The Phillipsburg Dispatch from Phillipsburg, Kansas • Page 3

A MYSTERY IN WHITE. T'S not more than a year age," said the veteran detective, when asked for a Ktorv. "that I hud the Btraugest expe rience of my carepr. That is saying something, for, while I am not one of thoBe men In novels who can put on half a dozen disguises in an evening or look at a little heap of cigar ashos and identify the man who smoked the cigar, I've seen a great deal that's way out of the common. "An old gentleman named Denzll called at my office one afternoon to employ my professional services.

I knew him by reputation as a stern, grasping, money-making man who loved nothing but his possessions and 'his beautiful daughter. On her he had lavished wealth, but had saddened her life by preventing her marriage to a manly young chap who was a fitting match for her in appearance, attainments and disposition. He was fast making a record in the world of busi ness, but It was a rich old bachelor who had passed the years of romance end enjoyment that Denzil had elected to have as a son-in-law. Even under the threat of disinheritance that girl would not yield to this mercenary ar rangement, the result being a strained state of neutrality which left both aspirants for her hand without any apparent hope of getting her. "My caller went direct to business.

'I'm a constant and heavy loser because of the theft of money and Jewels from my own he told me. 'Things that are of the most value constantly and mysteriously disappear. Now don't start off with the usual questions about the servants. I have taken pains to test their honesty for ysars and they are above suspicion. I am completely in the dark, without any theories to embarrass you or any explanations to help.

You have the whole Job without a ray of light thrown upon it, and if you find the thief there will be no haggling over the fee. It will be worth much to me to get this worry off my mind. Burglars that make no noise or marks and leave one's house shut up as tight as a drum tend to shatter a man's "I went at once into the country and neighborhood where Denzll lived, pretending to look for a bit of land where I could build within easy reach of the city. I put up at a little road side tavern much frequented in the evening by farm hands. I was soon interested in their gossip about a ghost which they "declared had been seen at different times and by different people.

Their awed tones and Beared faces fitted the subject, and there seemed to be some substantial foundation for the "JUST AHIND MY COAT TAILS." uncanny story. One husky young fel low who did -not look as though he would be easily frightened told of his encounter. 'I war a glttin' home kinder late of a Sunday night, an' jlst as I kirn to th' woods ayond ole Denzil's, I mighty near had a cerlission with th' ghos'. It warn't no white cow er gray hoss er sheep er nothln' else as war flesh an' blood. It whizzed by me Jlst like It war flyin' low an orful swif on a broomstick.

A feller's got ter believe his own eyes, hain't he? I war never soberer in my life an' never so skeered. I bet my footprints war twenty feet apart th' res' of the way home, fur I had a Idee that thar pesky thing war a sailin' 'long jist ahind my coat "I heard like experiences from sev eral others, and in some way connected the 'ghost' with the Denzll robberies. For two nights I stood a dreary watch in the woods referred to without making any discovery. The third night I received a shock. It was intensely dark in the shadows of the trees, and as I sat at the root of a big oak tree some white object glided swiftly and noiselessly Just above the center of the road.

It made the cold chills run over me, though I have no patience with those who tell of visits or communi cations with the departed. "I was determined to enlighten my self and secured a good saddle horse as companion of my vigils. The second night the 'ghost' new by and I galloped in its wake at all the speed my horse could command. A mile ahead the 'ap parltion' swerved to the right of the road and ended our mad race. Tying my horse in a fence corner I crept nearer.

Slowly I made out that the 'ghost' was a woman of stately proportions wearing nothing but a daintily ruffled night robe. She leaned for a brief time over the hollow stump that had been her evident destination and then turning mounted her flying machine, which was a modern bicycle and went scorching back or-Jr the course she had come. Again I followed her and did not stop until I caw her disappear In the side door of the Den 11 house. Hastening back to the hol low stump I explored the interior." "And found the stolen property, of course," interrupted a listener. ppiiir urn" "Not a sign of It.

I could discover nothing that did not naturally belong there. Falling to find the thief In the I became a member of the Den zll household, ostensibly as his private secretary, My first discovery was that the 'ghost' was the beautiful Miss Denzll. She was a somnambulist, and la, uttir Ignorance of tho weird night rldos she had taken. Hut when told of them the explanation wua an easy one. When she and her young lover were children, that hollow stump had been tho postofllce where their ardent missives were mailed and called for.

The memory of those days was a delightful one to hor and the strange mentor of her unconscious action prompted her vlslls to the old spot. "My next Important discovery i ex plained the mystery was employed to solve. Watching secretly in the hallways I saw old Denzll, with eyes wide open and set, come out of his chamber, climb the stairs to the attic, unlock an old desk stored there, open a secret drawer and deposit money as well as Jewels. Ills action showed me that his daughter's habit' of moving about at night was an inherited bnei The next morning he gave me a terrific blowing up as a careless, incompetent and worthless detective who could not catch a thief when in the house with him. I was more Interested in that charming daughter of his than in my case, and a scheme flashed into my mind as if Inspired.

'Mr. I said, 'can you stand the shock of knowing that your daughter is seriously threatened with the loss of her mind because of brooding over separation from the matt whom you say she shall never marry and that be cause of her mental infirmity she is in nocently robbing you under a delusion that in no other; way ran she; provide for the future happiness of herself and that young chap, she honestly poor girl, she is going to 'It's a he roared, 'a miserable plot. You'er 'I did not take Miss Denzll into my plans. I secretly transferred all the stolen wealth to the old stump, had a trusted officer on guard and then told the old gentleman I could prove all I had said and insisted on the right to vindicate myself. and I watched at the primitive poBtofilce tlil Is hdaugh-ter came, and repeated the conduct I have described.

Then we brought out the concealed treasures. Denzll was beside himeelf for fear he might act too late. He sent post haste for the young lover, made a handsome settlement, Insisted on an immediate wed ding and had me as one of the guests. Did ever matchmaker do a slicker Job than I did?" i Illcyole Girl Not Incurable. The bicycle girl cannot be Insured.

This is the decree of the accident insurance companies. The reason for this is as odd from business standpoint as the fact itself. It is because of the frivolity of women; that sho makes frivolous claims for damages. The accident insurance policy usually calls for payment of $5,000 In 'case of death, and in case of disability from $7 to $25 a week, according to the extent of the Injuries. Tho annual payment to secure this Insurance ranges from $4 to $20, in different companies.

Scarcely a day passes that feminine bicycle riders do not visit the insurance companies as applicants for policies, but now they are inyariably. told that they can not be insured under the rules agreed to by the underwriters. In the early stages of bicycling women were insured, and it was found that claims for trivial or imaginary in juries were made by them fre quently and persistently that the underwriters would be bankrupted if one-half of them were. paid. the companies at a joint meeting made a rule that women bicyclists should be de barred from accident policies.

All women are not excluded, however. Those who possess separate estates and who are engaged in business which requires their personal attention and 'involves travel by rail of steamer are treated as desirable risks. If they are injured While riding a bicycle for health or pleasure they receive the benefits of insurance. Bicycle riding is not considered "extra hazardous" except in the case of professional ') The ordinary rider for health" and pleasure, even if he is a "scorcher," is considered a desirable risk. Chicago Chronicle.

A Waning Ciietom. "Do you notice how much the practice of carrying the bands In pocket has been given up by all classes of men within the' last few years?" asked the literary man. was never good form, but still you would often see it. I think the newsboys are responsible for the change. Put your hand In your pocket as you stand for an instant on a street corner or walk along the street some day and see if you don't agree with me.

If you are anywhere in the lower or central portion of the city there will be from one to a dozen or more newsboys in sight. Every one of them will notice the motion of. your hand in your pocket, and if one Is looking in another direction he is attracted by the rush of his fellows, and you are surrounded by a struggling mass i of boye, and as many papers as there are urchins are thrust into your face. It is a dangerous thing to put your hand to your pocket unless you are willing to have your progress delated for a minute or two." New York Times. Bargain Day.

"Dearest." He stopped reading his paper long enough to ask what his fcestest. little wife might want. "When they mark the dollars down to fifty-three cents, will it be every day, or only on FridayaJ" Indianapolis Journal Y0MEN AND WHEELS. WHAT B1CYCLINQ HAS DONE TO IMPROVE THEIR CONDITION. Wheeling Poaieteea Cliaruie "That Ar Enjoyed by K-J Other Form of Sport Tb Dance Attempting Too Muak Flret.

R. ISAAC B. POT- ter, Chief Consul of the New York Division, League of A tnnriin Whnol- -J men. has an article on "The Bicycle Outlook" la a current magazine. The following is an extract: After a close Btudy of the question for five years, I am ready to express my belief that the use of the bicycle will do more to improve the physical condition of American women, and therefore of the American people, than any other agency yet devised.

Argument on this point has glvei way to demonstration. Women are riding the wheel in all parts of the country, and their Increasing numbers testify to its benefits and its popularity. The average woman loves to be out of doors; she enjoys the change of sceno, the, gentle exercise, the de lightful companionship if congenial friends, and the exhilarating benefits of contact with the pure air and bright sunlight, which the knowledge of cycling brings within her reach. To the as to the man, these features possessed by no other form of comprise foundation on which, the popularity of the'blcyclo will The only possible danger In cycling tor woman lies in the fascination which sometimes tempts her to undue rn common with every 'other form of exercise, bicycle riding may of course be overdone, and as well by women as, by mon; but under proper advice from tho family physician, sup- TWO CLEVER O'Noil and Sutherland! At what vaudeville resort In the country is the name of this celebrated team not known? From the Atlantic to the Pacific, from the Lakes to the Gulf these clever entertainers have made themselves famous, and' their "return engagements" ai'e invariably the most profitable ones. Miss Nellie O'Neill was born at Hot Springs, July 14, 1880.

She was reared in Denver, and made her first oppearance at the age of nine years, in Leadville, in a little song and dance with banjo accompaniment. She went thence to the Black Hills, her childish grace and clover work making her a prime favorite, with the miners. She was then engaged for "Ten Nights In a Barroom" company. Next she was seen with a small hall show, the performance being given by herself and a boy contortionist. The tour closed suddenly, and she was secured for the "Daniel Boone" company, playing the child part.

In 1892 she perfected an acrobatic song and dance. plemented by such practical suggestions as may be had from an intelligent instructor or from an experienced rider, any woman In a fair condition of health may undertake bicycle riding with a feeling of certainty that the result will be delightful and helpful la a measure that was never anticipated. A mistake commonly made by women riders, and Indeed by new riders of both sexes, is that of undertaking too much at first. Overexertion induces discouragement, and recollection of a tiresome ride has been known to deter new riders from repeating the attempt. The real pleasure of bicycle riding can be had only by keeping In mind this little truth.

No new rider should continue the first trip to such a point as to feel weariness. A half-hour is in most cases ample for the first road ride, and It should not be continued beyond that time, except by the strongest and most capable rider. The tyro exerts more power than the expert, and in consequence becomes more rapidly tired. He pushes the pedals with undue force, fails to sit erect, falls to sit stllirand lends to follow seems to him to be an erratlo motion of the wheel by a swinging and wobbling of the body which not only tends to increase and make real what was only an Imaginary difficulty, but Insures also the quick coming of fatigue, that might otherwise have been avoided. The new rider should learn to sit erect and to sit still, and in the early stages of his road practice avoid long rides, remembering 'that the exertion mm Lei which, ho puts forth la bLa first effort will be more than sufficient, as soon as a little skill has been acquired, to propel hla wheel many miles farther; than was covered by his first trip.

If the first ride is wearisome, It should not be repeated on the next following day', but rather upon alternate days, until such skill is acquired as will enable the new rider to enjoy his outing without suffering too much fatigue. Bicycling for women has received the indorsement of our leading women and our best physicians. The bicycle dealers of most of our large towns state that the number of bicycles sold to women is dally Increasing, and that the established popularity of bicycling among the gentle sex is assured. The tendency of the bicycle market to lower prices, even of wheels of the reliable grade, will doubtless increase the use of the wheel among women, and enhance Its aggregate benefit to the sex. When the time comes that the delightful country roads and shaded lanes can bo bo kept as to make more general the practice of touring during the vacation season of the year, the wheel Will have gained Its true measure of value as a health restorer, and will attract thousands of riders from among the women of the land who do not yet know the Joys of a hearty appetite and of refreshment Induced by sound sleep.

A MODERN SINBAD. The Sea Wee Altogether Too Eioltloi for Illm. Some imaginative writer tells the tale of a sailor who was shipwrecked three times, was in four collisions and two fires at Bea, suffered from sunstroke and yellow fever, lost a finger or two by frostbite, had one eye gouged out in a fight at San Francisco came home, married a Bhopkeoplng widow, who henpecked him, got out of bis course one foggy day and walked into the river, where he was found next morning still chewing his overnight quid of tobacco, but without his glass eye, Bays Macmillan's Magazine, This is the novelist's type and Is perhaps Bumewhat highly colored; but It ENTERTAINERS. and appeared in the same at the music halls of St. Louis, and Chicago, for several years.

In 1894 Bhe was a member of Arthur Deming's mln strels, and on February 11, 1835, she was Joined by hor present partner, Ul-He Sutherland. Miss Sutherland first saw. the light of day at Chicago, April 11, 1879. At the age of four years she went on the stage, and appeared ni'c cesefully in her specialty until, In 1889, she was engaged by David Henderson for his "Blue Beard" company. During the engagement of that company at Nlblo's Garden, New York, she was prevented from appearing by the Gerry Society.

She afterwards was with Henderson's "Crystal Slipper" and "Sinbad" companies. In 1894 she was joined by Millie Stevens, and t'jey worked at several Chicago music halls After she joined Miss O'Neill the team played the Chicago halls during the World's Fair, making many friends. They have since "toured" every section of the country. may be compared with some actual types. One of the men we have in mind fell from the malnyard and broke his left arm before he had been at sea a month on his first voyage as an apprentice, On the return voyage from San Francisco he fell from the same yard and broke one of his legs.

The vessel was wrecked in a gale off the southwest coast of Ireland, and this unhappy youth, fato profugus, was saved, with three others, out of a crew of twenty-bIx, only, however, to find that his next ship, laden with coal, took fire on the other side of Cape Horn and had to be abandoned by her men, who six days in their boats before a home, ward-bound ship picked them up. His third vessel ran ashore at the en. trance to Hong Kong harbor In her hurry to get inside before a Yankee, with whom she was In company. When our friend found his fourth ship dls masted in a cyclone in the Indian ocean, he came to the conclusion that sea life, which he had been quite prepared to like, was too exciting for him, and he decided forthwith, pro vlded be got safely out of that scrape, to leave it to those with better luck. A Bed Mlatake.

"Why has Ashley and Miss Gushing ton broken off?" "He thought to compliment her by saying that she reminded him of his mother." Cleveland Leader. Football has been played In England for more than five hundred years. REAL KANSAS CRANK. QSNERAL HUGH CAMERON IS AN ECCENTRIC BEINO. Um In the Open and Allow! Unit end Beard to Grow fnelats That Aanenelon Day Ihonld Be Reeognlaed DJ Federal Law.

(Special Letter.) OSSESSED of con siderable wealth at leaBt enscgh to render hlra Independent of all things earthly General Hugh Cameron of known th" Kan" JST Sas hermit, makes hlu bed on an old barn door In tho wild woods near the historic city of Lawrence. He liven In the open air, and when he Bleeps has no other root ttian the foliage of the trees, through which the stars twinkle as if amused at the eccentricity of the man. He has one pet hobby, which he Is urging on congresB. He wants Ascension day to become a national holiday by virtue of a law the supreme legislative body of the land. General Cameron would be a pictur esque figure even If he were not so filled with eccentricities as to attract attention.

He Is tall, finely formed and straight as an arrow, In spite of his advanced years. His white beard and white hair hang down from a mas sive head and face, the former reaching below the waist, extending forty Inches In length, and the latter descending In a snowy cloud thirty-six Inches. He Is one of the richest men In the state, but he refuses to live in a house, preferring the freedom of the woods to the con flnement of a civilized dwelling. He is a marked man, but clear-headed and well versed In the science and folk lore of this and most other countries. He Is not In his dotage, but he clings to any Idea he embraces with all the vigor of a man accustomed to pushing things to success.

General Cameron's Ascension day idea has been advanced by him for years. He believes that the day on which Christ returned to heaven after the crucifixion should be set apart by a Christian nation sucn as America as a day of rejoicing equally if not more significant to the people than July 4, tho nation's birthday. He has com menced agitation in favor of this idea, and will work with a singleness of pur pose toward its accomplishment until he Is called to hlB fathers, unless sue cess crowns his efforts before that time. General Cameron erected a pole on Easter day of this year to commemo rate the resurrection. Imposing cere monies were conducted under his dl rectlon.

The site chosen wbb a suburb of Lawrence, and the old man, now 70 years of age, caused the pole fifty feet long, to be raised with ceremonies of the most Impressive nature. On the top of the pole Is a cross symbolical of the crucifixion, and near by a liberty cap, symbolizing true liberty to all. He bent on an American flag to the hat yards, and ran the silken emblem to the top with his own hands. Many of the residents of Lawrence were present, for the old man, while queer in many things, Is always Interesting. He Is called the Kansas hermit be cause he himself adopted the title.

He saw hard service In the civil war, and was severely wounded. In spite of this fact and his advanced age, he works on his farm early and late. Uncle Sam helps him out to the extent of $20 a month. Fifteen years ago he threw off the bans of fashion, declaring that he would be perfectly Independent and he has been. Since that time he has neither trimmed nor cut his hair or beard.

His hair Is three feet long and liken, while his beard has reached the length of three and one-half feet While wprklng he braids both hair and beard, and tucks them Inside his shirt, On his head he wears a close-fitting cap, and over this either a thick win. ter cap or straw hat. For years Hermit Cameron has been nravlne for a fuller acknowledgment by the people, for the divinity of Jesus Christ. As Easter is me commemora tion of the ascension of Christ, he thinks it should be at a fixed date every year, Instead of as now, arranged according to the ecclesiastical moon "Easter is for the rich folks to wear Ann clothes." says the old man. "Two.

thirds of the common people God's chosen people don't know what Easter J. WW CAMP BEN HARRISON. Is. It la the church-going people only who know Its real significance." He announces that he feels convinced that April 6 Is the true date of the resur rectlon. He prepared a petition to congress, which is remarkable as petl tlons go.

Unable to get either Senator Baker or Congressman Curtis to pre sent it to congress, he sent it to Senator Pfeffer, and that gentleman presented It to the senate a short time ago. A full reading was demanded by the curious senators. It wa lead lo Mr full. This custom Is very rare, usually; the titles only being read to the senate. The document caused no little com ment on all Bides and here is the sub-Btance of it: To the Congress of the United States of America: Your petitioner, the undersigned, asks your honorable bodies to make the 5th of April a national holiday, It being the day on which the "king of the Jews," whom Pontius Pilate caused to be crucified on April 3, A.

D. 33, achloved his splendid victory over the grave. The king of the Jews has always been a true friend of the United States of America. He was with Washington and his compatriots during their great struggle for Independence, and was also with the union army through the, ontire war to maintain that independence with union and liberty. Your peti tioner has an abiding faith that your honorable bodies will cheerfully grant this request, as well on your own account as that of the multitude of bla faithful followers, comprising all the Industrious poor people (God's choson people), many of whom are now prayerfully waiting for the second coming of Bald king, which, It is claimed, will be to the United States of America.

Unquestionably this king has done more to establish and maintain free government on this continent and to make the United States of America a respectable nation than any other king, and so we bb Individuals and as a nation ought not to be ashamed with GEN. HUGH CAMERON, frankness and alacrity to acknowledge that we owe him a debt of gratitude which we will nevor be able fully to liquidate. For all these and many, other obvious reasons tho undersigned hopes that your honorable bodies will without delay make resurrection day a national holiday, for which we will continually pray. Respectfully, HUGH CAMERON. Camp Ben Harrison, Douglas county, Kan.

After the reading the senate referred it to the committee on Judiciary. Aa will be seen, this resolution, if adopted, would upset the present arrangement of Easter days according to the church festival. Easter Is a movable festival. The rule which has been followed In fixing Its date each year Is that it shall be the first Sunday after the fourteenth day (not the full moon) of the calendar moon, which happens on the next after March 21. The calendar moon Is not the moon of the heavens, nor the moon of astronomy, but an imaginary moon for ecclesiastical convenience.

Easter may come as early as March 22, or aa late as April 25. Last year it occurred on April 14. NAPOLEON AND EUGENIE. With Their Child at High Mini The Archhlahoi). I had a card of admission to a seat Immediately In front of the altar and close to those occupied by the imperial party, says Blackwood's Magazine.

It was Interesting, of course, to be able at such close quarters to scrutinize the somewhat sombre countenance of Napoleon the delicato features of his beautiful wife and the fair face of the boy on whom so many glowing hopes were fixed all doomed to be quenched in the dust of death at one desolate spot In far-off Zululand. But it was the venerable archbishop who attracted my attention most strongly, from the subdued gentleness and humility of his aspect, In spite of the gorgeous-ness of his vestments, rich In crimson velvet, gold embroidery and priceless lace. The archbishop woreallttleredskull-cap over his soft, white hair and the expression of his mild countenance was that of simple, genuine goodness. His complete absorption in the religious service on which he was engaged was quite In accordance with what I had been told of his pure, devoted life and the appearance of the meek, defenseless old man would have led one to believe that he was one of the last persons who could ever become the object of Implacable hatred and brutal violence. Yet two years later I stood on the spot where that gentle spirit had at last escaped by the tardy mercy of death from an agony of persecution and torture little known, I believe, be yond tho prison walls where the last cruel scene was enacted.

Tho Star Chamber Loek. The veritable lock and key of the famous Star Chamber were sold at Christie's rooms, London, recently. The lock is soundly made of brass, and though decorated to a certain extent is plain compared with the key, which Is a wonderful piece of fretted steel. The metal Is oi beautiful temper, otherwise It seems Impesslblo that the stem should not snap off if there were the slightest hitch in the turning of the lock. On both sides are portrayed crowned heads, presumably of Charles iltgpll.