itdoesn't run through the winter. Still I am very well satisfied with it, as those before me have been for neailv fifty years." Mrs. Weber does not appear to be over 35 years of age and is very quiet in both her actions and talk. She lives np iu Radon, at 121 East Prairie avenue, aud a few years ago was comparatively in the country. On the little patch of ground there she still raises the delicious mint, which is said by saloon men to be the best ever put into a julep.

She claims to have no special method, but simply cultivates it with diligence aud care. If rains aro contrary and a drought comes, she waters the beds by hand and puts herself to a great (leal of trouble, but is always repaid in the end. For years tho family came into the city witb a little basket on the arm of somo member and went around to the various saloons till the bunches of mint wero disposed of. To-day. however, a very nice outfit and attractive wagon are to be seen.

Mrs. Weber says she is not making such an enormous fortune as some people seem to think and no doubt this is true, but it is a very good business. She sells the bunches at five cents each without any discount and sells sometimes many hundreds of them in a day. MAKING AND SELLING STRAWS. When the Sandmann family found the sale of mint so remunerative the cutting and preparation ot good straws was at once taken up.

They could be sclcctod, cut and wrapped in bunches during the winter, when tho time could not be so profitably employed at any-thingelsc. And so the making and selling of straws became a part of the business. These straws are hard and tough and as near perfect as can be. They are carefully selected, only the very best being used at all, and every one being carefully examined is laid off by itself. Several neighboring farmers make a specialty of raising grain, the straw of which Mrs.

Weber can use. Occasionally it happens that she can not use auy of a crop because the owner has been careless or a heavy storm has beaten the straw down and broken it. Under such circumstances she has sometimes to hunt over the country for days before she can find enough of what she wants to buy. After she gets what she wants and selects each straw as above explained, she cuts them by hand, one at a time, thus making them as nearly perfect as it is possible to do for the purpose of suction. These straws are bound in bundles of about 100 and sold at the rate of six bundles for fifty cents and the same customers who buy ber mint buy her straws.

A barkeeper in one of the best of the fancy saloons said yesterday: "We can buy the machine-made straws much cheaper than these that are hand-made by 'the mint but after once using the latter we would not think of buying tho others again. When a man calls for a straw to suck a lemonade or some fancy drink and gets one that is imperfect or faulty or broken he becomes disgusted. If he tries the bundle once or twice more, unsuccessfully, his language becomes more emphatic than elegant, and it will not take a great many repetitions to cause him to seek some other saloon. As a result it pays, and pays well, to furnish perfect straws; and these," holding out a bundle, are us nearly perfect as can well be." An examination was made, and nota single imperfect straw could bo found. In those furnished by machinery it is said that one in every three is faulty.

"Moreover," continued the speaker, "the mint is as superior as the straws. It is because it has been brought to such a high state of cultivation, perhaps. It hasn't tho wild taste abont it, and in fact is as superior to the wild mint as a pippin isto a crab. Do think she makes much money at it? Well, yes, I should say so, though I dou't know wbat her expenses are. During the summer we pay her $1.50 to $2 per day.

and sho will about average that with many other saloons. She must havo 100 customers, so you can figure it out yourself." SHE HAS A MONOPOLY. Whether Mrs. Weber is making as much out of her industry as is supposed or not, she appears to have a monopoly on theso two articles as long as she wishes it. Sho gives wbat her customers regard as tho best possible goods at reasonable rates, aud can always be depcuded npon, rain or shine, so there is not the slightest disposition on tho part of saloon meu to make a change! A dozen wero spoken to, and everyone hooted The Story of the Strange Experience of John Barnwell.

BY PATIENCE ORIEL In the summer of ISS3 I was for a few weeks, duriug the temporary absence of the Incumbent, acting bouse surgeon nt one of the numerous hospitals in Jsew Orleans. It was during this brief space that there came tinder my observation one of the most peculiar cases that I have known in a practice of twenty years. On the morning of August 10 1 was called into the office to see a man who came to apply for admittance into the hospital. It was one of those sweltering New Orleans days, when the leaves bang limp on tree and vine when heat seemed the only potent factor of existence, and played quiveringly on cobblestone and housetop. I remember that I was attired in the coolest oflinens, and carried a palm-leaf fan in my hand, when I was called to tho office.

I observed at the first glance something peculiar about the man who sat waiting for me. His eyes were deep-set and restless iu their motion, his whole person seemed withered, even blasted, as Haggard would say, and hot as it was ho wore a heavy wool overcoat. He rose to meet mo as I entered and came towards me rapidly, saying iu a thin, dry, husky voice: Pardon my asking you to leave that fan outside. You will see that I am nervous aud the motion disturbs me." I put the man through the usual form of examination. Ho gavo bis name as John TSamwell and asked for a room on the sunny side.

This latter he insisted upon. It will not bo for long," he said. I was surprised at this assertion, which he gave very continently, lor, in spite ot lue man's peculiar withered aspect, my examination of him disclosed nothing beyond a shattered nervous system, and I told him so. He smiled in a ghastly kind of way aud replied "Do you think a man who has been liaunted for half a score of years in a way that has tortured mind and body can bear up much longer under tho strain? This is the 10th of August. I shall be with you only till the 25th.

I know, for I speak the words of nnothcr," Of course, physician-like, I did not believe him. but set St down as a vagary of bis excited imagination. I merely awaited events. Barnwell selected for his room number 17, the sunniest, smallest aud sultriest in the whole building, and one that I had never seen in use. lie asked that a nurso he sent to await bis call, told mo that he wished to take up no more of my time than I bad absolutely idle, aud particularly requested that I have the curtains removed from his windows.

1 noted then and subsequently that any swaying motions as the flapping of a cur tain, tho stirring of leaves, the rocking of a chair disturbed him. I placed Sister An-gclinue in charge of him, with directions concerning his peculiarities. During the few days that followed Barnwell's arrival I observed no special change in him. As ho was quite apparently not seriously ill, and I was very busy, I always deterred visiting bim till somewhat late in the evening to avoid as much as possible the extre heat of bis room. I found him a very interesting man.

He had been everywhere, and talked well and fluently, but of the man, John Barnwell, I knew no more than the name. He never spoke of himself. But, sometimes, often, as he talked I would see a strange, pained expression come into his sunken, weary eyes, and ho would pause and run his bony, trembling fingers through his long hair, which had a singular way of dropping down over his forehead. liis prognostication concerning the 25th had somehow managed to escape my mind, hut it was recalled the morning of that day when Soeur Angelique brought his request that I make my visit to him earlier than usual. 1 tound him partly and, it struck me, elegantly dressed.

His eyes had lost somewhat of their nervous restlessness, but he seemed weak and exhausted aud his pulsations were very feeble. "Tho hour has almost come, doctor," he said with a smile, aud if you have time to listen I can tell you a story which may prove interesting." He ran his fingers through his hair, which had fallen across his forehead, as if blown by a strong wind, though the night was sultry. You would take me to be an old man, no doubt," he went on, interrogatively. About GO," I answered, putting him down us low as I thought possible. "I am 35 to-day," he said, 'yet I think I must have, lived for centuries.

The spring of "12 found mo fresh from college, with a full purse aud the world before me. Beginning a kind of aimless wandering, I found myself the following Bummer the guest of my uncle and aunt, who lived then ou a plantation not many miles from New Orleans. Being naturally fond of sport and totally unaccustomed to tho seductive climate of tbe touth, I soon fell ill, a victim of malaria. Though my aunt was the best of nurses and untiring iu her attentions upon mo throughout my illness. I bad a vague consciousness nf a sweet voice, a gentle sten aud soft bands that were other than hers.

It was with a kind of shock, when I regained possession of my faculties, that I found my gentle nurse was a littlo mulatto girl, Titine, whom I had seeu helping my aunt with the housekeeping. I had all of a Northern man's sentiment and curiosity about the negro as a race, and yet a peculiar abhorrence for the individual. In spite of this, in my weak condition, the girl's deftness and gentleness were particularly her actual personality impressed me but feebly. She was a slim little thing, I should have said then not more than 13, though now I know sho must have been older. Her hair was crispy black and curled, not kinked, all over her head.

Her skin was a rich olive hue, turning to amber towards the cars and tinder the throat. Her lips wore full and rich and mobile as a babe's, But her eyes! I think a casual observer would have called them brown or black, but I know not what to call the local color of them. They were large, I know, and lustrous, aud I'vo soen purple flashes in them that glowed fierce and firelike, nnd the whites of them were yellow as old ivory, timo to observe all days of coavalesccno, when I had ample this in my I lay weak and rcFtfully content in the hammock on the iu.za with Titinc fanning me with alight racel'ul motion that was very soothing to mi! then." The man slightly emphasized the last word, and paused a moment to push back tho hair which had agalu blown down on his forehead. His thin lips were a little tensely drawn as he went on: Too weak to read, to think, even, I found the girl's talk in the sweet, soft Creole tongue that is the very poetrv of speech itself, particularly diverting. Well, I discovered with surprise ono morning that this convalescence had been going on quite long enough, and, as folt fully recovered, I determined to continue my its had been my purpose when I fell ill.

I stopped my aimless swinging in tho hummock as the thought occurred to me, flung my feet out and sat across the edge, uieanipg to get up and pack for starting next day. Titine stopped a momout in lior fanning and looked at me. said 'I am sure you will be anything like a stock to the fancy saloons of this city, even if he would offer to supply them free of charge. His opinion is shared by others, for they all seem to think there is no need for any one else in the business as long as it is couducted as it is by the little mint woman." A HALF-BACK. ANIMALS WITH PEDIGREES.

Interesting Facts About Cats and Dogs In Slain. United States Minister Boyd.while recently home on a leave of absence from liangkok, according to the San Francisco Examiner, said: "Tbe American Legation at Slain was composed of very curious members," as be stroked the tawny coats ol his $300 pair of Siamese cats. You see. tbe government makes no allow ance for a corps of secretaries and under dignitaries like the tony missions receive, and I had to force a little style with the best native material on band. So I drarted In the service of Uucle Sam an assortment of cheap but sagacious assistants, who helped to furnish dignity to the establishment without auy severe strain on Its exchequer.

"You can do this sort ot thing readily In Slam, where tbo freest sociability prevails between Ihe people and the gifted menagerie that Inhabits the island. For a watchdog. In case I wanted to leave the bouse for a while, 1 had an Intellectual little dog lrom the King's kennel. He comes of a family trained for untold generalious lo play this role, nnd when placed on sentinel duly be could be fully trusted, night or day, to cover Ins charge will) entire success. Nobody but myself or wile could approach my desk or anything that be was let to guard without baring a severe attack of remorse.

Then came a marvelous pair of cats. They, too, came of lofty pedigree, and are extremely rare, but their most practical value in Slam comes from their merciless warfare on snnkeS. Bangkok Is a crowded capital, a sort of Venice, largely hnlliover tbe water. "Tbe entire country back of It is Infested with enormous boas, from fifteen to twenty five leet In length. Wnen tbelr country board gets unpalatable these monsters stroll down into Bangkok In search of supplies.

Ibelr pel dainties are pigs, chickens, geese and cats. No, their bite Is not venomous, but they do swift and deadly execution with their giant colls. Instinctively, therefore, the cat recocnlzes his arch-enemy, but you don know what a ferocious prize-fight Is unlit you can see one ot these small, tawny felines make an unerring spring and lasteu himself to the hack ol the boas neck. To this vul nerable point he holds like grim deatb, scratching meanwhile with tbe wildest tiger like fury, itll the huge monster throws up the spoage. I hey are gentle and good natured, these amber-eyed beauties, unill Mr.

Boa comes around, when they suddenly deveoDthe ferocity of ten devils, it was reptile seventeen feet long that one of this fighting species laid out lu my legation yard one day. "You must understand that Slam Is an outdoor and open-window clime, and this leads to sociability on a very democratic scale, foil never can tell the mixed ehurac ter of anuels, four-tooled and ol herwise, you are liable to eDterlaln at night, tor Instance, we iid a pair of babv sun bears, gentle as kittens, ou Ibe legation pay-roll In some post Hon of honor. "They passed the day In the banyan trees nnd dropped down about midnight to call on their rrleuds. We found them underour bed one morning, and then Mrs. Boyd thought the hour had arrived to draw the line on tbe beasts.

We had to dismiss our pelican, too, In disgrace. In spitoof the dignity he main talned on the front porch, for ihe royal dog made open war on his tall leathers until be resembled a skinless battel gin. THE MAX AND THE JELLY. He Made a Solid Snceras of It, But Wife Has Lost Confidence. From the Washington Post.

Ills There Is one young matron In the city who says thai the next time she goes out ol town for the summer and leaves the nominal bead of tbe house to keep bachelor's ball without feminine supervision sbe is going also to get out an Insurance policy on his digestion though. If tbe company gets on to the Inside facts of bis past season's experience, they will probably class the case ns extra hazardous. A portion of the atoresald facts are as follows: She was going out ol town, not for very loug, however, and of course Fred thought he could lake care of himself lo the meantime. as he had done It for a good many years before turning benedict. But that made tbe difference.

Now he had a house of his own and thought it would be a pity to eo to a res taurant, so he called In an old cbum, who was also alone In the city, and they undertook to run theestablishmentforthemselves, and, rasbest mistake of all. furlougbed tbe hired girl and attempted to do tbelr own catering. How things went no ono outside of tbe lonely two is just prepared to say, but they must have thought they were doing pretty well, for, meeting a third erstwhile crony who was in town, bey Invited him up looinner one aflernooD alter otrice hours. Dinner passed oft uneventfully, considering all things, hut toward Its close the host thought be would Introduce a feature of novelty, and brought outiromthe depths of tbe buffet a consignment ol prepared Jelly, one or tbose boons of modern civilization In tbe way ot ready-made lood. The Jelly when opened proved to he quite firm, surprisingly firm, In lact, and, reslMlmr the attacks of the spoqn, bad to be sliced lift with a knife and catena I caramel.

It was voted quite a moderate success, however, excellent In flavor, but of unaccountable toughness. Tho mystery, however, was cleared up when. In clearing away tbe remains of I he feast, one of the party noticed tbe directions on the discarded wrapper ol the Jel'y package, which read: "Dissolve In one quart of boiling water and set away till cold." Tools Used In Building the Pyramid. From the Collector. One or tbe most Interesting exhibitions la connection witn tbe recent Oriental Congress In London Is a collection of tools used by workmen In building the Pyramids of Egypt.

They were gathered and are exhibited by the Illustrious Kgyptologist, Flinders Pntrle. These utensils Indicate that ancient- workmen had an astonishing acquaintance with many tools which we have been accustomed to consider essentially modern. Among Ihe exhibit are solid and tubular corundum-tipped drills, and straight and circular saws, aud chisels described as "not a bit Inferior to those now used." Tour Hat to Her. From the Rural World. Lift your bat reverently when you pass the teacher ol IDe primary school.

She Is the great angel of tbe republic. She lukes Ibe bantling fresh from tbe borne nest, full of pouts and pnnslous an ungovernable little wretch whoso own mother honestly admits that she sends him to school to get rid of him. The lady who knows her business takes a whole carload of these tin arc hints, one ol whom, Hlnirln bundled and alone, Is more thau a malch lor bis parents, and at once puts I hem In a way of being useful nnd upright citizens. At wbat expense of toll, patience and soul weariness. Lilt your bat to ber.

and they havo haunted me through the years since. I here were lavender, and sweet basil, and bay, and jasmine and the faint, seductive smell of orange flowers. Gradually my eyes became accustomed to the darkness and I could discern dimly at first, but by and by, quite plainly, the curious figure of the voodoo queen. She was seated in a low chair upon a kind of raised dais at one end of the room. Her dress was of the snowiest white cotton; a yellow bandana of enormous proportions encircled her head with numerous folds, the two corners dangling down behind like wings; her face seemed wrinkled and shriveled, horeyes close-lidded, almost sightless.

All that the old woman said matters very littlo now. Ere I knew it she was unfolding, as a scroll, my life history. With an accuracy and a fluency that I could uot myself have commanded on the moment she told everything that had happened to me. It is needless to say I stood spell-bound, for how long I do not know, when, with sudden purpose she opened those closed lids and glared at me with fierce eyes that glowed even in the half-light. "'You will not go away, John she said, in a kind of questioning toue.

Even now I am on my way to take the I said. Tho old queen drew her eyes close together till they seemed only two glowing coals of fire, and leaning a littlo forward on her crooked staff she said. hands have served you in your illness, John Barnwell, and a heart has given its lovo to you do you forget them "Like a flash came the thought that Titino bad sent me here. "'1 forget I replied. 'I shall always be grateful 'Grateful screamed the old woman, rising in her wrath till she looked a queen indeed in her passion.

'Is it gratitude you give in return for a heart's love? To the dogs with yonr gratitude to the dogs that lick your feet! Lcavo here alone, and the curse of La Terese goes with you. To tho man that spurned her grandchild's love, the voodoo queen has this to say Tbe man paused, trembling as with cold. I took his wrist in my fingers and the pulsations came weak and slow. "This is too much for you," I said "had you not better wait 1" "No, no," he said. "What is to be done must be done quickly.

Oh, I can see the old woman now, her tall form swaying, her eyes glowing, her rich tones tumbling with passion. I can hear her now, now: 'To the man who has spurned her grandchild's love the voudoo queen has this to say: Go, and the curse of La Terese goes with you. It will follow you as tbe hunter his quarry You will live hut to see yonr hopes shattered as trees before the storm's blast! You will love, aye. fiercely, as you are now loved, aud as vainly. You will live, and the ghost of a dead past will rise up before you till you drink the very bitter dregs of a wild despair! To the dogs with your gratitude Go, and the curse of La Terese go with you I can hear her now.

I ran hear her now." Tho man paused aud put bis bands across his eyes. "Like, indeed, the hunter his quarry has the curse followed me. Not one jot or one tittle has been snared. Of all the details it matters littlo now. The next year I was in Shreveport.

Ah, I see you remember what Shreveport was iu '73. Will you believe me when I tell you it was witn a feeling almost of joy that I found I had the fever. Already the curse had wrought my ruin. But it was not yet ended. On the night of August 25 I awoke from a deep sleep that had lasted 1 know not how long.

I lay a few moments unniovlng; tho ticking of the clock was tho only sound I heard, and suddenly the fierco striking of the hour. It was 12 o'clock. As the last stroke sounded, I felt, with a curious sensation, a strong gust of wind in my face. fan I said, petulantly, opening my eyes. "My nurse, a stout negro man, sat across the room from me, his head bent for-wnrd upon his chest, in a doze.

There was no one else in the room. The shutters wero drawn, the door closed. I stared around confusedly. With my eyes open, I could feel still tho same sensation, and hear even the whirring noise of a fan's breath. Do you remember That was August 25, 1S73.

Ten years havo passed since then, years that have withered mv flesh and blanched my huir, years that have dried tho very marrow in my bones and quonehed tho firo of my blood, years that have driven me o'er land and sea in vain hope of escape from a terriblo vengeance, for not (or one brief moment since that hour has the fanning ceased. There is no hope, no escape save iu death, and the curse of La Terese is almost wrought." -Even as the man spoke I saw the stirring of his long hair. He lay very still a moment ou his pillows. His breath came in gasps, and with a whirring sound as if it followed a fan's motion. There were only a few moments to wait when the hand poiutcd to the hour of 12 he was gone.

Sister Angeliquo bent over him, gently closing tho weary eyes and folding the withered hauds for their long rest. The next morning she came to my office bearing in her arms the big record of the hospital's deaths. Following the direction of hor finger I read: "At the hour of midnight, August 25, 1S73, iu room No. 17, Titine Bonet, colored, died of yellow fever." And the end of a curious story was told. Neither a Bull Nor a Br nr.

From Good News. Mr. (Joiharn. "And so your fntheris a stock broker in Boston? Is he a bull or a bear?" Boston Child. "Sir?" Mr.

Oothnm. "Does be deal for a rise or a fall In Boston Child. "Oh! Well, sometimes he'i nu optimist aud sometimes a pessimist,".