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titm 
 
 &t^c*i r ^c^>^i/taA^ 
 
EITHER, OR, 
 
 -BY- 
 
 RUDOLRH LEONHART, A. M. 
 
 -AUTHOR OF- 
 
 'Dolores, " "The Children of the Outlaw," "Through 
 
 Blood and Iron," "The Wild Rose," "The 
 
 Treasure of Montezuma, " Etc. 
 
 COPYRIGHT SECURED. 
 
 canton, ohio. 
 
 Roller Printing Co., Printers. 
 
 i893- 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 The county to which we beg the reader to accompany 
 us, bears the name of Occidentia. It is situated in the West- 
 ern Hemisphere, and abounds with the most precious gifts of 
 Nature. It is traversed by mighty mountain ranges, amongst 
 which we mention the Purple, the Dogskill, the Stony and 
 the Waterfall Mountains, and watered by grand watercourses, 
 amongst which the Muddyfloody or Uncle of Waters, the Dove 
 River and Shriver's Run are conspicuous. Grain of every 
 description, cotton and corn, cover its vast plains, while the 
 grape-vine and fruit-trees of every kind adorn its slopes. Oil 
 and gas stream from its bosom and minerals of inestimable 
 value are hidden in its bowels. It is a confederacy of States, 
 its capital * * :;= 
 
 Here, we are interrupted by our readers, not in so many 
 words, but by that arching of the brows and that knowing 
 smile, so provoking to a writer who flatters himself to com- 
 municate something new. It is no use to proceed before we 
 have humored this unmistakable sign on the part of our read- 
 ers to make themselves heard, so we yield them the floor and 
 ask politely, "Worthy masters, amiable dames, what is it you 
 wish to say, or to state it more pointedly, what have you dis- 
 covered? For your knowing smile surely means nothing 
 less." 
 
 "Oh, Mr. Scribbler, only this: The country you have so 
 eloquently described, is nothing else than — " 
 
 "The United States of North America, you would say? 
 Please let us finish our pen pictures, and if you then insist 
 upon having your say, or rather your way, Ave cannot hinder 
 you, but must shift the consequences to your shoulders. " 
 
 Its Capital, whose name is Patropolis, contains some of 
 the finest edifices in the world. Its monuments surpass in 
 height and grandeur the Pyramids of Egypt and the Coliseum 
 of Rome. In its legislative chambers the Solons of the land 
 meet to celebrate upon its weal or woe, as many discontented 
 voices whisper ; but the most wonderful place in its precincts, 
 is a little room called the lobbv, where the Nabobs of the land 
 
kindly lend their aid to the Solons, magnetizing them with the 
 subtle stream emanating from their coffers, which solidifies in 
 their pockets. 
 
 In this mighty country the coal mines belong to private 
 corporations, the oil wells and basins to trusts and syndicates, 
 which have no heart and pitilessly grind from the poor their 
 slender means, to secure these indispensible necessaries of 
 life. The directory of every city shows you dozens of million- 
 aires, but thousands of poor working women, who stitch or 
 sew away their lives, to keep soul and body together, and 
 hundreds of thousands of wretched beings, who either tramp 
 the country to eke out a precarious existence, or rove the 
 streets of the cities to solve the problem, where to 'procure the 
 next meal. Corporations control the highways, levying at 
 pleasure a tax upon the industries of the Nation, and shape 
 the legislation of the various States, to suit their selfish pur- 
 poses. 
 
 Do 3'ou still think, dear reader, it is the United States of 
 North America ? Do you recognize the features enumerated 
 above as characteristic of the Union ? If you do, remember 
 that this is a bird of your hatching, and that you must be 
 responsible for the fledgeling. As to us, we close these intro- 
 ductory remarks, and raise the curtain from scenes, in which 
 the noblest aspirations, the grandest virtues of our race are 
 blended with the most degrading vices, the most shameless 
 selfishness, the despicable greed and the heartless indifference 
 for the welfare of the race so characteristic of the age. If 
 these scenes shock you, dear reader, do not forget that they 
 are not of our own making, but that you are, in a measure, 
 responsible for their existence, if not by your positive ac- 
 tions, at least by your negative toleration. 
 
 Do not forget that History will, some day, sit in judgment 
 over you, and say: "They saw these horrors, but indolence, 
 indifference or cowardice prevented them from using their 
 strength and influence for their removal." Richly, indeed, 
 shall we consider ourselves paid for this effort, if it arouse one 
 single soul to the consciousness of its duty, to work with 
 word and deed, with might and main, for the removal of the 
 spots which now stain and deface the escutcheon of society. 
 
EITHER, OR. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 A DREADFUL SHOCK. 
 
 Turn over the leaves of your memory, dear reader, and 
 see whether you can recollect some balmy summer afternoon 
 followed in the evening by a tempest whose violence shook 
 the earth to its very depths, whose lightnings blasted the 
 sturdy oak, and whose torrents filled the streams to overflow- 
 ing? You will, no doubt, remember that the charms of that 
 afternoon were doubly enticing by the subsequent horrors, and 
 for that very reason, imprinted themselves indelibly on your 
 memory. 
 
 Man's soul life shows many analogous eases. To-day we 
 journey along, basking in the sunshine of happiness, our 
 minds filled with joyous anticipation of coming bliss. Our 
 buoyant steps hardly feel the ground on which they glide, and 
 our full hearts are tempted to force our lips into joyous shouts 
 of rapture, to proclaim to the world that our measure of con- 
 tentment is full to overflowing. Suddenly the dart descends 
 from a blue sky, rending our heart, and making lis wretched 
 in proportion to our previous happiness. Happy we, who es- 
 cape with a scar, telling of former beauty, if we have the 
 strength of character necessary to extract a wholesome lesson 
 from wormwood or to remodel our character. The weak, the 
 wavering, may sink under the blow, deserving the pity, not 
 the condemnation of their hardier brethren. 
 
 It is our sad task to witness such a mental tempest. The 
 scene is the city of Plutopolis ; the season, summer ; the time, 
 the twilight of evening. One of the numerous railroad trains 
 
6 EITHER, OR. 
 
 which unload their human freight daily in the gigantic city, 
 rolls into the depot, and as it stops, one of the passengers 
 snatches a small valice from the seat, and hastily leaves the 
 car. As he steps upon the platform, brightly lit up by electric 
 light, we sex- that the traveler is young, perhaps not older than 
 eighteen. His form is slender and well knit, measuring about 
 five feet ten. His features are regular, and a pair of keen steel- 
 blue eyes gazes sharply about. Light brown hair protrudes 
 from under a slouched hat, while the firmly lined mouth and 
 chin are, as yet, free from a beard of any kind. His brows 
 are slightly arched, and the decisive step, the steady glance of 
 the eyes and a certain resoluteness of bearing, indicate a read- 
 iness of purpose, calculated to meet emergencies with steadi- 
 ness and determination. 
 
 The youth hurries to one of the numerous doors of exit, 
 and gazes at the various street cars which pass before the 
 depot in every direction. At length he spies the desired car, 
 and beckons to the driver to stop, quickening his steps into a 
 run, until the car is reached. He springs upon the rear plat- 
 form, and then entering the interior, drops into a vacant seat, 
 and abandons himself unto a train of thought which, to judge 
 from the smile playing on his lips and the merry twinkle of 
 his eyes, must be of a joyous nature. 
 
 For half an hourfhe pays no heed to his surroundings, 
 but when after the expiration of that time, the car reaches a 
 more thinly populated suburb, he looks around with lively 
 interest, a smile lighting up his face, and a joyous recognition 
 animating his features. 
 
 Now he rings the bell, and with the disregard to danger 
 so common to strength and agility, springs to the ground long 
 before the phlegmatic driver has stopped the car. The youth 
 runs rather than walks to the sidewalk, and knocks at the 
 door of a modest but nevertheless substantial cottage. Then 
 he bends his head, listening eagerly for signs of life within, his 
 features brightening all the while and the smile of anticipa- 
 tion breaking almost into a chuckle, as if he meant to say: 
 
EITHER, OR." 7 
 
 "Won't they be surprised, the dear old folks? There is a 
 footstep? Now, we shall see." 
 
 The step within is a light one, as if originating with a wo- 
 man, a circumstance which does not escape the youth, for his 
 lips move and he whispers " Mother ! " Now the key turns, 
 the door is pulled back a few inches, and an elderly woman, 
 bearing a lamp in her hand, peers into the darkness which is 
 fast settling over the city. The youth is on the point of utter- 
 ing an exclamation, when the voice of the woman startles him 
 and seals his lips. "Who is there, and what do you wish?" 
 she inquired in tones which he has never heard before. She 
 has opened the door a little farther and shows him a face as 
 strange as the voice. 
 
 " Won't you step in?" she resumes, seeing his evident be- 
 wilderment. He mechanically obeys, but stops just inside the 
 door, saying in a dazed manner: " Beg pardon, I must have 
 made a mistake in the house, and yet I hardly comprehend 
 how that was possible." 
 
 " Whom do you wish to find, sir?" said the lady in a 
 friendly tone of voice, which youth and fairness are so apt to 
 awaken. 
 
 " Mr. Woods, Madam," he answered mechanically, for he 
 has evidently lost his bearings. 
 
 " Mr. George Woods?" 
 
 " Yes, Madam, Mr. George Woods." 
 
 " Then you are not aware that Mr. Woods is dead, has, in 
 fact, been dead these three months?" 
 
 You have probably heard the expression of the flash 
 of lightning from a blue sky, reader. The expression is a 
 hackneyed one and, moreover, an absurdity, for there are no 
 such flashes ; still, you will pardon us for borrowing it on this 
 occasion. There is, indeed, no other which will express so 
 forcibly the stunning effect which these few words produced 
 upon the youth. Stunned is exactly the word, for only a per- 
 son stunned fails to betray the effect of such a crushing blow. 
 The bewilderment on his face deepened, and he merely stam- 
 mered: "DEAD! DEAD! And— and— my— Mrs. Woods?" 
 
8 EITHER, OR. 
 
 " She, too, is dead, died a week after her husband," she in- 
 formed him in a tone of indifference, such as we* assume when 
 we speak about strangers, or are ignorant of the fact that we 
 plunge a dagger into the heart of the listener. 
 
 " DEAD ! " he echoed, this time louder, as if partly 
 awakened to the dreadful disaster which had occurred in this 
 house during his absence. At the same time the valise dropped 
 from his hand, which glided mechanically over his pallid face. 
 The woman began to comprehend that her words had hurt 
 the stranger, for a look of apprehension stole from her eyes 
 and she said, with much sympathy in her voice, stepping a lit- 
 tle nearer : "Did you know them, sir? Perhaps they were 
 relatives, or — good Heavens ? perhaps you are the son that — " 
 
 She did not finish, for the stranger suddenly wheeled 
 round, and rushed from the building, without heeding his bag- 
 gage. The woman made a motion as if to stop him, but 
 he either failed to notice it, or purposely disregarded it, for he 
 shut the door behind him, and with a mien half stupefied, 
 half dazed, staggered away into the darkness. The woman 
 inside gazed at the closed door, a picture of intense compassion 
 combined with uncertainty as to the best course to pursue. 
 
 " Poor lad !" she said pityingly, her eyes tilling with tears; 
 " no wonder he is distracted with grief. Who would not, 
 under like circumstances? I wish I could have told him, for 
 I fear he may do something rash under the influence of this 
 dreadful news. And here is his valise ; I must go and consult 
 father, he will probably know what we had better do in this 
 distressing case." 
 
 With this she picked up the valise and walked towards 
 the room from which she had stepped. We will leave her to 
 follow the wanderer who hastened through the night air with 
 an ever increasing speed, but without any apparent aim or 
 purpose. His brain seemed in a whirl, through which only 
 one word or rather conception reached the seat of conscious- 
 ness, namely, the word DEAD ! Both parents dead; the noble 
 father whom he had both loved and respected as one of the 
 best of men ; his mother, the embodiment of everything good, 
 
EITHER, OR. 9 
 
 lovable, wise and inspiring. Six months ago he had left them 
 well, contented and apparently in the midst of affluence, and 
 now, dead; gone from him, never to return to the loving son, 
 whose heart nearly burst with a vague, but nevertheless in- 
 tense yearning for the departed. Is it a wonder that he reeled 
 along the dimly lit streets like one drunk? That he was 
 incapable of forming any connected idea, except that of the 
 terrible, irreparable loss he had sustained? Now and then 
 one of the few persons he met would stop and gaze after 
 the silent figure disapprovingly, uttering or thinking the word 
 " drunk." Several times a policeman pursuing his nightly 
 calling, was on the point of arresting the steps of the youth ; 
 but a certain something in the contracted brow, the vacant 
 gaze of the fixed eyes, stayed his uplifted hand and checked 
 the words rising to his lips, and caused him to content himself 
 with a shake of the head and a muttered remark, expressing 
 his belief that something must have gone wrong with the 
 lad. 
 
 It was about eight when the wanderer started on his 
 erratic course. The sky had been cloud y all afternoon, but 
 now the clouds became darker and denser, and about nine be- 
 gan to send down showers of rain. At the same time a fierce 
 north wind arose, blowing the heavy drops into the face of the 
 youth, who did not seem merely indifferent to, but even 
 unconscious of the storm. He drew a deep breath, as if he 
 enjoyed the tumult of the elements without, as congenial 
 to the one raging in his bseast. This enjoyment was, however, 
 unconscious, like everything else within him, excepting the 
 maddening thought of DEAD ! Both dead ! 
 
 The storm increased in fury, the minutes grew into hours, 
 and the bell of a distant church tolled the hour of midnight 
 without any visible abatement in the speed of this erratic race. 
 Nor is it likely that even the dawn of day would have wit- 
 nessed its cessation, if the inexorable laws of Nature, in the 
 shape of utter exhaustion, had not, at last, arrested the steps 
 of the wanderer. He reeled with faintness now, and for the 
 first time cast a conscious srlance around him. In the faint 
 
io HITHER. OR. 
 
 light of dawn he perceived that he was in the suburbs of a city, 
 probably Plutopolis, a fact he made certain by reading the 
 name of a railway station in whose vicinity he had arrested 
 his steps. It was, indeed, a suburb of Plutopolis, but fully 
 twelve miles from its center, showing that he had traveled that 
 distance during his reckless march. While yet reading the 
 name of the station and learning these facts, he heard the 
 rumbling of a train, which drew up at the station a minute 
 later, to accommodate a number of early passengers, plying 
 their vocation in the city. 
 
 Half mechanically our friend selected a ticket, and boarding 
 a train, was rapidly whirled back to the scene of the appall- 
 ing discovery of last night. Bodily fatigue now assumed the 
 friendly office of comforter, and when, half an hour later, the 
 youth alighted a second time at the depot, which had witness- 
 ed the arrival of the happy lad, full of joyous anticipation, he 
 was more collected than at any time since his visit to the 
 home of his childhood. Becoming conscious of the dilapida- 
 ted condition of his attire and the wondering gaze of the pass- 
 erby, he hastily withdrew from the crowded thoroughfare, and 
 entering a street car, was once more taken into the neighbor- 
 hood of the dwelling at which we saw him knock. This time 
 he passed it, and entering a street one block farther east, soon 
 knocked at the door of a modest little dwelling. Again the 
 door was opened ; again a woman appeared on the threshold, 
 who uttered a cry of delight coupled with the cry of "Richard, 
 Richard ! " A moment later the woman and the weather- 
 stained wanderer were enfolded in a close embrace, both parties 
 mingling copious tears aud indulging in fervent exclamations 
 of endearment. At last the woman disengaged herself and 
 said, her utterance half choked by convulsive sobs : " And 
 you know, Richard? You know, that — " 
 
 She did not finish, but he answered nevertheless, antici- 
 pating her meaning : " I do know, Aunt Laura, though I 
 cannot yet comprehend the possibility of the dreadful fact, or 
 fathom its full meaning. " 
 
 " Poor boy, " she cried with a new embrace, and a renew- 
 
EITHER, OR. ii 
 
 al of her sobs; " but what is this ? You are wet, bespattered 
 with mud from head to foot. Where have you been ? " 
 
 " I hardly know, Aunt Laura, " he replied, with a sad at- 
 tempt at a smile, " when I learned the news over there last 
 night, I wandered off, anxious to flee from the dreadful con- 
 sciousness of my bereavement, and must have walked about 
 all night, for, this morning, I found myself at Elmwood 
 Station. " 
 
 " Twelve miles from the city ! " she exclaimed, " you 
 must be tired and hungry, and I let you stand out here, with- 
 out thinking of your condition, idiot that I am ! Come in Rich- 
 ard and change your clothes, while I prepare breakfast. The 
 fire is burning, and it won't take me long. But where is your 
 baggage? Have you no apparel with you?" 
 
 " Let me think, Aunty. You see, I am quite dazed yet, 
 and have to think. I surely had a valise with me last night, 
 but where I left it, is more than I can tell." 
 
 " Perhaps you left it at the house, where — " 
 
 " I called last night, " he completed; " perhaps I did. At 
 all events, I can soon ascertain. " 
 
 He was on the point of carrying out his design, when his 
 relative .stopped him, saying: " No, Dick, you come in and 
 take a bath, while I run over to find out. I have hot water, 
 and you must refresh yourself, while I get your things. Nay. 
 do not contradict, my boy, for I shall not allow you to take 
 another step from this cottage before you have recovered your 
 strength. " 
 
 With this she led him into the hall, and thence into a room 
 where she made him sit down. Next she prepared him a bath, 
 and then said in her motherly way, which seemed to soothe 
 and console him : 
 
 " So, Dick, everything is ready. Take off your wet cloth- 
 es and bathe while I am gone. That is a good boy. Good 
 bye, dear, I won't be gone long. " 
 
 With this she withdrew, while he mechanically obeyed 
 her injunctions, removing his wet and soiled garments with 
 an effort, showing plainly that his strength was well nigh 
 
12 EITHER, OR. 
 
 spent. The application of the tepid water to his weary 
 limbs was both soothing and refreshing, but also produced 
 a drowsiness so overwhelming, that he could scarcely keep 
 his eyes open, and might, indeed, have fallen asleep, if a 
 knock at the door had not aroused him to a consciousness of 
 his condition and surroundings. 
 
 " Dick, here is your valise, " he heard his aunt say, "now 
 dress, while I get your breakfast ready. " 
 
 He received the valise and managed to slip on a dry suit 
 of clothes. While thus occupied, he heard his aunt stir the 
 fire in the neighboring kitchen and set the table. When he 
 had dressed, he walked drowsily into the kitchen, where his 
 relative received him with a smile, and : " Ah, there you 
 are ! And here is your breakfast. Sit down and eat this nice 
 piece of steak; it will restore your strength. " 
 
 He obeyed mechanically, but she saw from his motions 
 that he was half asleep ; so she said encouragingly, "just eat a 
 bite Dick and then you shall sleep. Here, drink this coffee, it 
 is hot, and will warm you up. " 
 
 She bustled about him, while he obeyed with the readi- 
 ness of a little child. When he laid down his knife and fork, 
 she resumed, " And that is really all? Well, come then to my 
 room, and lie down on the bed. Nevermind your shoes, Dick, 
 they won't hurt the spread. " He threw himself on the soft 
 bed, and was dimly conscious, that she imprinted a kiss on his 
 brow. Then came deep and total oblivion, and with it for a 
 while, the cessation of the pain engendered by the crushing 
 bereavement he had endured. Blessed sleep, harbinger of rest 
 and peace to the mourner and the sufferer ! Well would it be 
 for many a mortal, if thou couldst be prolonged into the sleep 
 of death ; for, on thy departure, the throbbing of the temple, 
 the aching of the heart, the racking of the brain, are apt, nay 
 sure, to recommence. 
 
 It was dusk, when Richard returned to consciousness. 
 His gaze fell upon the ceiling above him, without bringing, 
 however, a comprehension of his situation. Next they fell up- 
 on the furniture of the room, and, at last, fastened themselves 
 
EITHER, OR. 13 
 
 upon the figure of a woman who sat in a rocking chair near 
 the window, plying a set of knitting needles with both vigor 
 and skill. We may as well seize this opportunity to introduce 
 her to our readers. Mrs. L,aura Kean was about forty-five, 
 and well preserved for her age. She was a brunette, and her 
 dark brown hair showed very few of those silver threads be- 
 tokening the approach of age. Her features were well-shap- 
 ed, without being remarkably handsome. Her eyes were 
 large, and in color and character, much like those of her neph- 
 ew, betraying the same steadfastness and intelligence. Nor 
 was the firmness and determination of the lips and chin lack- 
 ing, which attracted our attention on our first meeting with 
 the youth. The resemblance would have been more marked, 
 if the hair and complexion of the youth had not played more 
 into the blonde ; but even the casual observer could hardly 
 fail to discover, that these two persons were mentally related, 
 both betraying similarity of tastes, likings and dispositions, 
 which could not help cementing a firm friendship and warm 
 affection between them. The gaze of the youth must have 
 had magnetic power, for it had hardly dwelled on her a sec- 
 ond, when she turned her face in the direction of her guest, 
 thus obtaining the intelligence that he was awake. A few 
 seconds later she stood at his side, and looking lovingly into 
 his eyes, said : 
 
 " Good evening, my lad, how do you feel now?" 
 
 "Very well, Aunt Laura, "he replied, rising energetically 
 to a sitting posture. " Have I slept long? " 
 
 " All day, Dick. But now come, supper is ready, and you 
 must make up for the failure which your drowsinesss occas- 
 ioned this morning. " 
 
 She took his hand, and led him to the kitchen, where the 
 pair sat down to a tempting meal. It was eaten in silence, 
 only interrupted by such remarks as the nature of the occupa- 
 tion occasioned. When it was over, they returned to the bed- 
 room, and sat down, a sad solemnity stealing over their fea- 
 tures. After a few minutes of silence Richard took her hand, 
 and said in a low but steady voice : 
 
i 4 EITHER. OR. 
 
 " Now, Aunt Laura, tell me all about it. " 
 She looked at him wistfully, then said : 
 " Are you strong enough to hear it, Dick? " 
 " As strong now as I will be to-morrow ; but tell me Aunt 
 is there something shocking — something dreadful, besides the 
 mere sadness of their sudden — I mean this untimely bereave- 
 ment? " 
 
 She hesitated a moment ; then giving his hand a firm 
 pressure, replied : " Poor boy, I wish, oh, how I wish, I 
 could say there is not. But, alas ! there is. I might be 
 tempted to conceal this feature of the case from you, were it 
 not, that your mother left certain papers which I promised to 
 deliver into your hands. Besides, your sister's — " She stop- 
 ped, for she felt a sudden tremor passing over her nephew's 
 form. A deadly pallor covered his features, and he made an 
 attempt to rise, which proved abortive, for he fell back at the 
 same time gasping : 
 
 " Elinor ! I never once thought of her ! Is she, she too—" 
 He did not finish, but looked so imploringly at her, that she 
 hastened to reply : 
 
 " Not dead, Richard, not dead, thank heaven, but — " 
 He breathed a deep sigh of relief, then said mechanically: 
 "But what, Aunty? She is not here, I see. What has be- 
 come of her? Is she in the city? Can't I see her now, or 
 soon, at least? " 
 
 All these questions were uttered spasmodically, and with 
 such rapidity that no one could have answered them. When 
 he had finished, Mrs. Kean looked pitifully at him, like one 
 who is compelled to impart sad news : 
 
 " I fear, you cannot, Richard, for she is not in the city. " 
 
 " But where, Aunt Laura, where? Do not torture me. " 
 
 " I do not know myself Richard. " 
 
 " Do not know?" he repeated in a bewildered manner, his 
 words conveying a silent reproach. This showed Mrs. Kean, 
 the necessity of dispatch, and she hastened to reply : 
 
 " Richard, do not think hard of me; Elinor is married. " 
 
EITHER, OR. 15 
 
 " Married?" again he echoed, " married? Under the cir- 
 cumstances? I do, I cannot, understand." 
 
 " It is hard to understand, but I will endeavor to put it into 
 the proper light. You know Elinor is not very — that is, she 
 has not as much — as much — " The poor woman stopped evi- 
 dently afraid to hurt his feelings. 
 
 " Prudence, or intelligence, you mean," he broke in im- 
 patiently. " Yes, I know. Aunt Laura, but for that very rea- 
 son — " He in turn hesitated, for his next word would have 
 implied another reproach. His aunt felt this, she said earn- 
 estly, but without acrimony : 
 
 " I should have watched and guided her, you mean? 
 Well, I tried, Richard, but if your poor sister lacks your intel- 
 ligence, she resembles you at least in the obstinacy of purpose 
 which marked your conduct formerly, if it does not now. " 
 
 A glance of humor stole from his eyes, but he only re- 
 marked : " Go on, Aunty. " 
 
 "Well, it happened in this way: after the death of your 
 parents, Elinor came to live with me. She had hardly been 
 here a week, when a family, consisting of mother and son, 
 moved into the next house. The mother called on me, and 
 was very friendly, but I felt a repugnance to her from the 
 very first moment. Nor was her son auj' more to my liking, 
 but he was so civil and courteous that I could not well show 
 him any rudeness either to him or his mother. He managed 
 to become acquainted with Elinor, and, although I warned 
 her from the start, she met his advances half way. He was 
 handsome, and had the manner of a gentleman, qualities to 
 which Elinor attaches undue importance. So the fellow, whose 
 name is Arthur Roberts, became an open and avowed suitor 
 for your sister's hand. His conduct was upright and straight- 
 forward, I must confess, although I never ceased, distrusting 
 him or warning her. One day Mrs. Roberts called, and in her 
 son's name, asked Elinor's hand in marriage. She showed me 
 papers proving that the young man is possessed of ample 
 means to support a wife, and then begged me to advocate her 
 son's cause with Elinor. When I declined this insinuation, 
 
16 EITHER, OR. 
 
 she politely, but positively asked permission to see your sister, 
 and as Elinor is of age and her own mistress, it would have 
 been idle to refuse. They met, and an hour later Elinor in- 
 formed me that she had accepted Arthur's proposal, giving as 
 her reasons her love for him and her desire of procuring a 
 male protector. In vain I remonstrated, urging the 
 lack of sufficient acquaintance as a cause for prudence and 
 caution. True, she promised to postpone the marriage day 
 sufficiently to gain a better insight into Arthur's character, 
 but this promise she broke, for, in one day, when I returned 
 from after a business visit to the lower city, I found Elinor 
 gone, leaving only a short note in which she informed me 
 that the necessity of Arthur's return to Lakopolis, where he 
 pretended to work as foreman in a factory, made the immedi- 
 ate performance of the ceremony unavoidable. She moreover 
 stated that they had been married that very morning in Mrs. 
 Robert's house, and would depart on the noon train for their 
 new home. She closed by saying good bye, promising to 
 write, giving the name of Harter Bros., Printers, as the firm 
 for which Arthur, or as she called him, her husband worked. 
 
 You may imagine my consternation at the reception of 
 this news. Perhaps it was too late to prevent the ruin of the 
 poor girl, for as such I could not help considering her rash 
 step. I hastened to the door of Mrs. Robert's cottage — it was 
 locked, and no knocking, however vigorous, brought a re- 
 sponse from within. I hurriedly called at the next house and 
 there, on my inquiry, learned that the Roberts' had driven off 
 at about 12 o'clock that morning, in company with my niece 
 who seemed to be very happy. That is the last I heard of 
 poor Elinor, my boy. " 
 
 " And she did not fulfill her promise to write? " 
 
 " No, Richard. At all events, no letter of hers ever 
 reached me. " 
 
 " And the address, Aunt Laura. Did you make use of it?" 
 
 " I did, Richard, but — but — " 
 
 Once more she hesitated as if loth to communicate bad 
 
EITHER, OR. 17 
 
 news. His anxious, searching glance, however, was not to be 
 resisted; so she continued : 
 
 " There is no such firm in Dakopolis, Richard. " 
 
 The ominous silence which followed proved to a cer- 
 tainty that Richard comprehended the full import of these 
 words. If the man whom his sister had married so rashly had 
 deceived her friends in this instance, was he likely to be reli- 
 able and trustworthy in other matters ? Was he likely to keep 
 his marriage vow, or — horrible to think — had he married her 
 at all? At last he broke the silence by saying: 
 
 " I must and shall see into this, and try to find my sister, 
 Aunt Laura ; but now proceed, please, and end an uncertainty 
 which is well nigh unbearable. How, when and why did my 
 poor parents die? " 
 
 "How?" she echoed, looking wistfully into vacancy. 
 Then, gasping for breath, and making a desperate effort at 
 composure, she continued : " Your father died with a malig- 
 nant fever into which the machination of a fiend in human form 
 had thrown him. " 
 
 He gave a violent start at these words ; then he gazed at 
 her intently, as if he feared a derangement of her brain. Tak- 
 ing her hand in a compassionate manner he said, soothingly : 
 " Dear Aunty, the recital of these sad events is too much for 
 you. Delay its continuation till tomorrow. " 
 
 " You fear for my reason, Richard? And you are truly 
 pardonable for such an assumption, for the idea is horrible 
 enough, to upset the strongest reason. But I am authorized, 
 or rather commanded, to place papers in your hand, which 
 substantiate every word I have said. " 
 
 Richard sat one moment like one dazed. Then he rose 
 slowly to his feet, and asked in tones whose coldness contrast- 
 ed strangely with the emotions to which he had evidently fal- 
 len prey : 
 
 " His name, Aunt Laura, his name ? " 
 
 She shook her head pensively and said : " Nay, learn 
 that from your mother's communications. I would not have 
 said even this much, if my silence could have saved your 
 
t8 EITHER, OR. 
 
 mind from such direful knowledge, lor I sincerely doubt the 
 'wisdom of awakening in your heart the thirst for vengeance 
 which will not only mar your happiness, but may lead to your 
 destruction. I leave the responsibility with her who enacted 
 from me the solemn promise to hand to you a diary in which 
 she has laid down both her thoughts and a narrative of the 
 principal events of her life. " 
 
 " As you wish, Aunt Laura ; but where is this diary ? " 
 
 " She rose, and going to a bureau, took from its upper 
 •drawer a sealed package which she laid into his hand without 
 a word of explanation. The youth received it reverently and 
 as he kissed the lines of address penned by the hand of 
 the dear mother who had given him life, love and guidance, 
 veopious tears rolled down his cheeks. 
 
 • Tell me, Aunt Laura, " he then asked huskily, " did she 
 too fall a prey to this — this fiend? " 
 
 " Not directly, for your mother was afflicted with heart 
 trouble, as you no doubt remember, but your father's sudden 
 •death undoubtedly hastened the paralytic stroke which ended 
 her life. " 
 
 " What a reckoning, then, with the monster, " he said 
 calmly, but the stern glance darting from his eyes belied this 
 seeming tranquility. Mrs. Kean shook her head mournfully 
 but only remarked : 
 
 " Well, my boy, this bitter cup cannot be avoided, the 
 sooner you empty it, the better. I leave you with this legacy 
 trusting fervently that it may not wreck your life. If you de- 
 sire my presence or counsel, you will find me in the kitchen." 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 A VOICE FROM BEVOND THE GRAVE. 
 
 When Mrs. Keen left the room, Richard resumed his seat, 
 and gazed once more reverently and mournfully at the pack- 
 age containing his mother's last communications, probably 
 coupled with requests and injunctions calculated to influence 
 or even shape his entire future life. What would he learn 
 regarding her innermost thoughts, the incidents of a spotless 
 
EITHER, OR. 19 
 
 life ? Yes spotless ; for Richard would have affirmed with a 
 thousand oaths, yea, with his life, that no better woman than 
 his mother had ever trod the earth. Her communication, then 
 must necessarily be in harmony with her virtuous conduct, 
 her pure and spotless character, and he then and there took 
 the solemn vow, that, whatever the requests or commands of 
 the departed saint might be, he would execute them faithfully, 
 implicitly and to the fullest extent of his ability. After this 
 mental vow a sweet calmness filled his soul, and, after one 
 more kiss imprinted upon the address, Richard resolutely 
 broke the seal and removed the cover. 
 
 The contents consisted of several manuscripts showing 
 different handwritings belonging, to judge from the more or 
 less faded writing, to different periods of the past. There was 
 also a sealed letter in his mother's handwriting, addressed : 
 " To my son Richard, but not to be read until after the peru- 
 sal of the journal. " Conquering his natural longing, and lay- 
 ing the letter reverently aside, the youth took the manuscript 
 looking most affected by age and discovered at a glance that 
 he really held in his hand the pencilings of his grandmother 
 whom he recollected only very dimly, as she had died dur- 
 ing his infancy. He opened the leaves and was soon deeply 
 engaged in perusing the incidents of an eventful life. We 
 would gladly make the reader a participator in this interest- 
 ing pastime, were it not for the fact that the full rendition 
 of the manuscript would greatly overreach the limits of this 
 narrative, for w^hich reason we must content ourselves with 
 such extracts as are calculated to throw light upon matter 
 necessary for a perfect comprehension of its contents. With- 
 out further comments we will let the writer speak for herself. 
 
 On Board the Sea Serpent, July 20th, 18 — 
 A fair day. We have just risen from breakfast, and as I 
 have fully recovered from sea sickness, I need not say that 1 
 enjoyed it. We are now in the channel of Mozambique, and 
 the Captain says that we shall probably be in Calcutta in ten 
 or eleven days, provided everything goes well. How I long, 
 and yet dread, to be there. Long, because India if to be my 
 
20 EITHER, OR. 
 
 future home, holding in her lap all the weal and woe of my 
 future life. Dread, because this future is so uncertain ; because 
 I will be compelled to leave, on our arrival in the port, this 
 present asylum to face the world ; a world so strange ; a world 
 moreover, said to be so cold, so cruel. And to meet it, I have 
 only a few pounds in my purse and a recommendation to a 
 lady whom I never saw, a lady possessed of wealth and influ- 
 ence, but also whims and caprices if the gossips are correct. 
 No wonder, then, that I dread the arrival in the port. 
 
 ii A. M. — I have just come down from the deck, driven 
 away by a strong gale and a drizzling rain. The Captain says 
 all indication point to stormy weather, a prospect by no means 
 pleasant, as it means probably a renewal of seasickness, if 
 nothing worse. Indeed I even now feel a choking sensation 
 in my breast and must cease writing. 
 
 July 22nd, On Board the Water Sprite. 
 What a change since my last writing. A shudder creeps 
 over me, when I think of the experience of the last two days. 
 My thoughts are so confused, my recollections so dim and im- 
 perfect, that I can give but a very incomplete description of 
 the horrors through which I have passed. Nevertheless I 
 will try. About an hour after I quit writing, the day before 
 yesterday, the gale developed into a terriffic storm, which soon 
 raised mountain-like waves and tossed the Sea Serpent about, 
 as if she had been a cork. The Captain was compelled to 
 abandon our course and run before the storm, to avoid being 
 engulfed by the terrible waves washing continually over our 
 deck as long as we pursued our course. I noticed that the 
 Captain's face was very grave, and one of the passengers, a 
 gentleman, informed us that the Captain feared to encounter 
 shoals and sand banks which his chart showed to exist a few 
 hundred miles ahead of us. I shall never forget the night 
 which followed. The fear of a near disaster was made worse 
 by the tortures inflicted by sea sickness. Indeed, so agoniz- 
 ing were these tortures that even the thought of death 
 lost its terror. At the break of dawn I crept on deck assisted 
 by the gentleman I mention above. We clung to the cables 
 of the middlemast, and gazed shudderingly upon the rag- 
 ing sea around us. What would have been grand from a se- 
 cure point of view, was now truly appalling. We had been 
 on deck only a few minutes, when a sudden shock and a tre- 
 mendous crash told us that the Captain's fear had been well 
 founded and that we had indeed run upon shoals, but not 
 sand-banks, as the charts indicated, but a rocky ledge which 
 
EITHER, OR. 21 
 
 soon stove in the bottom of our vessel. The next wave lifted 
 us back into deep water, but the mischief had been done, for 
 a hasty examination showed that the water was rushing into 
 the hull, and that we would have to take to the boats, if we 
 did not wish to be drawn into the vortex. I secured a little 
 traveling bag, and was placed into one of the boats which left 
 the steamer just in time to avoid the suction of the sinking 
 vessel. At first we could see the other boats in our neighbor- 
 hood, but the waves soon separated us from them, leaving us 
 uncertain whether they were still tossed about like ourselves, 
 or had been swallowed by the angry waters. I will not dwell 
 upon the weary hours which followed. I expected every 
 moment to be my last, indeed, I am even now incapable to 
 comprehend how we escaped the gigantic waves which wet us 
 to the skin and threatened to engulf us. We had no way of 
 reckoning the time, as our watches had been disabled by the 
 water, but it might have been about noon, when the winds 
 began to abate, and the waves to assume smaller proportions. 
 Two hours later the last trace of the storm had disappeared, 
 excepting perhaps a deep and long round swell, looking like 
 the last heavings of a giant after a mighty effort. Now the 
 cravings of our nature made themselves felt, and everybody 
 inquired for something to eat and drink. Fortunately a 
 small keg with fresh water had been put into the boat before 
 our departure from the steamer, and from it we now quenched 
 our burning thirst. As to victuals, we were less foTtunate. 
 The accident had been too sudden and overwhelming, to per- 
 mit of securing provision, and we now looked at one another 
 with the pallor apt to blanch the cheeks when a famine or 
 starvation threatens us. Fortunately the horrors connected 
 with such privations were spared us, for just then the smoke 
 of a steamer became visible on the horizon For awhile we 
 wavered between hope and fear ; but the vessel continued to 
 come nearer, and at last our signals of distress were observed 
 by the crew. An hour later we were taken on board the 
 Water Sprite, a fine steam yacht owned by Mr. Harry Brown, 
 and bound for the same port as the ill fated Sea Serpent. We 
 were kindly treated by the wealthy owner, who, indeed, did 
 everything to relieve our sufferings and supply the wants en- 
 gendered by the shipwreck. Mr. Brown is a man of about 
 thirty-five, of stately appearance though no remarkable 
 beauty. In him, however, I recognized the truth of the adage 
 that " Handsome is what handsome does." To me, the 
 only female member of the rescued party, he has been more 
 
22 EITHER, OR. 
 
 than kind. Although unable to refurnish my wardrobe, he 
 made his cook give up such garments, as were indispensible 
 to my " debut " on deck. He has been very attentive, enter- 
 taining me with a recital of his numerous adventures, and 
 driving away the recollection of the recent horrors by his wit 
 and humor. Indeed, were it not that past experience had 
 taught me wisdom, I would flatter myself to have made a more 
 than casual impression upon the heart of our host. 
 
 July 24th. On Board the Water Sprite. 
 I have spent two very pleasant days since my last writ- 
 ing, thanks to the unceasing kindness of my host who spent 
 nearly all his leisure hours, at my side. My companions in 
 misfortune noticed his marked attentions, and banter me with 
 what they term, " my conquest. " Indeed, it takes all my 
 force of will, and the constant admonition of prudence and 
 common sense, to remind me of the fact, that it is not affec- 
 tion but the wish to while away a tedious hour which induc- 
 es Mr. Brown to favor me with his company and attention. He 
 is a very fascinating person, and it requires all these dictates of 
 prudence to guard against conceiving more than a mere 
 friendship for him. 
 
 July 27th. On Board the Water Sprite. 
 
 Am I dreaming, or is it really true that I am the happy 
 wife of an amiable, nay lovable man? I must sometimes feel 
 myself; pinch myself, to ascertain that I am really awake, a 
 married woman, and the owner of millions, for be it said ad- 
 ditionally, though by no means chiefly, that my husband is 
 the owner of vast riches, so vast, indeed, that I can hardly 
 fathom their extent. And all that came about in this man- 
 ner : 
 
 Yesterday, Mr. Brown was with me as usual. After 
 touching on various subjects, he began to give me a short 
 history of his lile. He told me that he is a native of Occi- 
 dentia, where he even now possesses a large banking house, 
 managed for him by a brother, with whom, however, he is not 
 in great sympathy. He has been a rover of the world, and 
 pretty well contented with his lot, excepting a certain void 
 which he felt occasionally, and a yearning for domestic happi- 
 ness which had been denied him. Looking at me intently, he 
 continued : " Miss Mary, never before has this void been so 
 marked as since the day I saw you first. Never before has a 
 woman roused in me the feelings which you have awakened 
 in my heart, and I shall consider our meeting truly providen- 
 
EITHER, OR. 23 
 
 tial, provided that you can tell me that you share these feel- 
 ings in a sufficient degree, to become my dear companion for 
 life. ' Say, Maty, ' seizing my hand, ' can and will you say 
 yes.?' " 
 
 I felt a sensation of keen delight stealing over me, and it 
 was merely the spirit of self-denial which caused me to reply : 
 " But, Mr. Brown, you hardly know me ! How do you know 
 but I am a mere adventuress, unworthy of the love of a good 
 man like you ? " 
 
 " Tut, Tut ! You know no more of me than I of you, and if 
 you pretend to have discovered some goodness in me, I have 
 probably divined you by that process. Come now and say 
 that you will take Harry Brown with all he is and has, for 
 your loving husband. " 
 
 I have always been one of your impulsive creatures, and 
 this manly open way of courting, pleased me. So I laid all 
 false diffidence aside, and placing both my hands in his, said : 
 " Mr. Brown, I reply as frankly as you asked ; I have learned 
 to love you with all my heart, and if you really are desirous of 
 having such an insignificant mite of a thing, I give myself to- 
 you with all I am and have, which latter amounts to just five 
 pounds, sixpence. " 
 
 He laughed, then drew me into his embrace, and kissed 
 me, saying: "A formidable item indeed, for which I will 
 have to give you receipt, provided, you will permit me to in- 
 vest it for you. But now, rny dear girl, you must crown your 
 goodness to me by consenting to become my wife without de- 
 lay. You see, I have wasted so many years in bachelorhood, 
 that I hate to lose one more. We are near the island of Yoko, 
 where a good missionary, with whom I am acquainted, is try- 
 ing to convert the thievish Malayan inhabitants to Christian- 
 ity. If we run in, he will only be too happy to make me 
 happy ; so be a good girl and say ' Yes.' " 
 
 What could I do ? When a man whom you love asks 
 you to make him happy, and the accomplishment of such a 
 favor is conducive to your own felicity, you are not likely 
 to say "No." Nor did I say no, and in consequence of my 
 consent we steered toward Yoko, which we reached the eve- 
 ning before last. On our arrival, Harry ordered a boat to take 
 us to the only little village which graces the island. We 
 found Mr. Swift, the missionary, at home, and on Harry's re- 
 quest, he at once proceeded to tie . the knot which was to 
 make us one for the extent of our earthly career. He re- 
 corded our marriage in the registers of his little church. Two 
 
24 EITHER. OR. 
 
 of the crew of the Water Sprite witnessed the ceremony. I 
 do not now remember their names, but this does not matter, as 
 Harry knows them, and as we have secured a certificate from 
 Mr. Swift. And now, am I happy ? Happy? The name is 
 hardly intense enough, to express the state of bliss in which I 
 find myself. My pen fails to describe my feelings, so I give 
 up the attempt. I hear Harry's voice, so I will quit for the 
 present, and join him. 
 
 Calcutta, Aug. 15. — We have been here over a week, and 
 I have hardly time to recover from the whirl of travel, the 
 moving into lodgings, and the round of visits. The poor 
 companion of a month ago, and the wife of Harry Brown, the 
 millionaire are two very different persons and visitors have pour- 
 ed in upon us ; invitations by the hundred have been receiv- 
 ed ; all of them assuring us of the infinite pleasure it would 
 give Nabob So-and-So, or Prince-what-you-may-call-him, to 
 see us at his fete. I called upon Mrs S , the lady^to whom I 
 had been recommended, and, finding her absent, left both the 
 letter of introduction and my card. The very next day my 
 patron returned the call, overwhelming me with assurances of 
 delight at making my acquaintance coupled with expressions 
 of regret that my marriage had prevented her from proving 
 how correctly her friends in England had judged her by en- 
 trusting my welfare to her keeping. She pleaded earnestlj- 
 that I would not allow this marriage to interfere with the for- 
 mation of a cordial friendship, closing with the offer of initia- 
 ting me into the delights as well as the mysteries of Calcutta 
 society. 
 
 All the rest of the people join in the attempt of turning 
 my head, but thank heaven, I have sense enough to see that 
 they worship Harry's golden calf, and not my humble self. 
 I tell him so repeatedly, and on such occasions he laughs, 
 calls me his sensible little wife, and declares that I judge 
 these people too harshly, and that I am indeed the best — but 
 hush — I would have to blush, if I put down here all the fool- 
 ish pet names he calls me. And, am I happy ? Well, that 
 term hardly expresses my felicity, and I do not exaggerate in 
 saying that there is not — there surely cannot be — a happier 
 mortal on mother earth. 
 
 It is very hot here, but the rooms of our suburban villa 
 are so large and high, so shady and well ventilated, that I am 
 not seriously oppressed with the high temperature. Next 
 week we shall start for the lower ranges of the Himalaya 
 mountains, partly to escape the sickly influences of the sea- 
 
EITHER, OR. 25 
 
 son, partly to visit a magnificent estate which Harry possess- 
 es there and which lies adjacent to a gold mine he owns in 
 that region. 
 
 April the 30th, 18— We are still in Golconda, as Harry 
 calls our Paradise. I have spent here the happiest months of 
 my life. Months (?) they seem weeks sharing with other hap- 
 py periods ; the quality evanescence. Still, the last week I 
 have been even happier than before, for just seven days ago, 
 on a Sunday morning, a child — a daughter — was born to me 
 — nay to us, for are we not one, and is not Harry really the 
 better part? A nobler man surely never lived, and sometimes I 
 tremble at the thought, that so much happiness can scarcely 
 last. Does not the German Bard sing : " Des Lebens un- 
 genischte Freude wird keineni Sterflichen zu Theil?" True, 
 1 do not tremble at " der Goetter Neide, " but it seems to me 
 as if humauit3' could hardly endure such constant strain upon 
 the ; r nerve centers, and that such continued felicity must act 
 upon our system much as the unmixed oxygen acts upon the 
 rabbit, when compelled to inhale it, 
 
 It increases the capacity for enjoyment, but alas shortens 
 its life. Still who would not rather have tasted the cup of 
 perfect bliss and then die, rather than live forever, in dull 
 apathy and a total unconsciousness of celestial joy? I, for my 
 part, am willing to bow to an}' decree of fate, however severe, 
 only — let it concern us both, for I think I could not give him 
 up. 
 
 * THREE YEARS EATER. 
 
 Paris, May 20. 
 The gay metropolis of fashion has donned her spring 
 dress, beautiful beyond conception, for here art has worked 
 upon the charms of a lavish nature, until the combination is 
 well nigh perfect. How different from the attractions of Cal- 
 cutta. There it is Nature who has managed to conceal the 
 indolence, the slovenliness and apathy of man, spreading over 
 his bungling creations such a profusion of flowers, of perfume 
 and of color, as to make a tolerably attractive picture. Some- 
 times I long for the charms of India, for it was there I found 
 my Harry and the Eden in which only flowers have since 
 grown, to adorn my path. Still, the interests of little Mary 
 are paramount, and I can see why Harry insisted upon raising 
 and educating her in a temperate clime and among people at 
 once polished and scholarly. Paris certainly can claim these 
 accomplishments, and we flatter ourselves to be able to coun- 
 
26 EITHER, OR. 
 
 teract the frivolity, levity and recklessness which the very air 
 seems to breathe here. In fact, we can, and probably shall, 
 withdraw from here, when Mary gets old enough to be affected 
 by these moral taints. She begins to prattle very charmingly 
 in French, not only with her carefully selected "bonne," but 
 with Harry and me as well, for Harry has spent much of his 
 life in France and speaks the language with ease and elegance. 
 As to myself, I now bless the discipline of my school life, one 
 thought so dreary and rigid. When I came here I had no 
 facility of conversation, but the rules of French grammar, so 
 thoroughly crammed into a rebellious memory in those obnox- 
 ious days, have borne rich fruit now and gained for me more 
 than one compliment from the demoiselles and lions, "comme 
 il faut" of the capital of fashion. As for myself, I care little 
 for these compliments and less for the ''societe recherchee" of 
 this city. Indeed, were it not to please Harry, who insists up- 
 on an occasional offering at the shrine of the gay world around 
 us, I would bury myself in the walls of the cottage which 
 holds my husband and my child, i. (?., as the treasures making 
 life worth living. True, I do not despise the riches of which 
 we are possessed, for they enable me to raise my little daughter 
 in health and comfort, and to adorn her mind with all the 
 charms a thorough education can bestow. Compare the ease 
 with which Mar}- picks up her French with the dreary drudgery 
 of my school years. Yes, for her sake, and for that of dear 
 Harry, I am glad of the millions at our disposal, although at 
 times queer thoughts persist in crowding upon my mind. They 
 assume the shape of strange queries, such as these : "Are we 
 really entitled to so much wealth while millions slave to gain 
 a scanty livelihood? True, we give largely to the poor, but is 
 charity the just thing, when the question : " Are we not all 
 brothers and sisters, born with equal rights and duties?" per- 
 sists in staring us in the face ? Harry laughs at me when I 
 communicate to him such thoughts and scruples, and assures 
 me that no tears of the oppressed, no groans of the wretched 
 and curses of the starving, clings to his money. I know this 
 is so ; but I also know that capital takes an undue share of the 
 profits of labor which produces all wealth, and such thoughts 
 and doubts insist upon springing up in my mind, no matter 
 how often I endeavor to banish them. Perhaps it is in this 
 way : I pay my tribute to Nemesis, who cannot endure to 
 see my horizon without a single cloud. 
 
EITHER, OR. 27 
 
 ::: * * * FIVK YEARS LATEK. * : ' ; :;: 
 
 Vienna, April 23d, 18 — 
 To-day is Mary's birthday, her ninth one, making her age 
 eight, of course. How she has grown within the last years 
 physically and mentally, for it is really true, what everybody 
 says, namely, that our Mary is a very clever child. Nor do 
 her studies seem to interfere at all with her bodily develop- 
 ment, a circumstance which I attribute to the judicious course 
 Harry, or rather we, pursue in imparting knowledge to the 
 child. We still adhere to the old method of language lessons, 
 with this difference only, that she now acquires the Teutonic 
 tongue instead of French, which, however, is not allowed to be 
 forgotten, as an unbending rule makes it the medium of con- 
 versation at meal times. She now rattles German as glibly as 
 French and English, and pure German too, as we have been 
 very careful to secure a companion from the North which 
 speaks the language much more purely than the South. 
 Mary's birthday was the cause of a little fete, to which a 
 number of her friends were invited. We took the railway to 
 a neighboring pleasure ground, where the little ones were as 
 happy as the birds singing in the trees above their heads. 
 Berlin may be more learned than Vienna, Hannover speak a 
 more classic German ; but Vienna surpasses them both by far 
 in the great. charms of ever}- kind which benevolent nature 
 has spread over her vicinity. Beautiful but thoughtless Vienna, 
 never shall I forget the happy days I have spent within thy 
 walls. They call thee "Klein-Paris," but while thy children 
 resemble the Parisians in the love of pleasure, their gaiety is 
 without frivolity, and their thoughtlessness without levity. I 
 think with sorrow of the day which will part us, and yet I 
 must make myself familiar with such thoughts of separation, 
 for Harry thinks, it is about time, to shift the scene for a new 
 chapter of instruction. This time it will be the sunny fields 
 of Italy, where we shall seek to pitch our tent. 
 
 ' ;: * * TWO YEARS LATER. 
 
 Berlin, September the 25th. 
 East week we arrived in this metropolis of militaryjpow- 
 er, the center of politics of the present age. It is not^for this 
 reason, however, that we have entered its precincts, for Harry 
 and I are rather indifferent spectators of the political doings 
 of the world, seeking our enjoyment, and indeed finding it, 
 
28 EITHER. OR. 
 
 within the confines of our little circle. Mary is now ten years 
 of age, i. <?., just old enough to enter seriously upon a less er- 
 ratic course of stud}' than our rambling, though exceedingly 
 pleasant mode of living was capable of affording. So we have 
 sought the center of learning, the city claiming, and certainly 
 deserving the merit of possessing the best schools of the 
 world. Harry and I do not believe in private tuition, which, 
 in our opinion, begets a seclusiveness, if not superciliousness 
 much to be condemned. The mingling with children of all 
 ranks and classes has about the same effect on a child, as the 
 rubbing of a pebble against thousands of other pebbles in a 
 river bed It makes it smooth, rubbing off all the rough edges. 
 True, there is the danger of moral contamination, but this we 
 hope to counteract by our advice, our influence and our ex- 
 ample. We cannot rear a Chinese wall around our little one, 
 and the merit of innocence secured by such a measure, if 
 practicable, is more than doubtful. So we have sought the 
 city which is always " on the Spree, " though its inhabitants 
 pride themselves upon being highly sober people. Nor do I 
 doubt this in the least, for, if I may judge from the first im- 
 pression, there is an air of reserve, of dignity and even cold- 
 ness prevailing here which contrasts strangely with the sunny 
 regions of Italy, the land of maccaroni, lazzeroni, ciceroni and 
 other "onies, " "too numerous to mention, " as the auctioneer 
 says. I liked it well enough, but cannot help thinking that 
 its climate is apt to enervate, and to foster the culteof the idol 
 .so fervently worshipped there, the " Dolce Far Niente. " In- 
 deed, I fully agree with Harry, who thinks we would have 
 been direlect of duty, if we had kept our precious charge there 
 much longer. And now she is to enter upon a more serious 
 course of study. Do I pity her? I hardly know. When I 
 think of the dreary experience of my own school days, I can- 
 not help a feeling of anxiety creeping over me ; but, then, the 
 circumstances are so different, the advantages in Mary's favor 
 so great and decided, that I laugh at myself and quickly ban- 
 ish fears so totally groundless. Mary has much talent for 
 music, and has already acquired considerable proficiency on 
 the piano. Strange to say, the land of song and music no long- 
 er affords the best opportunities for gaining skill in that "art 
 divine," excepting, perhaps, vocal culture, which Mary's ten- 
 der age forbids. We have already engaged a first-class teacher 
 of music, and to-morrow Mary will take her first lesson. I 
 must confess that I feel a slight pang of jealousy, as, in this 
 instance, I cannot aid him, being totally void, not of love for 
 
EITHER, OR. 29 
 
 music, but mechanical skill in its execution. Ah, me ! why 
 can I not be everything to the dear child ? 
 
 * * * * SIX YEARS LATER. * * * *= 
 
 Calcutta, October 15th, 18 — . 
 What a change. Once more I see above me the azure sky 
 of India ; see the elephants carry their gaily decorated houdahs 
 from place to place ; watch the swarthy Hindoo with his 
 scanty garments perform his tasks in the broiling sun, and 
 witness all the other features of an oriental and tropical city. 
 And yet, how different is everything from the period which 
 gave me my husband and to us the precious treasure which 
 casts sunshine upon every minute of our life. Mary, sweet 
 Mary ! No longer the child of Australia, Italy, or even Prus- 
 sia, but a maiden on the verge of virgiuhood, a sweet rose-bud 
 on the point of opening into the full flower, ready to spread 
 fragrance over the neighborhood. They say Mary is beautiful,, 
 but be this as it may, I feel confident that those at least are 
 correct that call her charming. I feel confident, moreover,, 
 that her father's wealth has not spoiled her, for, though we 
 have never denied her such wants and wishes as were in ac- 
 cordance with her age and our own views of propriety, she 
 has never been allowed to squander money foolishly. In fact,. 
 I doubt whether she has even an approximate idea of her 
 father's wealth. Besides the innocence of her soul, the rich- 
 ness of knowledge and culture of her mind, form her chief 
 attraction. Her love, indeed, is copious and widely extended.. 
 Besides speaking four languages fluently and correctly, she 
 has a profound knowledge of mathematics and natural sciences, 
 causing her to despise the superficial gossip of the world, and 
 to seek and covet the company of persons genial in disposition 
 and capable of imparting knowledge. Thus it is that the at- 
 tention naturally paid to an heiress of such magnitude, has had 
 no effect upon her. Fortune hunters are generally as varied 
 as they are polished. Both Harry and I are highly gratified 
 by this good taste and sagacity of one so young, although I 
 shall soon be compelled to manage for a while, at least, with- 
 out Harry's counsel, as he is settling his affairs in this country 
 with a view of returning to Occidentia, his native land. He 
 says : India is not the place for our Mary, the climate having 
 the tendency to debilitate, and her polished male population 
 bearing more or less the stamp of adventurers or fortune 
 hunters. In other words, men among whom we would not 
 
30 EITHER, OR. 
 
 wish her to select a husband. I do not know how soon he can 
 turn his estates into cash. 
 
 I have to laugh at myself for wishing sometimes he 
 might be debarred or meet with obstacles, at least, as this 
 would prolong his stay with us. He contemplates starting be- 
 fore us, to invest his wealth in bonds and securities of various 
 nations, a design making his visit to such countries inevitable. 
 We have gladly and cheerfully volunteered to accompany him 
 in all his wanderings, but he thinks the fatigue would be det- 
 rimental to both Mary and me, for which reason he wishes us 
 to remain here and await the " sesame " which will once more 
 unlock Paradise for us, for, without our father and husband, 
 Mary and I shall merely vegetate. 
 
 Calcutta, Feb. 12th, 18 — 
 My diary has actually lain idle since the above entry. 
 Reason : Harry left us a few weeks later, and I have not been 
 in a mood to humor my fancies, much less deposit them in the 
 bosom of this confidential friend. I now sit down, merely to 
 make a few necessary statements. When Harry left, he took 
 with him credentials for fully fifty million dollars, leaving 
 only claims to the amount of $100,000 in my hands for collec- 
 tion. Before his departure he said laughingly : " Mary, " mean- 
 ing Mary Sr., of course, " here is some pin money for you and 
 the baby, out of which you may pay your passage, and buy 
 the few calico wrappers you two may need. " The next week 
 he took the steamer England, intending to go by way of 
 the Suez Canal. The money was paid to me soon after, and 
 deposited in a reliable bank, but when a week ago, we receiv- 
 ed papa's letter with the welcome mandate of " Come, " I 
 exchanged the cash for drafts on the Bank of England, which 
 I have subsequently sewed in the waist of my traveling dress 
 for safe keeping, reserving only enough to defray the expense 
 of the voj-age. We shall go by way of Capetown, and directly to 
 Plutopolis, the metropolis of Occideutia, where Harry's broth- 
 er is managing a banking house for him, or rather for himself, 
 for Harry has never asked for an account, although his broth- 
 er has not acted in a brotherly manner towards him. " We 
 get along very nicely, " he writes, which in a less magnani- 
 mous mind, might be interpreted : " He is the same old coon, 
 but I do not mind his tricks. " I wonder how I, or rather 
 Mary and I, shall like this relative. Of course, for Harry's 
 sake we would conceal our dislike, if he should inspire us with 
 such feelings. Dear me, I am quite upset, and wish this jour- 
 ney were safely oyer, and we once more united with him who 
 
EITHER. OR. 31 
 
 is not only the guiding star, but the joy of our lives. Well. 
 only a few more days, and we shall begin to make the transit. 
 May lucky stars guide our course. 
 
 Plutopolis, Sept. 10th, 18 — 
 My journal ! With trembling hands I open thy soiled 
 and briny pages, to read again the last entry before the begin- 
 ning of that unlucky voyage which wrecked our vessel, and 
 — oh, merciful heavens — may wreck the happiness of our lives, 
 for thus far, we have not found the least trace of Harry. 
 
 I shudder at the recollection of the fearful scenes through 
 which we have passed, and yet I long to record them here. Do 
 I touch here one of the characteristics peculiar to the biped, 
 called man ? Is the desire to paint the trying event of the past 
 week akin to the longing of the child to listen to ghost stories 
 which make its hair rise and cause one shudder after another 
 to creep over its body ? Or is it the universal longing to gain 
 some confidential friend, into whose ear we can pour our tales 
 of woe ? If it is this longing which now urges me to entrust to 
 my faithful diary the narrative of our ordeal, it must at least 
 be confessed that the selection is a proper one, for never has 
 this friend upbraided me for any conceit my statements may 
 have contained ; never has he distrusted the veracity of my 
 accounts or ridiculed the nature of my opinions or observations. 
 Good friend, twin sister of my soul. Listen, then, to the 
 story of the trials through which two feeble women have been 
 compelled to pass. The first three weeks of the voyage were 
 without any accidents. The Indian Ocean was as smooth as a 
 mirror, while our steamer, the Albatross, plowed its bosom. 
 At Cape Town we stayed two days, to give the ship time to 
 take on board a large cargo of merchandise, 'destined for Pluto- 
 polis, and the passengers, to view the town and its curiosities. 
 By this opportunity, both Mar)' and myself benefited exten- 
 sively, spending more than half the time allotted us on land. 
 On the morning of the third day we once more steamed into 
 the sea, taking a northwesterly course. Again everything 
 went on smoothly, and we flattered ourselves with the hope 
 that we would arrive at Plutopolis without any of those lesser 
 or greater mishaps which so frequently mar the pleasures of 
 such voyages, when, just one week ago to-day, this hope 
 proved fallacious, changing suddenly into dire and almost 
 hopeless dispair. The day had been fine, and the sun set with 
 a splendor, rare even in that resplendant latitude. We retired 
 with a peaceful mind and contented heart, and the joyous an- 
 ticipation of soon meeting our beloved one at the city for 
 
32 EITHER, OR. 
 
 which we were bound. What a frightful change a few hours 
 later ! It might have been ten o'clock, I shall never know 
 for certain — when the cry of " Fire ! Fire !" rang through the 
 stillness of the night. At first I thought it was merely the 
 fancy of a horrid dream, but was soon undeceived by a loud 
 knock at the door of our cabin and the words : " Get up, ladies, 
 quick ! the ship is on fire. " Of course we obeyed with alacrity 
 still dazed with the suddenness of the revelation, failing to re- 
 alize for quite a while the full extent of our peril. After dress- 
 ing hurriedly, we hastened to the deck, which was the scene of 
 wild commotion. The passengers looked like so many fright- 
 ened sheep, huddled in heaps and groups, and the officers and 
 crew running hither and thither, obeying the orders of the 
 captain and carrying out such measures as he thought calcu- 
 lated to save the ship. A gentleman belonging to the group 
 which Mary and I had joined, informed us hurriedly that the 
 chances for such preservation were truly desperate, as the fire 
 was raging furiously in the engine room, and that the danger of 
 an explosion of the boilers was imminent. For this very reason 
 the steam-pumps could not be used, and the vessel would 
 probably soon refuse to obey the rudder. He advised us to 
 prepare for the worst, and to put on one of the life preservers 
 hanging in profusion about the deck. We hastened to do so, 
 and both Mary and I were soon in possession of the article 
 mentioned. Just then we heard the captain order his men to 
 prepare the life boats for emergencies, provision them with 
 water and eatables, and get them ready for lowering into the 
 sea. Then an ominous hour followed, made almost unbearable 
 by the uncertainty of our situation. The officers and crew 
 worked with a will, now trying to quench the flames, now 
 preparing the boats in case the vessel w T as doomed. At the 
 expiration of that period, we heard the captain sing out : "All 
 hands to the boats. Mr. Sanders see that the passengers are 
 properly divided in the boats. Use due speed, my men, she 
 will hardly float fifteen minutes." 
 
 And now, how 7 can I describe the scene which followed ? 
 I must say in praise of the crew that they behaved with the 
 coolness and collectiveness generally characterizing their pro- 
 fession ; but the majority of the passengers lost all their pres- 
 ence of mind, and by their screams, their inconsiderate selfish- 
 ness and desperate motions and gestures, made the task of the 
 crew a doubly difficult one. As to myself, I was comparatively 
 calm, but confess that it was more the stupor of bewilderment 
 than any control I had over my limbs and nerves, which caus- 
 
EITHER, OR. 33 
 
 ed my stillness. My daughter, on the other hand, was not 
 calm, but even cheerful, whispering now and then a word of 
 encouragement in my ear, or clasping me soothingly in her arms. 
 I do not remember, how the mariners at last succeeded in em- 
 barking the passengers. I know merely that we were con- 
 ducted to the part of the railing above the boats ready to re- 
 ceive us. There were five of them, three of which had been 
 filled and had pushed off, waiting for the others to follow. 
 Mary was lowered before me, and I was preparing to follow, 
 when the officers said with a sterness excusable under the cir- 
 cumstances : " This boat is full, take her to the next ! " 
 
 For a moment I was inclined to give up in despair, and 
 resist madly the attempt to separate me from my daughter, 
 but, was it the recognition of the impossibility of enforcing 
 my wishes, or Mary's sweet voice which bade me cheer and 
 submit to the inevitable. At all events, I yielded to the hand 
 that pushed me forward, and soon found myself seated in the 
 boat which filled rapidly with passengers and a due allotment 
 of mariners to manage it. A minute later we pushed off join- 
 ing the other boats which lay in waiting. The Captain was 
 on board our boat directing the movement of the little flotilla. 
 Handing to one of his men a speaking trumpet, he ordered 
 him to shout every few seconds as a rallying signal for the 
 other boats, aiid then bade the rowers dip their blades. I sat 
 near him, and overheard much of the conversation ensuing be- 
 tween him and an inferior officer, from which I learned the fol- 
 lowing : We were about five hundred miles from Plutopolis, 
 and would have to steer in a northwesterly direction, to reach 
 the city. Such, however, was not his intention. The strength 
 of the crew would have hardly been equal to the task, to say 
 nothing of the probability of squally weather during so long a 
 voyage. He therefore resolved to steer for that part of the 
 Atlantic swarming with vessels of every description, media- 
 ting the commerce between Europe and Occidentia. My 
 heart quailed when I heard him whispering to the mate, that 
 we were unfortunately full two hundred miles south of this 
 watery highway, and that he was rather fearful that the un- 
 reasonableness of the passengers would give him much con- 
 cern and trouble, in case their sufferings should be unseason- 
 ably prolonged. All this time I felt a dull apathy into which 
 only now and then the consciousness of our separation flashed 
 and wounded like a pointed dagger. Outwardly I remained 
 calm, eliciting repeatedly a word of praise from the captain, 
 who pointed me out as an example to the other passengers. 
 
34 EITHER, OR. 
 
 Thus, on we rowed, the trumpet sounding every few seconds 
 and the forms of the other boats just dimly visible in the 
 starry night. 
 
 An yet the air was calm and warm, but about one o'clock 
 a breeze sprang up, which soon freshened into a wind, and 
 then assumed the force of a gale. The waves began to roll, 
 not high enough to endanger the safety of our little craft, but 
 sufficiently high to make our position exceedingly uncomfort- 
 able. The passengers began to be sea-sick, the few children 
 amongst them crying, and the adults vomiting in such close 
 proximity to the well as to make the situation exceedingly 
 disgusting, To make matters worse, the sky began to cloud 
 up and a drenching rain to descend. But why dwell upon the 
 horror of that night? Suffice it to say, that its hours seemed 
 undeterminable, and that the first dawn of early morn was 
 greeted by the wrecked mariners with a heartiness rarely 
 equaled. Alas, the twilight, while ending the dreads of dark- 
 ness, only brought to me the horrible discovery that the other 
 boats had disappeared and that my Mary, my precious dar- 
 ling, was floating far from me on a treacherous element, only 
 too ready to engulf her forever. I repeat : "Why dwell upon 
 the further incidents and details of this sickening voyage, its 
 perils, its horrors, its sickening stench, its tantalizing uncer- 
 tainty will live forever in my memory. " It lasted fully two 
 days, showers and a dazzling and burning sunshine alternating 
 with a cruel regularity, these changes soon creating sickness 
 and physical suffering, giving a keener edge to the mental tor- 
 tures to which we were exposed. At length — oh joy unspeak- 
 able ! we discerned the smoke of a steamer on the distant 
 horizon, a sight which did not only revive our hope, but lent 
 new strength to the sinews of our weary mariners, who plied 
 their oars with renewed vigor, to intercept the steamer's 
 course. They were successful, for four hours later, w r e were 
 taken on board the steamer, which proved to be the Dragon, 
 one of the ships of a regular line plying between Liverpool 
 and Plutopolis. Unfortunately she was bound eastward, ne- 
 cessitating an increase of the distance from our port. But 
 how insignificant was this inconvenience when compared with 
 the dreadful uncertainty of my daughter's fate which now 7 be- 
 gan to torment me with double force? I shudder when I 
 think of it, for I now feel, yea know, that I was actually on 
 the verge of insanity during the remainder of this dreadful 
 voyage. 
 
 The day after our rescue by the Dragon, we met another 
 
EITHER, OR. 35 
 
 vessel of the same line going west. The Captain signalled 
 her to stop, and after a brief explanation of our case and 
 wishes, we were transferred and taken to Plutopolis, where we 
 arrived the night before last. Picture my excitement and my 
 delight, bordering on frenzy, when, on entering the harbor and 
 passing a sailing vessel just arrived, I perceived Mary, my 
 darling Mary, standing on board the latter, evidently prepar- 
 ing to disembark. The two vessels passed at a distance of 
 several hundred feet, but so wild and piercing was the cry 
 which I uttered in making this discovery, that Mary turned and 
 saw and recognized me. An hour later, we lay in one another's 
 embrace, experiencing that sweet solace filling our souls, when 
 after some trying ordeal, we enter the port of safety. Indeed v . 
 this reunion has in a measure repaid us for all our suffering,, 
 and if we only succeed in finding Harry soon, and in good 
 health, I shall become reconciled to the terrible catastrophe of 
 the past week, as it has proved to both of us with renewed 
 force and vigor, that our three lives are a unit indispensible 
 for happiness. 
 
 We have engaged rooms in an up-town hotel, and to-mor- 
 row shall renew the search for my husband, who can hardly 
 escape our vigilance, as millionaires are not the fry apt to be 
 lost in the turmoil of a metropolis. I wrote to Harry our in- 
 tention of sailing with the Dragon, which accounts for his fail- 
 ure to make his appearance, although the papers gave a full 
 account of the catastrophe as also our rescue, making it rather 
 strange that he did not hurry tcf our abode. Well, he may be ab- 
 sent on business which brooked no delay. It is thus that 
 Mary — ah ! that reminds me, that I have forgotten to record 
 how the dear child fared after her separation from me. 
 
 From what she told me, her experience during the night 
 was much like my own. When, on the arrival of early dawn, 
 she failed to perceive the boat containing me, she also was seiz- 
 ed with a feeling very similar to despair ; but unlike mine her 
 trials were much shortened by the sight of a trading vessel 
 early in the morning. It sailed under all the canvass it could 
 muster ; but so slow was its progress, that the oarsmen of the 
 boat found no difficulty in overtaking it. It proved to belong to 
 the West India flotilla which carries the produceof Cuba and the 
 other Antilles to Plutopolis and the manufactories of Oeciden- 
 tia to the Antilles. The Captain was a rough but kindhearted 
 man, who made his guests as comfortable as circumstances 
 would allow. A tedious voyage of fully five days brought 
 them finally to Plutopolis, where the dreads of loneli- 
 
36 HITHER, OR. 
 
 ness and sudden want was fortunately terminated by our 
 meeting. This reminds me of the necessity of at once re- 
 plenishing our wardrobe, which went down with the burning 
 steamer, leaving us both so totally destitute of garments of 
 every kind, as to exclude even a walk in the streets or a ride 
 in the horse cars. I hear a knock— ah ! Mary tells me that a 
 trader in all kinds of women's wear, is waiting in the sitting 
 room to receive my orders. You see, dear Journal, that this 
 announcement is an unimpeachable excuse for closing this 
 effort, so farewell ! 
 
 Sept. 17th. Another week has passed without bringing 
 the least sign of life from Harry, and a terrible fear begins to 
 oppress me. Of course, I battle against it, and Mary, poor 
 Mary, invents daily a thousand reasons why he fails to make 
 his appearance ; but she does it evidently to comfort me, and 
 with so poor a show of courage, that I plainly see the condi- 
 tion of her mind. We have been to all centers of trade and fi- 
 nances ; we have advertised in all the papers, but without even 
 the shadow of success. The strangest thing of all is that no- 
 body seems to know anything about a millionaire, Harry 
 Brown, and more than once I have discovered strange expres- 
 sions in the eyes of the parties whom we asked, as if the} 7 
 thought our minds deranged. 
 
 Fortunately the sum which Harry left me for collection 
 secures us against all want, although the cash I retained for 
 traveling purposes has been exhausted, making the realization 
 of the dratts at an early date necessary. I detest the very idea 
 of taking steps suggesting the possibility of Harry's prolonged 
 absence ; or — or — death ! 
 
 October 30th.— Dear mamma is unable to write papa's 
 continued absence and silence having prostrated her to such an 
 extent as to permit neither physical nor mental activity. So 
 she commissioned'me to make some entries in her beloved 
 journal. This is indeed a rare favor and would be more fully 
 appreciated by me if I had not to record such sad facts and 
 incidents. Papa lost — Heaven forbid, for life — that is the 
 mournful thought which clothes everything else in deep 
 mourning, and makes the recording of the events of the last 
 five weeks an irksome task. I might, therefore, have declined 
 if mamma's request did not plainly originate from the wash of 
 diverting my mind for the one sad thought alluded to. So, to 
 humor her, I take the pen to state that we are no longer in the 
 hotel, but reside in our own home, purchased with part of the 
 money left us by papa. His disappearance has been some- 
 
EITHER, OR. 37 
 
 what softened by the fact that our misfortunes and strange 
 fate have gained us several warm friends, whose motives are 
 totally disinterested, and who have not only given us sound 
 advice, but rendered highly efficient aid. It was one of them 
 who counseled the purchase of this house wlrch lies in one of 
 the suburbs of Plutopolis, but is so situated that we can reach 
 the business center, by means of a street car line, in less than 
 half an hour. This friend urges mamma to invest the re- 
 mainder of our little fortune in a similar manner, as the rent- 
 ing of the houses would iusure a higher percentage on the 
 money than otherwise possible. He was here last night, but 
 came near provoking a mortal feud by hinting at the possibil- 
 ity of papa's absence and silence being intentional. Both 
 mamma and I rose when Mr. Comfort, (that is his name) 
 uttered the insinuation alluded to. "You do not know my 
 husband?" mamma cried with flashing eyes, "or you would 
 not have allowed such thoughts to enter your mind. It is this 
 fact alone which prompts me to forgive you ; but if you value 
 our regard, do not breathe a second time a thought polluting 
 the memory of the noblest man that ever lived." 
 
 I remained silent, but my looks must have seconded mam- 
 ma so effectually that Mr. Comfort considered it prudent to 
 abandon his position, at least as far as the proclamation of it 
 is concerned. Still, lie continued to urge the purchase of the 
 real estate with such vigor and good sense, that mamma yield- 
 ed to his persuasions and begged him to make the necessary 
 inquiries. This he promised to do, and we expect him this 
 afternoon or evening to make his report. But where is papa? 
 Where can he be? Strangers who do not know him may 
 entertain the idea that selfish reasons induced him to abandon 
 us; but we who know him ; we who have known, loved and 
 cherished him so many years, are so deeply imbued with the 
 conviction of the utter impossibility of such a conduct on his 
 part, that the very remonstrance against such an insinuation 
 seems preposterous to us. If my good and noble father does 
 not return to us, we both feel convinced that only the cold 
 embrace of death prevents his return, and this conviction, 
 shockiug though it be to our loving hearts, is a thousand times 
 more comforting than the thought that he could live and stay 
 away from us, attracted perhaps, by powerful but unholy 
 charms. 
 
 October 31st.— Mr. Comfort was here last night, according 
 to agreement, and laid before us a list of houses for sale. He 
 pointed out the advantages of each and then gave his counsel 
 
3 S EITHER, OR. 
 
 as to the selection most advisable. He pointed out the fact 
 that mamma ought to select such as would bring not merely 
 the largest rent, but also the greatest probability of renting 
 permanently. Taking both these points into consideration, 
 mamma finally selected one or two stores and several dwelling 
 houses, whose rooms can be furnished and let to single per- 
 sons. One of these, a central one, mamma chose for her fu- 
 ture residence, as the necessity of collecting the monthly rents 
 would make such a step desirable. We both shrank a little at 
 the publicity of such an abode, but necessity knows no law ; 
 nor need this arrangement be continued after papa's return, 
 which we still expect and hope for with every fiber of our 
 soul. 
 
 December ist. — No trace of papa yet; I write this tear- 
 fully, but with a composure which I deemed impossible a 
 month ago. Perhaps the necessity of supporting mamma's 
 failing frame imparts to me a strength which otherwise might 
 be lacking. The very fact that she no longer takes comfort in 
 her journal, shows plainly and painfully how this terrible blow 
 has crushed her. She walks, talks, eats and drinks much like 
 an automaton, and her eyes have that far-off look, indicating 
 the absence of one's thoughts. The care for her undoubtedly 
 is beneficial to me, acting much as a conductor, removing the 
 pangs of an excessive affliction. On the whole, she is im- 
 proving, and I sincerely trust that time, the balmy healer of 
 all woes, will bring to her sorrowing soul the relief which 
 makes life not merely endurable, but enjoyable. 
 
 Mamma reserved enough money to furnish our house 
 comfortably and buy a fine piano for me, as my proficiency on 
 that instrument is too valuable an acquisition to be lost by 
 want of practice. I stated before that our strange and sad 
 fate procured for us the friendship and regard of several 
 worthy families, all of which vie with me to cheer mamma 
 and make her forget the only and all-absorbing thought of her 
 soul. Among them are several estimable and highly amiable 
 young ladies, who soon became my friends, and often call 
 to cheer me, as they say, and to hear at the same time my 
 playing and singing, both of which they are kind enough to 
 pronounce excellent. It would be foolish for me to pretend 
 that I am not aware of my skill and execution on the piano, 
 and the sweetness and strength of the voice with which moth- 
 er nature has endowed me. I have received instruction in 
 singing and playing from the best teachers of Europe, and 
 -when I add that this instruction extended over more than six 
 
EITHER, OR. 39 
 
 years, I need hardly add that it would be very strange indeed, 
 and by no means complimentary to my diligence and perse- 
 verance, if I had not risen above mediocrity. I think it very 
 silly for young ladies to force an inferior skill upon society, 
 but regard it as equally foolish to hide, from pevishness or 
 false modesty, talents calculated to entertain and elevate. So 
 I always play or sing when my friends ask me, a readiness 
 which has secured me several pupils. I do not mean to inti- 
 mate that I have chosen and entered upon the profession of 
 teaching, my pupils being only a few friends or young ladies 
 introduced to me by such. The rent of our houses amply 
 supplies our modest wants, but it is quite a charm and satis- 
 faction to me to add to the sums which, when compared with 
 those formerly at our disposal, siuk into utter insignificance. 
 The rooms of our second and third stories are now all rented, 
 and although several chamber maids have been engaged to 
 keep them in order, I cannot help noticing and studying our 
 lodgers. Several of them are certainty original, while others 
 are either attractive or fortunately in only a few instances, re- 
 pulsive. I do not pretend to be a soul reader, but the charac- 
 ter or disposition of some persons is so legibly written on their 
 features, that even a little goosy like myself cannot help read- 
 ing it. I will mention a case of both kinds, both young men 
 of lather a prepossessing appearance and polished manners. 
 They gave mamma their cards when they first engaged rooms 
 in our house, a circumstance enabling me to name them. The 
 attractive ohe is called George Woods, and as the description 
 of the good'qualities with which my fancy has imbued him, is 
 a pleasant task, I shall begin with him. Mr. Woods is nearly 
 or quite six feet high, and his figure is unusually well propor- 
 tioned. He walks erect, as if to say to the world : "Here I 
 am, ready to battle with you and to conquer you if I have half 
 a chance." He is of the blonde type, i. e., one in which we 
 frequentty find a good deal of vapidity and shallowness. 
 With Mr. Woods, however, this is not the case. His step has 
 a firmness which indicates decision and readiness in emergen- 
 cies. I have only heard him speak once, but his voice is 
 pleasant as if coming from an honest and sincere source. He 
 lifts his hat when he passes me in the hall, but this and a polite 
 salutation are all the intercourse I have with him. The other 
 party is a Mr. Cheatham, Josephus Cheatham, I think his card 
 makes him. Cheatham: Is there anything in a name? I 
 did not use to think so, but this Mr. Cheatham looks to me as 
 if he would cheat you at the first chance he got and feel no 
 
4 o EITHER, OR. 
 
 scruple in consequence, either. I may wrong him and would 
 not say this to any one except my bosom friend, the Journal, 
 which possesses discretion, in an unusually high degree. Mr. 
 Cheatham is personally even more handsome than Mr. Woods, 
 but his beauty is that of the snake, which glitters but disgusts, 
 or that of the tiger, whose veiled eyes become volcanoes when 
 provoked, and whose velvet claws tear and rend, under similar 
 circumstances. Of course he has neither looked daggers at 
 me, nor inflicted wounds with his claws, i. e., neatly gloved 
 hands; but he has looked at me with glances so insinuating 
 and inquisitory that I had to lower mine and have ever since 
 avoided meeting him in the hall or sitting room, which latter 
 apartment he visits more frequently than necessary, clothing 
 such visits in the garb of business with mamma. On such oc- 
 casions he has once or twice accosted me, but my replies have 
 invariably been so chilly and monosyllabic, that even a bolder 
 man than Mr. Cheatham might have deemed it prudent to dis- 
 continue such attempts. I think mamma shares my repug- 
 nance to this man, although her preoccupation has probably 
 prevented her from knowing her own feelings on this point. 
 Well, I ha\e really done Mr. Josephus more honor than he 
 deserves, so I shall dismiss him now and for all time to come. 
 I will only add that both these gentlemen are clerks in a bank- 
 ing house only a few steps from our house, a circumstance 
 which probably induced them to domicile themselves with us. 
 
 Dec. 20th. Still no tidings of the lost one ! Alas ! will it 
 be destined to continue forever this same sad cry of yearning 
 and baffled affection ? Even mamma seems to have given up 
 all hope, and a sad resignation has taken the place of the for- 
 mer wild grief and desolation Well, mournful as the sight is, 
 it is far better than the distraction that was so vividly depict- 
 ed on her countenance. 
 
 Yesterday Mr. Woods spent an, hour in our sitting room, 
 but it was by mamma's request that he deviated, from his usual 
 respectful reserve. The banking house of Halleck Bros, is so 
 conveniently located for our monetary affairs, that mamma lias 
 resolved to patronize the firm, and for that reason requested 
 the presence of Mr. Woods My former estimate of him has 
 become confirmed by this interview Indeed, I have discov- 
 ed new traits of merits or rather excellence, which mere ob- 
 servation could not well discover. 1 was playing when he 
 knocked at the door, which circumstances led to an apology 
 for the interruption and his confession of great fondness for 
 music. Mamma was not in the room just then, and during her 
 
EITHER, OR. 41 
 
 absence we exchanged a few remarks which hinged naturally 
 on music and informed me of the fact that Mr. Woods is him- 
 self an adept, or, as he styled it, bungler on the violin. I 
 told him that I had some exquisite duetts for piano and violin, 
 and offered my assistance, in case he saw proper, to try them. 
 He professed himself delighted with the prospect, and when 
 mamma, who entered at this moment, invited him cordially for 
 some musical impromptus, he readily accepted. He will be 
 here this evening, so I will have to quit and get the music 
 ready. Strange to say, Mr. Cheatham's name was not men- 
 tioned in the interview, and I have a vague idea that the rela- 
 tions between the two young men are not the most cordial, a 
 circumstance caculated to increase my respect for Mr. Woods. 
 I meet the other very rarely now, but cannot avoid him alto- 
 gether without appearing rude, for which manifestation of 
 dislike he has not given me sufficient cause, although the 
 vulgar familiarity of his look at our rare encounters, raises 
 my ire and temper to resent indignantly the insinuation 
 implied. 
 
 Dec. 21st. Mr. Woods made his appearance accord- 
 ing to agreement, and a very pleasant evening was spent in 
 his society. He plays the violin with considerable skill, and 
 although he could hardly be called a virtuoso on the instru- 
 ment,, his playing is so full of feeling and comprehension, as 
 to make up for any little defects his execution may possess. 
 In the pauses he engaged mamma and me in conversation, and 
 betrayed so much originality of thought and variety of infor- 
 mation, that the minutes passed —not only with unwonted ra- 
 pidity, but tliRt mamma suffered herself to be aroused to a de- 
 gree of interest which both surprised and delighted me. Mr. 
 Woods was invited to repeat his visit, and it is probable that 
 a regular musical once-a week soiree will result irom this em- 
 bryo. * * * * While writing the above 1 was interrupt- 
 ed by a knock at the door, and upon my "Come in ! " Mr. 
 Cheatham entered the room. He wished to pay his month's 
 rent he said, handing the money to mamma, who gave him 
 the customary receipt. He lingered after this, offering some 
 remarks on the weather, and next volunteered the informa- 
 tion that he had heard the music last night and been charmed 
 by it. If he expected that this information would lead to an 
 invitation on mamma's part, he was mistaken, for she replied 
 in brief platitudes, and finally returned his goodbye with a re- 
 lief fully shared by myself. 
 
 Jan. 2nd, iS — The suspense is over; never again shall 
 
42 EITHER. OR. 
 
 we lay eyes upon dear papa ! It seems cruel, that I can 
 write these lines without giving way to an outburst of grief, 
 but I have to do my crying in secret, as mamma has relapsed 
 into all the former paroxysms of grief and any open lamenta- 
 tions upon my part might prove the feather needed to crush 
 her under the burden of agony and cloud forever a mind both 
 bright and noble. It was three days ago, that the long ex- 
 pected and yet so sudden and terrible thunderbolt descended 
 upon our home which had begun to assume an aspect of tran- 
 quility, soothing but treacherous. We have changed roles 
 now. The protectress has become the ward, and oh ! sad as the 
 occasion is. it makes me infinitely happy to be able to pay back 
 in driblets the ocean of kindness shown to me by this darling 
 mother in happier days. I am ably seconded by Mr. Woods 
 who, in some way or other has become quite a feature of our 
 little circle. If I were asked, how it came about, I would have 
 to confess ignorance; but it is certainly a fact, that Mr. Woods 
 or George, as we generally call him, has become an element, if 
 not necessity in our lives. It is through him, or rather in conse- 
 quence of our acquaintance with him, that we have discovered 
 papa's death. It is a strange story, which I shall put down 
 here, painful though it is, for I have long since begun to un- 
 derstand the charm which these confidential pencilings exer- 
 cise upon a body. Whenever something unusual occurs I am 
 drawn as by a magnet to this Journal and always feel greatly 
 relieved after unburdening my mind. 
 
 Last Saturday mamma sent me to the bank of Halleck Bros, 
 to deposit some money. On entering the room I found the 
 place at the window vacant ; but perceiving the door to the 
 private office ajar, [ walked to the rear of the apartment, and 
 pushing back the door a little further, bent forward to cast a 
 glance into the office and see whether I could discover Mr. 
 Woods or some other clerk of the bank. It was empty, but, 
 on the wall right opposite the entrauce, I perceived a life size 
 portrait which caused me to utter a low cry of surprise and 
 then to grasp the door frame in support, as I felt my senses 
 leaving me, and lost all control over my limbs. Fortunately 
 George made his appearance at this critical moment. Noticing 
 my agitation, he sprang forward, supported my tottering 
 frame, and said, leading me to a chair : " Miss Mary, what 
 ails you ? Are you sick? Can I do anything for you? Per- 
 mit me to get you a glass of water. " By this time I had re- 
 covered my self-possession, though by no means my mental 
 poise. Rising and pointing to the portrait, I said with a 
 
HITHER, OR. 43 
 
 feverish excitement which probably vibrated in every sylla- 
 ble : " Mr. Woods, — George, — how — how —did that portrait 
 get into this room ? " The young man evidently considered 
 me the victim of a fever, for he came forward once more and 
 said soothingly : " You are not well, Miss Mary, permit me 
 to lead you home. " I merely made a gesture of impatience 
 in reply, and pointing rather imperiously to the portrait, re- 
 peated : " How did it come here ? " 
 
 " Why, very naturally," the young man replied wonder- 
 ingly. "It is the portrait of Mr. Ha*ry Halleck, the brother 
 and silent partner of Mr. James Halleck." 
 
 "You lie," I cried violently. "That portrait is the likeness 
 of my father. I sank back into the chair from which I had 
 risen in my excitement. My eyes closed in utter exhaustion, 
 filling the young man with increased alarm, for he came still 
 nearer and seized my hand, a liberty upon which he would 
 never have ventured in calmer moments, cried entreatingly, 
 "Miss Mary, you are certainly sick, please permit me to see 
 you safely home ; I can and will afterwards answer any ques- 
 tions you may see proper to make." 
 
 "Not before I learn what right you, or rather your em- 
 ployer has to my father's portrait. Tell me instantly, or — " 
 At this moment the door connecting the office with the inner 
 bank room, opened and Mr. Cheatham appeared. His presence 
 affected me like an electric shock, and gave back to me in an 
 instance the control over my nerves. I made a powerful effort 
 to hide the terrible excitement under which I had been labor- 
 ing all this while, and succeeded sufficiently to allege a sudden 
 violent sick spell as the cause of my exhaustion. He expressed 
 his regret and offered in turn his services as an escort. This 
 offer completed my recovery. Rising and thanking him coldly 
 for this mark of courtesy, I told him that I had already ac- 
 cepted the services of Mr. Woods, and then with a low obeis- 
 ance left the office. I took the proffered arm of my compan- 
 ion, but remained silent until we had reached our sitting room. 
 Shutting its door I made sure that mamma was not in hearing 
 distance, and then walking close up to the young man said 
 almost fiercely, 'Well?"' 
 
 Again he took my hands, gave them a pressure and said 
 reproachfully, "why, Mary, you talk to me as if I were your 
 mortal enemy. Are you not aware that I would give half my 
 life to make you happy ?" 
 
 In spite of my excitement, these words sent a thrill 
 through my body, a thrill whose nature I did not take the 
 
44 EITHER, OR. 
 
 pains to analyze then; but my accents grew imperceptibly 
 softer as I resumed : "Well, why then do you keep me in 
 this painful suspense ? Did I not tell you that the portrait in 
 the office is the likeness of my father?" 
 
 "And you are sure, Mary, that you do not talk in a 
 fever ?" 
 
 "Tut," I replied more forcibly than elegantly, "I have no 
 more a fever than you, and am in the full and unimpaired pos- 
 session of my mental faculties, when I tell you that the por- 
 trait in the office is the likeness of my father." 
 
 "But your father's name is Brown, you know," Mr. Woods 
 remonstrated ; " how, then, do you account for this apparent 
 incongruity ?" 
 
 "I cannot account for it," I said impatiently, "but that 
 does not matter, for I am not, cannot be mistaken. But now 
 tell me quick, where is he? I mean the original of the pic- 
 ture?" 
 
 A shadow passed over the face of the young man and he 
 replied with much hesitancy, "The original of that portrait, 
 Mary, is dead." 
 
 "Dead!" I echoed, laying my hand upon my breast to 
 stifle a sudden pain in my heart. "Dead? Oh, that accounts 
 for it. I see it all, now. And when — when did he die?" 
 "About four or five months ago, - ' he said musingly. "But— " 
 "Hush," I cried, "I hear mamma's voice. She must know 
 nothing of this until all doubt and uncertainty has been re- 
 moved. Can you give me a few minutes this evening?" 
 
 "It is entirely at your disposal." 
 
 'Very well. Good bye — you had better retire before 
 mamma comes in and asks questions." He withdrew, leaving 
 me the prey of the chaos of conflicting thoughts and emotions. 
 To make matters worse, I had to repress them and preserve a 
 calm and even cheerful appearance for mother's sake. In the 
 evening Mr. Woods made his appearance, but mamma was so 
 constantly in the room that we found no chance lor the con- 
 templated interchange of thoughts. I was meditating some 
 ruse to secure the wished for tete-a-tete, when Mr. Woods 
 came to the rescue, asking me whether I had heard the famous 
 preacher that now stirred up the society of Plutopolis to its 
 very depth. Mamma here interposed, asking the young man 
 banteringly whether he was ignorant of the fact that we — 
 meaning herself and me — were hopelessly tainted with skep- 
 ticism ? 
 
 "I have at least an inkling of the fact," he replied with a 
 
EITHER, OR. 45 
 
 smile. "Nevertheless I venture to invite Miss Mary, at least, 
 to hear Mr. Slamdidge to-morrow. She^is not so hardened a 
 ease, you know, and the tremendous sledge-hammer blows of 
 the Evangelist may break the crust at some weak spot." 
 
 How can I describe the mixture of feelings with which I 
 listened to these words. To banter with a bleeding heart ; to 
 deceive her whom I loved with every fibre of my heart. Dire- 
 ful necessity : yet necessity, for under no circumstances would 
 I dare to expose dear mamma to the baneful uncertainty then 
 torturing my heart. She was evidently astonished when I ac- 
 cepted Mr. Woods' invitation, alleging as a reason my desire 
 to study this interesting phase of infatuation. Our visitor did 
 not stay long, and we retired soon after his withdrawal, a vio- 
 lent headache with which I really suffered, forming an excel- 
 lent excuse for an early retirement. On the next morning 
 Mr. Woods appeared at ten o'clock, and we at once started on 
 our errand. The church bells were ringing; the quiet streets, 
 the gaily dressed people, everything in fact bore the garb of 
 cheerfulness, contrasting strangely with the tumult within me. 
 We had hardly withdrawn to a safe distance when I looked 
 inquiringly in my companion's face, merelv uttering the mono- 
 sylable, " Well ?'"' 
 
 George reflected a moment and then said hesitatingly : 
 "Miss Mary, I have made some inquiries in this strange aflair 
 and discovered that there may indeed be some foundation for 
 your supposition. The janitor of the bank has been with the 
 firm for many a year, and when I cautiously touched upon the 
 olden times, he told me that the maiden name of Mr. Halleck's 
 mother had been Brown, and that — " I interrupted him with 
 a low cry, for the conviction of the correctness of my supposi- 
 tion brought, as a matter of course, the consciousness of my 
 dear father's death, that is, his irrecoverable loss to my 
 mother and myself. When he paused, sympathizingly, I strug- 
 gled for self-possession and urged him on by saying: "Proceed." 
 
 " Well, old Tompkins informed me that there had never 
 been much love lost between the two brothers and that one day, 
 it must have been fully twenty-five years ago, Harry, the young- 
 er brother, suddenly disappeared, leaving no token of his inten- 
 tions. Nor did he ever write, to Tompkins' knowledge, or return 
 until he suddenly loomed up about six months ago. James, that 
 is the other brother's name, did not seem to be over-much en- 
 joyed at Harry's return, but the latter acted so friendly and 
 disinterestedly that a cordial relation between the two was es- 
 tablished. I infer from Tompkins' rambling communications 
 
46 EITHER, OR. 
 
 that the bank really belonged to the younger brother, having 
 been started with a legacy left him by an uncle after whom he 
 had been named. I mention this to make you understand 
 the true relations of the two brothers. Mr. Harry Halleck was 
 a daily visitor at the bank, taking up his quarters in a few 
 chambers of the second story furnished bachelor fashion, 
 when his sudden death put a new phase upon the entire sit- 
 uation. " He stopped, probably induced by the convulsive 
 twitching of my hand, which I could not entirely suppress. 
 He gazed at me compassionately and resumed : " I wish I 
 could spare you this pain, Miss Mary, but your own injunc- 
 tions prevent it, please remember this, if what I have to tell 
 you wounds your feelings. " 
 
 " I understand ; please proceed. " 
 
 " Well, one morning we were shocked by the communi- 
 cation of the janitor who rushed into the bank and informed 
 us, that Mr. Harry was lying dead in his bed, killed, no doubt, 
 by the escape of gas. It was indeed, the smell of gas, which 
 was the cause of the sad event. The janitor, perceiving it to 
 issue from Mr. Halleck's room, had ventured upon enteiing, 
 with the terrible result I mentioned." 
 
 Again he stopped, this time interrupted by the violent 
 manifestations of grief I could no longer control and hide. 
 Bursting into sobs, almost convulsive in their vehemence, I 
 disregarded place and time, and thought just then of nothing 
 but the untimely end of one of the best of men. Mr. Woods 
 had probably forseen something of the kind, for he had chosen 
 a lonely street which widened at that place into one of the 
 little parks adorning the city. He wisely forebore comforting 
 me in words, but the pressure of his arm on my hand tight- 
 ened and leading me to one of the benches ot the resort, stand- 
 ing in a cluster of evergreens, he made me sit down, remain- 
 ing silent until the first paroxism of grief had subsided. When 
 my sobs had lost their convulsive character, I apologized for 
 drawing him into a grief foreign to him, but he protested so 
 earnestly against the idea of his being a stranger that I ceased, 
 relapsing into a silence filled with thoughts, sad to bitterness. 
 Suddenly, however, I was startled by the recollection that this 
 conduct was selfish; that there was a being left to me to whom 
 these dreadful news must be broken, and gently broken, if she 
 should not sink under the blow. 
 
 "Mr, Woods — George," — I said, under the impression of 
 this thought "I have no claim upon you, but, oh, do not desert 
 me in this trying hour. What am I to do ? How am I to impart 
 
EITHER, OR. 47 
 
 this shocking news to mamma? Oh, help me, help me." These 
 entreaties seemed to touch him almost painfully. Seizing 
 both my hands in his he exclaimed : "Mary, how can you talk 
 that way ? How can you consider as a painful task a privi- 
 lege dearer to me than life itself? This is not the time to worry 
 you with a declaration of the feelings with which you have 
 inspired me, but rest assured that there is no pleasure this 
 world could offer which can at all compare with that of serv- 
 ing you." 
 
 His words were so earnest that they carried the convic- 
 tion of their sincerity with them. And why deny it? They 
 touched me very sweetly in that hour of distress and poured 
 healing balm into my troubled soul. I could not abstain from 
 pressing his hands, and then withdrawing mine, said: "I 
 thank you, George. Rest assured that these words of comfort 
 will never be forgotten. But now tell me, what shall and 
 must I do? You are the only one I have to counsel me." 
 
 "I am only sorry," he replied, "that I cannot give you the 
 experience of riper years, but let me see : There are some 
 main points which we must not lose .sight of. First, and fore- 
 most, we must make perfectly sure of the identity of the por- 
 trait before we venture upon breaking the news to your 
 mother." 
 
 "But how can this be done without letting your mother 
 see the likeness?" 
 
 " Oh, as to that, there is no neccessity whatever. Re- 
 member that I left my father not many months ago, and pre- 
 serve a very vivid recollection of his features. When was this 
 portrait painted?" 
 
 " During the first weeks after his arrival. I heard him 
 tell his brother also, that it was intended as a pleasant surprise 
 to distant friends. " 
 
 " Did you never hear him speak of being married ? " 
 
 " Never, but that is not conclusive, as I did not hear him 
 speak a hundred words. " 
 
 " Well, nevertheless the circumstantial evidence is too 
 conclusive, to be overlooked : The name of Harry Brown, 
 the fact of his having been absent for twenty-five years ; the 
 wealth possessed by both papa and Mr. Halleck ; I think 
 there can be little doubt even to strangers of the identity of the 
 two. As to myself, I am perfectly and irrefutably convinced." 
 
 He reflected a moment, then said : " You are right, Miss 
 Mary, and this settles our course in regard to your mother ; 
 but I must confess that I am considerablv in the dark as to 
 
48 EITHER, OR. 
 
 the best course concerning Halleck. Remember, there are 
 millions, and many millions involved in this matter, and we 
 must be both cautious and circumspect, to secure to yourself 
 and your mother the fortune rightfully belonging to you. " 
 
 " Why, George, you do not think that Mr. Halleck could 
 be mean enough to reject our claims when put into the prop- 
 er light ? " 
 
 George seemed slightly embarrassed. " I dislike to speak 
 ill of others, and therefore say, I would be very glad to see 
 Mr. Halleck do the right thing. But Mary, one cannot be 
 constantly in a bank, without becoming painfully aware of the 
 baneful influence of gold. Indeed, I would not be very much 
 surprised to see him disregard the ties of kinship, and the dic- 
 tates of conscience, when millions are at stake. " 
 
 " Then, what do you think we had better do ? " 
 
 " Let me see ; first, we will have to establish the identity 
 between Mr. Harry Brown and Mr. Harry Halleck. This 
 once accomplished, the rest would be comparatively easy. Of 
 course, your mother has a certificate of marriage? " 
 
 " Certainly, that is — let me think. She had a certificate. 
 for I have read it more than a dozen times, but it was packed 
 with our baggage and lies now at the bottom of the Atlantic 
 ocean. " 
 
 " But she can easily procure a duplicate. Where were 
 your parents married? " 
 
 " On the little island of Yoko in the Indian ocean. " 
 
 " And by whom there? " 
 
 " A Mr. Swift, who stayed there in the capacity of mis- 
 sionary. Both papa and mamma told me often, that they 
 were married in the little church of the only place on the 
 island." 
 
 "Mr. Swift, missionary, Island of Yoko, Indian Archipel- 
 ago," repeated George, making a memorandum of these 
 names in his note book. " I am glad we shall find no difficulty 
 in securing a duplicate of the lost certificate, in case we need 
 it. In fact I may as well see about this without delay. I 
 shall continue to ply old Tompkins for further information, as 
 far as propriety and prudence permit, for something tells me 
 that the greatest discretion will have to be exercised in this 
 matter. If I were in your place I would not breathe this dis- 
 covery to anybody, and enjoin the same secrecy upon my 
 mother. And now, shall we return to the house and speak 
 the news to your poor mother ? Remember, it must be done 
 
EITHER, OR. 49 
 
 some time, and the sooner it is done the sooner you will be re- 
 lieved of a heavy burden." 
 
 He was right and I told him so. We rose and returned 
 home, our steps, however, slackening perceptibly on reaching 
 our premises. Mother met us in the hall, and expressed much 
 wonderment at our early return. "Was the discourse of the 
 Rev. Slamdidge not to your liking?" she banteringly inquired, 
 making me feel like a guilty criminal on the point of confes- 
 sion. But why repeat the dreadful scene ensuing? I shudder 
 at the mere recollection and have not the heart to paint in de- 
 tail the agony of my beloved mother. L,et it suffice to state 
 that I succeeded, with George's assistance, in breaking the 
 news, without at the same time breaking her heart. For hours, 
 however, she refused to be comforted, uttering incessantly the 
 name of the departed and yielding finally more to the dictates 
 of an exhausted nature than to those of reason. I almost 
 forced her to lie down a few hours, George remaining in the 
 house all the while and supporting me with his sympathy and 
 his counsel. About six o'clock mamma suddenly appeared in 
 the sitting room and exclaimed on entering : "George, take me 
 to the picture, for I must see it. Nay, do not refuse me, for if 
 you do, I shall call on Mr. Halleck to-morrow morning and ask 
 the same privilege from him." Neither George nor I made the 
 attempt to dissuade her, for we read in her eyes and counten- 
 ance that she would not listen to reason, or be refused. So 
 George said promptly : "Well, Mrs. Brown, if you must see 
 the portrait, I must devise some means without arousing the 
 suspicions of the inmates of the bank. Fortunately I have 
 the keys for the back door leading into the office But I sha 11 
 precede you fully hall an hour, for it would never do to expose 
 your and Mary's reputation to the gossip of the city. It will 
 soon be dusk. You can reach the bank from the alley run- 
 ning back of these houses. Wrap yourselves in some shawl 
 or cloak, leave your house through the court and walk to the 
 rear of the bank, where I shall be in waiting."^ ^:: ^ 
 
 He left us without further parley, and half an hour later 
 we followed his example, gliding unobserved first into our 
 court yard, and thence into the alley beyond. Creeping in 
 the deeper shadows of the buildings, we soon reached the lot 
 on which the bank is located. A high board fence separates 
 it from the alley, and at the gate leading into the court we 
 found George who led us stealthily to the rear of the bank and 
 then into the back office. Here he struck a match, and then 
 lit a lamp. As soon as the apartment was lit, mamma began 
 
50 EITHER, OR. 
 
 to look around and before long her eyes fell upon the portrait. 
 Our communications had naturally prepared her for the sight; 
 but so life-like was the picture, and so perfect the imitation, 
 that the aspect nevertheless completely overwhelmed her. 
 " Harry ! " she cried piteously, stretching her hands towards 
 the picture in a beseeching manner, and then sank into a 
 chair, sobbing hysterically, as if her heart would break. 
 Neither George nor I attempted to comfort her, judging, and 
 rightly, that a total abandonment to her sorrow would most 
 rapidly abate its vehemence. For fully fifteen minutes the sobs 
 continued without any sign of abatement ; then they shook her 
 frame merely at intervals and ten minutes later she had re- 
 gained sufficient composure to speak. Stretching her hand 
 towards the portrait she exclaimed with unexpected energy ; 
 " Mary, that picture must be mine. To-morrow I shall ask 
 the owner for its price, and I shall purchase it, no matter what 
 he may demand. 
 
 " Well, " said George, evidently deeming it prudent not 
 to contradict her, " of that we had better speak more at leisure 
 at your house. The janitor might surprise us here if we stay- 
 ed much longer, an occurrence which must be avoided at any 
 cost. " 
 
 Mamma seemed to comprehend the full force of this re- 
 mark, for she rose and said resignedly, " Let us go then. " 
 
 We accomplished our retreat in safety and both George 
 and I breathed a sigh of relief, when we reached the shelter 
 of our own house. It was only after the fortunate termination 
 of our venture that we saw the full magnitude of the risk we 
 had run. On mamma the sight of the picture had a salutory 
 effect It probably made her grief more pointed, but it also 
 made it less shadowy, and therefore more easy to combat. 
 Still she talked of nothing but the purchase of the picture, 
 until George was compelled to say kindly, but with firmness : 
 " Mrs. Brown, I doubt very much, whether Mr. Halleck would 
 sell that portrait under any consideration, but I fear, that 
 you would be the last person into whose hands he would al- 
 low it to fall. " 
 
 " But why, Mr. Woods?" Mamma inquired, opening her 
 eyes wonderingly. George then proceeded to explain to her 
 the main features of our discoveries, and closed by saying : 
 " It is to be feared that Mr. Halleck will dispute your claim to 
 any kinship with him, and what is more, your claim to your 
 husband's fortune. By such a rash step as you intend to 
 make, you would put him on his guard, and enable him to re- 
 
EITHER, OR. 51 
 
 fute your claim. This had the desired effect, but the wish to 
 possess the portrait was too potent to be abandoned at once ; 
 so she said: " Perhaps you are right, Mr. Woods. Indeed, I 
 see, you are, and thank you sincerely for the kind interest you 
 take in us and our affairs ; but can you think of no way, in 
 which we could secure a copy of the portrait, without the 
 owner's knowledge? " 
 
 " That might perhaps be done, although such an under- 
 taking would certainly be very difficult, to say nothing of the 
 necessity of hiding the copy, to avoid scandal and gossip. But 
 it is late. Permit me to retire with the sincere hope that time 
 will enable you to bear your great affliction with fortitude and 
 patience ." 
 
 Aug. 1 st. Pvxcuse me, dear Journal for having been so 
 negligent in my attentions. Seven months have elapsed since 
 my last visit to your sanctum, and I cannot even say that I 
 had nothing of importance to communicate to you. On the 
 contrary, one startling occurrence has chased the other, a cir- 
 cumstance which perhaps accounts for my want of attention 
 to your claims, and is, indeed, the only excuse I have to offer. 
 Let me attone by double diligence. Let me first and foremost 
 whisper a grand secret into your ear hitherto unknown only 
 to mamma, George and myself. Can you not guess? Were 
 similar secrets never whispered to you ? Of course, they were. 
 I myself read one made by another Mary, eighteen years ago. 
 You understand now ? Ah, I thought you would. Well, it 
 happened some three months ago, but how? I can hardly 
 tell. Maybe George has a better memory, so you had better 
 ask him. I will tell you, however, that the occurrence has 
 made me extremely happy, much happier than I thought I 
 would ever be again. Even mamma is more cheerful in con- 
 sequence, entering with spirit into the date of the marriage 
 and what we are going to do afterwards. From this you must 
 not infer that the day has been fixed — we are altogether too 
 expectant for such a step just now. George has taken upon 
 himself the task of establishing papa's identity with Harry 
 Halleck, and also to procure a duplicate of my parental mar- 
 riage certificate, but in both of these undertakings he has sig- 
 nally failed. In spite of the most diligent inquiries, George 
 has failed to discover the least trace of Harry Brown after his 
 disappearance from Plutopolis. Papa must have had potent 
 reasons to thus conceal his tracks, although I feel in my soul 
 that they were in no way discreditable to him. I surmise that 
 his relations to his brother must have been highly unpleasant, 
 
52 EITHER, OR. 
 
 causing him to form the resolution of disappearing complete- 
 ly, but I only surmise it. As to the certificate, we have been 
 equally unsuccessful. George's inquiries have brought 
 to light the fact that the natives of Yoko killed Mr. Swift 
 about ten years ago, and burned the little church, with all its 
 contents, destroying in that way the register and all other doc- 
 uments connected with Mr. Swift's official actions. Strange 
 to say, these failures do not effect either mamma or me, at 
 least as far as the prospect of the possession or loss of millions 
 is concerned. To tell the truth, dear mamma has always been 
 something of a socialist, if not communist, and often scrupled 
 at the ownership of so much wealth, at the expense, she says, 
 of our fellow-men. Indeed, if we now recover this wealth, I 
 feel sure that she will use it in conformity with these views, 
 not in charity, which she considers unfair, but in justice and 
 the recognition of the fact that all men are brothers. 
 
 I am at a loss to conjecture what we shall do with the 
 view of pushing our claims, and my two confederates are in 
 the same dilemma ; but it seems to be silently understood that 
 some modus operandi will be adopted, even if George's inves- 
 tigations remain fruitless. George is decidedly of the opinion 
 that Mr. Halleck will never voluntarily acknowledge our claim 
 of relationship, i. «?., to papa's fortune, unless we furnish him 
 proofs which cannot be refuted. I naturally adopt his 
 views, but mamma says she cannot force herself to think so 
 poorly of the brother of a man who ranked so high among 
 his fellow beings for honesty, for fairness and magnanimity. 
 If we fail to secure the proofs in question, she will, at an early 
 date, call upon Mr. James Halleck, disclose to him our rela- 
 tionship with his lamented brother, and then appeal to his in- 
 tegrity and sense of equity. George shakes his head, but does 
 not try to dissuade her, as such a step cannot destroy prospects 
 which, in his opinion, have already assumed a desperate aspect. 
 George himself is certainly the soul of noble disinterestedness. 
 Although the loss of papa's fortune to mamma and myself sig- 
 nifies its prospective loss to him, he urges frequently an aban- 
 donment of our claim, on the ground that it causes us need- 
 less worry, and must necessarily hurt the feelings of high- 
 strung natures. Mamma, however, is determined ; partly from 
 a sense of noble pride, and partly, I guess, with the intention 
 of carrying out some philanthropic scheme, in case the need- 
 ful means are placed at her disposal. Well, if we recover the 
 lost millions, she will find in me not only a negative well- 
 wisher, but an active assistant, for I, too, have imbibed the 
 
EITHER, OR. 53 
 
 principles laid down in the writings of our great socialists. 
 Aug. 30th. Our affairs are in the statu quo of a month 
 ago, excepting a new and rather annoying feature which has 
 since developed. I say developed, for what I am going to 
 record is not exactly new, dating, in fact, from the appearance 
 of Mr. Josephus Cheatham in our house. I have repeatedly 
 mentioned the bold and significant glances he has had the im- 
 pudence to cast at me. My coldly ignoring him had no effect 
 on Mr. Cheatham ; on the contrary, his attentions became 
 more marked as the weeks passed by, assuming first the shape 
 of attempts to say polite things, scented either with sweetness 
 or imaginary cleverness. I have stated that Mr. Cheatham 
 would insist upon occasional visits in the sitting room. A 
 person less callous would have been deterred from demonstra- 
 tions by the icy coldness with which they were received ; but 
 in Mr. Cheatham's case, nature seems to have made a mistake 
 by supplying him with the thickness, or at least toughness, of 
 an elephant's hide. Mr. Cheatham was not only not discour- 
 aged, but actually elated, for his visits grew in length and fre- 
 quency. He was cunning enough to clothe them always in 
 the garb of business, thus hindering us from forbidding thern. 
 If Mr. Cheatham had over-stepped the rules of etiquette, it 
 would have been different ; but although his eyes betrayed a 
 constantly increasing admiration for my charms, he was 
 clever enough not to give mamma or myself just cause for re- 
 questing a discontinuance of his calls. To the outer world 
 Mr. Cheatham presents the appearance of an exemplary young 
 man. He is handsome, well-dressed, has an income apparent- 
 ly adequate to his wants, and, in the eyes of the world, is quite 
 the fellow by whose attentions a girl ought to consider herself 
 flattered. My own aversion must be intuitive and a lenient 
 observer might shake his head reprovingly at my super-fas- 
 tidiousness. Perhaps I am too severe ; perhaps the conscious- 
 ness of his loathsome admiration gives an undue sharpness to 
 my feelings; but this much is certain, that I shudder at the 
 mere sight of this man. and that I must call to my aid all my 
 good senses to overcome the presentiment that he is to be the 
 evil genius of my life. But, to come to the point : It was 
 yesterday, during one of Mr. Cheatham's obnoxious visits and 
 during mamma's temporary absence, that he had the audacity 
 to offer me his hand and heart. If I had followed my first 
 impulse, I would have slapped him in the face and then turned 
 him from the room like one of those disgusting reptiles which 
 combine hideousness with poison, but though I curbed this 
 
54 EITHER, OR. 
 
 inclination with a powerful effort, I am certain that my coun- 
 tenance was a true index of the feelings animating me while 
 I politely, but with icy chilliness, declined the honor of such a 
 connection. He scowled visibly, but only momentarily, and 
 then requested me not to decide too hastily and permit him to 
 earn the favor he asked, by continued and boundless devotion. 
 I cut him short by saying: " Not so, Mr. Cheatham ; I feel, 
 in fact I know, that I shall never entertain for you such feel- 
 ings as would make a marriage with you possible. I despise 
 coquetry, and would commit an act of unpardonable levity 
 were I to encourage you to entertain for another moment the 
 possibility of the realization of your wishes." After these 
 words I rose, and he interpreting my action as a dismissal, fol- 
 lowed my example, saying more pointedly than before and 
 with a deepening scowl on his face, " Very well, Miss Brown, 
 be it as you wish. I fail to comprehend how and why my 
 well-meant offer should arouse in you the feelings of indigna- 
 tion and aversion so plainly depicted in your countenance. I 
 trust that you will never regret this hasty and supercilious 
 rejection. Rest assured that I, for my part, shall never forget 
 the puerile role you made me in this farce. I wish you good 
 night." 
 
 I feel that Josephus Cheatham is my enemy now, my 
 mortal foe, who would delight in any chance to make me 
 wretched and effect my ruin. I shrink from informing either 
 mamma or George of this repulsive scene, for I know that 
 mamma would worry, and perhaps resent the fellow's pre- 
 sumption, while George, on the other hand, might provoke a 
 quarrel and sharpen into a mortal feud a relation sufficiently 
 hostile as it is. It is not very likely that Mr. Cheatham will 
 mi Jest me after this severe rebuke ; so let the matter rest, and 
 not conjure up consequences which prudence and discretion 
 may possibly avert. 
 
 Sept. yth. Last night we three confederates held a coun- 
 cil of war, and determined upon a definite course of conduct. 
 Perhaps matters would not have come to a crisis so soon, if 
 mamma had not incidentally found one of our old Calcutta 
 friends, who knew all about my parent's marriage, or at least 
 their living together as husband and wife. When mamma 
 told him of our loss and asked him whether he could, and 
 would testify in our behalf, he cheerfully consented, and 
 placed himself entirely at our disposal. It was decided that 
 he should call upon Mr. Halleck, on the plea of business, and 
 on that occasion see the portrait. As Mr. Moulton — this is 
 
EITHER, OR. 55 
 
 his name — had seen papa shortly before his last departure 
 from Calcutta, his testimony concerning the identity between 
 papa and the picture would be of great value, and when he 
 told mamma, after his visit to the bank, that he was ready to 
 swear to his opinion that the subject of the picture and papa 
 were one and the same person, mamma felt greatly elated, and 
 fixed the decisive interview with the banker at ten o'clock to- 
 morrow morning. Both Mr. Moulton and myself are to be 
 witnesses of this interview, and I must confess that I am not 
 a little excited at the prospect. 
 
 Sept. 8th. The portentous interview is over. Like 
 Csesar, we went, saw, but unlike him suffered a defeat. For 
 my part, I expected nothing else. We have no legal proof 
 whatever, to substantiate our claims, and George's delineation 
 of Mr. James Halleck's character had prepared me to consid- 
 er an appeal to his generosity, wasted breath and labor. Nor 
 must I, in justice to him, forget to state here that an acknowl- 
 edgment of our claim would have been equal to a renuncia- 
 tion of a fortune of some fifty millions, even fair-minded men 
 would have considered long and carefully, before taking. I 
 do not mean to intimate that I consider Mr. Halleck to be 
 such a man ; on the contrary, this morning's experience has 
 convinced me that he is a weak, if not a vicious character, in- 
 capable of rising to grand self-negation, a devotee to mammon 
 and its companions, influence and power. On the other hand, 
 this morning's interview brought out more strikingly the 
 many noble traits of mamma's character. She — but why 
 moralize ? I'll give a short sketch of the incidents connected 
 with our visit, as such a description will tell more graphically 
 than any reflections of my own, the assertions made above. 
 
 We found Mr. Halleck in his private office. He seemed 
 little surprised at our appearance, wondering, no doubt, of 
 what nature might be the business occasioning the call of a 
 trio so oddly compounded. Mamma soon ended his uncer- 
 tainty, by saying in her straight forward manner: "'Mr. Hal- 
 leck, we have come to inform you of the certain important 
 discoveries we have made : discoveries which establish the . 
 most intimate relationship between you and ourselves, and 
 imply rights and privileges we are determined to claim." 
 
 The banker looked mystified and continued his reply to 
 a wondering "Madam?" Mamma resumed, pointing to the 
 portrait and betraying by the increased animation of her voice 
 and features, a corresponding deepening of emotions: 
 
 "I have no wish to keep you in suspense, sir. The sub' 
 
5 6 EITHER, OR. 
 
 ject of this portrait was my husband, and is the father of this 
 young lady." 
 
 These words startled Mr. Halleck to such a degree, that 
 he rose to his feet, repeating the word, "madam?" giving it an 
 increased emphasis, betraying at once wonderment, incredual- 
 ity and irony. 
 
 "Mr. Harry Halleck was, as I stated before, my husband, 
 and is the father of this young lady, my daughter Mar)'," 
 mamma continued, regaining her wonted composure ."I trust 
 3 ? ou will be sincerely glad when you learn all the details estab- 
 lishing the truth of my statement, and receive us with that 
 cordiality which our intimate relationship demands and justi- 
 fies.'^ j 
 
 Mr. Halleck became pale as a corpse ; then suddenly the 
 blood rushed violently into his face, coloring him to a deep 
 scarlet, while he replied : 
 
 " These are strange assertions, Mrs. — Mrs. ? " 
 
 "Brown," mamma said quietly, "although I trust that my 
 communications will induce you, to assist us, in establishing 
 our claims to that of Halleck." 
 
 Mamma's assurance evidently increased the perplexity of 
 the banker, who said with a hoarse and somewhat shaky 
 voice : " My lamented brother never intimated by word or 
 mien, that he was married. You need, therefore, not wonder 
 at my surprise. And now, madam, you are, no doubt, pre- 
 pared, to advance the legal proofs of your assertions, being, to 
 all appearances, too sensible a person, to expect me to give 
 credence to such startling, and — I beg your pardon — unlikely 
 assertions, without them." This thrust did not discomfort 
 mamma, unable though she was, to fortify her statements by 
 the proofs demanded. Looking with her honest eyes straight 
 into those of the banker, she replied : 
 
 "I think I shall be fully able to satisfy you ; but per- 
 mit me. to give a short account of myself as well as these 
 proofs you demand, as they are inseparably connected." She 
 looked at him inquiringly, and when he bowed and said ner- 
 vously, " Proceed," she began to give a clear and concise state- 
 ment of her marriage, my birth and education, and the prin- 
 cipal features of the eighteen years following. When she 
 spoke of the witnesses of the marriage ceremony and the cer- 
 tificate she had secured, Mr. Halleck's lace paled once more ; 
 but when she related the death of the missionary, the destruc- 
 tion of the church and its records, and the loss of the valuable 
 document by the burning of the Albatross, the banker's face 
 
EITHER, OR. 57 
 
 resumed much of its former assurance, and when at last 
 mamma had ended, he said coldly and with considerable sar- 
 casm in his tone : 
 
 " A very pretty tale, Mrs. Brown, and well told, I must 
 confess ; but, in the want of definite legal proofs you must ex- 
 cuse me from giving it implicit credence, at least as far as the 
 identity of your husband and my brother Harry is concerned. 
 As I told you before, he never breathed to me the existence of 
 a wife and daughter, and, under the circumstances, I must 
 politely, but firmly decline, to acknowledge claims lacking all 
 substantial confirmation." 
 
 " Well, as far as testimony is concerned, here is Mr. 
 Moulton, late from Calcutta, where he formerly knew my 
 husband intimately. He will tell you, that he is ready to affirm 
 by an oath his belief in the identity of my husband and the or- 
 iginal of this portrait." 
 
 Mr. Halleck, who had paled a moment under these words, 
 now once more regained his composure and said with that 
 supercilious irony so hard to bear : 
 
 " His belief: No doubt, Mrs. Brown ; but you forget that 
 our courts will require more than a mere belief, to grant 
 petitions of such vital importance. As I said before : As 
 long as you fail to produce unquestionable evidence for the 
 establishment of your marriage, and, above all, fail to prove 
 the identity of your husband with my lamented brother, I 
 must decline a relationship which though certainly enticing, 
 involves considerations of too much magnitude and importance 
 to be decided by romance and sentiments of gallantry." 
 
 With these words he rose, intimating in that way his de- 
 sire of ending our interview. We also rose, of course, but be- 
 fore leaving, mamma advanced a step towards the banker, and 
 said with an emphasis under which he evidently winced : 
 
 " Very well, Mr. Halleck, I can and will wait ; but re- 
 member, that I shall make it the business of my life, to con- 
 vince the courts of the truthfulness of statements which you 
 deny and would probably continue to deny, however fully and 
 deeply convinced. Rest assured that we shall not annoy you 
 personally, even after the full establishment of our claims to 
 your brother's name and fortune, for the long and intimate re- 
 lations with your brother have taught us to spurn a relation- 
 ship so sarcastically discussed and so eagerly disclaimed. I 
 wish you good day, Mr. Halleck." 
 
 She left the room so proudly that one might easily have 
 imagined her the victor instead of the vanquished part}-. Nor 
 
58 HITHER. OR. 
 
 has this defeat affected her spirits or peace of mind. When 
 George met us in the evening for consultation, she entered 
 with much animation into the discussion of measures feasible 
 and advisable. 
 
 George is not at all sanguine as to the issue of a combat 
 in the courts with Mr. Halleck, unless we discover more posi- 
 tive proofs of our assertions than those at our disposal at 
 present. When mamma stated her determination to search 
 for such proofs, he said : 
 
 " You are right, mamma, and I shall aid you with all my 
 heart. I think we ought to advertise in a guarded manner for 
 the seamen who witnessed a marriage ceremony in the mis- 
 sionary church of Yoko, on the 25th of July, iS — . It is not 
 very probable, that such an advertisement will reach these 
 ignorant tars, even assuming the doubtful fact of their exist- 
 ence this day. We might also write to some of your old 
 acquaintances in Europe, to ascertain whether they or anyone 
 of them know perchance something of Mr. Brown's antece- 
 dents. Without further evidence, mamma, I cannot in 
 conscience counsel you, to begin a combat, which would rap- 
 idly consume your little fortune, and end in another defeat " 
 
 Mamma is too sensible, not to see the force of these argu- 
 ments. vSo, she yielded with a good grace, conferring upon 
 George the power of general-in-chief, promising due and im- 
 plicit obedience to his injunctions regarding this case. After 
 this concession he resumed : 
 
 "And now, ladies and confederates." he continued, "let. 
 me inform you that your interview with Mr. Halleck has 
 made my longer stay there highly problematical, and — " 
 
 "Oh, George;" mamma interrupted him; "I never 
 thought of that. I am truly sorry that--" 
 
 "Mamma there is no occasion for any sorrow whatever. 
 First, my apprehension may be groundless and Mr. Halleck may 
 not know, or decline to resent my participation in this conspir- 
 acy; or, if he does; if he interrogates me concerning my relation 
 to you, I shall tell him the truth, and take the consequences, 
 that is my dismissal from his service. Such an occurrence, 
 however, would only quicken my separation from the bank, as 
 I have long since formed the resolution of leaving it, partly 
 on account of the hurtful influence of money upon even those 
 merely handling it, but chiefly on account of the relation be- 
 tween Cheatham and myself, which would make a continued 
 intercourse with him unbearable. And now, my friends, let 
 me sketch out to you mv intentions. I have saved a few 
 
EITHER, OR. 59 
 
 thousands, which I propose to invest in a little manufacturing 
 venture. My father used to carry on a tannery, and being 
 familiar with all the details of his business, I deem myself 
 capable of carrying it on successfully, and support therewith 
 a helpmate and companion, Say, Mary, "Will you be a good 
 girl and say 'yes,' when I ask you to marry me on the first 
 day which sees my tannery in operation ?" 
 
 What could I say ? Mamma favored the idea with such 
 earnestness that I gave up all resistances as useless, and lay- 
 ing my hand in George's, said "yes." Still he does not, of 
 necessity, fix the date of the tying of the knot upon to-mor- 
 row or next week, as George will await further developments 
 in the bank, and may not start his tannery for an entire year. 
 
 May ist. The Winter is o'er; Spring has set in, in all 
 its beauty, but things are pretty much as they were in the 
 Fall. Mr. Halleck did not see proper to inquire into George's 
 relation to the ladies which, at that time, threatened to be- 
 come such potent factors in his life, and as the unsatisfactory 
 condition of the money market made the establishment of any 
 new industry risky, George resolved to benefit by this respite, 
 and increase his means for starting and conducting properly 
 his pet scheme, the tannery. Yesterday, however, he informed 
 us, that Cheatham's hostility had become so marked of late as 
 to make an open rupture with him not only imminent, but 
 unavoidable. 
 
 He says, he was not afraid of him, but considers a pru- 
 dent retreat preferable to an ignominious fight and has there 
 fore fixed the ist of Oct. next as the date lor the opening of 
 his shop. He added laughingly, that he gives this early notice 
 so as to cut off all excuses for not getting ready in season, a 
 method so popular amongst the lair sex. 
 
 So, the day has at last been set, at least, in as far as it is 
 coincident with that on which the first hides are doomed to 
 lose their hair in the tannery. I shall then be a little over 
 eighteen, rather young, I think, for assuming the management 
 of my own household ; but George tells me laughingly, that 
 he don't mind this much, as it is a misfortune likely to be less 
 glaring twenty years hence. 
 
 Sept. the 15th. Two more weeks and the chapter of 
 maidenhood will be closed, and that of womanhood, i. <?., mar- 
 ried life begun. Mamma at first refused to live with us, say- 
 ing that she had no desire of earning the terrible reputation of 
 the mother in-law "par excellence ;" but both George and myself 
 coaxed so hard that she finally consented to live with us. 
 
60 EITHER. OR. 
 
 George has found a tannery in the suburbs of Plutopolis, which 
 is provided with all modern improvements, and can be rented 
 at a low figure on account ol the recent and sudden death of 
 the owner. There is a neat cottage in close proximity, and 
 after a close inspection of the same by both mamma and my- 
 self, it has been rented, furnished and prepared for immediate 
 occupation, both George and myself feeling disinclined to the 
 exposure and ridicule of a bridal trip. Mamma has letted this 
 entire house, and insists upon bearing half the household ex- 
 penses, an arrangement quite propitious, as George's means are 
 rather limited, and mamma's genorosity will enable him, to 
 draw but lightly upon his moderate earnings. Only two more 
 weeks. Dear me, I feel as if that were a long time, and as if 
 a good many things of importance might happen during them. 
 
 Sept. 25th. Were the above words prophetic ? I am al- 
 most inclined to reply affirmatively, for yesterday an occur- 
 rence as startling as unpleasant took place in our house. The 
 latter feature will be readily understood, when I say, that Mr. 
 Cheatham had something to do with it. Since my rejection 
 of his offe r he has left me in peace, without, however, making 
 any strenuous efforts to avoid me. Imagine therefore, my sur- 
 prise, when, last night, a knock was heard at the door of the sit- 
 ting room, and Mr. Cheatham entered in obedience to our sum- 
 mons. He addressed himself to mamma, who begged him to 
 be seated, and asked him what she could do for him. Think- 
 ing that he wanted to pay his rent, I rose and left the room, 
 not so much with the view of avoiding him, as to execute a 
 a little commission given me by mamma. It took me only to 
 the next room, the door of which was a few inches ajar, thus 
 allowing any loud conversation to reach my ears. . At first I 
 heard nothing, but after a minute or two mamma's voice rose 
 in pitch and volume, and I heard her say : 
 
 " Mr. Cheatham, how can you dare to make to me, or rath- 
 er ni} T daughter, so degrading a proposal ? Cease at once, 
 and — " 
 
 "But, Mrs. Brown, be reasonable," he interrupted plead- 
 ingly. "Remember, I can make you rich as Croesus, and shall 
 sacrifice my own interests, if you will only intercede for me 
 with Miss Mar) r ." 
 
 At this moment I heard mamma's voice crying in tones 
 of excitement, quite unusual with her: "Mary!" I hastened 
 to obey the summons, and on entering, saw mamma stand- 
 ing before Mr. Cheatham in an attitude of menace, her lips 
 
EITHER, OR. 61 
 
 curling with disdain, and her fine eyes flashing fire. When I 
 reached her side she said hurriedly : 
 
 "Mary, this gentleman informs me that he has discovered 
 papers insuring to you and me the possession of millions. He 
 is ready and willing to deliver these papers into my hands for 
 a very slight consideration. As this consideration involves 
 your future, I thought it best to refer Mr. Cheatham to you. 
 Well, sir, here is my daughter. Repeat to her the proposition, 
 if you dare." 
 
 The fellow quailed a little under her withering glances, 
 but his inborn brazenness sustained him and he said half in- 
 sinuatingly, half menacingly : 
 
 " Miss Mary, you are a young lady of uncommon intelli- 
 gence, and it is with an appeal to your good sense that I now 
 repeat to you what I told Mrs. Brown a few minutes ago. I 
 have discovered papers which establish beyond cavil, your 
 claim to an immense fortune. You are aware that I entertain 
 for you feelings of the deepest and sincerest devotion. Can 
 you blame me, if I now use my discovery, to push my cause ? 
 Everything is fair in war, you know, and you must ascribe it 
 to my great affection for you, if I couple my offer to surrender 
 these papers, with the request to establish at the same time 
 my own happiness, by a grant of your heart and hand ?" 
 
 A momentary silence ensued. I had become the prey of 
 conflicting emotions. Wrath at his boldness of thus deeming 
 me capable to yield to mercenary considerations in the most 
 solemn transaction of life, battled with the dictates of pru- 
 dence and discretion. Unfortunately I have inherited mam- 
 ma's indignation at anything low and contemptible, and this 
 inheritance now led me to follow the impulse of wounded 
 pride and dignity. I walked in silence to the door, and open- 
 ing it with an energetic jerk, said as calmly as my flying 
 pulses would permit : " Depart, and never dare to show your- 
 self in this room again !" 
 
 The fellow did not reply. I think he was too enraged to 
 give vent to his fury in words, but his eyes flashed fire and I 
 verily believe, if his looks had possessed the power of "S/ie," 
 he would have killed both mamma and myself on the spot. 
 He stood there in silence for a few seconds ; then he hissed 
 between his teeth : "You shall suffer for this," and then, with- 
 out a word of adieu, rushed from the room. No sooner had 
 he disappeared when a strong reaction set in, causing me to 
 sink into a chair and to burst into a flood of tears. Mamma 
 tried to soothe me, saying : "He is not worthy of such a man- 
 
62 EITHER. OR. 
 
 ifestation of regret," to which I replied : "I do not pity him, 
 mamma; it is anger, not compassion, which makes me cry. I 
 am calmer now, and fear my outbursts was more just than 
 prudent. Mamma, that man has become our deadly foe, and 
 woe to us, if his chance and means for hurting us is ever 
 equal to his desire." 
 
 Mamma tried to comfort me, by assuring me that Mr. 
 Cheatham's rage was as important as intense, and that he 
 would in all probability free us from his irksome presence. In 
 this, however, she was mistaken, as he still inhabits his room, 
 and shows by no sign or movement that he intends to leave 
 it. Mamma, on her part, would give him notice to leave, 
 were it not for our early withdrawal from the premises, and 
 her unwillingness of robbing our renter of a lodger who pays 
 well and punctually, let his character be what it may. 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 THE POWER OF GOLD— THREE YEARS LATER. 
 
 Oct. i st, 1 8 — . The third anniversary of our wedding 
 day : What a flood of thoughts this circumstance conjures 
 up in my soul. They are of a mixed nature, although joy, 
 peace and contentment with my fate, form an overwhelming 
 majority, leaving only a few discordant elements in the throng. 
 George is well, and, if possible, more devoted to me today, 
 than on our wedding day. Elinor and Richard are developing 
 into handsome and charming children, although I sometimes 
 notice in the former marks of selfishness which remind me of 
 her uncle, the banker. Nor does her intellect seem as bright 
 as her brother's, discoveries which only increase my love for 
 the child and sharpen the sense of my responsibility. For- 
 tunately, George and I are a unit on the point of education, 
 both of us believing that children have rights as well as 
 adults, and that the attempt of enforcing obedience without 
 explanation or the mere convenience of the parents, tends to 
 the formation of the many wharped characters the world ex- 
 hibits. Of the unpleasant thoughts, I will only mention 
 mamma's failing health, and the unsatisfactory condition of 
 George's business. As to mamma's health, I cannot close my 
 eyes to the fact that her days are numbered. We have con- 
 sulted the best physicians of the city as to her ailments, and 
 all of them agree that her heart has a defect, which is rapidly 
 
EITHER, OR. 63 
 
 ■developing and will cause her death, as soon as its normal ac- 
 tion is impaired. Mamma knows this, but is cheerful and 
 contented and displays fortitude which sustains and comforts 
 George and myself; and enables us to submit with resigna- 
 tion to the inevitable. 
 
 As to George's business, an adverse fate seems to have 
 attached itself to his heels, foiling his designs, upsetting his 
 most rational calculations, and turning into losses the profits 
 his energy, industry and good judgment have a right to ex- 
 pect. There seems to be some subtle influence in the air, 
 watching and destroying his plans in the germ. When he 
 goes out to buy hides, a rival has either forestalled him, or 
 offered such prices, that George cannot purchase, without the 
 definite certainty of a loss. When he has secured good work- 
 men, and expects smooth sailing, somebody offers higher 
 wages, and poor George is compelled to let the men go, as he 
 cannot afford to pay more than he does. Even the chemicals 
 he uses, seem to rise in price, as soon as he needs them, and 
 all these things have clouded a brow generally so bright and 
 smooth. To complete his bad luck, the market is always low, 
 when he wants to sell ; nor does waiting mend the matter, for 
 the longer he waits, the lower the price gets. What can it all 
 mean ? Is there any such thing as bad luck or, worse, an evil 
 genius spoiling our best efforts, and defeating our plans ? I 
 trust not, for such a thought is discouraging, souring one's 
 temper and leading to indolence and dissipation. I do 
 not know why, at this moment the face of Josephus Cheatham 
 rises before my mental eye. Wouldn't he be an evil genius 
 with a vengeance ? But I suppose he has by this time, for- 
 gotten me and the threat he made on leaving. He has a 
 family now, and wealth and station, in short, everything cal- 
 culated to make a man like him happy. Happy ? Hardly, I 
 think, a man of his caliber cannot be truly happy. Contented 
 is perhaps a more correct expression, although real content- 
 ment can, in my estimation, be felt only by a pure and tran- 
 quil mind, qualities foreign to Mr. Cheatham, unless I greatly 
 miscomprehend his character. Why do I think and write of 
 him in this manner, I wonder? I truly cannot. tell, for I had 
 not thought of him, since I ordered him from the room. Even 
 his success in the world left me indifferent, although both 
 mamma and myself guessed, and probably correctly, that he 
 sold the papers he alluded to, to the banker for his daughter's 
 hand, and a partnership in the bank. They must have been 
 worth their weight in gold, else so proud a man as Mr. Hal- 
 
64 EITHER, OR. 
 
 leek would not thus have humored and honored a mere up- 
 start. I feel certain that these documents contained the proofs 
 we have hunted so long, so diligently, and so vainly. I also 
 feel certain, that their possession would have turned into our 
 coffers the gold in the vaults of the bank ; but if you ask me, 
 whether I regret the rejection of Mr. Cheatham's offer, I reply : 
 " No, a thousand times no." A crust of bread is, if shared by 
 dear George, a thousand times better than the most sump- 
 tuous fare with a rogue like Cheatham. I feel that I do him 
 no wrong by branding him in this manner, for a man who can 
 make the surrender of documents not his own, contingent 
 upon conditions, is certainly a rogue. No, I do not regret the 
 loss of papa's millions under the circumstances, though I wish 
 I had enough of the money to clear the brow of poor George. 
 He has sunk money every year, until his little fortune is 
 totally swamped. Indeed, I do not see how he could have 
 continued in business, if mamma had not come to his rescue. 
 At first he refused her aid, and then you should have seen 
 mamma. She was truly grand in her displeasure, lecturing 
 him so effectually on the folly and wickedness of false pride, 
 that he gave up and pleaded for mercy. Mentioning Cheath- 
 am's name makes me think of meeting his family in the park 
 the other day. Mamma, the children and I drove through the 
 park last Sunday, when we passed a flashy equipage, in 
 whose inmates mamma recognized Mrs. Cheatham. There 
 were two little ones with her, a boy and a girl, probably her 
 children. I would have paid no attention to them, if mamma 
 had not excited my curiosity by mentioning the lady's name. 
 The horses were prancing impatiently, but their gait was slow, 
 and as the carriage was coming towards us and open, I had a 
 long and searching look at the envied mistress of so much 
 wealth and elegance. Envied. How superficial is the judg- 
 ment of the world. This woman is not enviable, for she cer- 
 tainly is not happy. Her features, naturally beautiful, are 
 frozen into cold indifference and apathy. If it were not for 
 this ; if this icy mask did not effectually cover her soul, I 
 would expect to see despair hold undisputed sway there. Only 
 once when her little daughter spoke to her, her features re- 
 laxed for a moment, a gentler feeling enlivening them, as a 
 warm shower animates even the desert. But, like this desert, 
 her mien absorbed this shower in a second, and nothing but 
 the icy rigor remained. I could not help shuddering at this 
 sight, and felt relieved, when the sad spectacle of wretched 
 grandeur was lost from view. But here is George coming 
 
EITHER, OR. 65 
 
 home from work, and supper is not half ready, so fare thee 
 well, my Journal. 
 
 :;: # * TWO YEARS LATER. ;;: ' :: * :;: 
 
 Oct. 1st. "How rapidly time flies. We have been mar- 
 ried five years. Elinor is four, Richard three years, and 
 mamma, dear, good, noble mamma, has been sleeping in the 
 grave for nearly ten months. How I miss her. How I long 
 for her advice, her cheerful, encouraging words. And yet I 
 feel that it is best so, for the last year of her life was one end- 
 less suffering, which would have intensified with every new 
 day. So George and I were compelled to school ourselves 
 into sad resignation, and meet with a sigh of relief the cruel 
 day which deprived us of our best friend. It seems to me 
 that the dark cloud, which from the first overshadowed 
 George's business ventures, has visibly blackened since mam- 
 ma's death. The years before her death were disastrous 
 enough, but the one ending to-day shows a startling increase 
 of the constant and unceasing persecutions which poor George 
 is destined to endure, and which is surely calculated to be- 
 wilder the mind and upset the judgment of the most unso- 
 phisticated. I wonder it has not soured his disposition or 
 driven him to apathy and indifference, and it is the highest 
 eulogy I can pronounce upon his mental vigor, when I say 
 that in spite of these chronic persecutions of an evil fate, 
 George is to-day the same patient worker, the same painstak- 
 ing planner as on the da) r when he first opened his tannery. 
 When I condole with him he says encouragingly : "Never 
 mind, little woman ; it is a long lane which has no turn. One 
 of these days the imp that makes me his target will tire of his 
 work and leave us. Then we shall make up for lost time, in- 
 deed we shall." 
 
 If it had not been for mamma's little fortune, George 
 would have been obliged to give up his tannery long ago. As 
 it is, his business has already swallowed two of the four 
 houses forming her estate, and I am much afraid that another 
 3^ear will take another house, leaving us only the large one in 
 which we lived when I made George's acquaintance. I think 
 at times it would be better to give up the tannery and depend 
 upon the rent of our houses, but when I broach this subject 
 George shakes his head energetically and says : "Little wo- 
 man, do you think I could sit still, live on your bounty and 
 grow fat with indolence ? No, Mary dear; ask anything but 
 that; unless you want to lay me into an early grave, do not 
 
66 EITHER, OR. 
 
 ask me to abandon myself to the existence of a parasite." 
 
 Well, that settles it, of course, but I shall be very glad 
 when he abandons this tannery, which has been a sink-hole 
 from the first, and will swallow up all we possess, if we do not 
 abandon it in time. 
 
 FIVE YEARS LATER. 
 
 Oct. i st. Trickle, trickle, trickle. One drop of the 
 stream of time falls after another, slowly but surely working 
 a hole into the rock of ages. Soon our little band, and with 
 it the millions of human beings now living, will be swept 
 away by the current which never returneth. In the recogni- 
 tion of this awful — I might have said solemn fact, what does 
 individual weal or woe signify ? Is it not rather rediculous 
 for the ephemeral fly to complain about its troubles, or to call 
 attention to its contentment and the sources from which they 
 are derived? Yet, such is man, and I may certainly be par- 
 doned if I indulge in recording here the doings, the trials and 
 the pleasures and recreations of the individuals constituting 
 this family. I write it with a sigh of relief that yesterday 
 witnessed the. close of an industry which slowly but surely 
 sapped the resources at our command. In other words, George 
 sold the fixtures of the tannery to which he has so faithfully 
 and persistently adhered, trusting that every new day would 
 break the tide of ill-luck which has so stubbornly and strange- 
 ly dogged his steps. A stranger, i. <?., a person not acquainted 
 with dear George, might seek the cause of this ill fortune in 
 him and his poor management ; but against such an insinua- 
 tion I most solemnly protest. True, I love him with all my 
 heart, but I am not foolishly blind, and assert again and again 
 that there is not a better calculator, a more pains-taking busi- 
 ness man, or a more zealous worker in the land than George 
 Woods. If you ask me how, then I explain this strange 
 phenomenon, I bow my head in humility, and say : "I do not 
 know." It goes against reason and logic to imagine that some 
 persons are born under an unlucky star, but with such ample 
 and long continued experience as I have had during my mar- 
 ried life, I am very near getting superstitious. It is a pity 
 George did not sell years ago, for then we might, and probably 
 would have saved the large house in which we became ac- 
 quainted with each other. As it is, we had to sell it to satisfy 
 several creditors of long standing, that had become impatient 
 and would not be put off any longer. George realized $2,000 
 from the sale of the tannery, with which he is determined to 
 
EITHER, OR. 67 
 
 buy this cottage, as he intends seeking employment as a book- 
 keeper in some firm. He said : "I wish I had listened to 
 your counsel years ago, then I would not have squandered 
 your fortune." 
 
 "You did not squander my fortune," I interrupted almost 
 rudely. "I shall allow nobody, not even yourself, to thus 
 wrong you." 
 
 "Well, wasted, then," he resumed with a good-natured 
 smile; "or lost, if that term is yet too severe. At all events, if 
 I had obeyed you, we would now possess the means of giving 
 our children that education to which they are entitled." 
 
 "We can do that as we are," I persisted. "I can, and do 
 teach them music and the languages, and when the time 
 comes for them to frequent some college, we can send them to 
 one of those numerous and sterling institutions endowed by 
 noble philanthropists, dispensing knowledge for a trifle or 
 gratis." 
 
 George did not reply, thus acknowledging in silence that 
 I was right. This brings mere vividly to my mind the fact 
 that our children are eight and nine years respectively. I ab- 
 stain, generally, from reflecting on their character; probably 
 from fear of showing some preference or partiality, a weakness 
 so despicable in my eyes. Yet I may in justice say, that 
 while Elinor is rapidly developing into a very handsome child, 
 Richard is surely endowed with higher spiritual gifts Elinor 
 is rather slow in comprehension, a deficiency for which neith- 
 er George nor I blame her. Nor do we reproach her for her 
 vanity and selfishness, traits of character which she did not 
 acquire voluntarily and for which she is more to be pitied 
 than blamed. Both of us recognize the fact that her educa- 
 tion is a task of great difficulty and responsibility, requiring all 
 the patience, sagacity and circumspection at our command. 
 
 Nov. 2nd. George has been so fortunate as to secure a 
 situation in a dry goods firm, yielding a salary by no means 
 brilliant, but sufficient for our modest wants. I trust a new 
 era has thus set in for us. 
 
 Dec. 1 st. This afternoon George came home unexpect- 
 edly, to inform me that the firm for which he works has 
 changed hands, and that the new pwners have no use for his 
 services, bringing a competent and highly valued book-keeper 
 with them. I heard the news with a sinking heart, but a 
 cheerful countenance, begging him not to mind and to look 
 for another place. He says that such is his intention, but I 
 
68 KITHKR, OR. 
 
 notice that this new streak of bad luck greatly oppresses him. 
 He has set out to begin his researches at once. 
 
 Jan. 2nd. To day George enters upon the duties of his 
 new position. He speaks enthusiastically of the kindness of 
 his employer, an insurance agent, saying that his duties are as 
 pleasant as his salary satisfactory. I trust no evil fate will 
 this time mar his satisfaction. 
 
 April ist. Well, this time George's engagement promises 
 to hold out. I know that his employer is more than ordinar- 
 ily pleased with his efforts, and that he will be retained as 
 long as the business is continued. Why, there he is now, 
 much earlier than usual. I wonder what it can mean ? 
 
 April 2nd. I knew from George's haggard face that 
 something had gone wrong. I rose when he entered, and my 
 anxious look must have betrayed my thoughts against my 
 will, for he smiled sadly, saying : "You are right, good little 
 woman, I have lost my place." 
 
 "But how is that?" I inquired almost indignantly. "How 
 could Mr. Paige — " 
 
 "Mr. Paige is all right," he said soothingly, closing my 
 lips with a kiss. "Indeed, he is not to be blamed at all. He 
 received such a splendid offer for the good will of his business 
 that any one would have jumped at it, you and me included." 
 
 So he is going to quit ?" I inquired. "Well, can he not 
 put in a good word for you with his successor?" 
 
 "He can, and what is more, he did, but it is the old story. 
 The old clerks will be retained, and so there is no room for 
 me." 
 
 NINE YEARS LATER. : ' : * 
 
 Oct. ist, 18 — . Yesterday Mrs. Laura Kean, George's 
 sister, arrived from Patropolis to take up her abode in Pluto- 
 polis. We both invited her to live with us, but this offer she 
 politely but firmly rejected. " You are very kind children," 
 she said energetically. " In fact, I sincerely believe, you are 
 really too kind for your own good, and allow the world to im- 
 pose upon you. I like you both immensely and shall be with 
 you every day, but that does not entitle me to come between 
 you, and mar and disturb the tranquility of your married life. 
 I have learned that the little cottage across the street is for 
 rent ; so I shall take it and be sufficiently near you for all 
 practical purposes. You know I draw a little pension on ac- 
 count of Kean's services in the late war, and with the interest 
 from the few dollars I have saved I cannot only manage very 
 
EITHER, OR. 69 
 
 well, but can even slip a penny into Marys hands when Dick's 
 shoes need soling. There now, say nothing more about it. I 
 see the drayman with the furniture I have purchased; so I 
 must go over and direct the unloading, and if you will go with 
 me Mary and let me benefit by your counsel and good taste in 
 placing the furniture, I shall take it very kindly. 
 
 Oct. 15th. Sister Laura is snugly domiciled in her 
 cottage, and a true blessing she has proved for me. She is 
 keen as a razor and energetic in no ordinary degree, but she 
 is also kindness personified and listens with a touching 
 patience to everything I have to tell her. The children, of 
 course, from an endless source of gossip on my part, and I 
 could hug and kiss her a hundred times a day for the patience 
 with which she lets me sing their praises. Richard is seven- 
 teen now and a smarter and better boy never delighted a 
 mother's heart. He has been in college now for two years, 
 and ranks high in all his studies, particularly in chemistry 
 and natural science. He knows more about electricity than 
 many a practical operator and has constructed several 
 apparatuses which have created the attention of his teachers. 
 He can now telegraph like the best of them and says that he 
 will some day make some great invention and through it 
 secure millions for us. His aunt has taken a great liking to 
 him, at which I do not at all wonder, for who could become 
 acquainted with him and not like him ? As to Elinor, she 
 does not excel in her studies, plays and sings fairly well, and 
 has developed into one of the most beautiful girls I ever saw. 
 I do not say this in pride, but rather in sadness, for I cannot 
 conceal from my troubled mind the truth that to a girl of her 
 disposition, so much personal beauty is a source of great peril. 
 She constantly attracts attention, a circumstance which 
 naturally feeds a vanity already inordinate, and fills her head 
 with notions destroying all chances for serious study. When 
 I broached these fears to Laura, she looked serious saying 
 earnestly : " Well, Mary, there is danger in so much beauty, 
 and no mistake. In my estimation an early marriage to some 
 good and sensible man would be the best thing for the girl I 
 can think of." I have also given to Laura a detailed account 
 of the many strange misfortunes connected with George's 
 career, both as a tanner and an employee in the establish- 
 ments of others. I told her how he could never keep a place 
 more than a few mouths and had little or nothing to do the 
 last five years. In fact his constant changes have earned him 
 the totally undeserved reputation of unsteadiness and fickle- 
 
70 EITHER. OR. 
 
 ness, preventing some parties from employing him at all and 
 reducing his chances for work to sudden emergencies and un- 
 expected combinations. Very often when he seemed to have 
 established himself in some man's good graces, with the pros- 
 pects of a permanent job, somebody stepped in and bought the 
 person out, destroying in that manner George's chances of 
 being retained by the new firm. Laura seemed deeply inter- 
 ested in this strange experience oi a brother, whose good and 
 sterling qualities she knows as well as myself. She has re- 
 turned to this subject more than once, asking numerous 
 questions and pondering upon my answer with a profoundness 
 showing plainly that the story has made a deep, if not painful 
 impression upon her. However, some things have occurred 
 recently which put this circumstance into the background. 
 A schoolmate of Richard's, whose father commands a steamer 
 plying between Plutopolis and Sanitopolis, making regular 
 trips around Cape Cornu, has invited Richard to accompany 
 him on one of these voyages which generally consume six 
 months. The lad is almost beside himself with the idea of 
 the bare possibility of making such a wonderful tour, and both 
 his father and I are only too well inclined to humor him as he 
 has proved himself a most exemplary student and son. 
 
 However, George thought it best first to consult his 
 teachers, fearing that the voyage would seriously interrupt his 
 studies and thus materially mar his prospects. Prof. Painter, 
 however, encourages the idea. He says that Richard has 
 cultivated his mind at the expense of his body, and that this 
 voyage will no doubt exercise a most beneficial influence over 
 both. The Professor says that a lad of Richard's studious 
 disposition could not make such a voyage without picking up 
 bits of information calculated to enlarge his views and extend 
 his knowledge. So George tells me he thinks we ought to 
 let the boy go. Of course there are the perils of the ocean ; 
 but in facing them he escapes meanwhile the perils of the 
 land, and I therefore only smiled when George told him he 
 could go. Richard is almost frantic with joy, i. e., as far as a 
 person of his disposition and strength ot mind can become 
 frantic ; for I say it with pride and unspeakable satisfaction, 
 that Richard is a lad who can be trusted in each and every 
 situation of lile. As the Captain leaves the day after to- 
 morrow Richard has not much time to get ready and so I will 
 have to cease writing until he is gone. 
 
 Oct. 1 8th. Dick has gone. I need not tell here what 
 that means, for every mother who has a boy equally worthy of 
 
EITHER, OR. 71 
 
 love, can imagine my feelings. George is quite pensive, but 
 his sorrow is by a plan which he conceived and which he has 
 submitted to my judgment before acting upon it. It is this : 
 There are a number of bag factories on the banks of the Crab 
 River, some twenty miles north of here, which consume a 
 good deal of hem in the spring. George says he has ascer- 
 tained that all these mills bu}- what the} - need in driblets, 
 here and there, and that a person acquainted with their needs, 
 and the source of their supplies, could undoubtedly secure 
 their trade, buy the hemp in Cyclonia, where it is grown, and 
 make a remunerative speculation out of it. I heard him 
 quietly to the end, then said : "George, it looks safe enough, 
 but you know your ill-luck in anything of the nature of a 
 speculation, and must therefore refuse to shoulder the respon 
 sibility of the venture. I will tell you, however, what you 
 might do : "Your sister Laura is a person of much sagacity ; 
 ask her opinion, and if she approves of the speculation, you 
 might engage in it." 
 
 "That is a good idea," he replied : "Here she comes, like 
 the wolf in the fable. Sister Laura, come here and give us 
 your opinion concerning a little venture I am contemplat- 
 ing." 
 
 "Well, let us hear it," she replied, quietly taking a chair 
 near me. George explained, looking at her expectantly when 
 he had finished. Laura, however, went into a brown study, 
 looking into the air in an absent manner and preserving a 
 deep silence for fully five minutes. 
 
 "Well?" George at last inquired to solicit a reply. She 
 answered, by asking a question in turn, a question moreover 
 so far from the point, apparently, and so unexpected withal, 
 that it startled both of us. What she asked was this : "Child- 
 ren, have you an enemy ? A person wishing you ill and in- 
 terested in your ruin?" 
 
 "An enemy ?" George inquired, evidently bewildered. "An 
 enemy? Not to my knowledge Laura. What makes you 
 ask ?" 
 
 I, for my part, said nothing, but through my mind it went 
 like a flash, and before my mental vision was printed in glar- 
 ing letters. " Cheatham .'" The process now going on in my 
 mind can't hardly be termed reasoning, making logical deduc- 
 tions or drawing conclusions. The entire thing was more 
 like a revelation. All the little annoyances : the specks of ill- 
 luck ; the shrinkages in values, then deemed incidental ; the 
 transfers of agencies and firms. All these things arranged 
 
72 EITHER, OR. 
 
 themselves into line, forming one continued chain, reaching 
 from poor doomed George to that fatal name in lurid light, 
 "Cheatham:" How could I have been so blind ? How could 
 we both have been so blind ? Ah. I know the reason. ( )ne 
 naturally imagines a human soul to live in a human body, and 
 now ii turns oiit that that man's body is tenanted by a fiend, 
 by a demon incarnate, by — I cannot find a word covering fully 
 thedevelish wickedness of that- -that — I do not want to wrong 
 Beelsebub by calling him devil; Alas ! the dark age is on the 
 wane, when poor misguided mortals believed in His Majesty 
 with the cloven hoof; but do we really gain much, if we are 
 compelled to take this imaginary devil from his hell and locate 
 him in a human breast; nav, manv human breasts? 
 
 But to return to poor bewildered George, bewildered be- 
 cause his innate goodness incapatiates him for the conception 
 of so much deviltry. Before Laura could explain, I burst out 
 crying with a mixture of anguish and bitterness : "Oh, 
 George, she is right. I see it all. It is Cheatham who has 
 been your unlucky star. It is Cheatham who has dogged you 
 step by step, and used his money, power and influence to effect 
 his revenge." Poor George ! He was slow, very slow, to be- 
 lieve in such utter depravity of human nature, but as he sat 
 there, letting the past glide in view before him in the new 
 light of Laura's suggestive question, doubt and uncertainty 
 finally changed into conviction. He covered his face with his 
 hands, groaned aloud, and then said bitterly ; " You are right 
 Mary. I see it all now. How dreadful. Oh, how dreadful." 
 
 What could I say to comfort him? Was it not through 
 me that this blood-hound had been put upon his track ? Was 
 it not for my love for him, his love for me, that this human 
 demon had marked him for his prey, following him untiringly 
 by day and night, day after day, month after mouth, year after 
 year? Poor George! Dearly indeed have you paid for your 
 victory over so hellish ariyal. 
 
 Oct. 20th. George is sick, very sick. The doctor says a 
 violent mental shock has unstrung his nerves and thrown him 
 into a brain fever and it will require very careful nursing to 
 make him well. He is delirious and incessantly begs some 
 imaginary enemj to spare his wife and children. Even his 
 ravings betrayed his love for us. He never talks and thinks 
 of himself, but it is always his dear ones he wishes to be 
 spared. Laura is a real comfort to me now. Indeed I do not 
 know what I would do without her. I do not know whether 
 I am glad or sorrv for Dick's absence. He would be such a 
 
EITHER, OR. 73 
 
 comfort, but he would also be such a sufferer, I think it is 
 well he is away. 
 
 Nov. 15th. George is dead! I can write this and write 
 it calmly. I think my heart is petrifying, else how could I 
 write this, and not wring my hands in despair ? Yes, my heart 
 is petrifying, or else sinking under the malady to which mam- 
 ma, poor mamma, fell a victim. Indeed, I have a presenti- 
 ment that it is so, and that my days are numbered. At all 
 events I will make my last will and testament, and enjoin up- 
 on poor Dick such wishes as I desire to see executed. Dick, 
 my beloved sou, thou art not an ordinary boy and will under- 
 stand thy mother, when she leaves to thee her last and sole 
 legacy, her injunction, to revenge thy parents upon the fiend 
 that destroyed them. 
 
 Here the diary ended. Richard Woods sat fully fifteen 
 minutes lost in thoughts, yielding to emotions of sorrow. How 
 keenly did he feel the loss of such a mother. He now began 
 to understand many things which had been dark and myster- 
 ious to him before. Then his thoughts involuntarily turned 
 to the monster in human form, who had slain both his parents, 
 for he felt convinced that they would have lived through main- 
 more and happy years, if his relentless persecution had not 
 killed them in the prime of life. He remembered having 
 seen this Cheatham on several occasions, for he stood prom- 
 inent in the ranks of his countrymen, filling the position of 
 Senator in the National Congress, and exercising a powerful 
 influence in Legislative, as well as financial circles. As he 
 thought of this man, honored and envied by thousands; as he 
 thought of the fiendish ingenuity with which he had ruined 
 the material welfare of his parents, and destroyed their lives. 
 a great wrath overcame him. He gritted his teeth and clenched 
 his hands, and if the subject of this intense hatred* had at 
 that moment made his appearance, Richard would, in all 
 •probability, have pounced upon him and torn him to pieces, 
 limb by limb. We are all more or less creatures of circum- 
 stances, and he who lias had time to reflect and weigh the con- 
 sequences, need not look so proudly and superciliously upon 
 him who was rushed into immediate and inconsiderate action. 
 Richard did not yield to this frenzy very long. Seizing once 
 
74 EITHER, OR. 
 
 more the reius over his passions which had slipped momen- 
 tarily from his hands, he looked again and said tenderly : 
 "Again I vow, sainted mother, that I will faithfully and dili- 
 gently carry out the injunctions laid down in these lines. 
 They cannot help being corrrct, for a soul which inspired the 
 sentiments of this diary will not, cannot demand of her son 
 anything wrong." 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 A STRANGE LEGACY. 
 
 Richard broke the seal and read as follows : 
 My Dear Son : — When you open this letter you have be- 
 come more intimately acquainted with your parent's lives and 
 the motives influencing their action. You have learned the 
 cause of those failures which so frequently and strangely 
 marred your father's career, and finally produced his untimely 
 end, thus leading indirectly to mine, for without your father, 
 dear boy, I am merely the sunflower without the sun toward 
 which it turns. Like this sunflower, I drooped and withered 
 when the sun ceased to shed upon me his genial light. I 
 would have liked to live for your sake, dear children, but am 
 neither afraid to meet death nor sorry at his appearance. Now, 
 then, I command you : Avenge your father's death and mine; 
 I do not mean that you shall imbue your hands in this mon- 
 ster's blood, but be in an instantaneous and endless war upon 
 that social system which made him what he is. Perhaps he is 
 not so much to blame as we think ; perhaps he was unable to 
 resist the powerful influences of his surroundings; the terrible 
 temptation of lust, wealth and power. It is not he, therefore, 
 against whom I beg you to direct your attack, but the baneful 
 social laws which made him what he is. I am well aware, 
 Richard, that, by making this request, I do not charge you 
 with a child's play, nor do I thus secure for you that which, 
 in the world's opinion, constitutes happiness. On the contrary, 
 I know full well that, by thus urging you to war against the 
 pet sins of society, I draw upon you the hatred of this world, 
 its enmity and persecution, agencies well calculated to cause 
 the most courageous to quail. It is more than likely that 
 obedience to my wishes will lead to a protracted martyrdom, 
 Richard, but remember that there is a grand and exalted hap- 
 
EITHER, OR. 75 
 
 pin ess even in such martyrdom, exceeding by far the shallow 
 pleasures of the world. Nor would I have enjoined this mis- 
 sion upon you, if I did not feel that you are capable of execut- 
 ing it. Remember, that if you feel gratified by this praise, it 
 also implies an obligation on your part ; an obligation to use 
 these gifts in a worthy manner, and for useful purposes. And 
 now you would probably inquire : "Mother, dear, what would 
 you wish me to do, and how would you advise me to execute 
 the work in store?" My dear son, I hardly know whether I 
 am able to set up a standard such as you desire, but I shall try 
 to draw a few general outlines for the stupendous work in 
 store for you. 
 
 The unequal and unjust distribution of the goods of this 
 world lies undoubtedly at the bottom of all the misery of our 
 race, and this unfair distribution is in turn based upon the 
 ignorance and superstition of the masses. I need hardly tell 
 you that it would be a task both useless and thankless to 
 appeal to the rich for a surrender of their wealth. It was 
 greed, avarice and unfairness, in the first place which put them 
 in possession of their riches, and these very vices would pre- 
 vent them from listening to, and obeying your exhortations. 
 It is the removal of the ignorance and superstition, therefore, 
 to which you will have to turn your attention. You knew my 
 sentiments as to religion and that I advocate the most un- 
 limited liberty of conscience ; but there are doctrines my son, 
 which sap the very foundation of liberty and equal rights. As 
 long as a creed confines itself to the so called spiritual welfare 
 of its devotees, leave it alone. But when its expounders per- 
 suade the people to abandon the solid rights and privileges of 
 this life for the uncertain blessings of the shadowy hereafter ; 
 when they exhort their dupes to tolerate the usurpations of 
 their oppressors ; when they tell them that their celestial 
 happiness will be in proportion to the spoliations they have 
 patiently endured in this life : Raise your voice in vigorous 
 and earnest protestations against such doctrines and denounce 
 preachers who side with the rich and use their influence over 
 their deluded followers, to tolerate usurpations as shocking as 
 they are extensive. Such preachers my boy are in my opinion 
 little better than the pirates themselves. 
 
 To enlighten the masses you should go among them, be 
 one of them, and use language adapted to their comprehension. 
 Do not promise them too much for the people, the common 
 people, are shrewd, and much inclined to be distrustful. What 
 is more, my dear boy, do not aim at too high a goal yourself. 
 
76 EITHER. OR. 
 
 To place your haven on a rock towering to the clouds is well 
 enough in theory ; but, if the top is inaccessible, what good 
 will it do? 
 
 Your enthusiasts will tell you to trus.t to evolution ; but 
 evolution as I take it, implies our own efforts. Every fair- 
 minded person will admit that we are now living in a social 
 mire threatening to swamp the entire race. Then if you can- 
 not reach your rock in the sky, be satisfied to drain your 
 morass, thus lifting mankind upon a sounder and better plat- 
 form, a basis from which grander and nobler purposes are 
 reachable. 
 
 In conclusion I will say, that in order to be successful in 
 such a work as I have staked out for you, you must prepare 
 for it in the profoundest manner. You must not only fill 
 your mind with the soundest knowledge, but exercise your 
 body in the severest manner. You should excel in every 
 manly sport, become a perfect horseman, an expert swimmer, 
 a skillful marksman and an adroit fencer. You should become 
 an athlete, a wrestler and a boxer ; in short, you should be 
 capable of defending yourself in all manners of assault ; for 
 oh, my dear doy, it would be useless to conceal from you the 
 fact that such assaults will be made on you most viciously and 
 determinedly, not only by your foes, but also by the very ones 
 for whom you labor. I do not say this to discourage you 
 Richard, but to impress deeply upon your mind the necessity 
 of a thorough preparation. If you can secure wealth to aid 
 you, do so. Let me caution you here, my boy, not to underrate 
 the power of gold in the work mapped out for you. If gold 
 enables the oppressors of our race to keep the masses in 
 slavery and subordination it stands to reason that it must 
 also be a powerful agent in effecting its liberation. Try then 
 to obtain a weapon which will enable you to fight the foe in 
 his own peculiar fashion, but while you accumulate gold, and 
 much gold, be sure to keep the masses ignorant of the fact, 
 for the average fellow will never pardon you for being smarter 
 than himself and envy you, although you may faithfully spend 
 your last penny in his behalf. You may smile at these sug- 
 gestions, and call them little; but remember, my dear boy that 
 it is not always the strongest that wins the battle, and that 
 you are destined to fight a foe too powerful to meet in open 
 battle and too subtle and mean to despise ambushes and strat- 
 agems. 
 
 I have taught you French and German. Before you en- 
 ter upon a war, which will probably end only with your own 
 
EITHER, OR. 77 
 
 -existence, visit the countries where these languages are spok- 
 en, and confer with those advanced master minds who have 
 made the social iniquities of this era a deep and exclusive 
 study. Warm your heart at their own ardor, and let the mag- 
 nificence of their theories enlighten the most remote recesses 
 of your soul ; but while you revere the grandeur of their con- 
 ceptions and appreciate the logic of their deductions and con- 
 clusions, keep this intellectual feast to yourself, and do not let 
 the extremeness of their views imperil the success of your 
 own endeavors. I do not know, my dear boy, whether I shall 
 continue to exist after laying down this mortal coil ; but if, as 
 I fondly hope, the teachings of this Spiritualism are correct, 
 and the finer and ethereal portion of our being survives, I 
 shall be often with and around you, and impart to you such 
 superior knowledge as my new and more exalted existence 
 ma}- enable me to secure. My fondness would urge me to 
 continue these lines for evermore, but human frailty steps in, 
 saying: "Halt? No further!" I obey, because I am com- 
 pelled : but, in closing, I once more enjoin upon you to reflect 
 upon, and if possible, humor the last wish of your affectionate 
 mother, ■ Mary Woods. 
 
 When Richard had finished his eyes continued to dwell 
 upon that cherished name, but his thoughts wandered back 
 into those days when it had been his privilege to enjoy the 
 company and instructions of the writer. He now saw more 
 clearly than ever, how good and how wise had been the wo- 
 man he had the good fortune to call mother. He gazed with 
 both reverence and awe at the wonderful combination of 
 greatness and simplicity displayed in her last missive to him. 
 While capable of grasping ideas of such magnitude as an at- 
 tempt of reforming society implies, she did not lose sight of 
 such details as the case required ; details which a member of 
 the strongest sex would probably have overlooked at the peril 
 of a partial, if not total failure. His mind rose up to hers, 
 and he felt the influence of this communion so strongly, that 
 he was almost convinced of her presence. While his lips re- 
 mained closed his thoughts took shape in words, addressed to 
 her to this effect : "Mother, dear, I need not tell you that I 
 shall obey your commands in spirit and in letter, for your 
 .spirit, freed from the fetters of earthly clay, is, no doubt, cap- 
 
78 EITHER, OR. ■ 
 
 able of reading my thoughts as they take shape. I do not 
 merely submit to your superior judgment, but glory in the 
 work you urge me to undertake. If I err ; ii I fail to carry 
 out the spirit of your grand ideas, oh ! descend and enable me 
 to perceive my mistake; and, if in your power, show to me the 
 splendor of your immortality, thus bestowing upon my mind 
 and bod}- the strength necessary to carry out to the fullest ex- 
 tent, the plans for the amelioration, nay rejuvenation of the 
 human race !" 
 
 He sat so still that the ticking of the clock on the w y all 
 seemed rather noisy in the deep stillness. When Mrs. Kean 
 softly opened the door, half an hour later, Richard was in the 
 same attitude we described. She did not wish to disturb him, 
 and was on the point of closing the door when he turned his 
 face to her, and said : "Come in, aunty, I have finished read- 
 ing the papers half an hour ago, and was merely pondering 
 their contents." 
 
 She obeyed, and sitting down on the chair opposite to 
 him, looked inquiringly in his face. He thought he saw a 
 shade of anxiety in this look, so he hastened to add: "Fear 
 nothing, Aunt Laura, she has asked nothing improper of 
 me." 
 
 "I knew that, of course, but my dear, she has asked some- 
 thing of you which will make you a martyr, or least unhappy, 
 for the rest of your life." 
 
 "I hope not, Aunt Laura. Here is her letter : Read for 
 yourself." She obeyed, and read the letter carefully; yes, 
 twice, before she looked at him and said : 
 
 " A remarkable letter, Richard, and a remarkable woman." 
 
 He merely nodded,- but looked at her so searchingly that 
 she caught slightly and went on : 
 
 "You want to know what I think of it? Well, I can only 
 add 'A dangerous letter."' 
 
 "Dangerous?" he inquired wonderingly. 
 
 " Why yes, and I see it has done its mischief already. 
 Tell me Richard, have you not made up your mind to obey 
 its injunctions? " 
 
EITHER, OR. 79 
 
 "I have, aunt Laura, but how does that make the letter 
 dangerous?" 
 
 "My boy." she repeated gravely, "you can hardly have 
 read the letter carefully and attentively. Did she not tell you 
 that dangers of all sorts would beset you in consequence of 
 obeying its mandates?" 
 
 "Ah! I see; but that does not make the letter dangerous, 
 does it?" 
 
 "Well, then; its powerful persuasion, its eloquence, its im- 
 pressiveness, make it dangerous. Have you not yielded to 
 its charms and vowed to obey its dictates? " 
 
 "In a measure — yes. In a measure I have vowed to obey 
 its injunctions because they are the last ones a beloved mother 
 left me ; but the principal charm, Aunt Laura, lies in the truth- 
 fulness of its statements, the urgent necessity of the reforms 
 it demands, and the sudden but deep conviction that a human 
 life could not well be spent in a grander, nobler and holier 
 cause." 
 
 His aunt looked at him with a mien intending to convey 
 reproach. Her brow was slightly wrinkled but her mouth 
 twitched suspiciously, and her eyes looked a good deal like a 
 volcano, which is at rest, but from which flames may be ex- 
 pected to break forth at any moment. She said with a slight 
 tremor in her voice: 
 
 "Your mother has been fair enough to mention the 
 danger connected with such an enterprise. I now call to 
 your attention its difficulty, nay utter hopelessness. The 
 tilt of Don Quixote against the windmill was child's play in 
 comparison with your task." 
 
 " I know, Aunt Laura, but you forget what my dear mother 
 says on that point: If I cannot draw down the summit of the 
 rock of excellence I can at least attempt to drain the swamp 
 at its base." 
 
 At this moment the fire broke forth from the volcano. 
 Mrs. Kean smiled upon her nephew in the most approving 
 manner, and seizing his hand with considerable ardor she 
 
So EITHER, OR. 
 
 pressed and shook it with a refreshing heartiness. "You are a 
 noble lad, Dick," she cried with tears streaming over her 
 cheeks, "and what I can do to further and support your plans 
 I shall do with all my heart and strength, which is, of course, 
 but a woman's — but — ." 
 
 "A noble and resolute woman's whom I am glad and 
 proud to acknowledge as an ally. But the windmill, 
 aunt Laura, remember the windmill." 
 
 There was a mischievous twinkle in his eyes when 
 he said this, but Mrs. Kean was not easily discomfited. 
 Smiling good naturedly she responded: "Thanks 
 
 for your considerate reminder. I still cling to my 
 conviction that our undertaking is worse than that mem- 
 orable tilt ; but I think I have as good a right to wear 
 a certain cap as any other member of the family, and 
 and having once donned that becoming head-dress I am 
 determined to do it credit. But it is getting late Dick so 
 please put your "Roisnante" into the stable and allow me to 
 conduct you to the garret room which, henceforth, is to be 
 your domicile." 
 
 CHAPTER V 
 
 PREPARATIONS. 
 
 The following morning, during the absence of Richard, 
 who had gone to get his trunk at the depot, Mrs. Kean re- 
 ceived the following letter : 
 
 Shoatopolis, August 2d, 18 — 
 Mrs. Laura Kean . — 
 
 Dear Madam : — I am sorry to inform you that Elinor 
 Woods is lying dangerously ill with the brain fever, at the 
 hospital of the Sisters of Merc} - , in this city. She was found 
 in a delirious condition in her room, about a week ago, and at 
 once removed to the hospital. Her condition prevented me 
 from getting any clue regarding her people, and I would not 
 have been able to notify you of her sickness, if I had not by 
 mere chance, discovered a book in her room, bearing on the 
 
EITHER, OR. 81 
 
 title page your name as the donor. The condition of your 
 niece is precarious in the highest degree, and if you or any 
 other relative desire to see or nurse her, you had better use 
 dispatch, as the fever may terminate fatally. 
 Yours very respectfully, 
 
 James Sawbone, M. D. 
 
 The letter had been sent to Patropolis, Mrs. Kean's for- 
 mer residence, making it fully a week old and filling Mrs. 
 Kean's heart with anxiety and anguish. Her first thought was 
 of Dick, poor Dick, as she ejaculated half loud, and for a mo- 
 ment wavered, as to the best course to pursue. Should she 
 conceal the news from him? For a moment she was sorely 
 tempted to adopt that policy, feeling the keenest compassion 
 for a lad she loved so well, a lad, moreover, whose endurance 
 had already been taxed to the utmost. On second thought, 
 however, she dismissed this idea as unworthy of both her and 
 him, and instead made some hasty preparations for the journey 
 which would in all probability result from her communication 
 of the bad news to him. She was still engaged in filling a 
 small valise when she heard wheels before the cottage and 
 soon after saw her nephew's face which looked so cheerful 
 under the influence of the errand that she quailed under the 
 thought of the necessity of plunging him anew into grief and 
 anxiety. Her face, however, reflected her feelings, for Rich- 
 ard looked at her inquiringly and asked sympathetically: 
 "What is the matter jiow, aunty. Has any one bothered you 
 during my absence?" 
 
 "I wish it was no worse Dick. I am sorry to tell you 
 that I have a letter from Shoatopolis, informing me that your 
 sister lies dangerously ill in a hospital of that city, and that 
 we had better hurry if we wish to see and nurse her." 
 
 A severe blow is apt to make a second one less painful. 
 True, Richard was much attached to his sister, but her 
 loss could hardly be compared with that of his parents; so he 
 struggled manfully for self possession, and asked with a calm- 
 ness surprising to his relatives: "Sick? Very sick, aunty ?" 
 
 "Yes Dick, she has the brain fever, and as we must go to 
 
82 EITHER, OR. 
 
 her without the loss of a minute, I got some of my things 
 ready. Are you supplied with everything necessary for the 
 journey?" 
 
 "All except money, aunty, which is an unknown quantity 
 with me just now." 
 
 "Never mind the money Dick. I have enough for both of 
 us, and you must allow me to be your banker." 
 
 "Well, I will aunty, provided you allow me to pay you 
 back in due season with compound interest. Do you know 
 when the next train for Shoatopolis leaves? " 
 
 "Yes, Dick. I examined the paper and find that the 
 limited express leaves exactly at twelve. If you hurry we 
 can just make it." 
 
 Instead of replying, the youth carried in the trunk from 
 the sidewalk, hastily stuffed a few articles of clothing in his 
 valise and ten minutes later announced himself ready for de- 
 parture. His aunt charged him with her own little traveling 
 bag, locked the door, and then led the way to the street-car 
 which at that moment came in sight. We need not follow 
 them step by step, but anticipate their arrival in Shoatopolis, 
 which city they reached just thirty-six hours after their de- 
 parture from Plutopolis. On inquiry they found that the hos- 
 pital of the Sisters of Mercy lies a few miles outside the city 
 limits; but as a street car line passed it in close proximity they 
 reached the institution thirty minutes after their arrival in the 
 city. With an anxious heart they pulled the bell, which was 
 answered by one of the Sisters, who on their inquiry, informed 
 them that Miss Woods was better, but hardly out of danger. 
 She led them to Dr. Sawbone's office where they found that 
 worthy engaged in compounding some medicine. On learn- 
 ing the nature of their errand, he congratulated them on the 
 recovery of their friend, remarking with a shake of his head : 
 "She was sick, you better believe. Indeed, at one time I 
 would not have given a row of pins for her chances." 
 
 "Can we see her?" 
 
 "I reckon you can, though it is more than likely she will 
 not recognize you. Her brain is still affected by the fever, 
 
EITHER, OR. 83 
 
 and it is my opinion that it may remain so, if not always, at 
 least for a considerable length of time. Sister Clara, will you 
 be kind enough to take these people to the room of the 
 patient?" 
 
 The Sister started without saying a word, inviting the 
 strangers with a motion of her hand, to follow her. After 
 ascending a flight of stairs, and traversing several corridors, 
 she stopped at a door and whispered : "I need not urge the 
 necessity of caution. The patient is still very weak, and the 
 doctor says that a sudden shock may bring on a fatal re- 
 lapse." 
 
 Then she opened the door, and allowed her companions 
 to enter a plain but clean and comfortable room, in whose far 
 corner they discovered the object of their visit stretched on 
 an iron bedstead. A nurse sat at her side, watching the 
 patient, who was evidently awake, but apparently unconscious 
 of her surroundings. Her eyes were fixed upon the ceiling. 
 Her face was thin and white as a sheet, but still retained 
 traces of that extraordinary beauty mentioned in her mother's 
 diary as a source of peril and anxiety. Sister Clara whispered 
 to the nurse, who nodded affirmatively. 
 
 "You may speak to her Friends," she said : "Sister Anna 
 thinks she is much better, and can stand it." 
 
 Upon this Richard stepped closer to the bed-side and said 
 gently, but t with a slight tremulousness he could not totally 
 conquer : 
 
 "Elinor ! Sister Elinor : How are you this morning?" 
 The patient slowly turned her gaze to him, causing it to 
 dwell there without any sigh of recognition. 
 
 "I am pretty well," she said in a very feeble voice; "but 
 who are you ? Did Arthur send you to take me to him ?" 
 
 Richard knew enough of the events of the last months, 
 to reply intelligently. "I am Richard, your brother Richard, 
 Elinor, who has come to take care of you. And here is Aunt 
 L,aura. Don't you recognize her?" 
 
 "I want Arthur," the patient replied, without heeding his 
 
84 EITHER. OR. 
 
 question. "Why don't he come? Or why don't you take me 
 to him?" 
 
 "That is the one idea she harps upon," Sister Clara whis- 
 pered to Mrs. Kean ; "she imagines she is married, and that 
 her husband's name is Arthur Roberts." 
 
 "There is no imagination about it," Mrs. Kean replied in 
 the same low tone, but rather sharply. "She is married, and 
 her name is Roberts." 
 
 Before the Sister could reply, Richard said to the patient : 
 "Have a little patience, sister dear. All will be right, and we 
 shall take you where you wish to go, as soon as you are strong 
 enough. " 
 
 Then Mrs. Kean stepped forward, and said, bending lov- 
 ingly over the convalescent : 
 
 "Yes, dear, get well, and we shall take you home. How 
 do you feel to-day?" 
 
 "I am better; I am nearly well. Take me away from 
 here and to Arthur, who will wonder what has become of 
 me. Did you see him lately ?" 
 
 "I did not child, but shall try to find him. But here is 
 your nurse with some gruel. Think of nothing but getting 
 well now, for as long as you are so weak the doctor will not 
 allow you to leave here." 
 
 Then they said good bye, for the nurse persisted in the 
 close of a conversation, which might tax her brain beyond its 
 power of endurance. The patient manifested no interest in 
 their departure, allowing them to leave the room without even 
 following them with her eyes. When they had reached the 
 corridor, Sister Clara stopped. Drawing a letter from her 
 pocket and handing it to Mrs. Kean, she said : 
 
 "This was found in your niece's pocket when we took her 
 to the hospital. Thinking that it might lead to the discovery 
 of her friends, I read the contents. No one but myself knows 
 of its existence, and as for me, my vow is a sufficient guaran- 
 tee for my discretion. That is all." 
 
 With these words she resumed her office as a guide, and, 
 
EITHER, OR. 85 
 
 on reaching the door, parted from the visitors with a gentle 
 "farewell !" and a benignant smile. Our friends proceeded in 
 silence to the street car track, entered the first car which 
 showed itself, and sank into the seat without having spoken a 
 single word. At last Mrs. Kean said : 
 
 "I think Elinor is out of danger, and will soon be well 
 enough to be taken home." 
 
 Richard merely nodded his head ; so she continued : 
 
 "I think we had better take rooms in some hotel 
 and wait until she is well enough to travel. What do you 
 think of her condition?" 
 
 "I hardly know what to think. She seems to be free from 
 fever, and yet her mind wanders. I fear it was not so much the 
 brain fever which upset her mind, as some shock prior to her 
 sickness, and probably the cause of it." 
 
 "I fear you are right. This letter probably contains the 
 clue to the whole sad affair, and much as I fear its contents, 
 we must read it, as soon as we reach the privacy of our 
 room." 
 
 Half an hour later they had secured lodgings in the 
 "Phoenix," and when they had changed their traveling suits 
 and seated themselves near one of the windows of Mrs. Kean's 
 apartment, that lady drew from her pocket the letter in ques- 
 tion, handed it to her nephew, and said laconically : "Read." 
 The youth obeyed, unfolded the epistle, and read as fol- 
 lows : 
 
 Shoatopolis, July 15th, 18 — . 
 
 Machere :— It pains me to inform you that the play is 
 over. For me it has been a comedy, and it is with the desire 
 of preserving its character that I write this letter, and say to 
 you "Adieu." I trust you have enough good sense not to 
 make our little play a tragedy on your part. It is a pity you 
 are not as clever as you are beautiful ; else I might not have 
 tired of you so soon, and prolonged the drama ad infinitum. 
 Dullness is very tiring, and you must admit that you are dull. 
 Dullness worries me more than I can tell, and as I have no 
 desire to let you suffer from the irritation produced by too 
 much tenderness and too little "esprit," on your part, I say. 
 "Adieu." I inclose enough money to take you home, and, if 
 
86 EITHER, OR. 
 
 you are prudent, you will use it for that purpose ; for believe 
 me, ma petite, it is dangerous to possess so much beauty 
 without a counterpoise of wit, especially in a strange city. 
 Trusting that you will pardon me for this rather unceremonious 
 farewell, I beg you to believe me, 
 
 Your true friend and well-wisher, 
 
 Arthur Roberts. 
 
 "The fiend 7" exclaimed Mrs. Kean, when Richard had 
 finished. The young man, on his part, rose and walked the 
 length of the room with the evident intention of quelling the 
 fearful tempest raging in his bosom. When his aunt went 
 on : "Oh, I wish I knew the whereabouts of this demon, to 
 vent my wrath on him." He said: "I am glad, Aunt Laura, I 
 do not, for if I did, I would be a murderer before night." 
 
 She quailed a little under this forced calm, more fearful 
 than the most furious outburst of passion. 
 
 "Perhaps you are right, Richard, and it is better we are 
 ignorant of his whereabouts. "Poor child ! It is sad enough 
 to fall the prey to so wicked an intrigue, but to become the 
 target of such cynic wit and malice, is more than I could bear. 
 Indeed I marvel that this letter did not kill her on the spot." 
 
 "I fear, Aunt Laura, it has killed her soul. Oh, why did 
 she not share her parents' destiny ? It would be much better 
 for her to sleep in her grave, than to live with the recollection 
 of such satauic treachery." 
 
 "Poor darling. One might almost wish her mental vigor 
 would not return, to save her the recollection of this foul be- 
 trayal." 
 
 "I fear it will not. Aunt Laura ; as you say the inability of 
 remembering her wrongs might almost console one for such 
 a mental night.'' 
 
 Thus they conversed together, if the broken and spas- 
 modic interchange of thoughts and feelings can be called 
 conversation. We abstain from chronicling in detail the hap- 
 penings of the next week, mentioning merely, that Elinor's 
 physical strength returned, while the condition of her mind 
 remained the same. Our friends paid her daily visits, stay- 
 ing with her for hours, but nothing in her conduct showed 
 
EITHER, OR. 87 
 
 that she recognized their relation to her. On the other hand, 
 her clamor for Arthur increased from day to day, compelling 
 Mrs. Kean and Richard to resort to little strategems and 
 promises they had neither the power nor the wish to fulfill. 
 On the ninth day after their arrival, the doctor declared that 
 the patient might be removed to the hotel ; but he cautioned 
 her friends against undertaking the journey on the cars be- 
 fore the expiration of another week. Elinor submitted to 
 her removal without either resistance or protestations. The 
 frequent interviews at the hospital, and the great and univer- 
 sal kindness these people had shown her, ably brought about 
 that approval which affection begets in others. It must be 
 confessed that she did not show the least affection for them ; 
 on the contrary, her words and actions showed decided marks 
 of selfishness, causing, however, neither comment nor won- 
 derment on their part, perhaps because they knew of old, 
 that selfishness had always been a prominent feature in Elin- 
 or's character, partly, perhaps, because they knew that half- 
 witted people are much like children and clamor for the ful- 
 fillment of their whims and wishes with a pertinacity more 
 natural than logical. At the hotel Elinor's demands for her 
 husband's presence increased in vigor, and even the assurance 
 that he was absent, and that a trip to Plutopolis was neces- 
 sary for the realization of her wishes, failed to satisfy her 
 entirely. She now insisted on an immediate departure, and 
 Mrs. Kean, seeing that a protracted delay was likely to hurt 
 Elinor more than a premature departure, yielded reluctantly 
 to her clamor, and after consultation with Richard, fixed their 
 departure upon the fourth day after Elinor's removal to the 
 hotel. Berths in a palace car were secured, and so easy is the 
 motion of these hotels on wheels, that the travelers reached 
 Plutopolis without any visible detriment to Elinor's health. 
 On their arrival at the cottage, Mrs. Kean made arrangements, 
 allowing a constant, though unostatious surveillance of the 
 patient, for patient she continued to be, her mind refusing to 
 show the least sign of change or improvement. Elinor slept 
 in the same bed, and, at first, either Mrs. Kean or Richard ac- 
 
88 EITHER, OR. 
 
 companied her, when she* walked in the streets. Gradually, 
 however, this watchfulness slackened, for Elinor made no at- 
 tempt to run off, or to do anything" incompatible with her 
 safety or well-being. The only thing she did, was to inquire 
 of people whom she met, whether they had seen or heard any- 
 thing of her husband. She never went far from the cottage, 
 and the neighbors soon understood and humored her sad con- 
 dition. Our friend, however, did not remain long in the 
 neighborhood, and one morning, about three months after 
 Elinor's recovery, the family disappeared, and no trace of it 
 could be found. This does not show in itself a very great 
 secrecy on their part. The world may stop a moment and no- 
 tice us, especially when we have been either unusually lucky 
 or wretched, but it soon resumes its steps, and whirls on in 
 its mad career, as if it could not afford to lose a minute, and 
 as if the next one would bring the solution of the many 
 puzzles which have racked the brains of people from time 
 immemorial, and will probably continue to rack them as long 
 as time flows on its everlasting course. If, in addition to this 
 restlessness, we take the trouble of covering our tracks with 
 only ordinary care and sagacity, we are very sure to disap- 
 pear from the view, as well as memory of our acquaintances. 
 But we have to say a few words in connection with this dis 
 appearance. 
 
 When Elinor ceased to be a cause of anxiety and trouble,. 
 Mrs. Kean and Richard would often sit in consultation, talk- 
 ing for hours upon the best mode of accomplishing their pur- 
 pose. When Richard inquired about the estate left by his 
 parents, Mrs. Kean said : "You know already from your 
 mother's diary, Richard, that your father's continued ill-for- 
 tune, or rather the persecutions of that fiend incarnate, had 
 swept away the small fortune of your grandmother. When 
 your father died, nothing but the cottage was left. Your 
 mother, feeling her end approaching, made a will in which 
 she appointed me executrix, directing me to sell the cottage 
 and go with you and Elinor to some place where Cheatham 
 could not reach vou. I had to eive bonds for the faithful 
 
EITHER, OR. 89 
 
 execution of this trust, after which I advertised the place for 
 sale. It had steadily increased in value, enabling me to real- 
 ize from its sale the cash sum of $3,000, which I put into the 
 bank, where my own little money is deposited. It is at your 
 disposal, Richard, for I know you will never abuse my confi- 
 dence and always respect your sister's claim to half this 
 sum." 
 
 "Thank you, aunty, you only do me justice ; but I think 
 I need not touch this money." 
 
 "But, Dick, do you not intend to finish your college 
 course?" 
 
 "No, Aunt Laura. The little additional book learning I 
 would gain there, is of too little consequence to waste a year 
 on its account. What I need is knowledge of the world :. 
 knowledge which will enable me to secure gold, much gold, 
 for mother was right when she said, that to fight the oppres- 
 sors successfully, you must use their own weapons." 
 
 "No doubt, my boy ; but do you not underrate the diffi- 
 culty of such a speculation?" 
 
 "It is not speculation aunty, but the solid workings of 
 the brain. You know I have always made electricity my 
 hobby, and it is through the knowledge thus secured and fur- 
 ther intense study of the same subject, that I mean to secure 
 the lamp of Aladdin." 
 
 Mrs. Kean was much older than her nephew ; she had 
 seen many a similar expectation wrecked on the rocks of time ; 
 but she could not help admiring the keen and brilliant look 
 in Richard's eyes and was loathe to discourage him. Never- 
 theless she felt impressed to say warningly: "Dick, my dear 
 boy, I like your spirit ; but do not forget, that thousands have 
 thought and planned like you, only to see their air castles 
 tumble under the first storm of adversity." 
 
 " I thank you, Aunt Laura, for warning me in this man- 
 ner ; but it is not mere gas which fills the bubble of my ex- 
 pectations." 
 
 "I carry already in my mind the design of an invention, 
 which if only moderately successful, will yield millions." 
 
90 EITHER, OR. 
 
 Enthusiasm is ineffective. " And may I know the {nature 
 of this invention, Richard:*" she inquired. 
 
 " Yes Aunty," he replied irankiy. " You see, I trust you 
 as much as you me ; so I do not mind to tell you that I am 
 on the point of constructing a telephone as much above the 
 present puerile instruments, as the sun is above the moon. 
 With it you cannot only talk with persons hundreds of milee 
 away, but so loud and distinctly, that a person could hear you 
 ten feet from the instrument, and recognize the voice of the 
 speaker." 
 
 " That would be wonderful," she cried admiringly, al- 
 though she had but a very dim idea of what he said. " It 
 would pay immensely. And you say, you know pretty much 
 how they are to be made? " 
 
 " I am not quite so far as that, Aunty, but I have discov- 
 ered a substance so sensitive to sound that it will furnish a 
 splendid medium for conveying it." 
 
 " But it will take money to work it out, Dick. You bet- 
 ter take your half oi the three thousand." 
 
 "Not unless it is absolutety necessary. And now listen 
 Aunty, what I have thought out, regarding our next move- 
 ments. If you know something better, let us hear, and we 
 shall adopt that." 
 
 "Well, I am anxious to hear your plans." 
 
 "Here they go, then : It appears, that Mother is"— he 
 winced a little-" was desirious of our getting out of Cheatham's 
 way. I do not underrate the power of money. The fate of 
 my poor parents shows it too plainly to be denied, though the 
 workings of the scoundrel in the dark made his power greater 
 than it would otherwise have been. I am not afraid of this 
 man, Aunt Laura, but I admit that, in this instance, discretion 
 may be the better part of valor. Let us disappear, then, Aunt 
 dear, but only to rise, Phoenix like, stronger and fairer from 
 the ashes. This is a large city. If we are careful, to cover up 
 our tracks ; if we move to another and distant part ; if we 
 finally, change our name, I defy Mr. Cheatham or any other 
 person, to find us out." 
 
EITHER, OR. 91 
 
 "Change our names? Would you go to that extreme? " 
 
 "For a while — Yes. A name is a clue for any one de- 
 sirous of ferreting you out. Even John Smith would not be 
 secure, if his name were in the directory. There is no need 
 for changing yours, however, Aunty," he continued with a 
 smile ; "for you have been here only a few months, and only a 
 few know of you, and of your connection with us." 
 
 "And what name do you propose to adopt, Richard? " 
 
 "That of Velder, which means Woods in German." 
 
 "Ah, I see. Merely a translation of your patronyme." 
 
 "That's it, Aunty. You see, a fellow hates to lose track 
 of the dear old name altogether. So this little innocent com- 
 promise comes handy." 
 
 "Have you selected on a suitable suburb, Dick? " 
 
 "I have not, Aunt Laura. In fact, anyone will do which 
 is sufficiently remote from this. Suppose, you hunt one up, 
 which suits you, and answers the purpose. You will be more 
 at home than I, and it is therefore proper that your taste 
 should be consulted in the selection." 
 
 "Thanks for your consideration, my boy, but please pro- 
 ceed." 
 
 "All right. I think you are aware, that I am familiar 
 with the work of a telegraph operator." 
 
 "I heard your mother say so." 
 
 "Well, I shall at once apply for a situation in a telegraph 
 office." 
 
 "Won't your age be in the way, Dick?" 
 
 "I think not. They employ fellows younger than I am ; 
 and then, Aunt Laura, I have made some little inventions, or 
 rather improvements, which will probably help my case. At 
 all events, I shall try, and that soon, for the sooner I begin 
 my preparations the sooner I shall be able to start on the 
 great and all-absorbing work of my life." 
 
 "And may the spirits of your sainted parents encompass 
 you, and cheer you on." 
 
 "Amen, Aunt Laura ; but it is getting late; I must go 
 out to see where Elinor is. She has been out for quite a lit- 
 
9 2 EITHER. OR. 
 
 tie while, and we must not let her stray too far. Her great 
 beauty might bring her harm." 
 
 "There are but few persons villanous enough to injure 
 one blighted as she is." 
 
 "You forget the fellow who betrayed and then mocked 
 her." 
 
 "Fortunately there are few like him. Yes, go and look 
 after your sister, my dear boy." 
 
 We have already intimited that the family disappeared 
 shortly after Elinor's recovery. At the same time a young 
 man named Richard Velder took up his abode in a little cot- 
 tage situated in a suburb on the opposite side of the city. 
 With him was an elderly lady and a beautiful young woman, 
 so beautiful, indeed, that the neighbors stared at, and then 
 pitied her, for it was easy to see that the reason of this beauti- 
 ful creature had been dethroned, and strange fancies appar- 
 ently harmless, had taken the reins. The people of the neigh- 
 borhood soon learned that the young man was a telegraph 
 operator, but that was all, for the elderly lady visited nowhere, 
 and the young operator kept so close to his home, when off 
 duty, that the neighbors saw little or nothing of him. At 
 first they tried to pump the weak-minded younger woman; 
 but they only got inquiries in turn for their trouble, and when 
 they found that nothing whatever interested her except one 
 name — the name of Arthur Roberts — they desisted and al- 
 lowed the newcomers to sink into what they wished, namely, 
 oblivion. 
 
 It was rather a strange life which they lived. Both Mrs. 
 Kean and Richard Yelder being deprived of all intercourse with 
 outsiders, sought, and fortunately found a rich compensation 
 in each other's society. They talked together, studied to- 
 gether, and the difference in their ages as well as their acquire- 
 ments, only served to give a greater charm to each other's 
 society. L,aura Kean learned much from her young friend 
 and relative ; but he, in turn, drank wisdom from the lips of a 
 woman naturally clever, and disciplined in a school of varied 
 experience. Richard generally returned home a little after 
 
EITHER, OR. 93 
 
 five o'clock p. m. His little improvements had found favor 
 with the manager of the business, and secured Richard at 
 once a position not only lucrative, but permitting an earlier 
 withdrawal than the duties of his subordinates would permit. 
 This leisure he used in the most systematic as well as 
 scrupulous manner. Not a minute was lost. After partaking 
 of a frugal supper, Dick would sit down for a whole hour, and 
 study some new work on electricity, or a kindred science. 
 When this hour had expired, he rose and entered a shed in 
 which a small and simple gymnasium had been erected. 
 After exchanging his day's apparel for a suit of light material 
 he went through all the exercises forming a course of gym- 
 nastics. His aunt was regularly his spectator, and frequently 
 Elinor would watch with her and admired with childish glee, 
 the truly remarkable performances of her brother. At first 
 Dick showed the akwardness of the novice ; but possessing a 
 strong and agile body and that indomitable spirit which knows 
 of no failure or retreat, he soon became expert on all the ap- 
 paratus forming his collection. His strength increased with 
 his skill, and six months had hardly elapsed, when his aunt 
 ^declared that his feats were as daring and well executed as 
 any acrobat she had ever seen. When Richard had mastered 
 the gymnasium, he engaged the services of a noted boxer, 
 with the view of becoming also an adept in this useful art . 
 As he disliked to leave the ladies, he took his lessons in the 
 little shed, paying, of course, a much higher price for his in- 
 struction. But if he paid dearly, he profited quickly and 
 greatly, and after the expiration of six months more, his 
 teacher assured him that he was incapable of teaching him 
 any more. Indeed, in the sparring in which the two engaged 
 for practice, the teacher was as often touched as the pupil, and 
 the former earnestly and persistently begged our young 
 friend to assist him in an exhibition he intended giving a few 
 weeks hence. We need not tell the reader that Dick, as firmly 
 declined, for an exposure on the stage would have at once 
 ■destroyed the incognito, so essential to the successful execu- 
 tion of his work. He disliked sincerely to part with his 
 
94 EITHER, OR. 
 
 teacher, both skilled and genial, and made arrangements to 
 have him come once a week for a whole year longer, knowing 
 well that the cleverest performer needs practice to retain his 
 skill. 
 
 When the boxing lessons were over Richard engaged a 
 skillful fencer or swordsman, who came to the cottage like his 
 predecessor. 
 
 The constant exercises on the gynasium had made 
 Richard's body both powerful and pliant, and the art of box- 
 ing had made him wary and observant. It need, therefore, 
 not surprise the reader, when we tell him, that Richard ac- 
 quired the art of fencing with a rapidity which more than once 
 astonished his teacher, and made him assert repeatedly that 
 Richard must have used the foil before. It took only a few 
 months to give to our young friend the skill of an experienced 
 fencer, and his teacher declared more than once, that he would 
 consider a duel with Richard a rather serious matter. After 
 the expiration of this course Richard retained his teacher, as 
 in the case of his predecessors, limiting, however, the meet- 
 ings to weekly ones. 
 
 While thus engaged in acquiring the accomplishments 
 mentioned, Richard did by no means neglect or overlook that 
 of swimming and riding. Plutopolis boasts of many public 
 baths, some of which possess deep and spacious basins. It 
 was there that he improved his skill in swimming. He al- 
 ways chose hours when the bath was poorly attended or en- 
 tirely vacant. He was by no means vain, but he knew that 
 his stalwart, well shaped figure would attract attention, which 
 an unusual display of skill would augment. Nevertheless he 
 became at times the center of attraction of the few visitors 
 present. They insisted upon addressing him, showing so 
 much friendliness and such an earnest wish to cultivate his 
 acquaintance, that it really pained him to thwart them. 
 
 His riding lessons he took early on Sunday mornings. 
 He found it a little difficult to meet a competent instructor 
 sufficiently emancipated from the prejudices of the masses, to 
 accept a pupil at that unusual hour. Richard's liberal offer 
 
EITHER, OR. 95 
 
 of double pay, finally overcame the master's scruples, and 
 after a few lessons he had taken such a fancy to Richard, that 
 he would probably have retained him at half price. Here as 
 in the other arts Richard's well disciplined body did him great 
 service. His well-knit form, his erect attitude, his utter fear- 
 lessness and great aptitude attracted his teacher's attention 
 from the start, and after a few weeks he declared that Richard 
 would miss his vocation, if he did not devote himself to a cir- 
 cus rider's profession. Richard told him laughingly that his 
 ambition ran in another channel, but that he was determined 
 to acquire the circus rider's skill, if it took him a coon's age. 
 The other took the hint, and gave his instructions accord- 
 ingly. In consequence our friend became an unusually expert 
 horseman before the year was over. No horse, however 
 vicious, could throw him. He could ride bareback like a 
 Comanche Indian, and there was no trick he could not per- 
 form on horseback. In this instance, as before, Richard 
 found it very difficult to curb his teacher's desire, to parade 
 him before his friends particularly, and the world generally, 
 and more than once he lamented what he called our friend's 
 foolish bashfulness. 
 
 There was one more art, in which Richard tried to perfect 
 himself during all this time, namely, the art of markmanship. 
 He had all the qualities necessary to excel in it, namely, a 
 keen eye, a steady hand, and nerves of iron. No dissipation 
 had made inroads upon his constitution. Need we wonder, 
 therefore, that in an incredibly short time Richard could hit 
 the center of an ace with both rifle and revolver, not once or 
 occasionally, but as regularly as the pendulum swings from a 
 regulator. This skill he acquired at home at leisure moments 
 and with an ease and nonchalance astonishing his aunt, who 
 soon considered him a knight " sans peur et sans reproche." 
 
,96 EITHER, OR. 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 AN INTKRMEZZO. 
 
 It was about six months after the occupation of the lit- 
 tle cottage by our friends, when the trio was augmented into 
 a quartette by the arrival of a wee little fellow, who made a 
 good deal of noise in proportion to his size, and necessitated 
 the hiring of a nurse, as the young mother manifested a 
 strange indifference to the new comer, and could therefore 
 hardly be trusted with his sole care. After her recovery from 
 her confinement, Elinor manifested a stronger desire for the 
 society of him she called so affectionately her husband, and 
 it was with the utmost difficulty that Mrs. Kean and Richard 
 could persuade her, to nurse the child. 
 
 This freak filled them both with wonderment, and the 
 disturbance of the equilibrium of Elinor's mind was indeed 
 the only, though highly bitter ingredient in the cup of con- 
 tentment which the preparations above described gave both to 
 aunt and nephew. They consulted several physicians who 
 had made insanity a specialty ; but all agreed, that nothing 
 could be done in the matter, although there was a bare possi- 
 bility that a severe mental shock, such as had produced the 
 malady, might effect its cure. Such a shock, however, was 
 coupled with the greatest danger, both to Elinor's life and 
 mental condition, and as likely to make her a raving maniac 
 as a sane person. For this reason they counseled patience, 
 declaring that time might eventualh 7 improve her mental ca- 
 pacity. 
 
 As the boy grew older Elinor began to take more interest 
 in him, and when at the age of eighteen months, he com- 
 menced to walk, coo, and lisp the names of the inmates of the 
 cottage, she became more absorbed in him and his welfare, 
 permitting the dismissal of the nurse. Mrs. Kean purchased 
 a baby carriage, and after that Elinor could be seen every day 
 wheeling the infant through the neighboring streets, or the 
 lanes of the adjacent park. When asked how she wished to 
 name the boy, she suggested the propriety of calling him 
 
EITHER, OR. 97 
 
 Arthur, after his father, but yielded when they urged the 
 adoption of "George" in memor3 T of her father. She did not 
 seem aware that her father had been called that way ; in fact 
 it is doubtful whether she was aware of ever having had par- 
 ents ; but the force of habit, and the custom of looking to her 
 friends for guidance, sufficed to make her yield the point. 
 George grew to be a child of unusual beauty, and when the 
 young mother wheeled him over her customary route, she at- 
 tracted the attention of all the passers-by. This finally caused 
 much uneasiness to Richard and his aunt, since the probabil- 
 ity of her meeting some old acquaintance was strong. So 
 one day, about two years after the removal to their present 
 domicile — Richard sat down at his aunt's side, and said : 
 "Aunt Laura, don't you think that the attractive beauty of 
 our pets becomes too dange r ous for our incognito, to permit 
 our continued stay at this place? " 
 
 "I have thought so all along, Richard; but what can we 
 do? One part of the city is as bad as another in this respect, 
 you know." 
 
 "You are right, Aunt Laura, and for that very reason we 
 ought to leave the city." 
 
 "Leave the city, Richard? And what about your office? " 
 
 "I have thought it all over, aunty. My preparations are 
 about complete, and I can think of taking another step towards 
 the goal which beckons far away. Come with me to my 
 workshop, if you please." 
 
 "He rose and led her to a small room partitioned off from 
 the shed containing the gymnasium. It was carefully locked, 
 but opened to a key which he drew from his pocket. After a 
 glance of precaution over the premises, Richard opened the 
 door, and led his expectant relative into his sanctum. She 
 had been there often before, but seen merely detached parts 
 of the machine now attracting her attention. Richard gazed 
 fondly at his work, then with pardonable exultation at his 
 aunt and said with a slight tremor in his voice : "There she 
 is, Aunt Laura. All that is left for me to do is the procure- 
 
98 EITHER. OR. 
 
 ment of a patent, and then — take my word for it— the golden 
 stream will begin to flow into our coffers." 
 
 "Our coffers. The dear boy never thinks of himself 
 alone.'' 
 
 "Of course I do not. If I did, do you think I could enter- 
 tain the plans which permeate my being and fill my brain to 
 suffieation? No, aunty, this belongs to you next, and then to all 
 my suffering brethren, and may this stream of gold help me 
 to remove the wrongs which their oppressors' gold has done 
 them." 
 
 '"Amen ! But say, Dick, will your minority not interfere 
 with the procurement of such a patent?" 
 
 "I have thought of that, aunty. It will be necessary to 
 secure a declaration of majority from the courts. As I now 
 bear the name of Yelder, and. as such, have no claim to any 
 property, there will be no difficulty in the way, I reckon?" 
 
 "But if your true name conies to light afterwards: Is 
 there no danger of losing it all?" 
 
 "We must run the risks, Aunt Laura, for it would never 
 do to use my proper name now. Bedsides I shall demand 
 such security from the purchaser of the patent, that I can 
 defy any scheme to rob me." 
 
 "And when the patent is secured Richard?" 
 
 "We shall leave this country for a year or so, and sojourn 
 in Germany and France in obedience to mother's wishes, that 
 is, if you approve of such a step." 
 
 "With all my heart. Dick ; but is not this a valuable loss 
 of time?" 
 
 "No, Aunt Laura, I think not. The old world contains 
 the master minds, which now agitate society with new ideas, 
 I feel I need all the information on this subject I can obtain. 
 I need, moreover, the inspiring influence of these mental 
 giants, and therefore deem the projected voyage a gain, rather 
 than a loss." 
 
 "And you propose to start soon?" 
 
 "As soon as the legal steps have been taken. I shall seek 
 the counsel of a lawver to-morrow." 
 
EITHER, OR. 99 
 
 The man of the law informed him that there was nothing 
 in the way to his securing a declaration of majority, and of- 
 fered his assistance in the matter. His efforts were successful, 
 and, a few days later, Richard had in his pocket a document, 
 declaring that a certain Richard Velder was entitled to carry 
 out the functions of majority, excepting the right of suffrage, 
 for which he did not care. Next he boxed his precious ma- 
 chine, and departed with it for Patropolis, deeming it prudent 
 to superintend in person the formalities connected with the 
 securement of so important a patent. He expected that his 
 invention would create a sensation, but the reality by far sur- 
 passed his expectations. The officials of the patent office 
 stared in wonderment and Richard felt quite relieved, when 
 the caveat for the patent was in his possession. When he took 
 up the papers of the capital next morning, he found a sensa- 
 tional notice in all of them, setting forth in glowing language 
 the novelty and importance of the new invention, and then 
 felt that he had become famous in one night. The same 
 fluid which had enabled him to achieve such a grand success, 
 had heralded this success to every corner of Occidentia, caus- 
 ing his name to be read by millions of eyes, and to be spoken 
 by millions of tongues. For a few minutes he felt quite op- 
 pressed, but soon his fearlessness reasserted itself, and he 
 straightened up as if he meant to say: "Well, what of it? 
 Here I am, ready to combat you, enemies of our race. Wait 
 a little and you will hear more startling things about ' Yours 
 truly' yet." He had hardly finished his breakfast when 
 several reporters called to interview him, causing him to smile 
 at the importance he had so suddenly acquired. Nor did he 
 bluff these attaches of the press, but explained to them, to the 
 best of his, — nay, their abilitj 7 , the nature of his invention. In 
 consequence, the papers of the next morning gave a highly 
 flattering description of Mr. Velder, the inventor of the new 
 telephone which threatened to revolutionize business of every 
 description. Richard remained in Patropolis until his case 
 was decided. Strange to say, there was no claimant to dis- 
 pute the originality of his invention. The fact was: The in- 
 
ioo EITHER, OR. 
 
 genuity of his method, and the brilliancy of his conception had 
 taken away the breath of the public, as it were, and there was 
 really no one bold enough to dispute the claim. Long before 
 Richard was in possession of his patent, he received visits and 
 offers from individuals and corporations. While some pro- 
 posed to purchase his right, others offered him a royalty, and 
 again others suggested the propriety of forming a gigantic 
 stock company, with him at the head. These offers did not 
 turn the head of our young friend. He listened to them 
 politely, and frequently was amused at the ingenuity of some 
 of them, but he declined all as premature, declaring that he 
 would not sell the hide of the bear, until the bear was killed. 
 In due season, however, the papers, making him a manifold 
 millionaire in everybody's opinion, were handed to him, and 
 the next morning saw him on the train to Plutopolis. Even 
 on the train he was beset by beople wanting to buy his patent, 
 and when he arrived in Plutopolis, he had to use considerable 
 ingenuity to escape the crowd of speculators lying in wait for 
 him. When he reached his home he sank into a chair, after 
 an affectionate greeting to his dear ones, and said with fiegned 
 horror in his voice : 
 
 "Aunty dear, pack our trunks without delay, unless you 
 wish your poor nephew crushed under the burden of his 
 new fame." 
 
 "Is it really so bad, Richard? " 
 
 "Well, you will see foryourself; if these vampires succeed 
 in ferreting us out. Haven't you seen anybody nosing 
 around?" 
 
 "Not to my knowledge, Richard," she replied with a 
 laugh. 
 
 "Well, they will discover me before long; so get every- 
 thing ready." 
 
 But you will wish to dispose of your patent first? 
 
 "Yes, Aunt Laura; but remember that I have at least a 
 thousand offers to choose from, and have only waited for your 
 advice before accepting one of them." 
 
EITHER, OR. ioi 
 
 "That's very considerate in you, Richard; but I am 
 hardly competent to decide so weighty a matter." 
 
 " Indeed you are Aunt Laura; much more able than many 
 others." 
 
 "What do you think of a million a year?" 
 
 "You are joking, Richard; you do not mean to tell me 
 that you received such an offer?" 
 
 "Not exactly, but rest assured, dear Aunt, that I shall 
 accept nothing less" 
 
 She looked at him in amazement, but evidently failed to 
 find words to express her surprise. 
 
 "I shall go to the office to morrow," he resumed, "and 
 probably close a bargain before I return. The manager wrote 
 to me, begging me not to decide before I had met him, as he 
 was prepared to make me a splendid ofler. But now, Aunty, 
 let us talk of something else, for I have heard this subject so 
 continually and persistently discussed that I am completely 
 worn out." 
 
 The next morning Richard went to the telegraph bureau 
 at his usual hour, but if he had expected to reach his desk in 
 the usual manner he was much mistaken. Everybody stared 
 at him from the messenger boy to the manager, who shook 
 his hand cordially and congratulated him on his grand 
 achievement. 
 
 "To think of it, that you had this in contemplation for 
 months, and never breathed a word of it to anydody. Sly 
 dog, that you are. Well, you got my letter, of course?" 
 
 "I did, sir." 
 
 "And the patent is still yours?" 
 
 "It is, sir." 
 
 "That's right, sir, that's right. Come into my office; I 
 expect a party shortly that will give you all your grand in- 
 vention is worth." 
 
 "I shall be glad to meet him. And what is your own 
 estimate of the value of my patent?" 
 
 "Oh, Mr. Yelder, in my estimation its value is so stu- 
 
102 EITHER, OR. 
 
 penduous that it makes me dizzy to think of it. Well, what 
 is it?" 
 
 A card was handed him, on the reading of which his face 
 brightened. Rising with alacrity, he said to the boy: "Show 
 him in, Charley." Then, turning to Richard and rubbing his 
 hands gleefully, he remarked: "I knew he would be early ; 
 such tid-bits as yours are not in the market every day." 
 
 He could not proceed, for at this moment the door opened 
 and a middle-aged man stepped into the apartment. He 
 posessed rather handsome features, but his eyes bore a cruel 
 expression, and his lower face was rather heavy. The mana- 
 ger hastened to shake hands with him; then turning and con- 
 ducting him towards Richard, who was still standing, he intro- 
 duced: "Senator Cheatham — Mr. Richard Velder." 
 
 It is such moments as this which try a person's mettle. 
 We read of cases where a tiger suddenly rose from the jungle 
 and then crouched down for a spring upon the intruder; 
 or, where a cobra wound around its victim's leg, ready to insert 
 its deadly fang: where an avalanche slid down the mountain- 
 side, threatening with instant death the inhabitants of the 
 valley. We read of the rare presence of mind displayed on 
 such occasions by the parties thus menaced; but we doubt sin- 
 cerely whether their ordeal was more trying than that through 
 which Richard passed at this moment. True, the peril in this 
 instance lay with Cheatham, that is, the peril of life; but with 
 our young friend lay the much more imminent danger of 
 yielding to a terrible though, natural and probably justifiable 
 outburst of passion, threatening with the victim's life plans, 
 so grandly conceived and so carefully matured. If Richard 
 had afterwards been asked to describe the sensations of that 
 trying moment he would have been compelled to confess his 
 inability. True, he could have told us that a sudden tempest 
 rose within him, resembling in suddenness and vehemence 
 the cyclone which springs into existence without a moment's 
 warning. That this fury threatened to overthrow all resist- 
 ence, leveling the resolutions of months and years, and only 
 checked by that barrier, an iron will ; but his account would, 
 
EITHER, OR. 103 
 
 of necessity, have been as vague as his sensations. Only when 
 the tempest had been checked; when the reason had regained 
 control, his ideas also resumed that clearness necessary for a 
 perspicuous account. He could and would have told you 
 that his thoughts from that moment ran thus: "This man is 
 unworthy of such a sacrifice as the renunciation of my plans 
 would be. He is only worthy of my contempt, and such con- 
 tempt shall be unsparingly meted out to him. He conies to 
 purchase your patent. Very well; it is the working of grim 
 Nemesis that sends him in my way, to aid with his own gold 
 the downfall of the ruinous monopolies enjoyed by him and 
 his cast." 
 
 The human mind is a very rapid worker. Many thoughts 
 can flash through it in a wink of time. We hear of dreams 
 lasting only a few seconds, and yet reviewing in that short 
 space of time the dreamer's entire life. We need not wonder, 
 then, that these thoughts of Richard occupied only a moment 
 or two, and that he had fully recovered his self possession 
 when the newcomer advanced towards him and holding out 
 his hand, said, in bland and winning accents: 
 
 "Happy to meet you, Mr. — Velder, did you say Mr. 
 Phelps?" 
 
 "Velder, Richard Velder, Senator." 
 
 We have intimated that Richard had regained his self- 
 possession, but dissimulation was so foreign to his nature that 
 he would not have feigned friendliness to this man for all the 
 wealth ot Plutopolis. Ignoring, therefore, the proffered hand, 
 he contented himself with acknowledging the other's advances 
 by a slight and distant bow. Mr. Phelps saw, and marvelled 
 at this reticence, but thinking that the presence of the great 
 man had embarrassed his young friend, he cried out cheer- 
 fully: 
 
 " Sit down, gents, sit down. I for my part, like to be 
 comfortable when I transact business, particulary business of 
 such importance. I see Senator you left your couch early this 
 morning. Smelled a fat plum, eh?" 
 
 "The fatness of the plum depends upon this gentleman's 
 t 
 
io4 EITHER, OR. 
 
 demands. I should think," replied the visitor assuming an 
 air of affability, although he too had noticed Richard's cold- 
 ness, and might perhaps have resented it under ordinary 
 circumstances, or if he had not attributed it to much the same 
 cause as the manager, who hastened to reply in the same 
 cheerful tone : 
 
 "Oh, trust me for that, Senator. \ have known Mr. 
 Velder fully two years, and always found him a highly sensi- 
 ble and reasonable fellow." 
 
 He looked at Richard as if he expected an acknowledge- 
 ment of the compliment, causing the young man to smile and 
 to say, "you flatter me Mr. Phelps." 
 
 " Not at all, Velder, not at all ; but we«must not waste the 
 Senator's time, and launch into " medias res," as we used to 
 say at college. Well, to cut matters short, Mr. Velder, Sena- 
 tor Cheatham and myself represent a syndicate which wishes 
 to purchase your patent, and if you will have the goodness to 
 inform us at what figure you will part with it we shall soon 
 see whether we can make a bargain or not." 
 
 "That is spoken to the point. Mr. Phelps, and I will 
 answer with the same frankness and plainness. The patent 
 is at the disposal of your friends for the consideration of a 
 million dollars annually, for seventeen consecutive years-, 
 these payments to be- backed by ample" security." 
 
 Mr. Phelps pointed his lips for a significant whistle; but a 
 look upon Richard's face induced him to abandon the attempt. 
 The young man sat there so unconcerned as if millions were 
 mere playthings, good enough to fill some idle minutes. True, 
 he smiled pleasantly, but there was something in his mien 
 which betokened a fixed purpose and somehow told the 
 manager that joking would not much mend the matter. So 
 he changed the whistle into a cough and said with a some- 
 what sickly smile: 
 
 "A million, did you say a million, Mr. Velder?" 
 
 "I said a million, Mr. Phelps." 
 
 "But that is preposterous, Velder. Let us look at this 
 thing in the right light : First and foremost.—" 
 
EITHER, OR. 105 
 
 " I do not see the use in looking at it in any light, Mr. 
 Phelps" Richard interrupted the manager with a bland smile, 
 but great firmness of tone. " A million a year is my price. If 
 it does not suit you, well, you have the privilege to decline, 
 and I assure you that I shall be the last person to reflect on 
 you." 
 
 " But a million, friend, a million. Aiut you a little bit too 
 hard now? " 
 
 A slight shadow of weariness, if not disgust flitted over 
 Richard's face. " See here, Mr. Phelps," he said impressively, 
 "you are no doubt aware that there are nearly 70 millions of 
 people living in Occidentia. Of these at least one million will 
 be glad to pay you $30 a piece annually for the use of my 
 telephone. You are too good a calculator not to know that 
 that signifies the sum of thirty millions in your pocket every 
 year. Allowing the expenditure of ten millions for the poles, 
 wire and fixtures, and you have a profit of twenty millions 
 even the first year. If I wanted to take the trouble of 
 managing this thing myself, I could clear five times the 
 amount I asked of you." 
 
 "But Mr. Velder," the manager began to remonstrate anew, 
 when a gesture of the Senator stopped him. If Mr. Cheatham 
 was a friend, he possessed at least the sagacity of a friend, and 
 'this sagacity told him that any attempt to jew this young 
 man would be lost breath and time. Besides, this dauntless 
 independence pleased him, and there is little doubt that he 
 would have been ready and glad to form a liking for Mr. 
 Velder, if that individual would only have allowed it. That 
 this was not the case, was evident, although it was not so 
 much sagacity as intuition which made the Senator aware of 
 this fact. However, this might have been, the Senator saw 
 that the calculations of the young man were rather under, 
 than overrated, and he therefore resolved to close the bargain 
 at his own figures. So he said : 
 
 " Mr. Phelps, Mr. Velder is correct. The purchase of his 
 patent at his figures would insure a very handsome dividend, 
 
io6 KITHKR. OR. 
 
 and I am inclined to report favorably to the meeting called at 
 eleven this morning. What do you say, Mr. Phelps? " 
 
 The manager was destined to a surprise this morning. 
 This manner of doing business was so novel to him, especially 
 as Mr. Cheatham was concerned, that it dazed him completely, 
 causing him to stammer some incoherent words of reply, which 
 the Senator construed as an approval, for he rose and said: 
 
 "Very well then, let us go, Mr. Phelps. It is ten now, 
 and if we tarry we shall be late. Can we meet you here this 
 afternoon, Mr. Yelder?" 
 
 " I am at your disposal." 
 
 " Very well, let it be three then. Ready Mr. Phelps? " 
 The manager nodded, and the pair was on the point of 
 leaving the room when Richard said : 
 
 " One moment, Mr. Phelps; Do you desire my services 
 in the bureau? " 
 
 "Of course Velder, of course. If you will be kind enough 
 to attend to your former duties for the present, we'll get ready 
 for you the high position we wish you to fill hereafter." 
 
 " Nay, Mr. Phelps, you misconstrue my question, if you 
 actually need my services I am disposed to give them to you 
 until you can find a substitute. I intend traveling in Europe 
 and am therefore obliged to decline your tempting offer." 
 
 " Ah, that is too bad, really too bad. Well, suit yourself 
 my friend, we shall be glad to have you stay as long as you 
 see proper. Au revoir." 
 
 With this the pair left, and Richard returned to the cot- 
 tage where Mrs. Kean listened to his recital with a mixture of 
 wonderment and alarm. 
 
 "To think, that he of all men, should want to buy your 
 patent. Supposing he had recognized you? You look a good 
 deal like your father, Richard." 
 
 " Well, they say, a robber is never safer than when in 
 company of a policeman," he replied with a laugh. 
 " And you think he'll buy your patent? " 
 " I know he will." 
 " And you will let him have it? " 
 
EITHER, OR. 107 
 
 "Yes aunty. It gives me a grim satisfaction to think 
 that I shall fight his clan with his own money." 
 
 " Then we ought to get ready for the voyage without 
 delav?" 
 
 "Even so aunty. How many Saratogas will you need? " 
 
 " Oh, two will do, one for yourself and one for Elinor and 
 me you know." 
 
 " I have all I want aunty." 
 
 " And so have we, you bad boy. Behave, or you shall 
 have no pie for dinner." 
 
 " I cave, as the boys say." 
 
 At this moment Elinor entered the room leading little 
 George by the hand. A prettier child could not easily be 
 found. His curly brown hair ; a pair of bright large eyes of 
 the same color, a snowy complexion and rosy cheeks formed 
 an ensemble rarely found. Nor was his mother a picture 
 of ordinary beauty. Features of rare symmetry and com- 
 bines, hair of an auburn hue, teeth white as ivory, and a figure 
 of faultless proportions, would have presented an almost 
 irresistible charm, if a certain vagueness of expression and a 
 constantly wandering gaze had not somewhat marred the 
 sight. Little George was very fond of his uncle Dick, and no 
 sooner had he spied him when he crowed lustily, and letting 
 go his mother's hand, ran to embrace his knees with his little 
 arms. Richard at once lifted him up saying : "Hallow, how is 
 
 master George ? " 
 
 "Me well, me want dollaw." 
 
 "Want a dollar, you little imp ; what do you want a dol- 
 lar for?" 
 
 "Buy shooty, go bang.'' 
 
 This bang was loud enough to permit the conclusion that 
 the shooty he wanted to buy, was at best, a ten inch caliber 
 gun. It caused them all to laugh, and then the little group 
 sat down in evident good humor to eat a frugal, though savory 
 dinner. Elinor's condition had ceased to grieve her friends. 
 
 Time dulls everything, pleasure as well as sorrow, and 
 both Richard and Mrs. Kean had learned to look at the beau- 
 
io8 EITHER, OR. 
 
 * 
 
 tiful woman with resignation. During the meal Richard ad- 
 dressed his sister, saying: 
 
 "Elinor, we shall go to Europe before long. How do you 
 like the idea of crossing the ocean and seeing the grand and 
 pretty sights of the old world?" 
 
 "Shall we meet Arthur there?" 
 
 If Richard was annoyed by this question he did not show 
 it in his face, nor in his voice, as he replied: "Possibly, sister, 
 though not very likely. I wish you would make yourself 
 familiar with the probability of his death. If he lived, would 
 he have stayed away all this time?" 
 
 "It is rather strange, and I cannot account for it. But 
 he is not dead, Richard, indeed he is not dead, and one of 
 these days you will see him." 
 
 Richard looked at his aunt as if he meant to say: "The 
 same sad old story — when will it end?" After dinner he 
 returned to Mr. Phelps' office, where Senator Cheatham made 
 his appearance, just as the clock struck three. 
 
 "I like punctuality," he said, with a smile, acircumstauce 
 at which we need not wonder, as every one of his minutes was 
 worth a dollar, or brought him one at least. After disposing 
 of his hat he began without any preliminaries: 
 
 "My friends have accepted your terms, Mr. Velder. Will 
 you please inform me how you want your money, and what 
 security you demand?" 
 
 "An annual credit for $250,000 in four of the leading 
 banks of Plutopolis, with the guarantee of these banks that 
 this credit will continue for seventeen years." 
 
 "Agreed," replied the Senator, with a readiness which 
 caused Mr. Phelps to start in spite of himself. "Have you 
 any choice as to these banks?" 
 
 "None whatever. Let it be the First, Second, Third and 
 Fourth National Banks of this city." 
 
 "Very well. I shall deposit in these banks five per cent, 
 bonds of Occidentia to the amount of $25,000,000, with the in- 
 structions to withhold these for seventeen years, and pay to 
 
EITHER, OR. 109 
 
 you or your order the interest accruing. Is that satis- 
 factory?" 
 
 "Perfectly so." 
 
 "Then I beg you to accompany me and Mr. Phelps to my 
 lawyer, to sign the papers, which have already been drawn up. 
 One more question: I understand that you are now working 
 out some other problems. May I ask whether this report is 
 true?" 
 
 A shade of wonderment passed over Richard's face, and 
 he replied with a slight vexation in his tone: "It is true, but 
 how it leaked out is altogether beyond my comprehension." 
 
 The Senator smiled a smile of superiority. "You see we 
 statesmen have our channels of iniormation; but that is 
 neither here nor there. Will you give us the refusal for these 
 inventions when patented?" 
 
 Richard felt considerably annoyed and replied coldly : 
 "I do not wish to bind myself by any promises, but will give 
 you notice and ample time for negotiation when the inven- 
 tion is ready for the market." 
 
 " Thank you, that is all I ask, and now, gentlemen, let us 
 seek the man of law." 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 ABROAD. 
 
 A week later our friend floated on the Atlantic Ocean, 
 en-route for the old world. They had embarked on the 
 staunch steamer Sea Foam, and were enjoying the novelty of 
 the scene and their surroundings. It was early spring, the 
 twenty-fifth of March, when we join them. They were seated 
 on deck, wrapped in their mantles as the weather was raw 
 and the north west wind fresh. We cannot well imagine a 
 grtater change than that which had taken place in Richard's 
 circumstances in less than two weeks. From a salaried em- 
 ployee of a telegraph company he had turned into a Croesus, 
 
no EITHER, OR. 
 
 for a man who commands an income of a million dollars 
 annually may well be termed a Croesus. Nor was this all. 
 He had applied for patents to the governments of England, 
 France, Germany, Austria and Russia, and was reasonably 
 sure of realizing another million arfnually from the sale of his 
 invention in these countries. But had this sudden change in 
 his circumstances effected a change in him? We are well 
 aware, that not one person in a hundred could experience 
 such a change and not be influenced b)' it. We know too 
 well the charm of luxury and indolence, to say flippantly dis- 
 pise it, and defy the world to tempt us. Nor can we exactly 
 say that Richard had entirely escaped the influence of his 
 accession to sudden wealth, but if the reader thinks that it had 
 made him vain, filled him with a longing for ease and dissi- 
 pation, we indignantly repel the insinuation and say : It had 
 only made him stronger, more self conscious, and confident ot 
 ultimate success. We must not forget that his great and sud- 
 den wealth had not come from a freak of fortune, such as the 
 legacy of a relative, or the purchase of a lottery ticket. On 
 the contrary, it was the result of long and intense thought 
 and study, of pluck and perseverence ; of genius and inspira- 
 tion. If it came suddenly, it had been long and confidently 
 anticipated and was in a measure, the offspring of legitimate 
 industry. We do not underrate the importance of these 
 premises, dear reader, but do not smile sarcastically either, 
 intimate that Richard Yelder would then have been prool 
 against the smile of fickle fortune. If we have drawn his por- 
 trait with moderate skill and accuracy, the reader must be 
 aware by this time that if we fail to invest him in our hero, 
 the fault lies with us, and not with him. 
 
 As the travelers were thus seated together discussing the 
 weather, the ship and other points of similiar magnitude and 
 importance, the captain approached the little group, and after 
 lifting his cap, took a seat at Richard's side. "Well Mr. 
 Velder," he began with a benevolent smile fitting well to his 
 rotundity and the natural kindness depicted on his feature : 
 "I suppose you are in for it now, and will not return until the 
 
EITHER, OR. in 
 
 cup of pleasure which the old world offers has been drained to 
 the bottom." 
 
 " You are mistaken, Captain Seawater. I do not go to 
 Europe to dissipate, but to study." 
 
 The captain's face assumed an expression of blank sur- 
 prise. "To study? ' he drawled out, as if something had im- 
 peded his free utterance; "To study?" 
 
 There was also an element of incredulity embodied in his 
 manner of utterance so that Richard felt slightly piqued. 
 
 "Why captain, what is the matter with you?" he inquired, 
 a little testily; "do I look so much like a libertine that you 
 persist in considering me one?" 
 
 "A millionaire and study," exclaimed the captain, without 
 heeding Richard's question, "why that beats the Dutch all 
 hollow." 
 
 Richard could not help laughing at this expression of 
 honest wonderment. 
 
 "I see the point now, captain, and take it all back. I 
 really cannot blame you for your wonderment, for, as the 
 world goes, millions and stud}* do not go together. Never- 
 theless, I only spoke the truth, when I told you that I visit 
 Europe for the sole purpose of study, and hard study in the 
 bargain." 
 
 The captain went on shaking his head. "I must believe 
 you, if you say so," he said slowly and emphatically. "I sup- 
 pose money is no object with you, else I would advise you to 
 hire out to Barnum. The announcement that a millionaire 
 went to Europe merely to study would draw full houses, I 
 bet." 
 
 He uttered these words in so droll a manner, and squinted 
 so cunningly from the corner of his eyes, that Richard could 
 not help bursting into laughter. But when the captain had 
 left he sobered down very quickly, for the joke had a very 
 serious side as well. Great wealth and application hardly 
 ever go together, excepting perhaps the feverish exertions of 
 the brain to heap millions upon millions. He could, however, 
 not follow this train of thought as other passengers crowded 
 
ii2 EITHER. OR. 
 
 around him and engaged him and the ladies in conversation. 
 He had already become accustomed to the adulteration which 
 society offers to the wealthy, and was not vain enough to at- 
 tribute to his personal excellence the attention shown to him. 
 Nevertheless, it may be truthfully said, that much of his at- 
 tention was due to the man himself. It was not so much his 
 physical make up which attracted the eyes of the people, as 
 the calm and well poised bearing which always marked his 
 appearance. His gaze did not only show intelligence, but 
 steadiness of purpose and the consciousness of his intentions. 
 There was nothing wavering about him but a decision showing 
 that he did not merely know what he was about, but also con- 
 vinced of the rectitude of his purposes and the correctness of 
 his views. In other words, he was positive, and as the 
 majority of people are negative, he attracted them. How- 
 ever, we have no time to speculate upon his character, to 
 say nothing of the questionable wisdom of betraying 
 at this early date, what will, or at least ought to 
 manifest itself in the course of this narrative. We there- 
 fore pass over the rest of the voyage, which ended without 
 any accident, and let the party land in Southampton merely 
 to see them on board the cars for London, the metropolis of 
 the world. Is it not rather significant and characteristic of 
 human self-importance, that we call this little speck, the 
 world? What a field for speculative philosophy, from which 
 we might pass on to such reflections as the sight and nature 
 of such a city naturally suggests. What a concentration of 
 the highest and noblest, as well as the lowest and meanest in 
 human nature. Fortunately for the reader we have not the 
 time to indulge in such meditations. We have just time and 
 space to state that Richard found no difficulty in disposing of 
 his patent, for the use of which he received the sum of five 
 hundred thousand pounds sterling. Alter this sale our 
 friends left for France, arriving in Paris a day later. As 
 Richard intended to remain in that city several months, he 
 took lodgings, engaging the services of a rebtaurateur, who 
 was to send their "menu" to their rooms. Here also he 
 
EITHER, OR. 113 
 
 found a read}* purchaser for his patent, although the sum was 
 only one-fifth as large as that John Bull had paid. 
 
 We do not wish to tire the reader by describing in detail 
 his negotiations in the other countries mentioned above. It 
 may suffice to state that he realized in all, the handsome sum 
 of five million dollars from the sale of his patent, this sum 
 representing the total compensation for the period protected 
 by the patent. These negotiations occupied several weeks, 
 necessitating journies to the capitals. As the ladies were 
 tired from the voyage, Richard insisted on making these 
 journeys alone, assuring them that they would have ample op- 
 portunity to visit Vienna and Berlin before their final return 
 to Occidentia. 
 
 On his return from these journeys Richard discovered 
 some change in the aspect of affairs. Elinor seemed much 
 more nervous, and her eyes wandered about with a restless- 
 ness which alarmed him. She said nothing calculated to give 
 him a clue to this alarming change ; but Mrs. Kean benefitted 
 by her first private interview with him, to enlighten him as to 
 the cause. Let us listen to her explanation which ran as fol- 
 lows : 
 
 "After your departure Richard, Elinor and I made it a 
 point to be as much in the open air as the weather would per- 
 mit. You know the parks and boulevards of Paris are pro- 
 verbially beautiful, and we three enjoyed their beauty to our 
 heart's content. George ran about while we sat on a bench 
 and gazed with never flagging interest upon a panorama which 
 perhaps has no rival, certainly no superior on earth. One 
 day, let me see, it was yesterday a week ago, we sat as usual 
 on a bench of the park when I was attracted by some charm- 
 ing nick nacks offered for sale not fifty steps from our bench. 
 I told Elinor not to stir until I returned which would certainl}- 
 not be later than ten minutes. I walked to the stand and had 
 just made my selection when a piercing shriek from Elinor's 
 lips attracted my attention. I perceived that a crowd had 
 gathered around the bench and hastened to the spot, tremb- 
 ling with fear that something had befallen either her or the 
 
i. 4 EITHER, OR. 
 
 child. When I drew near I heard her cry : 'Arthur, Arthur! 
 Oh let me go good people. I saw Arthur, my husband, and 
 must go to him. Eet me go, let me go ! ' By this time I had 
 broken through the circle of curious spectators, and released 
 the poor girl from the grasp of those who held her, probably 
 from motives of sympathy, but certainly with a bad effect 
 upon her nerves, as she became more agitated every moment. 
 I begged the people to withdraw, but as I spoke English, and 
 they understood nothing but French, my entreaties had no 
 effect, until fortunately an Englishman broke through the 
 crowd asking me what was the matter, and whether he could 
 be of any assistance to me. I explained to him Elinor's men- 
 tal condition, and he interpreted my words to the crowd, 
 which at once began to disperse, displaying a consideration 
 unknown in Occidentia. Elinor, however, continued to 
 clamor for Arthur, insisting vehemently that she had seen 
 him, and declaring her intention of searching for him. It was 
 in vain to reason with her; so I begged our English friend to 
 procure a carriage in which we drove from one end of the 
 park to the other; Elinor watching the people with the 
 keeness of the hawk ready to pounce upon its prey. Fortu- 
 nately nothing had happened to George who might easily 
 have been lost in the crowd, so I did not mind the drive which 
 lasted several hours, as Elinor could not be persuaded to go 
 home until she was completely exhausted. Ever since that 
 unfortunate occurrence she has been in a state of feverish ex- 
 citement, and you may well believe that I awaited your re- 
 turn with anxiety and impatience." 
 
 " And do you think, aunt Laura, that she really saw him?" 
 
 " It is hard to tell. If she did not see him she surely 
 must have seen somebody very much like him." 
 
 "Did she describe his appearance?" 
 
 "She says he was on horseback, in company with a num- 
 ber of other gentlemen." 
 
 " Hm, this is unfortunate. The rogue may really be 
 in Paris, in which case she may meet him again. I hardly 
 know what to think or do." 
 
EITHER, OR. 115 
 
 "How would it do, then, to visit such other places as are 
 in our programme, and spend the last month of our allotted 
 time in Paris?" 
 
 "We are as likely to meet him in Vienna or Berlin as 
 here, Aunt Laura. Besides it would be cowardly to run on 
 his account. No, if we have to face him, we may as well face 
 him here. You know," he added with a grim smile, "the 
 French are very indulgent to the noble practices of the duel, 
 gnd I may in that way get rid of a very troublesome nuis- 
 ance." 
 
 She knew he was only jesting, but nevertheless a slight 
 shudder persisted in creeping over her body. She knew him 
 to be courageous to fearlessness, and high-strung as well, so it 
 was hard to tell how an encounter might terminate. As soon 
 as it was decided that they would stay, Richard entered upon 
 the course mapped out with his usual zest and energy. He 
 engaged a teacher of French, which language both Elinor and 
 he had learned to speak and read from their mother. Elinor 
 had never attained much proficiency, but Richard spoke 
 French pretty well, and felt confident that a sojourn of six 
 months in Paris would enable him to converse fluently in that 
 pretty tongue, a tongue consisting of so many stereotyped ex- 
 pressions, which you must know, to know French. Its pov- 
 erty makes it easy to master and Richard was determindd to 
 accomplish this task in the short period allotted. He per- 
 suaded Elinor to join him, thinking the effort might prove a 
 diversion and draw her mind away from the all-absorbing 
 thought filling it. Mrs. Kean also became a student of her 
 own free will, being, however, a mere spectator during the 
 lesson of her relatives, and claiming the teacher's attention 
 after they had finished. The tutor came early so as not to 
 interfere with the many subjects claiming the attention of at 
 least one of his pupils during the day. Richard rejoiced to 
 see that the effect of this mental discipline of his sister was 
 beneficial and marked. She progressed much more rapidly 
 than he had anticipated, and from that time, often read the 
 papers or such books as the teacher suggested or recom- 
 
u6 HITHER, OR. 
 
 mended. When the lesson was over, Richard would mount 
 a fine steed he had purchased, and ride an hour or two, using 
 this mode of locomotion, to frequent such places, as demanded 
 his presence in the executiou of his designs. He made the 
 acquaintance of such men of note as had attracted attention or 
 won fame through the social radicalism of their views. Thus 
 he received main a valuable suggestion, but never allowed 
 his mind to become so totally engrossed by these views as to lose 
 sight of the ground under his feet. The more he studied 
 these questions, the more deeply he became convinced of the 
 wisdom, good sense, and practicability of his mother's sug- 
 gestions. We have not the time to accompany him step by step; 
 no time to record his increasing skill in the manly sports he 
 had practiced at home. He no longer took private lessons at 
 his lodgings, but frequented several institutions, where gym- 
 nastics and fencing were taught and practiced. Boxing is at 
 a discount in the metropolis of fashion, but fencing flourished 
 there luxuriantly and has reached a degree of perfection 
 known nowhere else. Richard soon became well known in 
 the most famous of these schools, and the master was not 
 slow in numbering him among his most promising pupils. In- 
 deed after a few months "monsieur le maitre" pronounced him 
 as near perfect as he could make him, and acknowledged his 
 inability to touch him in any vital spot. A shooting gallery 
 was connected with the establishment, and there Richard 
 spent much of the time he allowed himself for recreation. 
 He took a keen interest it firearms of all kinds, placing, how- 
 ever, the revolver at the head. With it as well as with the 
 rifle, he was absolutely certain of his aim, and it was with a 
 a mixture of respect and envy that the habitues of the estab- 
 lishment viewed his certainty of aim, a certainty scarcely ever 
 wavering. There was quite a sprinkling of his countrymen 
 among the patrons of "monsieur le professeur," and Richard 
 found it difficult to repel totally, and in every instant the ad- 
 vances they made with the evident purpose of gaining his in- 
 timacy and securing his friendship. Fond as he was of sport 
 in the abstract, or rather the tools and instruments designed 
 
EITHER, OR. 117 
 
 to execute it, he, as a rule, found little attraction in its 
 average devotees, especially when they belonged to the so- 
 called "jeunessedoree." As it is this class particularly, which 
 apes the sportsman par excellence, Richard had little heart 
 ache to decline politely, but firmly the most pressing invita- 
 tions showered upon him. There was one young fellow, how- 
 ever, frequenting this salle, a countryman, who had such 
 pleasant manners, and so much good sense, that Richard could 
 not find it in his heart to shake him off entirely. On one oc- 
 casion he accompanied him to his lodgings, a step, implying 
 of course his readiness to receive Mr. Maxwell in his own 
 quarters. It was about two weeks after the exciting scene in 
 the park, that the porter sent to him Mr. Maxwell's card. It 
 was in the afternoon. He had returned from a long ride, and 
 had begun to write a business letter, when the card was 
 handed him. He liked Mr. Maxwell very much, and though at 
 first a feeling of regret rose in his breast, he dismissed it as rap- 
 idly as it had sprung up, and told the servant to show the visitor 
 in. The ladies were out on a drive, so Maxwell could not an- 
 noy them. Laying aside his writing materials, he rose to re- 
 ceive him, but was surprised to see two gentlemen enter the 
 room instead of the one announced. He must have looked 
 his surprise, for Maxwell was evidently a little embarrassed, 
 when he said apologetically: 
 
 " Pardon me, Mr. Velder, if I over step my privileges, and 
 bring this gentlemen, a countryman of ours. We were riding 
 together and when I told him that I intended making you a 
 call he insisted so strenuously on making your acquaintance 
 that I could not well refuse." 
 
 " Say nothing more about it, Maxwell : and who is it I 
 have the pleasure of meeting? " 
 
 " Ah, I forgot : Permit me to introduce Mr. Cyrus 
 Cheatham, of Plutopolis. Mr. Cheatham, Mr. Velder." 
 
 We need hardly remark that feelings of both repugnance 
 and anger rose in Richard's breast, on hearing this ominous 
 name, which he naturally coupled with the enemy of his 
 familv ; but the reader is surely aware bv this time that our 
 
us EITHER, OR. 
 
 young friend was not likely to show, by mind or word, the 
 displeasure he felt. With one keen and searching glance he 
 took the measure of Mr. Cheatham, Jr., and what he saw was 
 this: Cvrus Cheatham had inherited the comely features of 
 his father, and a constant contact with the wealthier classes 
 had given him polished manners and the assurance of the 
 man of the world. These advantages, however, could not dis- 
 guise the fact that dissipations of all kinds had made heavy 
 inroads upon his constitution, and that he was old beyond his 
 years. Blue rings underlined his eyes, and his motions and 
 gestures betrayed the constant and ruinous strain to which 
 his nerves had been subjected." 
 
 This was what Richard read, and what begot his instant 
 resolution of presenting a repetition of his liberty. The young 
 man made his bow, and extended his hand saying: "Proud 
 to make your acquaintance, Mr. Velder." 
 
 How vividly this gesture brought up to Richard's mind 
 his interview with Cheatham, Sr. Here, as there, he conten- 
 ted himself with a slight inclination of his head, forcing the 
 other to drop his hand. The fellow, however, was evidently 
 possessed of too much self-esteem, to be embarressed. Imi- 
 tating the examples of Maxwell and Richard, he took a chair 
 and said insinuatingly : " We are hardly strangers, Mr. Vel- 
 der, for the governor has bought your patent, you know. To 
 hear him talk one would hardly know whom he considered 
 more perfect, the inventor or the invention. So you see you 
 must blame him for my wish to make your acquaintance." 
 
 Richard contented himself with a cold: " Don't mention 
 it," and then engaged Maxwell in conversation. The subject 
 of their remarks was either above Mr. Cheatham's horizon, or 
 uncongenial to his taste, for he arose after the expiration of a 
 few minutes and loitered about the room, gazing at the pic- 
 tures or examining the nick nacks Mrs. Kean had purchased 
 on various occasions as ornaments for their future home in 
 Occideutia. 
 
 During these meanderings he had reached the mantle- 
 piece, when suddenly an ejaculation of surprise escaped his 
 
EITHER, OR. 119 
 
 lips, so loud as to attract the attention of the others. No sooner 
 had this cry escaped the lips of the visitor when he struggled 
 for self-possession and said with a forced smile in answer to 
 an inquiring look of Richard: "Excuse me for this lack of 
 manners. I was, I saw, I mean this is a face of uncommon 
 beauty. " May I ask whether it is that of Mrs. Velder? " 
 
 Richard rose and went to the mantlepiece where he dis- 
 covered an exquisite photograph of Elinor, which Mrs. Kean 
 had secured in one of the best galleries of Paris. 
 
 " I am not married," he replied coldly, "this is the picture 
 of a near relative." 
 
 " Arid — and is she in Paris at present ? " 
 
 " She is out riding with my aunt." 
 
 After these words Richard returned to Mr. Maxwell and 
 resumed the subject of their conversation. Mr. Cheatham, on 
 his part, continued his researches just a minute longer proba- 
 bly to avoid too great an abruptness. Then he wheeled sud- 
 denly like a man who is struck by a sudden recollection, and 
 exclaimed : " 
 
 " By Jove, that reminds me of a rendezvous I arranged 
 with some chums this morning, for the purpose of having our 
 phiz taken. If I do not hasten I shall be late ; so please ex- 
 cuse me gentlemen for saying a hasty Au revoir." 
 
 A few polite bows and he was gone. Maxwell gazed after 
 him, then looked into his host's countenance and said : "I 
 fear you will blame me for bringing with me this fop. I did 
 not like him myself, but believe me, he stuck to me so per- 
 tinaciously that I could not shake him off without rudeness." 
 
 Richard begged him not to mind it and expressed his 
 opinion that Mr. Cheatham would hardly bother him with any 
 further attention. 
 
 " I am of the same opinion" Maxwell remarked with a 
 smile. " You were cool enough to freeze cream. But I must 
 see the picture which staggered a fellow so " blase " as this 
 Cheatham." 
 
 He walked to the mantlepiece and was evidently struck 
 with Elinor's great beauty." " She is charming, and no mis- 
 
120 EITHER. OR. 
 
 take " he said warmly. " And the owner is really a relative ? '* 
 Richard merely bowed in affirmation, a reserve which 
 warned the other to refrain from the pursuit of the subject. 
 After a few minutes he also s*id adieu, leaving Richard to his 
 thoughts. 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 A SHIFTING OF SCENES. 
 
 Again our friends are on the water, but this time it is 
 fresh, not salty, being in fact the beautiful sheet of the Lake ot 
 Constance, through which the Rhine rolls its waves after its 
 fall at Schaffhausen. It is the first of October, and the land- 
 scape shows all the charms which Switzerland enjoys in 
 autumn. The air is balmy and imbued with that freshness 
 which the neighboring Alps impart. The Velders are coming 
 up the Rhine, with the intention of catching a glance of 
 Switzerland, before proceeding to Vienna, where they mean 
 to tarry a few months. It is in the morning. Thev have left 
 the City of Cunstance, famous through the martyrdom of John 
 Huss, who was burned there at the stake, for heresy, paying the 
 penalty of trusting too implicitly the promises of Sigismund. 
 They were seated on the deck, now chatting gaily about the 
 picturesque landscape, and then feasting their eyes on its ever 
 varying and never tiring charms. Suddenly they heard a cry, 
 and looking in the direction whence it came, saw a woman 
 falling overboard. They afterwards discovered that a portion 
 of the railing, against which she had been leaning, had given 
 away, thus precipitating her into the lake. These steamers 
 are often old, and the corporations owning them are no better 
 than those of other parts, all of them possessing the peculiar- 
 ity of caring more for their pockets than for the welfare of the 
 public. Immediately after a second plunge was heard, fol- 
 lowed shortly by a third one, which latter was made by our 
 friend Richard. He had sprung to his feet, when he heard 
 the first cry, and hastened to the broken railing just in time 
 
EITHER, OR. 121 
 
 to see the second party reach the water. It was a man, and 
 for a moment Richard entertained the idea that he had jumped 
 overboard to rescue the woman ; but the splutter he made in 
 rising to the surface at once convinced our friend that he was 
 not only not in a condition to aid the woman, but in danger 
 of drowning himselt. Richard's presence of mind stood him 
 in great need, for a glance sufficed to show him that no time 
 must be lost if the lives of these two persons were to be pre- 
 served. To strip off his coat and shoes was the work of a 
 second. Next he seized one of the life preservers scattered 
 over the deck, and with it in hand sprang overboard. The 
 steamer was slacking speed, and as he had run to the stern 
 before making the leap he soon reached the spluttering fellow ; 
 who used his arms vigorously, with sufficient force to retard 
 his sinking. "Take this," Richard oried to him, and then 
 struck out for the spot where he had seen the woman a few 
 seconds before. She appeared about fifty feet away when he 
 saw her, and never before had he used more vigorously both 
 the great strength of his sinewy limbs and the skill and ex- 
 perience he had acquired. He did not stop to gaze around, 
 but when he at last reached the place where, in his opinion, 
 she ought to be, he saw nothing but the smooth mirror of the 
 lake. Was he too late after all? Had she sunk, never to re- 
 turn? He hesitated to dive, fearing that she might rise dur- 
 ing his absence, when he noticed a series of bubbles rising to 
 the surface, followed soon after by a dark object. The next 
 moment he recognized a human body and at once prepared to 
 receive it. He knew full well the danger of being drawn into 
 the grasp of a drowning person, and took his measures accord- 
 ingly. Seizing a small lath or narrow board swimming within 
 reach, he grasped the hair of the woman with one hand, and 
 shoving the board under it for a support, endeavored to raise 
 and keep it over water. In this he was successful. She was 
 unconscious, but while this circumstance increased the weight 
 he had to sustain, it also freed him from the danger of being 
 drawn into her deadly embrace. It is doubtful whether he 
 could have endured the enormous strain on his muscles with- 
 
122 EITHER, OR. 
 
 out the aid of the' friendly little board which, though only 
 three or four inches wide and barely four feet long, gave his 
 arm the needful support for sustaining the heavy weight of the 
 senseless woman. He had his back to the steamer, and could 
 not, therefore, observe the preparations which thev were 
 doubtlessly making to come to the rescue; but hoped they 
 would <( jhurry, and breathed a deep sigh of relief, when he 
 heard the strokes of oars coming in that direction and sound- 
 ing nearer and nearer. At length they are there ; the}' re- 
 lieve his aching arm of the burden, and draw first the rescued 
 woman, then him into the boat, where he sinks exhausted 
 upon a bench, and draws a dozen deep breaths to restore the 
 regular respiration, so essential to our comfort. The boat is 
 rapidly rowed to the steamer, and ten minutes later every sign 
 of that catastrophe has disappeared, and the steamer proceeds 
 on her voyage. Richard received the solicitous inquiries of 
 his aunt and also his sister, who showed more animation on 
 this occasion than ever since her sickness, excepting cases di- 
 rectly connected with her tragedy. Richard soon satisfied 
 the ladies that he was all right; then declining all the eager 
 praises and congratulations of the passengers, he retired to his 
 cabin to change his clothes. When he returned to the deck, half 
 an hour later, he found with his friends the couple in whose res- 
 cue he had played so conspicuous a part. The}' also had changed 
 their garments for others, which the kindness of the passengers 
 seemed to have furnished them, and which fitted them so 
 poorly as to give them a rather grotesque appearance. When 
 he drew near, they both rose and thanked him with tears in 
 their eyes and a touching simplicity which at once engaged 
 his sympathy and awakened his interest. They spoke Ger- 
 man with a southern accent, and as Richard had been taught 
 this language by his mother and read many standard works 
 in it, he found no difficulty in understanding them and con- 
 versing with them. In the course of this conversation he 
 learned that the young man's name was Gottlieb Grad, while 
 the girl called herself Sophie Treu. They had come on board 
 at Constance and were bound for Schafthausen where Gotlieb 
 
EITHER, OR. 123 
 
 was engaged as a helper in a blacksmith's shop, while Sophie 
 went there with the hope of finding employment in a family 
 as maid of all work. With the simplicity of people of their 
 rank and condition they confided to Richard that they were 
 engaged, but altogether too poor to think of marrying. In 
 fact, the authorities of their native place had refused to grant 
 to them the necessary license, since they were unable to give 
 the bond securing the town against all risks. Richard rapidly 
 formed a liking for both of them, and when the boat landed 
 at Schaff hausen he told Gottlieb and his " Schatz " to call on 
 him at the hotel. In consequence they made their appear- 
 ance shortly after dinner and were ushered into the presence 
 of our friends. Richard asked them whether they had dined 
 and when he learned that they had only eaten a lunch brought 
 from Constance, he ordered a good dinner for them, which 
 they enjoyed hugely, thanking him over and over again for 
 his kindness. 
 
 " There is no occasion at all, my friends," he said almost 
 seriously, " what I have done for you is a mere trifle and it 
 is really I who am obliged for the chance of doing his fellow 
 mortals a kindness. Don't you see? " 
 
 " Well," said Gottlieb, " that ain't the view which people 
 generally entertain of such matters." 
 
 " So much the worse for the people then. At all events, 
 you would really oblige me by dropping this matter. I begged 
 you to call in order to find out how I can help you, for I have 
 conceived a liking for you and would like to put you in a 
 shape to help yourselves, for mind you, I do not believe in 
 keeping people in a helpless infancy, and feed them with pap." 
 
 Gottlieb laughed heartily, and Sophie joined in probably 
 from a sense of duty. Richard resumes : 
 
 " Do not misunderstand me friends ; what I mean is this : 
 There is too much charity in the world, and too little justice. 
 Charity degrades, and the person whom I support with alms 
 only receives back in driblets, what I stole from him, whole- 
 sale." 
 
i24 EITHER, OR. 
 
 A queer expression flittered over Gottlieb's face at these 
 words. 
 
 He looked cautiously around, as if afraid of some eaves 
 dropper and then said, lowering his voice to a confidential 
 whisper : 
 
 "Why, that is just what the socialists say." 
 
 Richard started. "Are you a socialist?" he inquired, 
 wonderiugly. 
 
 "Well, kind of one," was the hesitating reply. "I know 
 you will make no ill use of this confession." 
 
 "Of course I shall not," Richard cried cheerily; "but 
 where did you imbibe socialistic principles? " 
 
 "In the army, Herr Velder." 
 
 "In the army? I thought that was the last place where 
 they would tolerate such innovations." 
 
 Gottlieb chuckled as if the idea tickled him. "Of course 
 they don't; but they get there in spite of them. One fellow 
 whispers them to his chum, and that chum to another, and so 
 they are discussed and accepted. Indeed, Mr. Velder, were 
 it not for fear of betrayal and certain death, in case of discov- 
 ery, the whole army would soon be tainted, and — and — " 
 . "Drive their tyrants to Halifax?" suggested Richard. 
 
 "Goodness, I didn't say that," Gottlieb replied, casting 
 another glance of precaution around. 
 
 "But thought it all the same. Well, Gottlieb, I am sin- 
 cerely glad to have met you, and if you will let me, I shall 
 make a man of you.'' 
 
 "Of Sophie, too?" Gottlieb inquired with a sly glance. 
 
 "Yes, of her too. In fact, if I am not very much mistaken, 
 she will wear the breeches after the knot is tied. Say Gott- 
 lieb, now I think of it : What made you jump into the lake, 
 knowing you cannot swim?" 
 
 "Well," replied the young man, scratching his head in 
 slight confusion; "I can hardly tell you. I knew her to be in 
 danger and wanted to share it, I suppose." 
 
 "You are a good fellow, Gottlieb, and am really glad to 
 have met you, even at the risk of seeing Sophie's new frock 
 
EITHER, OR. 125 
 
 spoiled. Tell me truly: Have you any prospects of ever 
 amounting to anything in your native land?" 
 
 Gottlieb studied a moment, then he said: "No, Mr. Vel- 
 der, I have no such prospect, excepting that of being much 
 cuffed and elbowed." 
 
 "How, then, would you like to go with me to Occidentia ? 
 There, I can, and will give you the chance of becoming inde- 
 pendent, taking that word for what it is worth." 
 
 Gottlieb did not reply at once, but looked inquiringly at 
 Sophie, who returned his gaze with interest, smiling encourag- 
 ingly. 
 
 "You like the idea? " he then asked; "You would go with 
 with me, and leave kin and kith behind? " 
 
 "How you talk," she said with a pretty pout and blush; 
 "You know very well I have neither kin nor kith." 
 
 "Your fatherland, then, Sophie?" 
 
 "My fatherland is where you are, Gottlieb; that set- 
 tles it." 
 
 "Herr Velder, here is my hand and word." 
 
 "All right, I am glad you come to that conclusion, partly 
 on my account, but chiefly on yours and Sophie's. And now 
 listen to me, Gottlieb. After the expiration of six months I 
 shall return to Occidentia, to begin a great and glorious work, 
 mapped out formerly by a dying mother. This work is the 
 betterment of the masses, a thorough reformation of the social 
 system, in a word, a rejuvenation of the human race. Do you 
 follow me, Gottlieb?" 
 
 "Fully and entirely," replied the fellow, whose eyes had 
 caught a vivid reflection of the fire lighting up Richard's." 
 
 "Very well. I have been so fortunate as to secure many 
 millions to aid me in that work, knowing full well that with- 
 out such auxiliaries the task would be utterly hopeless. Even 
 with such backing, however, the undertaking is not merely 
 difficult, but perilous, and if you follow me, and aid me, you 
 must expect to attract many of the missies discharged at me. 
 It is but fair that I should point out these dangers to you, to 
 guard against reproaches and the accusation of having con- 
 
126 EITHER. OR. 
 
 ducted you from the rain to the eaves. Remember that Sophie, 
 as your wife, will share these perils, and that you are there- 
 fore responsible for any misfortune which may befall her i n 
 consequence of having embraced my cause, that is, the cause 
 of yonr brethren. Do you still follow?" 
 
 "Go on," said Gottlieb, huskily. 
 
 "Very well. I told you that I have become rich, very 
 rich ; but understand, that I consider myself merely the stew- 
 art for these millions, and that they will be spent to the last 
 cent in behalf of and for the benefit of the masses. So while 
 I can with reasonable certainty promise you a fair compet- 
 ence, I am not at liberty to give or promise to you any con- 
 siderable portion of my wealth. Do you comprehend?" 
 
 Gottlieb only nodded, and Richard proceeded : 
 
 "I hardly understand how and why I talk to you in this 
 manner and communicate to an utter stranger things which I 
 never before breathed to any mortal outside of my family. 
 Something tells me I can trust you, and what is more, that 
 you understand me and appreciate the disinterestness of my 
 motives, and the grandeur of my plans. Nay, do not reply at 
 once. Go home and ponder upon my words in all their bear- 
 ings. Consult with Sophie and when you have made up your 
 minds, either one way or another, come and inform me of 
 your decision. I shall remain here until to-morrow, if not 
 longer. For the present farewell." 
 
 He held out both his hands to these simple people, and 
 while Gottlieb wrung the one extended to him with an almost 
 painful fervor, Sophie kissed the other, dropping upon it 
 something very much like a tear. Then they both said 
 "ade" retiring with the promise of an early return. 
 
 " After dinner Richard engaged a sail boat and skimmed 
 the lake in company with his aunt and Elinor and to the im- 
 mense delight of George, who kept the company in constant 
 glee and excitement, causing so late a return in consequence 
 of his repeated prayers that the shades of evening began to 
 fall when they reached the hotel. Supper was in waiting, and 
 when it in turn was finished, Gottlieb and Sophie sent in word 
 
EITHER, OR. 127 
 
 that they wished to see Herr Velder. When Richard ap- 
 peared before them in the parlor they both arose, and Gottlieb 
 said: " Mr. Velder, we have thought over all you have said. 
 It is true your work has its difficulties and its dangers, but 
 what is good enough for you, is good enough for us. We are 
 yours with all our heart." 
 
 " But, my friends, I can hardly accept such a sacrifice in 
 my own name and for my own person." 
 
 " Well accept it then in the name of our suffering breth- 
 ren." 
 
 " Ah, that is another thing. In their name I thank you 
 for this offering, and in their name I accept your services. 
 But .sit down as I have a few more words to say to you." 
 
 When they were seated he continued. " I told you be- 
 fore that you are the only strangers to whom I have ever con- 
 fided my intentions. I need not add that the utmost secrecy 
 on your part is necessary. The}' say women are talkative, 
 but I denounce this accusation as a vile slander, and am con- 
 fident that Sophie will justify the confidence I place in her." 
 
 " And you are right, Herr Velder. Sophie is not of the 
 tattling kind, she aint." 
 
 " I knew it, but let me proceed. I shall remain in 
 Europe for about six more months, and visit Vienna and Ber- 
 lin during that period. I want you, or at least Gottlieb to 
 prepare yourselves for the work in store, and it is therefore 
 fair that I should furnish you the means of support. What 
 do you think of the propriety of having the knot tied at once 
 and then accompanying us on our journey ? " 
 
 A vivid blush mantled Sophie's cheeks at these words, 
 while Gottlieb's eyes sparkled so significently that he really 
 need not have said: "I am agreed." 
 
 " Well, silence implies consent " said Richard with a 
 smile. 
 
 " Wait here a moment until I bring in my ladies and ac- 
 quaint them with the programme." 
 
 He left the room, and returned shortly with Mr. Kean 
 and Elinor; George^forming the rear. Mrs. Kean was great- 
 
[ 2 8 EITHER, OR. 
 
 ly surprised at her nephew's disclosures, but only told the 
 truth in saying that she was delighted with the arrangement, 
 for she had learned to like both of these simple mannered and 
 simple hearted people. Even Elinor gave strong signs of 
 approbation evoked perhaps by the prospective marriage of 
 the young couple. After due consultation it was decided that 
 the marriage should take place in the hotel on the following 
 morning, the landlord volunteering to furnish the minister. 
 Gottlieb insinuated that a justice of the peace would be good 
 enough for him, but Sophie though slightly infected with 
 socialism, was too conservative to sanction such informality. 
 The landlord good naturedly secured the consent of the local 
 magistrate who raised no difficulties when he learned the in- 
 tention of the couple to emigrate at an early date, and so the 
 ceremony was really and solemnly performed on the following 
 morning. An hour later our friends once more embarked on 
 board the steamer; this time bound for Freiburg, and ac- 
 companied by Gottlieb and Sophie, who were radiant with 
 happiness, but wore their new condition much like new 
 clothes, whose seams are a little stiff yet. During the trip 
 Richard conversed a good deal with Gottlieb, whom he found 
 not only well informed for one of his rank, but also possessed 
 of more than ordinary intelligence. 
 
 Again we must forbear to dog the steps of our friends. 
 They tarried a few days in Switzerland, and then proceeded to 
 A'ienna, where they once more took permanent lodgings. 
 Wherever the opportunity offered, Richard played the part of 
 teacher to his grown pupil, and though Gottlieb's success can 
 hardly be said to have equaled his own, he did fairly well. 
 He took his first swimming lessons in the lakes of Switzer- 
 land, and on their arrival, Gottlieb's military service had 
 made his body pliant, and after a few months, he began to 
 swim with both skill and endurance. In fencing he was less 
 successful. He had learned to handle the broad sword, and told 
 Richard with a grin that he felt able to describe very hand- 
 some designs with it on an opponent's face; but the foil was 
 rather too childish for him, an idea, he did not relinquish, un- 
 
EITHER. OR. 129 
 
 til Richard showed him how easily a skillful fencer can send 
 a person to the happy hunting grounds in that manner. Nor 
 was Gottlieb very successful in boxing. He liked to close 
 with his adversary, he said, claiming that after that the 
 other would have little chance for putting in his thrusts. 
 Richard showed him the fallacy of such thoughts, showing 
 him in a friendly sparring match, how utterly hopeless are the 
 endeavors to close with a skillful boxer. Richard defied him 
 to close with him on that occasion, and so severe was the les- 
 son Gottlieb received that he acknowledged his mistake, and 
 from that moment showed much more readiness to learn an 
 art, which had been brought home with numerous blows, 
 softened by the gloves, but sufficiently hard to convince him. 
 He had learned to ride in the army ; so the companions made 
 numerous excursions on horseback, always combining busi- 
 ness with pleasure, and carrying out some feature of Richard's 
 programme. After a sojourn of three months they broke up 
 quarters and proceeded to Berlin, which city Richard found 
 to be not only the political, but also intellectual center of 
 Europe. He attended lectures, and interviewed the leading 
 socialists of Germany, who had taken up their abode there, as 
 if bound to engage in a desperate fight with a military despot- 
 ism. Here he continued and finished his study of the German 
 language, which he had always preferred to the French, on 
 account of its greater depth, richness, pathos and adaptation 
 to poetry. Bound up in plans of reform though he was, Rich- 
 ard was passionately fond of poetry, and feasted eagerly on 
 the many great works of poetic character left to the Teutonic 
 nation by bards. A few weeks before his final departure for 
 Occidentia, he called upon an artificer in iron and asked him 
 whether he could make for him a coat of mail impervious to 
 bullets, and sufficiently pliant to be worn under one's clothes. 
 The mechanic replied in the affirmative and showed him sev- 
 eral garments of that character. Richard objected to all of 
 them and then pointed out to the artificer a mode of joining 
 the small plates both strong and flexible. 
 
 "That's all very well," remarked the man shrugging his 
 
130 EITHER, OR. 
 
 shoulders; "but who would pay me for such a coat of mail? 
 I could not furnish it under five hundred thalers." 
 
 "I will pay you for one," remarked Richard, "provided 
 you do the work to suit me. Here are two hundred thalers 
 as earnest money." 
 
 The man's face brightened. "That's what I call business, 
 and I am glad of having an opportunity to show you what I 
 can do." 
 
 He went to work without delay, and five weeks later 
 Richard received a coat of mail so strong in character, and yet 
 so flexible that no trace of it was noticeable through his 
 clothes. He paid the artisan and put his coat in his trunk, 
 uncertain whether he would ever use it, but feeling confident 
 that his designs would frequently expose him to the bullet 
 and dagger of the assassin, directed now by the promise of 
 gold, and now by the ignorance or infatuation of the very men 
 for whom he proposed to toil. Richard was fearless to a fault, 
 and, under ordinary circumstances, would have scorned the 
 idea of such protection; but he also knew that one ounce of 
 lead from an ambush would stop not only his existence — a 
 matter of small moment in his own estimation, but also the 
 execution of a reform aiming at the reconstruction of society. 
 It was, therefore, more with the view of protecting his cher- 
 ished scheme, than his life, that he procured the coat men- 
 tioned. On the twenty-fifth of March, i. <?., exactly one year 
 since his departure from Plutopolis, our friends, accompanied 
 by their proteges, embarked on the steamer Lohengrin from a 
 North German port, to return to Plutopolis. Let us hasten 
 to anticipate them, to watch with befitting interest the 
 first steps of our young hero in his new career. 
 
EITHER, OR. 131 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 OPENING OF THE CAMPAIGN. 
 
 They were nearing the port of Plutopolis. The sky was 
 blue, the sea smooth, and the air redolent with the smell of 
 spring. Our friend sat on the deck, Elinor a little apart from 
 the rest, and playing with George, now a sturdy lad of three 
 and half, and more attractive than ever. Elinor herself had 
 changed a good deal. She had become stouter and looked 
 more womanly than before. Indeed, but few would have rec- 
 ognized in her the girl of eighteen, who made a sensation 
 wherever she showed herself. Not that she was less hand- 
 some, but the vacancy of her gaze marred her appearance, 
 much as the stuffing of the antelope mars her grace and ani- 
 mation. Her hair also had darkened several shades, including 
 her eye- brows, causing Richard to remark to his aunt: "Aunt 
 L,aura, don't you think Elinor has changed a good deal?" 
 
 "Indeed she has, Richard. I am sure people that knew 
 her before your parents' death, would hardly recognize her." 
 
 "That's what I think, and I must say, that this circum- 
 stance comes mighty handy. I wish, I too. had changed so as 
 to become unrecognizable." 
 
 "My, Dick, you have changed, and a good deal, too. You 
 sport a fine beard and mustache now, you know, and I doubt 
 whether your old school-mates would recognize you." 
 
 "Perhaps they wouldn't, aunty, but you see I shall be 
 seen as Richard Velder, on landing, so my change will do no 
 good. The fact is, Richard Velder will have to disappear for 
 a while." 
 
 His aunt looked at him so inquiringly, that he continued: 
 
 "You remember mother's warning, not to let the people 
 become aware of my wealth. This warning is based on ex- 
 cellent good sense like all her other suggestions, and I shall 
 act upon it. I shall buy some property in a quiet part of the 
 city, install you and Elinor in it, and then disappear, after 
 having made beforehand all needful preparations." 
 
 "You will not leave us, Dick?" 
 
[32 KITHER, OR. 
 
 "A s Richard Velder? Yes, ma'm; but I shall live near 
 you, and often see you as John Smith, Tom Brown, or some 
 other ordinar>- fellow."' 
 
 "Dick, Dick! Are you not afraid of getting into 
 trouble?" 
 
 "Not much, Aunt Laura. You see, I am a millionaire, 
 and much is pardoned to millionaires which would send paup- 
 ers to the State prison. If I am found out, what of it? It is 
 only the freak of a young fellow who has nothing to do and 
 must contrive comething to while awaj- his time." 
 
 'Well, I trust sincerely you may be right; but I do not 
 see how you are going to accomplish all this without the help 
 of others.'' 
 
 "Haven't I Gottlieb and his Sophie? I knew I would 
 need assistance and therefore brought them along. I cannot 
 tell you now how I shall manage, but it must and will be 
 managed in some way, Aunty dear; depend upon it I have 
 studied long and deep on the subject, but must eventually 
 trust to circumstances and the inspiration of the moment." 
 
 Early the next morning the noble steamer entered the 
 fair bay and harbor of Plutopolis. Richard engaged a carriage 
 and directed the driver to take him to respectable, but very 
 quiet hotel in the upper city. Here he engaged rooms, and 
 rested for the day. The next morning he went to the banks, 
 drew the interest of the million which had not been touched, 
 and deposited the sums he had realized from the sale of his 
 patent in Europe. Next he drove around to inspect various 
 properties which were offered for sale. After a careful inves- 
 tigation he finally selected one, which lay in a retired portion 
 of the city, and bordered on two streets, one of which was 
 quite fashionable, while the other skirted a modest quarter in- 
 habited by poor people. There was a stately house on the 
 former and a modest little cottage on the latter. A continued 
 yard ran from one to the other with a narrow alley in the 
 middle, used to remove the garbage of the householders. 
 Richard at once went to the agent, paid down the entire sum, 
 and requested him to make out the deed without delay. By 
 
EITHER, OR. i 33 
 
 this time his presence in the city had become known, and the 
 evening papers contained a long notice to the effect that the 
 celebrated inventor of the new telephone had returned from 
 Europe, with the intention of taking up his abode in Plutopo- 
 lis, for which purpose he had already purchased a house. 
 Richard had expected nothing else, nor did he care, for he had 
 learned long ago, that the virtue of owning millions can- 
 not well be hid under a bushel. He smiled grimly when he 
 read about his intentions, saying half loud, and with a touch 
 of sarcasm : "Ye fools; much indeed do you know of Richard 
 Velder's intentions. You are surely welcome to your cunning 
 deductions." 
 
 When he had completed this transaction he took Gottlieb 
 to the premises which were vacant, led him into the cellar of 
 the mansion and said: 
 
 "Now, Gottlieb, I want the cellar of these two houses to 
 be connected by a narrow passage ; but the workmen must 
 not know what they are doing. Have the front passage ex- 
 cavated to this side of the alley, and then the rear passage to 
 the far side. Do you understand me?" 
 
 "Certainly, Herr Velder. How wide is the passage 
 to be?" 
 
 "Oh, say three feet. Tell the workmen it is intended to 
 store the wine, and observe no secrecy to avoid suspicion. I 
 think you can find some countrymen of yours, who have 
 recently come to this country and are ignorant of the lan- 
 guage." 
 
 " I think, I could ; but the passage will have to be arched 
 as we proceed." 
 
 " Certainly. I give you carte blanche for everything con- 
 nected with the work." 
 
 " All right, Herr Velder, I shall try to secure your ap- 
 probation ; but what about the ends ; are they to be walled 
 up?" 
 
 "No, Gottlieb, for I intend uniting the passages under 
 the alley." 
 
134 EITHER, OR. 
 
 " That's what I thought, sir. We must invent some pre- 
 text for this odd proceeding." 
 
 " Invent something plausible, Gottlieb." 
 
 " But the ground that's excavated : where can we take 
 it?" 
 
 " I will ascertain. I shall be absent for several days, and 
 you will oblige me by using all dispatch in this matter, as I 
 wish to have both houses ready for use." 
 
 " And the little one, Herr Velder? " 
 
 " Will be yours and Sophie's." 
 
 "That's what I thought, sir. You see I can see through 
 a board when there is a hole in it." 
 
 " Well, I know you are quite clever, Gottlieb. Now go, 
 get the necessary workmen and report this evening at the 
 hotel. Do not forget the estimate of the cost.'" 
 
 With this he left to take his northern line of steam cars 
 to the open country just beyond the suburbs. There he as- 
 cended a slight knoll, which allowed a view over the neigh- 
 borhood. What he saw, was this: There were hardly any 
 houses on the north and east x'or the distance of a mile, simply 
 for the reason that a tributary of Crab River ran through low 
 ground, swamping the neighborhood to its mouth. This 
 tributary meandered through the land in true snake fashion, 
 describing curves fully three miles long over a distance of 
 hardly a third that long. The tributary wound around the 
 base of the knoll, and Richard saw that a cut of about three 
 hundred yards through this knoll, would not only straighten 
 the course of the creek, but take it to higher and more favor- 
 able ground. True, it would require much labor and more 
 money to correct the bed from there to its mouths, but it 
 could be done, and such correction would undoubtedly reclaim 
 a large piece of valuable ground, which, when laid dry, would 
 at once be sought for homes of people working in Plutopolis. 
 Richard's attention had been drawn to this swamp by its 
 owner, who lived in Paris, and was desirous of disposing of 
 property which yielded no income, and cost a considerable 
 sum in the shape of taxes.'' 
 
EITHER, OR. 135 
 
 " I suppose I could reclaim the land" he had said to 
 Richard ; "but the fact is, I lack the ready cash and am too 
 fond of ease and tranquility- to go over there and superintend 
 the work. You are young and active, have the needful means 
 and could surely double your money if you purchased the 
 tract." 
 
 " Well, how much is there of it, and how much an acre 
 do you want?" 
 
 " Just a thousand acres, and if you wish to purchase 
 them you can have them at $200 an acre." 
 
 " That is for $200,000? " 
 
 "Exactly : $200,000 cash, mind." 
 
 " Will you give me the refusal until I can examine the 
 place ? " 
 
 " How long will that be? " 
 
 " I intend starting for home in a few weeks. I will en- 
 gage to decide within three months." 
 
 The owner had accepted this proposal and as the three 
 months were nearly over, Richard had used his first spare day 
 to investigate the place. We know him to be above greed}' 
 and selfish speculations, but he had forseen that the day was 
 near at hand when he would need both work and homes for 
 his proteges, and if this swamp was really redeemable, he 
 could surely find no spot more suitable for his purpose. He 
 did not pretend to have any experience in such matters, 
 but he felt pretty sure that labor and money could easily re- 
 claim the land, and at a cost quite moderate in proportion to 
 its value. The owner had given him the address of his agent 
 and no sooner had our friend returned to the city than he 
 hunted up his man. He found him in his office, and when 
 Richard had told him the nature of his errand he replied : 
 " You are doing a deucedly clever thing, Mr. Yelder. In fact, 
 if I could rake up the money I would buy myself; but you see 
 it's to be all cash, and that's what keeps us small fry from 
 taking the bait — well, I will write at once, and — " 
 
 "Telegraph, sir, if you please; I'll foot the bill." 
 
 "All right, just as you say. The submarine cable office 
 
136 EITHER, OR. 
 
 is only a few doors from here, and if you wish it. we may go 
 there without delay." 
 
 They went accordingly, and three hours later the agent 
 held in his possession a return message, authorizing him to 
 accept $200,000 cash for the tract, and to use the power of 
 attorney in his hands to make out and sign the deed of trans- 
 fer. So when Richard called the next morning he found 
 everything ready, and on payment of a check for the stipu- 
 lated sum, was handed the document making him the owner 
 of a swamp of one thousand acres. We must not forget that 
 Gottlieb had reported the evening before to the effect that he 
 had engaged the men, carts and horses necessary to excavate 
 the soil, remove it, and construct the arched passage." 
 
 "And when will they begin? " 
 
 "To-morrow morning, Herr Richard. They are all of 
 them Germans. Indeed, the ward back of the house swarms 
 with them." 
 
 "That's well, for we may need them again in the future, 
 and we may recruit our members largely from them." 
 
 "I know we can, for every second one of them is a con- 
 firmed socialist." 
 
 Gottlieb proved himself a very efficient superintendent, 
 for when Richard returned from a week's journey, he found 
 the work completed, and the houses ready for occupancy. 
 With the assistance of his aunt, Richard purchased the need- 
 ful furniture for both houses, besides the thousand and one 
 articles absolutely necessary for our complicated wants. The 
 cottage in the back street had a little store-room, a circum- 
 stance inspiring Richard with the idea of opening a little 
 grocery in the same, and installing Gottlieb and Sophie as 
 presiding geniuses. True, they knew but little of the lan- 
 guage of the country, but they were apt scholars, especially 
 Sophie, and then, it does not take a big vocabulary to sell a 
 pound of coffee, or a peck of potatoes. Besides, according to 
 Gottlieb's statement, the ward back of the property was full 
 of Germans, and these would naturally wish to patronize their 
 countryman, provided, of course, he kept prime groceries, and 
 
EITHER, OR. 137 
 
 sold as cheap as anybody else. We need hardly to say that it 
 was not the prospect of gain which influenced Richard in 
 the establishment of the grocery, but the idea of constant con- 
 course of the people there. A grocer as a barometer, indi- 
 cating with unfailing certainity the ; condition of the masses, 
 their notions, hopes, wishes and aspirations. Next Gottlieb 
 was bidden to secure the needful help for a thorough cleaning 
 of the buildings, and then the two families moved in. It 
 need hardly be intimated, that no sign whatever indicated 
 any intimacy between the grocer and his wife, and the aristo- 
 cratic occupants of the front mansion, as the knowledge of such 
 relations or connection would have endangered if not frustrated 
 Richard's designs. Next he and Gottlieb completed the pas- 
 sage under the alley. Gottlieb had provided for enough 
 bricks and mortar, allowing a rapid and steady construction 
 of the arched way. The earth was removed to the cellar, and 
 afterwards carted away. In the middle of the new tunnel, an 
 iron door was placed, moving horizontally on a central bar, 
 which, in turn, was fastened in the wall above, and in a solid 
 support below. The door fitted tight in the aperture, and 
 when it had been painted in imitation of brick work, no un- 
 suspecting person could have distinguished it from real 
 masonry in the darkness. Richard stocked the new grocery 
 most liberally, selecting the goods in accordance with the 
 class of customers likely to patronize the establishment. 
 Both Gottlieb and Sophie took great interest and pride in the 
 concern, and soon reported such marked improvements in 
 their trade that the success of the enterprise was assured. 
 
 Now a few words regarding Richard's journey. We have 
 already intimated that he had thought long and deeply on the 
 subject uppermost in his mind and heart. These thoughts 
 has led to the purchase of the swampy tract ; they now caused 
 the purchase of very extensive tracts of farming land in Plu- 
 tonia, the State to which Plutopolis belongs, and in half a 
 dozen other States, some north, some south, all of them adapted 
 to colonization. As yet the colonists were wanting; but 
 Richard forsaw that he would soon have more than he could 
 
i 3 8 EITHER, OR. 
 
 accommodate. He spent several millions in these purchases, 
 and when the people heard of them they nodded knowingly, 
 called him a sly dog, and predicted that they would prove 
 paying investments. 
 
 When he returned from this trip he shut himself up in his 
 room, and for a week or two paid little heed to anything 
 without. At the end of this seclusion, he called his aunt into 
 the room and said : 
 
 " Here, Aunt Laura, is another gold spring for our 
 coffers." 
 
 " What ! you greedy boy, are you insensible? Have you 
 not already more than you can use? " 
 
 " Far from it, aunty. Let me once begin operations and 
 you will see our cash wilt and vanish as the dry grass van- 
 ishes before a fire." 
 
 " And do you expect this to pay as well as your tele- 
 phone?" 
 
 " No Aunt Laura. You see a phonograph is not in 
 such general demand." 
 
 " A phonograph : What is a phonograph ? " 
 
 " An instrument which records a person's sayings, and 
 afterwards reproduces them on turning a crank." 
 
 "You are making sport of me Richard." 
 
 "How would I dare, Aunt Laura? No, no, this is no 
 new thing, as phonographs have been invented long since. 
 Only mine is as far above the old ones as my telephone above 
 its rivals." 
 
 " I do not conceive how this is possible." 
 
 " Let me show you then. Watch, I move this bolt and 
 now proceed to read to you Hamlet's instructions to the actors. 
 Listen : 
 
 He opened a small volume and read aloud and with be- 
 coming emphasis the famous piece in question. When he had 
 done he moved another bolt, and then to his relative's utter 
 amazement, not to say consternation, the machine repeated 
 the piece, not only loud and distinctly, but in Richard's voice 
 and with the emphasis he had given the words. When all 
 
EITHER, OR. 139 
 
 was over, Mrs. Kean drew a deep and long breath, saying 
 with an agitation quite unusual to her : " Well this beats me. 
 I am sure, two hundred years ago the inventor of such a 
 machine would have been in danger of an autodafe." 
 
 "No doubt of it, Aunt Laura. Now, however, they will 
 be used to ferret out the iniquity of scoundrels and traitors^" 
 
 "Well, I won't ask any more questions, Richard, for I am 
 getting into deep water. And will you sell this machine to 
 the same party?" 
 
 "I promised him the refusal, you know. You cannot im- 
 agine what satisfaction I derive from the thought, that the 
 same agency which ruined my parents, furnishes me the 
 means to combat his power." 
 
 "But does he not make more money out of the purchase 
 of your inventions?" 
 
 "He does.- Perhaps my sentiments on this point are 
 childish, but we all ride our hobby, you know, and so you 
 must indulge me in mounting mine." 
 
 That very afternoon Richard dropped a letter to Senator 
 Cheatham, informing him of the completion of his phonograph, 
 and the securement of a caveat for the same. He informed 
 him that he would exhibit the machine in Mr. Phelps's office 
 on the following morning, stating at the same time that he 
 w r ould accept one million dollars for the absolute sale of the 
 invention. At nine o'clock he drove to the bureau, where he 
 had served so eventful a term, Mr. Phelps received him with 
 open arms, and gazed curiously at the machine which Richard 
 carried under his arm, and deposited carefully on the table. 
 He was on the point of asking many questions, when the 
 door opened, admitting no less a person than the great states- 
 man and financier. This time Richard stood on the opposite 
 side of the table, but whether it was this circumstance or a 
 recollection of his former experience, the statesman contended 
 himself with a gracious nod of his head, and a very affable : 
 "A very good morning to you, Mr. Velder." After shaking 
 hands with Mr. Phelps and taking a chair the Senator resumed : 
 "I received your letter, and hastened to obey your summons. 
 
Ho EITHER. OR. 
 
 It is but fair to inform you that the purchase of your telephone 
 has been such an extraordinary good venture, that I, or rather 
 our syndicate is favorably inclined to make a second deal with 
 you. What have you to offer this time?" 
 
 Instead of making a reply, Richard shoved his bolt as. 
 he had done in showing the working of the machine to his 
 aunt, and then handing Mr. Phelps a newspaper, said to that 
 gentleman: "Please read the editorial of this paper." Mr. 
 Phelps evidently did not know what to make of such a request, 
 but an encouraging nod on the part of the Senator reassured 
 him, and he began to read in a tolerably impressive manner,, 
 the utter condemnation of the policy advocated by the Sena- 
 tor's party. This amused Richard and even over the Senator's 
 face passed a broad grin, showing that he was not dead to the 
 humor of the incident. The manager, on the other hand, 
 winced under the scathing remarks, and benefitted by the end 
 of the first paragraph to bring his elocutionary exercise to 
 an end. When he had done Richard reversed the bolt, saying 
 merely "Listen." 
 
 And then arose from the box, in accents loud and distinct,. 
 Mr. Phelps' voice, causing not only that gentleman, but even 
 the Senator, to rise from his chair, and listen with amazement, 
 hardly less intense than that of Mrs. Kean on the afternoon 
 before. 
 
 "Well, this beats all," cried Mr. Phelps, after his "alter 
 ego" had stopped wiping from his forehead the large drops of 
 perspiration which had gathered there in profusion. 
 
 "It is wonderful," seconded the Senator. "Mr. Velder, I 
 know you to be a man of few words, so I will simplv say, I 
 accept your offer and 3'our terms, even without reporting to 
 our friends. How soon will your patent be ready? " 
 
 " As soon as the formalities of the law permits. I shall 
 take this model to Patropolis to-morrow." 
 
 " I shall also depart for that city in a day or two and use 
 my influence to push the matter. Ah, you are going to leave, 
 us? Adieu, then, do not forget that this invention is mine." 
 
 There is no necessity to follow up the details of this trau- 
 
EITHER, OR. 141 
 
 saction. It will suffice to state that in less than four months, 
 Richard's bank account had increased another round million. 
 A few days after the interview described above Richard sat in 
 consultation with his aunt, saying : 
 
 " Aunty dear, I'll have to burden you with the general 
 supervision of my affairs during my absence. You may fix 
 your own salary. May I venture to assume that this conces- 
 sion is sufficiently tempting to make you accede to my wishes?" 
 
 " This concession has no force at all Dick. Foolish boy, 
 don't you see that your liberality has reduced its value with 
 me to absolute zero? " 
 
 "Ah, is that it? Well, what other wishes must I pull 
 then." 
 
 " The heart strings my dear boy. Did you actually think 
 I could refuse you anything? " 
 
 " Not even a kiss, aunty.'' 
 
 " Here are two, you silly boy. Well I will try to manage 
 3 T our affairs, but must positively refuse to keep your books." 
 
 "Ah?" 
 
 " Yes, but I will suggest an outlet from this dilemma." 
 
 " Do you remember my brother-in-law, Clarence Simp- 
 son? " 
 
 " The one we used to call Uncle Calculus ? " 
 
 " Yes, you naughty boy. It was too bad, but I must con- 
 fess there never was a nickname more properly applied, for 
 Brother Clarence is really but a living example. While other 
 people live on steak, gruel and other substantial he seems to 
 feed upon nothing but numbers. You know he is a clerk in 
 a bank of Patropolis, and one should think that an eight 
 hours stay there would satisfy him. This, however, is not the 
 case, for no sooner has he come home and crammed a hasty 
 supper, than he sits down aud begins to work some of the 
 greatest difficulties with numbers rising to billions and tril- 
 lions. You know he is a batchelor. I honestly believe that 
 he only remained single to indulge freely this strange fascina- 
 tion of numbers." 
 
[42 EITHER. OK. 
 
 " Well, he is an oddity to be sure. But what has he to 
 do with this matter? " 
 
 " Well if you hold out to hi in the prospects of calcula- 
 tions he could scarcely resist the temptations, and in him you 
 would not merely secure a fellow as honest as honesty itself, 
 but an expert who could keep your accounts so lucidly that a 
 little child could see through them." 
 
 Richard thought this suggestion an excellent one. So he 
 wrote to Uncle Calculus, offered him the situation of book- 
 keeper, cashier, and teller all in one, with the prospects of 
 endless ciphering and a salary considerably higher than that 
 which he enjoyed in his present position. This letter had the 
 desired effect. Uncle Calculus accepted Richard's offer and 
 informed him that he might expect him in a week, and at the 
 end of that period Uncle Calculus really put in his appearance. 
 A room in the second story had been prepared for him, and 
 the front room of the basement for a cosy and convenient of- 
 fice. Richard presented his factotum to the banks, informing 
 them that Mr. Clarence Simpson was authorized to issue 
 checks if countersigned by Mrs. Laura Keau, and then duly 
 installed him in his office, where he was soon heels over head 
 engaged in catering to his passion for numbers. With Sophie's 
 aid a chambermaid and cook were secured, both hailing from 
 the Fatherland in the first place, and from the ward near 
 the grocery, in the second. They proved good and efficient 
 helpmates, and greatly facilitated Richard's impending meta- 
 morphosis, in as far as they relieved his mind as to the proper 
 support in the household duties of his dear ones. He Was now 
 frequently closeted with his aunt, to whom he confided his in- 
 tentions regarding the draining of the swamp and other 
 schemes connected with his land purchases. He took her out 
 to the tract, showed her where the knoll was to be cut and 
 pointed out the bed for the creek from that point to its mouth. 
 "Of course I shall engage a superintendent skilled in such 
 work," but as he will have to report progress to you it is fair 
 that you should know whether he does his duty. I am aware, 
 dear aunty, that I am thus taxing your strength to the utmost 
 
EITHER, OR. 143 
 
 and perhaps in an unpardonable manner ; but I need not re- 
 mind you that you work for mankind, not for me. Moreover, 
 you must totally abstain from working in the house, leaving 
 such trifling and mental tasks to the parties I have engaged. 
 Will you promise? " 
 
 "Yes, my dear boy," she replied, touched by his tender 
 solicitude. 
 
 "All right, then. I shall execute a power of attorney in 
 your behalf, authorizing you to represent me in every respect, 
 as Richard Velder is going abroad, and will hardly visit Occi- 
 dentia oftenerthan twice a year." 
 
 "And when does he expect to leave?" 
 
 "As soon as he can get a Saratoga of the proper size," he 
 replied with a smile. "Now let us go home, as I have lots to 
 do before my departure." 
 
 On his way home he said : "Aunt Laura, I have made 
 arrangements with the livery stable across the grocery, to 
 stable and tend these horses. Send for them whenever you 
 need them. There will be many an occasion, when you want 
 to move rapidly, unexposed to the publicity of the street car. 
 In such cases do not hesitate to use the carriage. Moreover 
 Elinor and the boy have to have plenty of drives in the open 
 air, so do not spare the horses, which might suffocate with fat, 
 if standing in their stalls from morning 'till night. 
 
 During the next week Richard indulged in work of a 
 motley character calculated to excite the disability of any one 
 uninitiated. He caused Gottlieb to purchase the complete 
 outfit of a wandering scissor grinder, and then ground knives 
 and scissors by the hour, spoiling them by the dozen, to the 
 great chagrin of Sophie, who declared with a mixture of 
 merriment and indignation, that there would soon be a rise in 
 the price of these articles. Richard, however, exhibited his 
 habitual cleverness in this, as in other arts, learning readily to 
 grind edged instruments of all descriptions in a manner truly 
 scientific. 
 
 Next he got his factotum to procure soldering irons of 
 all shapes and sizes, together with the most approved sorts of 
 
i 4 4 EITHER, OR. 
 
 solder, both hard and soft, to say nothing of boxes of rosin, 
 bottles of muriatic acid, and other substances connected with 
 the high, and to the uninitiated, mysterious art of soldering. 
 Then he demanded the surrender of tin pails, pans, dishes and 
 plates, from the store, to punch holes into them, and then re- 
 store them to their primitive intactness. To this, however, 
 Sophie objected, delivering such an impressive sermon on the 
 same of such a waste, that Richard retracted his order with 
 due humility, influenced perhaps by her promise to procure 
 for him all the dilapidated timvare he could possibly manage. 
 She was indeed as good as her word, and soon our friend was 
 surrounded by a wall of pans, dishes and kettles, looking for 
 the world like the rampart of a fortified city. Richard went 
 to work with a will, but found the tin covered with so much 
 grease, that he called Sophie and told her with a mien of pro- 
 test that he could not solder such greasy tinware. However, 
 if he had expected to see her relent, he was sadly mistaken. 
 
 "Why, Herr Velder," she cried in genuine surprise; "you 
 don't expect people to give you their new tinware to mend? 
 All pans and kettles are greasy, and most generally greasier 
 than these. So, unless you can solder these, you might as 
 well give up the idea of soldering old tinware." 
 
 This logic was so irrefutable that Richard did not even 
 make the attempt, but set to scraping the greasy edges, or 
 washing them with biting acids, until his fingers were sore or 
 blistered from one end to the other. However neither sores 
 nor blisters had the power of checking his purposes, and after 
 an apprenticeship of several days, Richard succeeding in stop- 
 ping a leak in a moderately acceptable fashion. When Sophie 
 told him that hisVepairs were hardlv durable he replied with a 
 laugh, that durability was a feature calculated to kill the busi- 
 ness, and that she could hardly expect him to bring about 
 starvation by his own efforts. 
 
 "There was a third and last branch of business to w T hich 
 Richard meant to devote himself, i. e., the mending of um- 
 brellas. To learn the trade, however, he must procure an 
 abundance of old umbrellas, with the understanding that their 
 
EITHER, OR. 145 
 
 repairs should not provoke as many suits for damages. True, 
 there was a supply of new umbrellas in the store, but, in spite 
 of his undoubted pluck, he had not the courage to propose 
 their destruction for the sake of his own improvement. Here 
 again the good woman came to the rescue. She went among 
 her country folks in the neighboring ward, and traded in so 
 many delapidated umbrellas for small quantities of groceries, 
 as to create a second rampart more formidable than the first. 
 Next the needful pinchers, tongs, gimlets, etc., etc., were 
 secured, together with the material for new covers, new ribs, 
 new handles, and then Richard began his work. Before the 
 end of the first day, he discovered that if telephone and phon- 
 ograph present points of difficulties, the mending of umbrellas 
 is not without its trials. Now the new cover refused to as- 
 sume a smooth and creditable surface : next the ribs objected 
 to be twisted into the proper shape, and, at other times, the 
 handles would wiggle waggle in an alarming manner, totally 
 unbecoming to a decent umbrella. When this turn of ap- 
 prenticeship was over, Richard felt much pride, saying to his 
 aunt: "Aunt Eaura, if you want to try a man's mettle, set him 
 to mending umbrellas. If he does not quit at the end of the 
 first hour, consider him a pretty patient individual; and if he 
 perseveres, set him down as a mortal of uncommon endurance.' ' 
 
 These preparations had consumed several weeks, and 
 Richard became quite nervous and impatient ; yet he knew 
 that one more task had to be performed before he could enter 
 on his real work. 
 
 He needed a number of essays on the subject of social re- 
 forms, their necessity and the best mode of accomplishing 
 them. These essays must be in the shape of addresses to the 
 people, adapted to their various trades and conditions, clothed 
 in language simple, yet eloquent. Truth is convincing if the 
 ear is willing to receive it, and the mind to ponder upon it ; 
 but much depends upon the form in which it is presented. 
 Richard knew that much would depend upon the execution 
 of this task, and therefore went to work with due diligence, 
 and a concentration of his mental faculties on this one point. 
 
146 KITHER. OR. 
 
 He shut himself up in his room, working from earl}- dawn to 
 dusk at night with such unwearied assiduity as to fill Mrs. Kean 
 with the fear of seeing him break down under this strain of 
 brain work. Richard laughed at such an apprehension, assur- 
 ing her that this work was child's play in comparison with the 
 tension to which his mind had been subject to for weeks and 
 months, when engaged with his inventions. At last the work 
 was done and on that evening he informed his aunt and sister 
 that he intended leaving them on the following morning, and 
 that his absence would probably last several months. This 
 declaration was intended for Elinor, and the servants as well 
 as Uncle Calculus, who though highly honorable and trust- 
 worthy, was so absorbed in his figures as to become forgetful 
 in matters not connected with his work and liable to betray 
 unintentionally secrets entrusted to his keeping. Mrs. Kean 
 knew where Richard was going and that she would probably 
 see him every day, yet her heart was rather heavy when he 
 left them that evening, and she kissed him with the fervor of 
 a mother who sees a darling child embark on the treacherous 
 waves of an uncertain sea. 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 DICK BROWN THE TINKER. 
 
 " Please, ma'am, there is a fellow in the yard as wants to 
 know whether you have any knives or scissors to grind? " 
 
 These words were addressed to Mrs. Kean by her new 
 maid on the following morning. Mrs. Kean had expected 
 some announcement of that kind : so she said: "Yes Anna, 
 I have a pair of scissors which I would like to have sharpened. 
 In the yard, did you say? " 
 
 The girl nodded and left the room, followed by her mis- 
 tress, who on reaching the yard, found a young fellow stand- 
 ing there ready for business. He wore corduroy pants of 
 ample dimensions, disappearing below in a pair of top boots. 
 
EITHER. OR. 147 
 
 A long jacket of the same material reached a few inches below 
 his hips, and on his head he wore a broad-brimmed slouched 
 hat of doubtful age. His hair and beard were of a deep brown 
 giving him a southern appearance, strengthened by his bronze 
 skin which seemed to have been long and recklessh exposed 
 to the sun of Italy or Spain. The fellow looked indeed like 
 a foreigner, and when he said, "Good morning Madam ; " his 
 accent also pointed to a foreign birth. Mrs. Kean watched 
 first the man, and then the tw T o domestics who examined him 
 with curious but unsuspicious looks, assuring Mrs. Kean that 
 they failed to recognize in the tinker the young master who 
 had left the house the evening before. Mrs. Kean felt relieved. 
 The disguise was efficient, for if inmates of the house failed to 
 discover it, strangers would not be likely to see through it. She 
 handed the fellow a pair of scissors, saying : "When they are 
 done come into my room ; I have an umbrella which needs 
 mending." 
 
 "All right" replied the tinker, and set to work, while Mrs. 
 Kean returned to the house. When the scissors were 
 sharpened the tinker addressed the cook saying : "Please 
 ma'am where is the lady's room? " He was shown up stairs 
 pretending the ignorance of a total stranger. A minute 
 later he stood in the presence of his aunt, who closed the door 
 cautiously and said in a low tone : "Well, I must say you 
 managed this pretty cleverly. How did you color your hair 
 and skin? 1 Will the dye not be injurious to your health]*" 
 
 " No, aunty dear, it is nothing but a decoction of some 
 harmless herbs which will yield to soap and water. Besides 
 exposure to the sun will soon tan my skin sufficiently to make 
 bronzing it superfluous. But I must leave you, as I have 
 many things of moment to attend to. I called principally for 
 the purpose of arranging daily interviews with you. At 
 what hour could they be effected with the least danger of 
 interruption or discovery?" 
 
 "I have thought of this and come to the conclusion that 
 the hour of nine in the evening: would be most suitable. At 
 
148 either, or. 
 
 that time the servants have retired to the attic and Elinor and 
 George to their bed room." 
 
 "I shall go to the office every night at nine and stay fifteen 
 minutes. If you have not come by that time I shall assume 
 that you have been detained and retire. How does that strike 
 you?" 
 
 "It is excellent. I can reach the office from the basement 
 and thus avoid the risk of meeting the girls." 
 
 "Au revoir, 'till this evening." 
 
 He nodded and left the room. In the yard he shouldered 
 his grinding apparatus and then entered the street where he 
 hailed a horse car and was taken to the business portion of the 
 city. Here he alighted and walked leisurely along a street 
 devoted to industrial pursuits of various kinds, until he dis- 
 covered a sign showing that printing of all kinds was done in- 
 side. He walked in and noticing a glass door at the side, 
 opened it. Before he had crossed the threshhold, a rough 
 voice inside exclaimed curtly : " We have nothing to do for 
 you ; get out." 
 
 The tinker paid no attention to;this summons, but con- 
 tinued his advance, and deposited his machine with the 
 utmost "sang froid" on the floor. The act evidently pro- 
 voked the owner of the gruff voice, for he cried with increased 
 sharpness : " Didn't I tell you that we have no work for you." 
 
 "But I have work for you, sir," was the cool rejoinder, 
 "that is if you see proper to do it." 
 
 "Work? What kind of work? We don't do anything in 
 your line." ' 
 
 Richard felt slightly provoked at this bluffness, but re- 
 membering that he had turned into a poor tinker, i. e., a fellow 
 not entitled to courtesy and consideration, on the part of the 
 upper crust, he suppressed his vexation and said with his 
 former coolness: "It is printing I want done, and, to judge 
 by the sign outside, this is the proper place." 
 
 "Ah, it is printing you want done?" the party in the 
 office exclaimed. "Hand bills, or circular, I suppose?" 
 
 "You suppose wrongly, then, sir, for it is a number of 
 
EITHER, OR. 149 
 
 speeches, essays, they call them, I think, which I want 
 printed. They tell me you fellows can cast them in solid 
 sheets, or blocks, and if it don't come too high, I should like 
 to have them done up in that style." 
 
 "Stereotyped, you mean, I reckon?" asked the clerk, 
 smelling a bigger job than he had at first anticipated, and in- 
 creasing his civility accordingly. 
 
 "That's it, sir. I can't remember the blasted word." 
 "Well, let me see your manuscript, to enable me to make 
 an estimate of the cost." 
 
 The tinker fumbled in his pockets ; then drew forth a 
 bundle of sheets, and said, handing them to the clerk : "Here 
 they be, sir. Take good care of them, for that's the only 
 copy, and I wouldn't wish to lose them for a good deal." 
 
 The clerk took the papers and cast a hasty glance over 
 the contents. He saw at once that they were penned by a 
 person of culture, but of exceedingly radical views. So he 
 said rather patronizingly, and with a touch of paternal solici- 
 tude : "Who wrote these papers, my friend?" 
 
 "A particular friend of mine. That's nothing to do with 
 the — the stereotyping, has it?" 
 
 "Not exactly," replied the other, wincing slightly under 
 this rebuke. "I merely asked, because these ideas are rather 
 radical, and may get you into trouble." 
 
 "Is that so? Well, hand them back, then. I wouldn't 
 for the world get you into a scrape." 
 
 The clerk, however, held on to them, saying with a "hm !" 
 and a slight cough: "Oh, it isn't as bad as all that. We 
 will run no risk in printing them, and as to their distribution, 
 that is your look out." 
 
 "Well, tote up the figures, then. Time is precious, and I 
 have to earn my dinner, you know." 
 
 "All right. Now I think of it, these paper shears need 
 sharpening, so I'll give you a job while I run to the foreman 
 and get the figures. Say, would you want some impressions 
 made of the stereotypes?'' 
 
 "Impressions? How, so?" 
 
ISO EITHER. OR. 
 
 "I mean, would you like to have a few thousand copies of 
 each of these articles ? " 
 
 "Most assuredly. I want at least fifty thousand of each 
 kind." 
 
 Whew. That will cost you a sight of money, my man." 
 
 "Well, I reckon it will. You just go and ask the boss. 
 When you bring me the figures I will see whether I can scrape 
 up the cash to pay for them." 
 
 He then sat to work to grind the shears, and the clerk 
 withdrew, uncertain whether he had succeeded in taking the 
 measure of this customer. When he returned ten minutes 
 later, the tinker handed him the shears, saying proudly : 
 "There's a job for you, sir, as is a job. If you are as sharp as 
 them shears, you'll die a millionaire sure. How much, did 
 you ask?" Only a dime, sir. Thank you sir," and the tinker 
 pocketed the coin with a relish pleasant to behold. 
 
 "And now lor your figures," he resumed: "What will it 
 cost to have the plates made, and how much will you charge 
 for fifty thousand copies each ?" 
 
 The price is immaterial, so we pass it, but we must not 
 forget the remarks of the clerk, when the tinker declared him- 
 self satisfied and gave his order. 
 
 "You are a stranger to us, Mr. — Mr. — what did you say 
 your name was?" 
 
 "I didn't say anything, to my knowledge. Howsoever, 
 my name is Dick Brown, and I aint ashamed of it neither." 
 
 "I hope not, Mr. Brown; but what I meant is this: You 
 are a total stranger to us, and it is our habit in such cases to 
 insist upon a payment of half the sum in advance. This 
 means no personal reflection, Mr. Brown, but is merely a bus- 
 iness precaution our experience has forced us to adopt." 
 
 "That's all right, sir," the tinker replied, diving in his 
 pocket and pulling forth a considerable roll of bills. "That 
 would be how much?" 
 
 The clerk smiled in making the simple division, where- 
 upon the tinker handed him the money, asking with a sly 
 wink for a receipt, which was handed him. 
 
EITHER, OR. 151 
 
 "You see," he said dryly, "this is a precaution my speri- 
 ence has forced me to indopt. And when can I call for the 
 first batch?" 
 
 The clerk mused. "This is Thursday," he said; "well 
 call next Saturday evening, and you can have some of each 
 kind." 
 
 Again the tinker shouldered his burden, calling from 
 door to door, grinding a knife here, a pair of scissors there, 
 and occasionally mending an umbrella. He sought private 
 houses, trying to get access to kitchens and stables and en- 
 gaging the inmates during his work whenever an opportunity 
 offered. Towards noon he reached the grocery, where Sophie 
 received him with a gracious smile and a substantial dinner, 
 which he dispatched with the readiness of a man, who.se 
 stomach and conscience are both in excellent condition. Gott- 
 lieb and his wife joined in the meal, although an occasional 
 tinkling of the store bell, compelled one of the couple to with- 
 draw for a minute or two. 
 
 "Well, Mr. Brown," Gottlieb inquired, after seating 
 himself, "how do you like the business by this time?" 
 
 "Immensely," replied Richard. "You see it pays first 
 rate, for I have pocketed one dollar and fifteen cents this 
 morning. Besides, it gives one access to the basement and 
 the stable, which is of incalculable value. Of course, a fellow 
 has to be cautious, but when I get my pamphlets, I can do 
 much, and I hope, efficient work." 
 
 "But what is one in such a big city? Merely a drop in an 
 ocean." 
 
 "True enough. For that reason I secured the assistance 
 of the documents, mute, but nevertheless eloquent preachers. 
 Besides, I shall engage co-workers, where and whenever I 
 meet them." 
 
 "But there are so many frauds, you know." 
 
 "That is true; but you can generally distinguish the ring 
 of the genuine metal from the spurious counterfeit. Besides 
 I have my phonographs, you know. With their assistance I 
 shall unearth manv a fraud, I warrant.'" 
 
152 EITHER. OR. 
 
 "I trust you will; nay I know you will, for such zeal as 
 yours is always sure of success. I wish I could engage more 
 actively in the work. It seems so trifling to sell a pound of 
 sugar, or a quart of molasses while you work and toil like a 
 Turk." 
 
 "Well, I never knew that Turks work so very hard. 
 Don't fret, Gottlieb. You will soon have your hands so full 
 that you will not know which way to turn first." 
 
 "That's what I want. Where are you going to work this 
 afternoon.-' " 
 
 " In the ward over here. I am anxious to begin with the 
 drainage of the swamp, and think that I can find efficient 
 workmen among your countrymen there." 
 
 "No doubt you can. I have sounded a good many and 
 know you can get all you want, and good workers too." 
 
 "I am glad to hear it. I think I had better visit the hotels 
 and boarding houses, eh ?" 
 
 "That's the places. By the bye, we had a call last night 
 from a fellow who has studied engineering or bridge building or 
 something like it, in the old country. Perhaps he would be 
 the man to boss the job." 
 
 "Do you know where he lives, and what his name is? " 
 
 "Yes, he gave me his address. Here it is: Daniel 
 Wurzel, Hotel Rinehart." 
 
 "Ah, I know, where that is. Well, no rest for the wicked 
 you know. I must be moving." 
 
 And off he went, turning his steps to the narrow and 
 poorly paved streets of a quarter inhabited by the poor and 
 consequently neglected inhabitants of the city. We have no 
 time to follow him in his wanderings. He called at many an 
 humble household, made up in many instances of Germans, 
 Irish or other foreign elements. Only here and there he met 
 a native family marked generally by superior cleanliness of 
 the members as well as the premises. Occasionally he met 
 with a gruff rebuff, but such instances were rare, originating 
 universally with additional drunkeness. On the whole the 
 poor are kind and friendly to the poor, and pay readily and 
 
EITHER, OR. 153 
 
 cheerfully for the services the} 7 engage. In more than one in- 
 stance Richard felt enclined to refuse the nickle or dime form- 
 ing the compensation of his labor ; but the fear of offending 
 and the necessity of sustaining his character, checked the in- 
 clination. His knowledge of German proved very serviceable 
 in that quarter. In fact, it may be truthfully asserted that 
 without this knowledge his mission would have proved a fail- 
 ure. During his wanderings he came upon a big swinging 
 sign, informing the public that this was Rinehart's hotel, a 
 hostlery where man and beast could find the best of accomo- 
 dations at very reasonable rates. Richard stepped into the 
 bar-room, deposited his burden and demanded a glass of beer. 
 The landlord brought it in person, and when the tinker ad- 
 dressed him in his native tongue he showed much friendliness 
 and a disposition to converse. 
 
 "You talk German elegantly" he remarked when Richard 
 had told him that he was a native of Occidentia." 
 
 "Have you been in the old country?" 
 
 "Yes, about six months and I saw many things there 
 which pleased me. The trouble is wages are too low there." 
 
 "Ah, it isn't that so much as the military services. Liv- 
 ing is cheap in Germany, but when a fellow is taken from his 
 work, put into uniform and drilled and cajoled half to death 
 for three or four years, we need not wonder to see him leave 
 his fatherland." 
 
 "Are many immigrating just now?" 
 
 "More than can find work, sir. The house is full of fel- 
 lows who cannot find work and hardly have the means of pay- 
 ing for their board. The fact is, I ought to turn half of them 
 out ; only it goes against a fellow's grit, you see." 
 
 Richard felt like grabbing and shaking the honest fellow's 
 ihand. He called for another glass of beer and said : "Well I 
 have a friend who could give a number of them employment 
 — and — " 
 
 "He could ? the landlord inquired eagerly," then you can 
 do all these poor fellows a good turn by recommending them 
 to your friend. Will you do it ? " 
 
..S4 KITHKR.OR. 
 
 "Certainly and with pleasure. How many can you mus- 
 ter ? " 
 
 "Oh, as many as your friend is likely to need." 
 
 "Fifty?" 
 
 "Yes a hundred. When will you know?" 
 
 " I'll try to see him to-night ; but say is there not an 
 engineer by the name of Wurzel in your hotel? " 
 
 "Yes,. Daniel Wurzel. What of him ? Would your friend 
 want a chap of his caliber?" 
 
 "He will want an engineer, but whether this Wurzel 
 would fill the bill, is another question " 
 
 "Well, it won't take long to find out. I think he is in his 
 room. Excuse me a minute, I'll go and see." 
 
 He returned in less than ten minutes accompanied by 
 a young man of hardly twenty. Richard felt inclined to doubt 
 his ability to superintend a job of such magnitude when his 
 own case rose in his mind, causing him to smile at his hasty 
 conclusion and to resolve that he would not condemn before 
 judging. The landlord introduced his protege, placed a glass 
 of beer before both him and Richard, saying: "This is my 
 treat, gentlemen, now fire away at each other." 
 
 Richard obeyed, asking the other what particular branch 
 of engineering he had studied. When Mr. Wurzel replied 
 that he had made road building a specialty Richard asked him 
 whether he had had any practical experience in draining 
 swamps and rectifying river beds. Wurzel replied that he had 
 not, but that such things had formed parts of his course and 
 that he flattered himself with the belief of being able to give 
 satisfaction. Our friend reflected a moment, then said: "Mr. 
 Wurzel, the party for whom I speak is not at leisure just now 
 but if you have time to go with me to-morrow morning to the 
 swamp in question, I can report to him what you think of the 
 matter, and confer with his authorized agent." 
 
 Mr. Wurzel looked at him in surprise. He was evi- 
 dently astonished to meet with a scissor grinder using such 
 choice language and grammar. Perhaps it increased his ad- 
 
EITHER, OR. 155 
 
 miration for a country where even tinkers indulge in such 
 luxuries. However, he declared his readiness to accompany 
 the tinker, and agreed to meet him at Gottlieb's grocery at 
 eight a. m. precisely. Then Richard went on his way, 
 making more acquaintances, seeing deeper into the 
 condition, wishes, hopes and aspirations of the people 
 every minute, thus making studies in a book to him 
 inexpressibl}- interesting and becoming more so with every 
 new page. After supper he requested Gottlieb to accompany 
 him, and together they wended their way through the scenes 
 of his afternoon's experience. This time he left his tools and 
 implements at home, visiting merely the places of recreation 
 where the poor try to forget the toil of to-day and the care ot 
 to-morrow. As he gazed upon them, he began to understand 
 why so many of them yield to the charm of strong drink. 
 With the laborer it is nothing but work, work, work, 
 hard during the day, and sleep the slumber of exhaustion dur- 
 ing the night, and unless there is an interval of excitement, 
 an hour snatched from the hum drum of life in the evening, 
 that is the interregnum between the despot of toil and the 
 despot of lethargetic slumber, he misses the only charm of 
 life, in fact, the inducement to live. He knows not the stim- 
 ultus of intellectual pursuits, and would be too exhausted to 
 enjoy them if he knew them. So he yields to the charms of 
 King Alcohol, and drains the cup, which, for a while brings 
 oblivion, but in whose dregs death is lurking. In the tavern 
 frequented by the Irish, the offerings were mostly made at the 
 shrine of whisky, while the Germans worshipped almost ex- 
 clusively at that of Gambriuus, but, while Richard perceived 
 that their potations were less besotting, and the results less 
 brutalizing, he could not help perceiving that the excesses of 
 both parties tend the same way, i. e., demoralization and the 
 ruin of health. He pondered deeply on these manifestations, 
 seeing clearly that he would have to grapple with them in his 
 struggles for the elevation of his race. He was no temper- 
 ance fanatic, and saw plainly that it is not prohibition but self- 
 government [which was needed. Would the time ever come 
 
i 5 6 EITHER, OR. 
 
 when man would do away with stimulants of every kind? 
 Perhaps ; but meanwhile, people must learn to control a pas- 
 sion which degrades and ruins, not only individually, but col- 
 lectively; andif they were too weak, if past suffering sand 
 hardships had unmanned them, he was convinced of the 
 propriety of restricting it, and limiting its gratification to a 
 compass which, if not totally harmless, would at least prevent 
 a sudden destruction of the devotee and his family, giving 
 him time for a continued fight against his tyrant. Gottlieb 
 introduced him to several hostlers, who made it a business to 
 lodge and feed emigrants, and to help them in procuring em- 
 ployment. Some of these fellows were undoubtedly of the 
 Shylock class, sucking the life blood of their patrons to kick 
 them into the street when the last cent was spent, bnt many 
 were real and true philanthropists, exhibiting a disinterested- 
 ness which warmed Richard's heart, and convinced him of a 
 fact which he had dimly felt before, that the poor, as a class, 
 are much more generous than the wealthy, and that neither 
 church nor caste has monopolized virtue. Mr. Rinehart's 
 face brightened when he saw Richard and his famulus enter 
 the guest room. He insisted upon treating them to a glass of 
 beer, and took such umbrage at Richard's declination of this 
 civility, that our friend quickly retracted his remonstrance, 
 remembering, that this man's means of showing his good will 
 was limited to a very narrow compass, and that, to hurt his 
 feelings, was just as wrong as to wound those of a moralist or 
 a duchess. The inn keeper told him that he had fully a hun- 
 dred men ready for him, a declaration forcing from Richard 
 the statement that his patron would undoubtedly employ them 
 if Mr. Wurzel would report favorably the next morning. 
 When he finally said farewell, he had gained the esteem of 
 the crowd. "How easy it is, Gottlieb." he said to his compan- 
 ion, "to gain the good will of the masses. Is it not very 
 strange that there are so few philanthropists among the 
 rich? A few of them strive to benefit the people, it is true; 
 but nine times out of ten the aggrandizement or gratification 
 of self lies at the bottom of the movement, and the noise with 
 
EITHER. OR. 157 
 
 which it is proclaimed to the world, is universally greater 
 than the benefit itself." 
 
 Richard did not confine his explorations to the German 
 element this evening. As stated before he visited several 
 Irish hostelries, where he met with, and enjoyed the healthy 
 humor distinguishing the sons and daughters of the Emerald 
 Isle. To him these men and women appeared like big child- 
 ren, exhibiting their ingenuity, but also uuconcernedness. 
 Here also, he found many strong and willing arms, but lack- 
 ing the means of gaining a livelihood. He formed the resolu- 
 tion of helping them also to the extent of his ability, quelling 
 with difficulty a sigh engendered by the consciousness of his 
 feeble strength and narrowness of his means. Never before 
 had he been so deeply impressed with the necessity of a social 
 reform and the removal of conditions which permit a few to 
 roll in ease and luxury and deprive vast multitudes from get- 
 ting that work which will ensure not luxury and pleasure, but 
 the barest necessities. At nine he stole through the passage 
 and entered the office of Uncle Calculus, where he found his 
 aunt in waiting. She looked at him keenly, expecting to dis- 
 cover some mark of disappointment or fatigue. He understood 
 her glance, and said gayly: "Sorry to dissapoint you, aunty, I 
 ain't quite tired and disgusted yet." 
 
 "But Dick, did you not meet with many things which 
 disgusted you? Now tell me truly." 
 
 "Yes, I did, Aunt Laura, but I am sorry to say that they 
 originated with the so-called upper classes, not with my 
 clients, the poor. Oh, Aunt Laura, never before was I so 
 deeply impressed with the necessity of this work, and mind, 
 this is only the first day. How much will the coming weeks 
 and months intensify this conviction. Indeed, there is only 
 one thing I am afraid of, namely: that the sight of the suffer- 
 ings of the poor and the heartless cruelty of the rich will aggra- 
 vate me that I shall forget the counsel of prudence and dis- 
 cretion and stir the people up to a warfare of the knife, and 
 to the bitter end." 
 
 "You alarm me, Dick." 
 
1 58 EITHER, OR. 
 
 "Well, when thus tempted I shall come to you and listen 
 to the promptings of a heart true and pure. But see here, 
 Aunt Laura, I am going to take a young engineer to our tract 
 to-morrow morning. If he brings you a slip containing the 
 letters O. K., tell him that Mr. Velder has left matters with 
 you, and that you will let him know what shall be done in 
 the matter." 
 
 "All right, Richard. Would it be well if I made you, 
 that is the tinker, a kind of foreman in the matter. " 
 
 "No. aunty, that would not work. You see, foremen are 
 not generally chosen from scissor grinders." 
 
 "That's a pity, Dick." 
 
 "Well, so it is ; but I think we can manage in this way. 
 You had better go with us to-morrow morning. In that way 
 you can take in the situation and afterwards interpret more 
 readily my wishes and directions. I can not do much until I 
 get my circulars and may as well engage to work out there with 
 the other chaps." 
 
 "Well, that is a good idea. Why, you are not going 
 Dick?" 
 
 "Yes I am, aunty. Mind, I have been on my feet all day 
 and must retire in season, if I expect to be on hand tomorrow 
 morning. Mind, eight o'clock precisely. If we start later 
 we shall miss the nine o'clock train." 
 
 Just as the big clock of the distant City Hall struck ten 
 on the following morning three persons ascended the knoll 
 of Richard's purchase, and on reaching the top looked 
 curiously around. It was Mrs. Kean, Richard and Herr 
 Wurzel. Richard pointed out to the letter the extent of his 
 purchase and then awaited his decision without asking a ques- 
 tion. 
 
 "And this knoll belongs to the tract? " the engineer in- 
 quired. 
 
 "Yes, sir. If I am rightly informed it extends several 
 hundred feet beyond its base." 
 
 "Then the matter is easy enough. The knoll will have 
 to be cut and the bed of the creek rectified to its mouth." 
 
EITHER, OR. 159 
 
 "I understand that is Mr. Velder's view of the matter. Is 
 it not, Mrs. Kean ? " 
 
 "It is. He has discussed the matter more than once in 
 my presence. Then you would begin with the cut, Mr. 
 Wurzel." 
 
 "Yes madam, but would only cut it sufficiently deep 
 to secure enough soil to form the dams we shall need. It 
 will be necessary to turn the water from the old bed. to 
 deepen and straighten it." 
 
 "Ah, I see, and when the new bed is made you'll cut 
 through here and turn the water into it ? " 
 
 "Exactly. We shall then use the rest of the earth to 
 place a dam across the old channel and stop the flow of water 
 entirely in that direction." 
 
 The tinker nodded his head approvingly, causing Mrs. 
 Kean to say: "Well, Mr. Wurzel, I feel confident that Mr. 
 Velder will be fully satisfied with your idea, when he returns, 
 and as he is very anxious to have this matter pushed, you will 
 oblige me by making a superficial estimate of the cost to-day, 
 and calling with it to-morrow morning. Have you an idea how r 
 many hands you shall need to complete this work during the 
 summer and fall? " 
 
 "That is pretty hard to say. However a hundred able 
 laborers can accomplish a good deal in three or four months." 
 
 "Well, Mr. Brown — Mr. Brown is a neighbor, you know a 
 good many people in the ward back of our house. If I pay 
 you for your time, would you be kind enough to charge your- 
 self with picking out such men as you think calculated to do 
 good work ? " 
 
 "I am at your service, ma'm, and if vou and Mr. Wurzel 
 will let me, I have a notion to pitch in myself." 
 
 "Why, that woiddho. nice. Well, I suppose there is noth- 
 ing more for us to do here, so we may as w 7 ell return to the 
 station. I see it is just twenty minutes until the next train, 
 and if we bestir ourselves, we can make it, I think." 
 
 On the train Mr. Wurzel inquired: "Have you formed 
 an}- plan for housing and boarding the working force, Mrs. 
 
160 EITHER, OR. 
 
 Keau ? You see there are no accommodations of that sort in 
 the neighborhood ; so we will probably have to put up a few 
 shanties, and let some families see to the boarding." 
 
 "That is a good idea. I am unused to such matters, and 
 if you and Mr. Brown will be kind enough to make the need- 
 ful arrangements, I'll compensate you for your time and 
 trouble." 
 
 We need not relate in detail the arrangements made, nor 
 the beginning or completion of the work. Mr. Wurzel proved 
 himself a highly efficient engineer, in spite of his youth, and 
 managed the work with such skill and dispatch, that the Fall 
 was not fully spent when the water was turned into the new 
 channel, and the reclaimed land ready for drainage. The 
 stagnant water was first gathered in ditches running from 
 both sides, either close to, or entirely into the new bed. In 
 the latter case, the land drained itself ; in the former an en- 
 gine on wheels was engaged to pump the water out, and when 
 the winter was over, the land was perfectly dry and ready for 
 building purposes. We may as well add at this place that 
 Richard divided the land in lots, not to sell, but on which to 
 erect small cottages, which he rented at very low rates to peo- 
 ple whom he found worthy, making, however, a few stipula- 
 tions which the occupants had to sign, to be admitted to the 
 premises. No one was permitted to sell whiskey or other 
 ardent beverages of a similar character. There was one place, 
 however, where the people of the village could secure beer in 
 small quantities, the landlord agreeing to forfeit his lease in 
 case he violated the spirit of this condition. Mr. Rinehart 
 declared his willingness to rent the tavern, and as Richard had 
 found him to be an honest, fair, and intelligent person, he 
 granted his request. Before we return to the next movement 
 of this worthy, we may as well state that Mr. Wurzel was not 
 dismissed at the completion of the drainage, but retained at a 
 regular salary to superintend the development and manage- 
 ment of the other bodies of land, which, as we have stated, 
 his patron had bought shortly after his return from Europe. 
 Some of these were near the city, suitable for fruit and veg- 
 
EITHER, OR. 161 
 
 etable farms ; others were in distant parts of the State, and 
 some hundreds of miles away, in climes so different as to pro- 
 duce fruit and cereals of quite a different nature. To these 
 places Richard sent his proteges, suiting their mission always 
 to their liking and disposition, thus insuring success in nine 
 cases out of ten. These operations consumed very nearly the 
 money he had secured in Europe and from the sale of his 
 phonograph ; but as the million due annually from the lease of 
 the telephone was in reserve, he did not experience serious 
 embarrassment from the lack of funds. And now let us once 
 more attach ourselves closely to his heels and learn the ad- 
 ditional means by which he expects to execute plans, both 
 gigantic and difficult. 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 " AND SOME OF IT FELL ON GOOD SOIL, AND BORE AN 
 HUNDRED FOLD." 
 
 When the tinker called at the printing house on the 
 evening designated, the entire edition of his pamphlet was 
 read}-. 
 
 "We had to box them," the clerk said, pointing to a good 
 sized box standing in the hall. "The box and the packing is 
 one dollar extra." 
 
 The tinker paid the bill, engaged an expressman and had 
 his treasure hauled to his room in the grocery. "Use them 
 judiciously," he said to Gottlieb, pointing to the papers. "If 
 they are not eloquent, they at least contain the truth, which 
 is bound to prevail, sooner or later. On Sunday morning he 
 stuffed his pockets as full as he could, and started on his errend. 
 This time, of course without his tools and apparatus. Nor 
 did he go into the houses, but went his way to the neighbor- 
 ing park, which was full of loiterers, seeking fresh air, and 
 trees and grass and flowers, which many of them did not once 
 see and admire during the busy week. Richard sat down on 
 
r6 2 HITHER, OR. 
 
 a bench, which was occupied by an elderly gentlemen of strik- 
 ing appearance. He wore an overcoat, in spite of the warm 
 weather, and had it buttoned to his neck. His gray locks 
 were covered by a broad-rimmed felt hat of much wear and 
 ancient cut. His shoes had buckles of huge size and so out- 
 landish a shape as to betray at once the foreigner. He wore 
 large glasses, but when he wanted to see anything at a dis- 
 tance he regularly looked over them, showing on such 
 occasion eyes both intelligent and benevolent. When Richard 
 sat down beside him, he nodded pleasantly and said: 
 "Fine weather, this." 
 
 "Fine enough, only a little warm." 
 
 "Do you think so? Well, I am getting old, you see, and 
 my blood must be getting] sluggish, for I feel very com- 
 fortable with my overcoat on." 
 
 The man had a very strong foreign accent, which we do 
 not render, because it gives an air of ludicrous to persons by- 
 no means funny, or two things and thoughts far from trite. 
 When Richard did not reply the old gentleman continued : 
 "In my country, you see, the weather is mostly so cold that 
 one enjoys the sunshine doubly." 
 
 "You hail from the north, then?" 
 
 "From the north of Sweden. I have come to this 
 country to find a little girl, a niece, whose mother, my sister, 
 died a few month's since, leaving Bertha without protection, 
 you see." 
 
 "And have you found her?" 
 
 "Not yet. I begin to think the address is a little indefi- 
 nite. Here it is." 
 
 He pulled a little note book from his pocket, opened it, 
 and let Richard read in large round, but rather stiff characters: 
 Mrs. Edda Rasmussen, Plutonia. "You see, that was my 
 sister's name," he said in explanation. 
 
 Richard was astonished at this simplicity. "Why," he 
 asked wonderiugly, "you surely did not expect to find your 
 niece in a country of seven millions with this clue alone?" 
 
 "It seems rather hard," the stranger replied with a. 
 
EITHER. OR. 163 
 
 dubious smile. "At all events, I have failed thus far to dis- 
 cover any trace of her." 
 
 "But don't you know whether she lives in this city?" 
 
 "I do not, although I am inclined to doubt it, for in my 
 sister's last letter she speaks of a little country town as her 
 place of residence. This is rather big for a country town, is 
 it not? " 
 
 "I should think so. But have you not this letter to guide 
 you? " 
 
 "That is the trouble. I lost it, together with the one 
 from Bertha, in which she informes me of her mother's death. 
 I had no idea that this country is so large. Else I would 
 have waited for another letter from my niece." 
 
 "It strikes me that would be the proper thing. It seems 
 they do not study geography much in your country." 
 
 "Oh yes, but more in the abstract, you see, in fact, I know 
 more of the moon and the stars than of this continent. But I 
 must leave you. I make it a point to inquire of everybody I 
 meet. In that way I may sooner or later receive information 
 leading to Bertha's discovery. Good bye." Richard felt 
 strongly tempted to retain the man and volunteer his assis- 
 tance, if not in his search, at least in posting him a little on 
 the character of the country ; but the stranger's appearance 
 was so dignified in spite of his simplicity that he felt reluct- 
 ant to patronize him. So he let him go, and soon forgot him 
 in the pursuit of his own plans and aspirations. The park 
 was unusually empty that morning, so Richard strolled along 
 its shady avenues until the splashing ol the water of a foun- 
 tain attracted his attention. It was hid from view by a dense 
 undergrowth of bushes, but Richard could see the water of a 
 little basin glimmer through the leaves, and pushed the bushes 
 aside to gain a more perfect view of it. He had nearly 
 reached the inner edge of the leafy fringes when he perceived 
 the form of a man gazing with deep absorption into the water. 
 His back was turned to Richard, and so engrossed did he ap- 
 pear by his thoughts that he failed to notice the approach of 
 our friend. He held a revolver in his right hand, a circum- 
 
164 EITHER, OR. 
 
 stance which aroused Richard's suspicion, for the man did not 
 look like one bent upon sport, to say nothing of the fact that 
 shooting was strictly forbidden in the park. He therefore 
 quickened his steps, using at the same time greater precau- 
 tion, to avoid all noise. He had no desire to create a scene, 
 and if the man contemplated only some sport or other, Rich- 
 ard had no desire to make a fool of himself. It would be well, 
 however, to be sufficiently near to check his hand if he con- 
 templated self destruction. He advanced until he was only 
 one step from the other, but just then the hand holding the 
 revolver was quickly raised, and would probably have sent a 
 bullet through the head of the would-be suicide, if Richard 
 had not grasped it, and checked its movement with all the 
 strength at his command. The other started violently, and 
 when, on turning, he discovered the nature of the impeding 
 force, an angry red mounted into his face and cheeks. He 
 tried to wrench himself free from Richard's grasp and when 
 he failed became so angry that he clinched his left hand and 
 raised it as if to strike the intruder. Richard found no diffi- 
 culty in warding off the blow, and said before it could be re- 
 peated : "Don't sir, it is of no use. If you want to destroy 
 yourself, you must postpone the matter until I am out of the 
 way." 
 
 "Who are you, and what right have you to interfere with 
 me?" 
 
 "Two questions at once," Richard replied, smiling pleas- 
 antly. "As to the first, I am }^our brother, and it is upon this 
 relationship that I base my claim of interference." 
 
 The other breathed violently, then hissed through his 
 teeth : "Brother, I have no brother, want no brother; so with- 
 draw and let me finish a work which will be done as soon as 
 you stop your meddling." 
 
 "Well, in that case a few minutes ought not matter much 
 to you. Come now, won't you sit down here and tell me what 
 desperate straight forced you into such a foolish escapade? 
 Perhaps I can counsel, and what is better, aid you." 
 
EITHER, OR. 165 
 
 "I do not want your counsel, and as for aid, I am past 
 aid?" 
 
 "You are excited man, and look at things in altogether 
 too gloomy a light. Do you need money? I am prepared to 
 furnish it to a limited extent. Are you in need of sympathy? 
 I am ready to offer it in unlimited quantities." He spoke so 
 frankly, so kindly and at the same time so cheerfully, that 
 the other could not resist the charm. 
 
 His clinched hand relapsed and he stammered somewhat 
 confusedly : "You are a queer one, you are." 
 
 "I'll be anything to accommodate you. Now be a good 
 fellow, and tell me what ails }"ou. You said correctly that 
 I cannot hinder your self destruction if you persevere in your 
 desire to die. So you ought to give me a chance to try my 
 panacea. So that is a good fellow. Lend me that pop-gun of 
 yours for a little while and tell me all that troubles you." 
 
 He took the revolver from a willing hand, sat down on 
 the turf, and said, drawing the other to his side: "So now 
 I am ready ; imagine I am your father confessor, who is but 
 too willing to absolve you." 
 
 By this time a complete reaction had set in with the 
 other. Great tears sprang into his eyes and ran copiously 
 over his cheeks, while convulsive sobs raised and shook his 
 bieast. Richard remained silent, but continued to hold the 
 sufferer's hand and to give it an occasional pressure. After a 
 few minutes, the man collected himself, and said, returning 
 the pressure: "You see, I am not used to kindness, so it kind 
 of crushed me. But now tell me who are you, and what 
 causes you take such a strange interest in a fellow you never 
 saw before?" 
 
 "Did I not tell you I am your brother? And is not that 
 a sufficient explanation and reason? " 
 
 "Well, I reckon it is, or least ways ought to be, but it is 
 rather queer that I never met such a brother in the world, un- 
 til I was just ready to leave it." 
 
 "Maybe you were blind, my friend?" 
 
 "I don't think I was," replied the other bitterly. "I have 
 
166 EITHER, OR. 
 
 met with more cuffs than kisses, only because I tried to aid 
 my brothers." 
 
 Richard started. "Because you aided your brothers? In 
 that case you must have had brothers." 
 
 "Well, I tried to treat them as such, but little thanks did 
 I get for my trouble." 
 
 The recollection of his wrongs once more darkened his 
 brow, and Richard seeing this and thinking that a recital of 
 his trials would relieve him, said cheerfully: 
 
 "Tell me all about it, sir." 
 
 The other thought a moment, then said : "All right. If 
 it don't do any good, it surely can do no harm, and will relieve 
 my heart. So here she goes: "My name is Duncan, Charles 
 Duncan. I am just thirty years of age and a machinist by 
 trade. I might have said a good machinist, and not stretched 
 it either. I had finished learning when I was twenty, and 
 brighter prospects than mine the world hardly ever saw. 
 When I was twenty-three I married the girl I loved, and you 
 might travel far and near sir, and not find a better, prettier 
 and kinder woman." 
 
 "Is she living?" Richard interrupted. 
 
 "Why yes. Why do you ask? Oh, I understand sir, and 
 blush to think that I could entertain the thought of leaving 
 her." 
 
 "You surely must have been dreadfully provoked." 
 
 "I was, as you will soon see for yourself. Well I worked 
 in the shop and she in the house, and a happier couple you 
 never saw, until I began to read these socialist books and 
 magazines. Then things bea:an to change. I learned that 
 the capitalists take the lion's share, leaving the workman only a 
 pittance. I began to think, and thinking brought on action. 
 I communicated my thoughts to others, and before long we 
 began to organize, to combine, and resist the usurpations of 
 capital. Sometimes we were successful, sometimes we lost, 
 but our losses somehow swallowed up our gains, and still left 
 big deficits. Being ready with my tongue I soon took a 
 prominent part in these agitations^and was regularly chose* 
 
EITHER, OR. 167 
 
 as spokesman, or at least one of them, when we wished to 
 present our grievances or make our demands from our 
 employers. This made me prominent in the eyes of 
 my mates but dangerous in those of the shop owners, 
 and it was not long before I had to pay dearly for 
 my fame. To make a long story short, I became adopted, 
 and my character as an agitator was signaled from town 
 to town, from shop to shop, until I could not find work, 
 no matter where I would apply. Nor was it the machine 
 shops alone where I met with deaf ears, but somehow my 
 name of fame, if you prefer it, had spread to all sorts of bosses 
 and manufacturers, making it more difficult every day to earn 
 even the simplest necessities of life. My wife and child suf- 
 fered accordingly, and the circumstance that my good wife never 
 by word, or mien, or gesture reproached or blamed me for my 
 short comings, made the burden none the easier to bear, you 
 better believe." 
 
 "Your wife must be a good woman, Duncan." 
 
 "A good woman ? Better say an angel and you come 
 nigher the truth." 
 
 "And yet you had it in your heart to leave her. Do you 
 think your death would have made matters easier for her? " 
 
 Duncan winced, then said : "I thought you wanted to 
 comfort not scold me." 
 
 "So I will, but I want you to see the utter folly of such a 
 step, and your solemn promise not to repeat the cowardly at- 
 tempt." 
 
 The crest-fallen man put his hands into Richard's extend- 
 ed palm, saying solemnly : "I promise " 
 
 "That's right. Now let me say a few words regarding 
 your doings : Do you still believe that capital takes the lion's 
 share ? " 
 
 "I do." 
 
 "Do you still believe that this present social system has 
 the tendency to degrade our race, and will ultimately reduce 
 it to the level of the brute? " 
 
 "I do, emphatically." 
 
1 68 EITHER. OR. 
 
 "Then I do not see why I should regret your actions and 
 endeavors in behalf of your brethren." 
 
 "But see the sad results to myself and my family, sir." 
 "They sprang from your faulty measures, not your prin- 
 ciples". And now, Charles Duncan, if I offered you a chance 
 to resume your labors in behalf of your race, giving you a 
 fair assurance that neither you nor those dear to you would 
 suffer in consequence, would you feel inclined to resume thent 
 with all your might, strength and soul, and never throw down 
 your weapons until death relieved you?" 
 
 We record Richard's words, but what we can not render 
 is the simple grace and grandeur of his gestures, the fire of 
 his eyes, the magnetism streaming from his pores, the un- 
 speakable confidence in the correctness of the principles he 
 advocated. Charles Duncan, however, saw all these things. 
 Is it a wonder, then, that they effected him like a strong vol- 
 canic battery, and made his whole body shake with excite- 
 ment? At first he started as if in a dream, then wonderment 
 gave way to enthusiasm, and when Richard ended, he gasped: 
 "Who are you? A new Messiah? Never before have I heard 
 any one speak like you." 
 
 "I am no Messiah, my good fellow, only a mortal, weak 
 and frail like you, but animated by the burning desire of bet- 
 tering my fellows' condition, to live for that purpose and, if 
 needs be, die for it." 
 
 "And you assure me that my dear ones will be taken care 
 of? Mind, I don't say of me, for I care little, provided they 
 will suffer no want." 
 
 "They shall not. I not only promise, but shall convince 
 you of my ability to make good my promises." 
 "Then I am yours with soul and body." 
 "Nay, not mine, Duncan, but thy brethren's." 
 "But you will now tell me who you are, will you not?" 
 "I am only a tinker, scissors grinder and umbrella 
 mender; but this profession amply supplies my wants. I shall 
 teach you its mysteries, secure you an outfit, and then send 
 you among the people, to preach the new gospel." 
 
EITHER, OR. 169 
 
 He watched Duncan's face closely, to see the effect of 
 these words. He pondered a few moments, then said: 
 
 "That is a good way of reaching the masses; but say, 
 "where will I leave my wife and daughter? " 
 
 "I'll take care of them. I have friends who will be glad 
 to administer to their wants, as if they were their own kin 
 and kith, and even to day I shall introduce you to these 
 friends. Where is your family ? " 
 
 "In an attic of the ward. You will find poverty 
 
 printed on every feature of the miserable abode." 
 
 "Never mind poverty. They will be comfortable before 
 to-night. And now let us go. I shall give you an outline of 
 my plans and views as we go." 
 
 They left the bushes, Richard feeling instinctively that 
 he had made a great haul that morning. On the way to Dun- 
 can's lodgings Richard sketched to him his intentions and 
 the causes which had led to them. He showed him the papers 
 begging him to familiarize himself with the views they enter- 
 tained, and the reforms they suggested. "We must recruit 
 followers wherever we can," he said, "and send them to all 
 the cities and villages of the land to preach the new gospel. 
 It is there you missed it, Duncan. You attempted to reach 
 before the crops were ripe. Such doings are like the tilt of 
 Don Quixote against the windmill. Educate the masses to 
 the work in store, and all the rest is easy. Neglect this 
 feature and failure is sure and inevitable." 
 
 "My own sad experience has taught me that you are 
 right ; but, oh ! this seems such slow work, and the goal so 
 far away. I feel sure, that many generations will have to pass 
 away, before the crops can be reaped." 
 
 "I trust not, Duncan; indeed I am convinced that the 
 goal is not very far off, and that a decade of efficient work will 
 suffice to take us there." 
 
 "You really think so ? Oh, you inspire me with new 
 courage. I fear, however, that good apostles will be rare, and 
 that but few will fancy the idea of tramping through the land 
 in the capacity of tinkers or scissors grinders." 
 
170 EITHER. OR. 
 
 "In that case they are hardly fitted. I will tell you in 
 confidence that I am possessed of moderate means to make up 
 any deficit which may arise; but beg you not to mention this 
 to others. We want laborers in the vineyard of the Brother- 
 hood, but no mercenary spirits who will work only with and 
 for the expectation of filthy lucre." 
 
 "I approve of your prudence; but here we are. Be care- 
 ful in climbing these rickety stairs." 
 
 He led the way up three flights, and then stopping before 
 a door, said: "Stop here a moment. I'll go in to see whether 
 she is in condition to receive you." 
 
 He entered, but returned in a few seconds. "Remember 
 that this is no palace," he whispered. 
 
 Richard nodded assuringly, and entered a room whose 
 ceiling was hardly seven feet from the floor. There was 
 scarcely any furniture, and this was of the plainest character. 
 A dilapidated stove stood in the corner, but the pallid face of 
 the woman he saw and her little daughter as well, showed 
 plainly that no strengthening food of any kind had been pre- 
 pared on it lately Duncan seemed to have prepared his wife 
 in a measure, for the change in store, for in her eyes was a 
 gleam of hope, and a smile passed over her face as she greeted 
 the visitor. Mrs. Duncan was a person of more than ordinary 
 comeliness, but the hardships and privations of the last years 
 had left deep traces on her face. The little girl who seemed 
 about five years old, was also surprisingly handsome, and 
 Richard's heart went out to both mother and child, as he 
 greeted them. Mr. Duncan, himself, seemed deeply moved, 
 probably by the recollection of the attempt, which would have 
 made a reunion impossible, if our friend had not so timely in- 
 terfered. 
 
 "Cheer up mamma," he said, with an attempt at gayety, 
 "the hard times are over, for this gentleman has promised me 
 employment, which will make and keep us all comfortable. 
 He wishes to take you and Fay to friends, so get things ready 
 for removal." 
 
 "A.nd ain't you going with us, Charley?" 
 
EITHER, OR. 171 
 
 "Of course, he is," cried Richard, encouragingly. "Who 
 could think of parting such a loving couple. " 
 
 Mrs. Duncan looked at him to detect some sign of badi- 
 nage, but read an unmistakable expression of friendliness and 
 sympathy in his eyes, that she felt reassured, saying with a 
 nod: "Thank you." Then turning to her husband, she said 
 almost gayly: "Well, Charley, it won't take very long to re- 
 move our goods. In fact after selling the stove for old iron, 
 you might make a bundle of the rest, and carry it." 
 
 Duncan laughed, but not very heartily, at which we need 
 not wonder, as it is rather a doubtful amusement to laugh at 
 one's own poverty. Richard looked at his watch, saying : 
 "Why, it is nearly eleven o'clock. How time flies in good 
 company. I hope you will all do us the honor of being our 
 guests for the rest of the day. I want you to become ac- 
 quainted with the excellent people in whose midst you are 
 going to live, Mrs. Duncan. They are Germans and speak 
 but broken English, but their hearts are right, and its lang- 
 uage is cosmopolitan, you know." 
 
 "Germans?" Mrs. Duncan inquired ; "why that will be no 
 drawback, as my parents were German and I learned that 
 language from infancy." 
 
 "Better and better. Duncan, do you know the grocery 
 on Lemon street, opposite the livery stable?" 
 
 "I do. Is that the place where we are going?" 
 
 "Exactly. I will leave you now, to inform Mrs. Grad of 
 your coming, to enable her to make the little additional prep- 
 arations which your arrival will occasion." 
 
 "I fear we shall be much trouble." 
 
 "I assure you that you will not. Sophie has no female 
 acquaintances, and will be delighted to talk German to you. 
 Farewell. Be sure to be in season." 
 
 After he had left, Mrs. Duncan went up to her husband, 
 looked him straight in the face and inquired : "Charles, what 
 does all this mean ? Where did you meet Mr. Brown?" 
 
 "Duncan's face twitched convulsively. He drew her al- 
 most roughly into his embrace and stammered : "Alice, do 
 
172 EITHER, OR. 
 
 not ask me. That man saved me from death. To him you 
 owe not merely my life, but the prospect of living henceforth 
 without fear and care." 
 
 At first she looked wonderingly at him, then the truth 
 seemed to dawn upon her, for she shuddered convulsively 
 and clutched her husband with a fervor, as if she would never 
 release him again. The child also crept into the embrace, 
 and then and there rose in their hearts the vow, that they 
 would endeavor to repay the debt of gratitude they had con- 
 tracted. 
 
 An hour later they arrived at the grocery, where they 
 were received with open arms, and countenances gleaming 
 with satisfaction, that they must have been confirmed skep- 
 tics indeed, to doubt the sincerity of their hosts. 
 
 Sophie and Alice, as we may as well call her, at once 
 launched into German, evoking from Duncan the remark, 
 that he would have to learn German, to prevent being sold by 
 these ladies half a dozen times every day. Richard assured 
 him that the idea was an excellent one, as it would increase 
 both his usefulness and his profits, and surely earn the money 
 for an extra dress for madam, if nothing more. 
 
 The dinner that day was a jolly one, for, in addition to 
 the good cheer, there w r ere cheerful hearts and hopeful minds. 
 Duncan, who only a few 7 hours ago had been on the verge of 
 despair, now yielded to an irresistable impetus, and enlivened 
 the company with his jokes. How easy it is to be happy, 
 and how little it takes to make us so, if we only follow the 
 path marked out by prudence and moderation. The incubus 
 of want and wretchedness once removed, and the spirits of 
 Richard's proteges rebounded like India rubber when freed 
 from pressure. 
 
 The afternoon was devoted to the discussion of their 
 plans. Duncan had not said too much in asserting that 
 his wife was one of the best women living. She combined 
 a sweet temper with intelligence and will power, and showed 
 an enthusiasm for Richard's grand and noble idea which 
 filled him with admiration considering the injury which an ill 
 
EITHER, OR. 173 
 
 judged precipitation of her husband had done her worldly in- 
 terests. She was keen enough to see that the principle is not 
 responsible for its misapplication, and alhough the work 
 mapped out for her husband implied a separation from him 
 for weeks, and maybe months, she not only refrained from 
 raising objections, but cheered and encouraged Duncan by 
 word and mien. More than once Richard caught a significant 
 look of his new iriend, saying : "Ain't she a daisy? "to 
 which he replied with so vigorous a nod as to make the other 
 doubly happy. It was agreed that Duncan's presence was not 
 needed in Plutopolis, as Richard intended working that field 
 and felt sure of being able to secure all the co-operation he 
 needed JJrom more ordinary material. Duncan was there- 
 fore to go to one of the interior cities to begin the work there. 
 After due consultation, Lakopolis was selected, as this city 
 was not only of immense size and population, but also grow- 
 ing at an astonishing rate, containing at the same time a more 
 than ordinary number of young, energetic and intelligent 
 people, liable to be affected by the teachings of the new 
 apostle. Duncan, however, was not to go until he had pre- 
 pared himself for his new career by the acquisition of the arts 
 which had given Richard so much trouble. Duncan was to 
 draw upon Gottlieb, whenever, in the course of his operations, 
 he needed funds; but was enjoined to use the utmost economy, 
 as Richard considered his money merely a trust, which he 
 held for the people. STor did he deem it wise to confide to 
 his all} T the full extent of his resources. When Duncan 
 begged him to give him an outline of the course which he 
 ought to pursue, Richard said : 
 
 "This is a difficult task, as your course depends much 
 upon circumstances ; still, in the main, I would advise that 
 you canvass the city in your professional character,, visiting 
 principally the habitations of laboring people and the domes- 
 tic quarters of the rich, for the servants of both sexes are as 
 much interested in our movement as the mechanic and the 
 day laborer. Scatter your circulars freely, but be sure to add 
 verbal instructions to the printed matter, as the subject is 
 
i74 EITHER, OR. 
 
 novel to a great many, and the intellect often so dormant as 
 to need awakening and stimulation. While I would travel 
 over as much territory as is at all consistent with thorough- 
 ness, I would foster the seed that I had sown, and re-visit 
 over and over parties betraying interest and promising positive 
 or even neglecting support." 
 
 "Would you form societies? " 
 
 "By all means, although you will have to use the utmost 
 discretion in this feature. Guard against demanding fees or 
 contributions to avoid the idea and suspicion of selfish 
 motives Only when the mind of your members have become 
 enlightened ; when they have begun to look upon the love of 
 self, and that of gold as a degrading element in the human 
 character, accept, and even stimulate their disposition to con- 
 tribute to the cause by sums adapted to their means, for even 
 the greatest treasure would soon become exhausted under the 
 drainage which my funds will soon be subjected. Remember 
 first and last, and always, that information is the first and 
 most indispensible condition of our success." 
 
 "And would you head the book by a declaration of certain 
 principles or obligations?" 
 
 "Yes, in general terms. We must be cautious, Duncan. 
 It would be impolitic, to arouse the suspicion of our adver- 
 saries at this early date by the display of bravado, or our ul- 
 timate and far reaching intentions. I need not inform you 
 that our foes are powerful, if they are weak in numbers, and 
 trust sincerely that you will never forget the necessity of pru- 
 dence and discretion. Guard even against too full an initia- 
 tion of your allies into the portentious character of the inno- 
 vations at which we aim. Only, as they grow in knowledge, 
 widen the scope of their views, and steel them to the conse- 
 quences, which these innovations imply." 
 
 "Then you anticipate trouble, Richard?" 
 
 Richard hesitated a moment ; then he said : "That de- 
 pends. If nry hopes and expectations are not fallacious ; if 
 our leaven permeates all ranks, as it ought to, and surely will 
 in course of time, we shall, I think, be able to effect the solu- 
 
EITHER, OR. 175 
 
 tion of our problem in a peaceful and harmonious manner. If, 
 however, a few selfish people resist our just demands, at a 
 time when the great majority of the people demand their in- 
 alienable rights, they must bear the consequences, and blame 
 themselves, and not us, for being trampled upon." 
 
 He paused a moment, but seeing the cheeks of Mrs. Dun- 
 can blanching a little under the idea which his remarks sug- 
 gested, he resumed : "I know that some people will object 
 to these suggestions, holding that no one ought to be com- 
 pelled, and that such compulsion is tyranny. I can only say 
 that at present the majority, and often small majority rules. 
 The majority which I anticipate will not be a small one ; it 
 will and must be overwhelming, else the crops are not ripe for 
 harvesting. Utopians will tell you that man should be abso- 
 lutely free to choose and that no one has the right to compel 
 him to labor if he chooses to be idle. Well, our race is not 
 capable of occupying such a loftv platform at present, nor 
 will it be ready to occupy it for centuries to come, unless we 
 first lift it upon a platform allowing a greater scope of vision 
 and comprehension, and it is for such a platform I am work- 
 ing. A noble mother in her dying hour warned me against 
 Utopian dreams, and never will I forget the lesson thus in- 
 culcated." 
 
 His hearers sat like spell-bound. At length Duncan 
 heaved a deep sigh and said : "Your mother was right, and I 
 fully agree with you ; but do you know, Richard, that you 
 are rather a queer grinder ? I did not know that there was 
 much philosophy in a grind stone." 
 
 Richard colored slightly, then said with a smile : "Well, 
 I did not always turn the crank ; but the same thing holds 
 true of you, and the main thing is, that we fill our new post 
 creditably to ourselves, and profitably to our brethren." 
 
 "Give me your hand on that, Richard. But now let me 
 have the preamble you have decided upon." 
 
 "Here it is," he replied, drawing a note book from his 
 pocket and handing it to Duncan. 
 
 "Won't you please read it for the benefit of the others? " 
 
176 EITHER, OR. 
 
 Richard opened the book aud began: "We, the under- 
 signed, deem the present social system unjust, and calculated 
 to degrade not only the working classes, and the poor, but 
 even those enjoying an undue portion of the wealth of 
 the earth, hereby combine to form the order of the 
 nation, and pledge ourselves to consider with due circumspec- 
 tion, and support with all our strength and energy all honor- 
 able means and measures proposed by our order, to bring 
 about the abolition of the present wrongs and substitute con- 
 ditions, more liberal, just and humane." "Don't you think 
 that covers the ground without exciting suspicion? " 
 
 "It means a good deal," replied Duncan with a signifi- 
 cant smile "but I reckon they won't take much umbrage at 
 this preamble, being used to simular declarations worth little 
 more than the paper which they cover." 
 
 "Nor will these be worth more, Charles, without a gener- 
 al spread of knowledge, or rather wisdom among the people. 
 Knowledge is the firm platform on which they must place 
 their batteries, unless the wish to accomplish their own ruin 
 by the concussion of the guns." 
 
 "Even so. Can you spare me this little book? " 
 
 "Yes a dozen of them. Be sure to secure ample helpers 
 in your work, for you and I alone might work a hundred 
 years and not reach half the people interested in our work." 
 
 "I understand, and you may depend that I shall use all 
 the strength, circumspection and perseverance at my com- 
 mand." 
 
 "That's all I can ask. A rogue you know promises more 
 than he can fulfill." 
 
 Happy minutes fly very fast, and before they know it the 
 hour of departure had come. The Duncans were to return to 
 their attic for that n ; ght, and move their scanty goods early in 
 the morning. Gottlieb possessed a spring wagon with whose 
 aid the transfer could easily and rapidly be made. Indeed, the 
 hour of eight had hardly passed when the belongings of the 
 Duncan's arrived at the grocery, the family following on foot. 
 An hour later they were snugly quartered in a comfortable 
 
EITHER. OR. 177 
 
 room of the second story and Duncan ready to begin his ap- 
 prenticeship, while Alice insisted on helping in the kitchen 
 as well as the store. Even little Fay showed her willingness 
 to help, succeeding marvelously in dispatching the raisins 
 which Sophie gave her. Duncan learned faster than was ex- 
 pected, in fact faster than his teacher. His hands were harder, 
 and therefore less liable to be blistered, and the handling of 
 all kinds of tools in his profession was a powerful auxiliary 
 which gave him a decided advantage over Richard. Only in 
 covering old umbrellas he showed the same akwardness to the 
 great satisfaction of Richard, who declared laughingly, that 
 without this circumstance he would undoubtedly have split 
 with envy. Seeing his pupil so apt he started on his daily 
 wanderings, again traversing mostly the ward inhabited by 
 poor and therefore to him, interesting people. On entering 
 the shop of a tailor on a small scale he was intrusted with the 
 sharpening of several shears. The tailor watched his work, 
 saying : "I suppose this pays you pretty well ? " 
 
 "It supplies my moderate wants, sir, although it probably 
 falls considerably short of tailoring, I reckon." 
 
 The tailor shook his head. "I hardly think so, for my 
 shop does not provide for my moderate wants." 
 
 "Well, I suppose 3 7 our wants are greater." 
 
 "It ain't that. You see, a poor fellow can hardly compete 
 with these large establishments, where they manufacture 
 wholesale and sell with small profits." 
 
 "I reckon that is so. Capital is stretching out its arms on 
 all sides like the devil fish, and like this fish, its embrace is 
 fatal." 
 
 The tailor eyed him keenly. "You use mighty good 
 language for a grinder," he said. 
 
 Richard was aware that he really talked above his trade, 
 but he disliked slang, and avoided it as much as possible. 
 "Well," he said in explanation, "I went to school con- 
 siderably, and can't forget my old tricks. I follow this trade 
 more from inclination than necessity." 
 
178 EITHER, OR. 
 
 "I see, and what you say is not only good grammar, but 
 good sense. How much do I owe you? " 
 
 "Only twenty cents. Thank you, sir. Well, what I 
 meant to say : The people are much to blame for this state of 
 affairs." 
 
 "How so. How can they help it?" 
 
 "Havn't they the number and the power? Could they 
 not shape the laws to suit themselves?" 
 
 "I suppose they could; but that will never be. You 
 can't get them to pull one way, you see." 
 
 "You could, if you showed them the folly of their con- 
 duct, that is, if you educated them up to it." 
 
 "Well, who would take the trouble?" 
 
 "I, for one, am taking it. I try to throw light upon this 
 subject, wherever I go." 
 
 "Well, if you ain't the queerest tinker I ever seed. Sit 
 down, and let's talk a bit. I like to discuss this p'int." 
 
 "All right; I can spare a few minutes, if you can. What 
 do you wish to discuss?" 
 
 "Well, the power to fight capital for instance. What can 
 even a few hundred devils do against one millionaire?" 
 
 "A few hundred can do nothing, but a few hundred 
 thousands, or rather all the laboring men of the country 
 could." 
 
 "You can't make them see it in that light; one would 
 say gee, the other haiv, and the third wouldn't pull at all." 
 
 "As I said before. They are not enlightened on the sub- 
 ject and therefore blind to their interest, as well as to their 
 power." 
 
 '"Tain't no use to try, sir. We have poor people now, 
 and we'll always have them, and poor people have no time to 
 argue the p'int." 
 
 "Well, friend, I tell you what I'll do. I'll leave you a 
 few circulars here. Be kind enough to look them over, and 
 when 3 r ou are through with them, hand them to a neighbor. 
 When I pass here again, I'll drop in and hear what you have 
 to say." 
 
EITHER, OR. 1 79 
 
 "All right; give's your dokimeuts, and when you pass 
 again, drop in and hear what I think of them." 
 
 Richard shouldered his apparatus and left. The tailor, 
 on the other hand, sat down and was soon deeply absorbed in 
 the circulars of the tinker. Let us look over his shoulder and 
 see what he read : 
 To Whom It May Concern : 
 
 It concerns you ; it concerns everybody, no matter wheth- 
 er old or young, rich or poor, for this article discusses our so- 
 cial conditions, that is, your condition, your neighbor's condi- 
 tion, every body's condition. 
 
 Tell me : Are you satisfied with yours? Is your neigh- 
 bor satisfied with his? If so, you and he are rare birds, suit- 
 able for exhibition and calculated to draw crowded houses. 
 No, sir, you are not satisfied, nor is your neighbor satisfied, 
 nor his neighbor, nor anybody, excepting perhaps the very 
 few who roll in gold, and spend every day of their lives in lux- 
 ury and indolence, and even these, if pressed, will confess in 
 the innermost recesses of their hearts, that they are not satis- 
 fied, and that the life they lead is not worth living. 
 
 We all agree, then, that our social condition is not what 
 it should be ; but when we take a step further and say : 
 "Come lend us your hand and strength ; aid us in our endeav- 
 ors to remove the evils threatening us with ruin and degreda- 
 tion !" You shrink back, saying; "What is the use? These 
 things will always be so. We have always had sharks to de- 
 vour the fat of the earth, and poor to sulk and grumble but 
 do nothing else. It will always be so." 
 
 Now, how do you know? Is it not just as silly to assert 
 this as for me to say : "It will not always be so, without giv- 
 ing you my reasons for this assertion ? Do you think that if 
 in the days of Rome's glory you had told a Roman that 
 Rome, the city of his pride, the mistress of the world, would 
 some day crumble into ruins, over which a mere shadow of its 
 former glories would invite the pity of the world instead of its 
 admiration. Do you think he would have credited your asser- 
 tion or prophecy ? Hardly, and yet that ancient Rome, the 
 
[80 EITHER, OR. 
 
 dwelling place of several million people, lies low, bearing on 
 her brow, a feeble monarch and a feebler hierarch." 
 
 Yon are like this ancient Roman, saying' : "It can not 
 be, it will never be," to which I answer. "Supposing yon and 
 I and all the people of the land, or at least an overwhelming 
 majority should determine that it should be so; is there any 
 power to prevent it? The trouble is, yon and your neighbor, 
 and thousands of others place their hands behind their backs, 
 -shake their heads dubiously and say : 'It will not be, it can- 
 not be." ' 
 
 Now follow me a moment. You know that we are on the 
 road to ruin and degradation ; that a social revolution is in- 
 evitable, a revolution which will undoubtedly shake the struc- 
 ture of human society to the very foundation, a revolution 
 dire in proportion to its postponement, and apt to sweep away 
 every vestige of civilization from the globe if Sufficiently re- 
 tarded. Yet you shrink back when you are asked to lend a 
 helping hand. Would not the realization of our designs be a 
 great boom to the human race? You acknowledge it would, 
 and yet you refuse to join us? Why is this? You are not 
 expected to make great sacrifices ; you are only asked to give 
 us your moral support. If we fail, the failure will not affect 
 you. If we succeed, your condition will change from a 
 wretched and perilous one into a glorious one. So glorious 
 that you can hardly conceive its grandeur and magnificence. 
 
 The Tinker. 
 
 "Hm, said the tailor, looking up with a puzzled look," 
 this tinker beats the Methodist preacher on the corner all 
 hollow. He is right, too. for if we would all of us pitch in we 
 could twist the thing into any shape we please. Let us see, 
 what he is really driving at." And he read on: 
 
 "How will we bring about the proposed social reform?" 
 By organizing///*? Order of the Nation a brotherhood which dis- 
 regards color and caste, rank and degree : a brotherhood 
 based upon, and aiming at the recognition of the following 
 principles : 
 
 i. All men are born equal. 
 
EITHER, OR. 
 
 i8r 
 
 This axiom, so grand, and yet so ineffectual, trite and 
 hackneyed in our present condition of society, will resume its 
 force and meaning when our order assumes control of the 
 national affairs. Then all children will be educated alike, 
 favored alike, and given the same chances in the pursuits of 
 life. 
 
 2. The nation owns all the gifts of nature treasured up 
 in the bowels of the earth, as well as the soil composing its 
 surface and bearing the thousand fruits and cereals constituting 
 the food of man. 
 
 3. The nation must own the highways of the land, pre- 
 venting the baneful discrimination now prevailing to the 
 detriment of the people and the aggrandizement of a few 
 favorites. 
 
 4. The age of childhood will be solely devoted to the 
 development of the body and the acquisition of knowledge to 
 dispel that terrible cloud of ignorance, superstition and big- 
 otry now hanging over and ruining this glorious land. 
 
 5. Perfect liberty of conscience must and shall prevail. 
 At present such liberty is merely nominal as the statutes of 
 several, nay nearly all states of this union are blotted with 
 and by law controlling the actions of their citizens in regard 
 to the observance of holidays and Sabbaths. Yea, more. 
 Constant and determined efforts are being made to recognize 
 a God in the constitution, thus uniting State and church and 
 infringing upon the rights of citizens who deny the existence 
 of such divinity. 
 
 6. Every member of the human society enjoying its ad- 
 vantages, is entitled to bear a proportionate share of its burden. 
 In other words, every citizen is entitled to work for the 
 maintainance of and preservation of its privileges. 
 
 At present, a large portion of society escapes this obli- 
 gation, making the burden of the other sonorous to bear. We 
 shall therefore aim at an equalization of this burden by dis- 
 tributing it upon all shoulders. Idlers are the foes of society. 
 
 7. Labor alone produces wealth. All laborers, therefore, 
 are entitled to an equal share of the profits accrueing from 
 
182 EITHER, OR. 
 
 labor. As all are possessed of equal rights and give the same 
 time to society, all should be paid alike. This is the basis 
 upon which we propose to build a new and more equitable 
 society. Every disinterested person will acknowledge its fair- 
 ness, and only those who now own a preposterous share of the 
 earth's emoluments, although they form a ridiculous minority, 
 can and do object to it. The time will come, and come soon, 
 when those who once denounced these principles will hide 
 their faces in shame, if not in fear and trembling. In con- 
 clusion we shall show that they advocate the true interest not 
 only of those which are poor and down-trodden, but even 
 those who trample upon their brethren's rights and appropriate 
 a share of the earth's wealth, at once shocking and gigantic. 
 
 The poor are benefitted by our reform. 
 
 This proposition need hardly be argued at length. The 
 poor man has now much work and little pleasure. When his 
 long hours of labor are over, he is too tired to enjoy anything, 
 even supposing he had something to enjoy, which is not the 
 case. Mental enjoyment is, beyond doubt «the keenest, and 
 this enjoyment their ignorance forbids them to engage in. 
 Indeed, it is not saying too much to assert that the poor 
 man's life is one long struggle without an intermixture of 
 pleasure and recreation. We propose to educate him, thus 
 enabling him to participate in the keen delight of mental en- 
 joyment. Our reform will benefit the middle classes, contain- 
 ing the professional men, the teachers, small merchants, 
 master mechanic, and artisans generally. 
 
 We need not point out the fact that but few professional 
 men accumulate sufficient wealth to meet the days of old age 
 without shrinking. The teachers, when getting past the age 
 of usefulness, are flung off like old shoes or garments, hardly 
 good enough to fill the rag bag. Such teachers we propose 
 to make the nation's honored guests, thus freeing their minds 
 from the fear of want and destitution. 
 
 Ask the small merchant, the master mechanic, whether 
 he does not experience greater difficulty, every day, to com- 
 pete with establishments located at central points, but send- 
 
EITHER, OR. 183 
 
 ing out their ramifications everywhere, encroaching upon the 
 smaller local establishments, until nothing is left the occu- 
 pants, but to close their places of business. Finally the blind, 
 the deaf, the cripple, are interested in our success. Are these 
 unfortunates to blame for their misfortune?" One should 
 almost think so from the way we treat them. Far from being 
 a burden in the days of our reform, they too will become the 
 guests of the nation, being members of this nation — and there- 
 fore entitled to its wealth. 
 
 As stated before, we shall insist upon the performance of 
 a fair amount of labor by every one, but this amount will be 
 small when compared with that now enforced by a cruel and 
 bitter necessity. Moreover, we do not expect our people to 
 continue this work when age and infirmity demand a cessation 
 and recreation. At an age to be determined by practice 
 and experience, we propose to let our faithful laborers rest, 
 thus giving them a chance to enjoy in ease and peace and 
 prosperity, years so often marred by want and care. 
 
 Our rich men will be benefitted by our reform. 
 
 This looks like a bold assertion , but we shall find no trouble 
 to prove it. Has any one ever seen a sound and healthy head 
 upon a. sick and festering body? The disease may be in the 
 feet; it may be hidden from view by skillful contrivances, 
 but sooner or later the head will also become infested with 
 the malady. It is simply ridiculous in a proud and wealth}- 
 aristocracy to flatter itself with the hope and expectation of 
 being spared the degredation to which they have condemned 
 the masses. A brutal plebs will make brutal patricians. Let 
 them bear this truth well in mind, before they continue to 
 -pursue their foolish course. But, without regard to the 
 danger lurking in this direction, this plutocracy cannot avoid 
 a deadly struggle in its own ranks. When the sharks have 
 devoured the small fry they will turn against one another and 
 the weaker must succumb to the stronger, until at last one 
 gigantic monster remains, who will in turn be attacked and 
 slain by the mob, emboldened by the reduction of its enemies 
 in number and the gnawing of hunger. Let me warn you, 
 
iS 4 HITHER, OR. 
 
 ye nabobs of the land. The day will surely come when you 
 will tear one another, and slay each other in the greater zest 
 and cruelty than the poor despised mob ever betrayed." 
 
 When Mr. Stich — we take the name from the sign over 
 the door — had finished, he fell into a reverie so profound that 
 we have not the heart to interrupt it, but hasten after 
 Richard whom we overtake at the dirtiest spot of a rather 
 dirty ward. He stands at the entrance of a court, his natural 
 philantrophy battling with his sense of smell, as to his propriety 
 of venturing on the premises. Let jus cast a glance at them. 
 The court is perhaps 150 feet long, by fifteen wide, a gutter 
 running the entire length and serving as a receptacle of dirt 
 of every description. Small shanties face the court on both 
 sides, old and weather-beaten, but swarming with inhabitants, 
 to say nothing of the vermin which a close inspection would 
 undoubtedly reveal. Half a dozen curs lay stretched on the 
 cobblestone pavement and they had no sooner noticed our friend 
 when they ran towards him, betraying an ardent desire of 
 making the closer acquaintance of his calves only deterred by 
 various vigorous kicks, from carrying this desire into success- 
 ful execution. vSeveral dozen children of both sexes and all 
 ages peopled the court, with features so thickly coated with 
 dirt as to prevent the visitor from judging of their comeliness. 
 Richard's nose battled vigorously, but his love of man con- 
 quered and he cautiously wended his way between the 
 wondering children. Some of them ran to tell their mothers, 
 and soon every door in the court was lined with curious 
 women, who studied the stranger with lively interest until he 
 said pleasantly : "Good morning folks. I come to see 
 whether you have anything to do for me. How are the 
 scissors? Dull enough to ride to Halifax on? " 
 
 "Don't know, Surr: Supposin' you try and let's know? 
 Only twenty-five cents a ride, Surr." 
 
 A sally of laughter awarded this attempt at wit. Nothing 
 dismayed, our friend replied: "Well fetch the horse out, 
 mother. If it is as sharp as your wit I won't try." 
 
 Again a laugh. The woman resumed. "It ain't though. 
 
EITHER, OR. 185 
 
 The baby tried to cut the cat's tail with it and nary a bit 
 would it work.'' 
 
 "Well, fetch her out, nevertheless. Here is the doctor 
 for such patients." 
 
 "But there's no money for the medicine. We're broke, 
 we are.'' 
 
 "Never mind, ma'am. I havn't the chance of working 
 for such a beauty every day, so I'll do the job for nothing." 
 This created a louder laugh than before, for the part}' in 
 question was a toothless crone of at least sixty-five, and not 
 overburdened with beauty. But if she was not handsome, she 
 was good-natured and clever. 
 
 "Just wait, me hearty," she cried with a grin; "I'll go 
 to fetch her, and if yer do the job well, yer shall have a kiss." 
 
 This turned the laugh on Richard, who hastened to reply: 
 "A thousand thanks, madam; but being a tee-totaller, I must 
 decline." 
 
 A minute later the scissors were handed to him, and he 
 proceeded to sharpen them. When he had finished, he looked 
 around and said: "I don't know how soon I'll meet such a 
 fair crowd again, so I'll make the best of it, and sharpen all 
 the scissors you can raise. Who'll be next? I see it is just 
 eleven and I'll devote the next hour to the service of the fair 
 sex.". 
 
 As the people saw he was in earnest they ran laughing 
 into their houses, bringing forth scissors of all sizes, which 
 he sharpened with due zeal, saying a pleasant word to the 
 owners, who thought it a capital joke, and the joker a capital 
 fellow. He was very nearly through when there was a sudden 
 commotion in the crowd around him, the women scampering 
 off in all directions, and some of them crying: "It is Jim Mur- 
 phy, and drunk he is." Richard looked around and discovered 
 at the distance of half a dozen feet, a man more disgusting 
 than formidable, although his sinewy neck and his sledge 
 hammer fists betrayed no ordinary strength. Richard did not 
 fear him, because he had no cause for fear, and the look he 
 cast at him showed more curiosity than anything else. The 
 
186 EITHER, OR. 
 
 man was pock-marked. His hair was of a fiery red and his 
 face showed half a dozen scars, by no means calculated to in- 
 crease the attraction of a face naturally ugly. His brow was 
 knit, and his eyes scowled in a manner hardly calculated to 
 make a more intimate acquaintance desirable. His clothes were 
 not only dirty, but ragged to such an extent as to create the 
 fear in the beholder of seeing them drop from his body. 
 
 "What are you doing here? " he asked with a snarl, when 
 he caught Richard's eye. Our friend saw that he was under 
 the influence of liquor, although not sufficiently to deprive 
 him of the use of his limbs. Not wishing to provoke a per- 
 son in this condition, he replied good naturally: "I have been 
 sharpening the scissors of these ladies ; but being through, 
 I'll say good bye to you." 
 
 "Yes," you better vamoose. Have been making love 
 to the ould woman, I reckon. Off with you, or I'll give you a 
 start. Do ye hear?" 
 
 With these words he advanced, giving the grinding ap- 
 paratus such vicious a kick as to send it spinning, and break- 
 ing the stone. Richard was in a dilemma. He wished to 
 visit these premises again, with the view of improving the 
 condition of the inmates and elevating them intellectually, if 
 they would let him ; but he knew at the same time that these 
 people despised cowardice, and he would lose all his prestige 
 with them if he showed the white feather. So it was 
 really more for their sake than his own, that he resolved to 
 resist further aggressions on the part of this bully. He gave 
 him a vigorous push, which caused him to reel back, and said 
 sternly: "No more of this, sir, if you please." 
 
 Jim Murphy evidenth had not expected this. He was 
 probably so used to seeing his surroundings crouch before his 
 threats and commands, that he considered any resistance to 
 his orders not only preposterous, but impossible. 
 
 An angry red flushed his face ; he clinched his hands into 
 formidable fists and said, advancing once more : "And 'tis 
 for a foight ye be spoilin. Well, ye can be accomerdated, me 
 hardy." 
 
EITHER, OR. 187 
 
 Richard saw that he was realty in for a fight ; so he 
 resolved to make it both short and decisive, and when Jim 
 was near enough he made several feints and then gave his 
 assailant so telling a blow on his left eye that he reeled back 
 with the certain prospects of losing the vision of that organ 
 ■of sight for the next twenty-four hours. Jim for a moment 
 was immensely surprised, but this sensation was mild in com- 
 parison with the wrath which filled his virtuous heart after- 
 wards. He uttered an inarticulate howl of rage, then lower- 
 ing his bulky head like a battering ram, he rushed towards 
 our friend with the evident intention of closing with him. 
 Richard saw this. He remained at his place just long enough 
 to let his foe imagine the successful issue of this ruse. Then 
 he sprang aside suddenly and with the rapidity of lightning 
 landed so terrible a left hander on the fellow's temple that he 
 fell to the ground with a heavy thud. 
 
 Richard had remained perfectly cool, and no sooner had 
 he put his adversary "hors du combat," than his heart was 
 filled with compassion. He stooped over the unconscious 
 body to ascertain the extent of his injuries, and for a mo- 
 ment was really afraid of having hurt him more permanently 
 than he had intended. While thus examining him he was 
 joined by a pale middle aged woman who knelt at his side and 
 felt for his pulse. 
 
 "He isn't dead, I trust? " Richard inquired anxiously. 
 
 "Indeed, and he ain't. It would take a worser thrashin' 
 nor this to kill Jim Murphy." 
 
 "Does he belong to 3'ou, madam?" 
 
 "He is me husband, yer honor, and sorry it is I am for his 
 bein it." 
 
 "I am sorry I was forced into this disgraceful row." 
 
 "Ye needn't excuse yerself, Surr. We all seed as how he 
 bullied you. May be 'tis a lesson as will teach him better the 
 next toime." 
 
 "He is coming to. Let me assist you in getting him into 
 the house. Steady now, here you go." 
 
188 EITHER, OR. 
 
 With the exertion of all his strength Richard raised the- 
 man first into a sitting posture and then to his feet. 
 
 "Lean on me, sir," he said kindly, leading the bewildered 
 bully in the direction his wife indicated. They entered a 
 squalid room and lowered the patient on a ragged bed in a 
 corner. Then Richard drew a dollar from his pocket, slipped 
 it into the woman's hand and whispered : "Get some arnica 
 and make bandages for his eye and temple ; I'll call to-morrow 
 and see how he is." 
 
 "And may the Howl}- Mother bless you," the woman 
 cried, accompanying these words with a look truly eloquent. 
 Then she led him to the court, where his former patrons had 
 reassembled to discuss the exciting episode and its merits. It 
 was evident from the character of their remarks that the 
 chastisement he had inflicted on Mr. Murphy had raised him 
 immensely in their estimation, much more, in fact, than any 
 words or arguments could have done Murphy evidently was 
 no favorite, and the lesson Richard had taught him created a 
 satisfaction as great as universal. Nor did his wife form an 
 exception. Her neighbors pjobably suffered only now and 
 then Irom his drunkenness and meddlesome spirit; but his 
 wife evidently endured an uninterrupted martyrdom to judge 
 from her haggard looks and woebegone expression. When 
 Richard reached the court he found his apparatus righted and 
 the damage repaired, excepting of course, the broken grind- 
 stone, whose restoration was beyond the power of these rude, 
 but kind-hearted people. As he approached, one of them said 
 apologetically: "And it is sorry, indade, we are, to see ye thus 
 traited. It is a shame, it is, the way Mister Murphy traited 
 ye, and it is Mrs. Mumhv hersilf as is sorrv." 
 
 "Oh, never mind, good people," Richard said cheerily,. 
 
 "A little cement will make that fracture all right. I am 
 
 only sorry I can't finish your scissors now; but if you will 
 
 have patience, friends, I will use some idle hour to sharpen 
 
 not only your scissors, but mend your pots and kettles in the 
 
 bargain." 
 
 "And sure, 'tis the loike of you to do such kind acts," 
 
 4 
 
EITHER, OR. 189 
 
 cried the spokeswoman ; "may all the saints be with ye/, and 
 take you from the purgatory in a whiffy. " 
 
 This benevolent wish created laughter and applause, in 
 the midst of which our friend withdrew from the court. He 
 was surprised that the news of the encounter had spread all 
 over the neighborhood, and at first amused, but then seriously 
 annoyed at finding himself a hero in consequence. "There is 
 human nature for you," he soliloquized. "I might spend 
 months and years in earnest endeavors to improve you, and 
 remain unnoticed and unappreciated. But here I teach a 
 brutal sot manners, and I am noted and admired." 
 
 It was really too bad, and our friend is surely excusable 
 in forming a poor idea of some traits of human characters. 
 His reflections, however, were merely transitory, so we will 
 pass them by, and record his next steps. After leaving the 
 court he turned in the direction of the grocery, both his watch 
 and stomach indicating to the nearness of noon ; but when a 
 woman stopped him on the way, asking him to sharpen some 
 scissors and knives for her, he stopped to express his regret 
 of being unable to accommodate her on account of the break- 
 ing of his stone. "Ah, yov> are the man that whipped Jim 
 Murphy," she said, with a lively interest. "He is a holy ter- 
 ror, he is, and I am glad you taught him a lesson." 
 
 "He seems to have but a few friends in the neighborhood. 
 I wonder he is allowed to bluff an entire community in this 
 manner." 
 
 "Friends? I should say, not even counting his poor wife, 
 whom he beats as regularly as the sun rises. You say you 
 wonder he ain't stopped? Well, it is a wonder. They say he 
 is powerfully strong and a terrible fighter. I wonder you beat 
 him, you don't look extra strong." 
 
 "Well looks are sometimes deceptive, madam." 
 
 "So they be. Are you comin this way soon? If so I'll 
 wait for you as I have a good deal of grinding and mending 
 to do." 
 
 "I'll be 'round this afternoon ; but tell me madam, do you 
 know who owns that court ? " 
 
i 9 o EITHER. OR. 
 
 "Dennis Court, you mean? Yes it is owned by a rich 
 Irishman across the street, here ; O'Flannigan is his name." 
 
 "He don't seem to have the wellfare of his tenants much 
 at heart madam, the way the buildings look." 
 
 "He? Of course, he hain't. All he cares for is the rent." 
 
 "Do you know whether the property could be bought ? " 
 
 "I know it could, in fact, it has been in the market a good 
 while but nobody seems to want it, probably because the rent 
 is so low and uncertain. I do wish somebody would buy it to 
 make a decent place of it. It is a real nuisance and a disgrace 
 to the neighborhood." 
 
 Richard thanked the lady and proceeded on his way. A 
 new idea had risen in his mind. Was it not his duty, in fact, 
 not a part of his plan to take an interest in these rude and un- 
 couth, but clever and kind hearted people? If so, how were 
 they best to be reached? He had half a million of his phono- 
 graph money left, and wondered whether it would not be a 
 good idea to invest a portion of it in the purchase and im- 
 provement of Dennis Court? These thoughts still filled his 
 mind when he reached the grocery, causing him to be so 
 taciturn as to evoke Sophie's question, whether anything had 
 gone amiss that morning? 
 
 This reminded him of his encounter with worthy Jim, 
 and he proceeded to give his friends a graphic account of the 
 combat. Next, he told them his thoughts concerning his duty 
 to these poor foreigners, asking their opinion of the matter. 
 
 "For my part," said Sophie earnestly, "I think the Irish are 
 as good as other folks. They don't always pay very well but 
 I reckon that is because thev hain't no money." 
 
 "That's exactly my opinion," joined in Gottlieb. "The 
 Irish are a little— a little — well a little untidy, but they are good- 
 hearted like big children, and always ready to help you when 
 they can." 
 
 "That settles it. Gottlieb, do you think we could cement 
 my grind stone?" 
 
 "It is emery, sir, so I don't know ; but then we can try." 
 
 "We will try. Do you know where the cement bottle is?" 
 
EITHER, OR. 191 
 
 Sophie produced a small phial containing a label to the 
 effect that this cement would cement all breaks, including 
 broken hearts, on which recommendation Richard applied it 
 to the broken grind stone. For once the label had told the 
 truth, or at least a part of the truth. Richard having no 
 opportunity just then to test its assertion as to hearts. A 
 little after one the last trace of the feud had disappeared, and 
 Richard set out to meet the party that had so many tools to 
 grind and so many pots and kettles to mend. He found her 
 at home and was soon busily engaged in restoring her property 
 to its original beauty and usefulness. She sat by, gazing at his 
 work and plying her tongue at the same time. 
 
 "Do you know madam," Richard chimed in at a break, 
 "what Mr. O'Flanuigan would take for his court? " 
 
 "I did know. Let me see, I think it was fifty thousand, 
 but Ben thinks it could be bought for forty-five." 
 
 "Who is Ben?" 
 
 "Oh, my old man, you know. He and Mr. O'Flannigan 
 are cronies, so Ben ought to know. But you don't think of 
 buying yourself, do you ? " 
 
 "I ! A poor tinker ? Well, that's rich." 
 
 "Then you know of a customer, do you? " 
 
 "That's more likely. A fellow wants to make a penny 
 whenever he can, you know." 
 
 "Ah, it is a commission you are after? Well, Mr. 
 O'Flannigan lives in that fine brick house across from here 
 and if you will call there you can find out all about it." 
 
 It took Richard a full hour to finish the job, and when he 
 was done both parties were pleased, he with the new dollar 
 he slipped in his pocket ; she with the handsome countenance, 
 the good manners, and finally the satisfactory execution of the 
 work. Richard went straight for Mr. O'Flannigan's house. 
 He rang the bell which was answered by a very small fellow, 
 whose fat, however, made up for his shortness. His little 
 eyes were half hidden by the layers of fat under them, but 
 Richard perceived that they glittered with an avaricious fire. 
 
i92 EITHER, OR. 
 
 "Any work for me, boss?" Richard inquired carelessly. 
 
 The other measured him, and was on the point of denying" 
 when a certain recollection seemed to strike him. 
 
 "Several of my butcher knives are dull, as well as some 
 hatchets. What do ye charge!* " 
 
 "Let me see and I will tell you." 
 
 The man led the way into a small shop and the laying 
 tools in question in a heap, asked shortly' : 
 'Well, how much r " 
 
 "Fifty cents." 
 
 "Give you forty. Is it a bargain? " 
 
 "It is," replied Richard, depositing his apparatus, and be- 
 ginning operations. "Pretty well fixed, 'Squire," he remarked, 
 after a while. "Your own property, I reckon ? " 
 
 "I should think so. I own this house and the next five 
 and mighty good property they be." 
 
 "You own the court too, they tell me." 
 
 "I does, and mighty poor property it be, too. Haven't 
 drawn a dollar rent this month." 
 
 "Too bad. Why don't you sell ? " 
 
 "Can't. It seems nobody wants the darned court." 
 
 "How much do you ask for it ? " 
 
 "Want to buy?" Mr. O'Flannigan inquired, the glitter of 
 his eyes increasing visably. 
 
 "Not myself, of course, but I know a rich chap that might 
 bite, if I present the matter in a favorable light." 
 
 "Tell you what I'll do. Make it all right with you. 
 Wouldn't mind a dollar or two." 
 
 "Very generous, indeed," said Richard, laughing; "but 
 you havn't given me the figures yet." 
 
 "Well," replied the butcher, who began to regret that he 
 had decried his own property. "The sight is illigent, you 
 know, and — " 
 
 "I understand all that," Richard replied cooly. "It is 
 the amount I wish to know." 
 
 "Eggsactly," said the fat man, wiping his brow. "I 
 
EITHER. OR. 193 
 
 am coming to that. It is fifty thousand dollars, I'll take for 
 the court, and nary cent less." 
 
 "Here are your tools, sir," said Richard, getting ready 
 for a start. "Thank you, sir, I trust you will give me your 
 trade. Good bye to you." 
 
 "Stop a moment, if you please. You hain't given me 
 you friend's name vet." 
 
 "Hadn't the intention, sir. Fifty thousand is too much, 
 and 'tis no use to tell my friend either, for I know he wouldn't 
 bite at that." 
 
 "Well, at what figure would he bite, then? I want to 
 get the pesky court off my hands, and if you make me any 
 ways a decent offer, I shall accept." 
 
 "Now you talk business. What do you think of forty- 
 five cash? " 
 
 The butcher hesitated a moment, then he said : "It's a bar- 
 gain, sir. Where can I see your friend ?" 
 
 "You can't see him at all, as he is not in the city, but I'll 
 bring you a lady who attends to his business for him." 
 
 "When will you bring her? " 
 
 "This afternoon, if that suits you." 
 
 It suited Mr. O'Flannigan very well, so Richard left the 
 shop, and made directly for the Velder mansion. Here he 
 expressed his desire to see Mrs. Kean. She invited him in, 
 and asked him what he wanted as soon as they were alone. 
 He told her, adding: "Aunt L,aura, here is a field of home 
 mission for you, or rather for somebody whom you will please 
 select. First and foremost we'll have to fight the filth and 
 squallor of the place, for with such a powerful ally, Old Harry 
 would be invincible. But of that another time. Can you 
 spare me half an hour, to close the bargain?'' 
 
 "Readily and cheerfully. It is not far to the place, so we 
 may as well walk." 
 
 "No, aunty, a real lady does not lower herself by walking 
 with a common tinker. Besides I want you to impress the 
 butcher by the grandeur of your style." 
 
 "Then you will not accompany me? " 
 
194 EITHER, OR. 
 
 "I think I had better not. You close the bargain at forty- 
 five thousand, and invite the butcher to the office to receive 
 his money, as soon as he has complied with all due formalities. 
 I must make some more calls this afternoon to earn my sup- 
 per, you know." 
 
 Again it must suffice to state that the court was purchased, 
 to the consternation of its tenants, who feared to get from the 
 frying pan into the fire, a fear well justified by the general 
 tenor of the landlords. 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 DRAINING A HUMAN SWAMP. 
 
 Early the next morning as Richard was passing Dennis 
 Court he made it a point to walk in and knock at Murphy's 
 door, which was opened by Mrs. Murphy in person. A bright 
 smile passed over her worn features and she said eagerly: 
 "And it is really ye, Misther Brown ? It is real glad I am 
 to see you." 
 
 "And how is Mr. Murphy ? " 
 
 " ' Tis kind in you to ask, surr. Jim be quite comfortable 
 loike, and would loike to see you, surr." 
 
 She turned and Richard followed her to the squalid room 
 of yesterday, and saw his antagonist stretched on the bundle 
 of rags, honored with the name of bed. Jim was sober now, 
 but his right eye was still closed, and the color of the rainbow 
 adorned that part of his face which had come in contact with 
 Richard's fist. The man raised himself slightly on one elbow 
 as he saw Richard enter, and said very humbly : "And sure 
 Mr. Brown, it's very kind in ye to visit the loikes of me. She 
 tells me as I acted very ugly to ye yesterday." 
 
 "Well, you were under the fumes of liquor, Mr. Murphy, 
 so we will say nothing more about it. How do you feel this 
 morning?" 
 
 "Better than I deserve, surr. The owld woman got the 
 
EITHER, OR. 195 
 
 doctor stuff ye speak about, and it has helped me a powerful 
 sight. Hang me, if ever I forget the kindness you have 
 showed me, surr." 
 
 "Well, some of that kindness was rather rough, Mr. Mur- 
 phy." 
 
 "Don't misther me, surr. Its Jim to my friend surr." 
 
 "All right, then, Jim." 
 
 "That's more loike it. Rather rough, ye were sayin ? 
 Well hardly rough enough for a fellow who allows liquor to 
 get the better of him." 
 
 "And beats his wife when he is full" said Richard sternly. 
 "See here, Jim, I just want to say one word to you. You say 
 I am your friend. Well, then I will be a friend to you, and do 
 for you all I can. But if I ever hear that you strike this good 
 woman again I'll come and give you such a threshing that all 
 the arnica in the world won't help you. Mind, I mean ex- 
 actly what I say." 
 
 And Jim did mind it. He was one of those natures which 
 you cannot bend, but which you can break. He knew him- 
 self to be a powerful man and no mean fighter, and the ease 
 and rapidity with which Richard had laid him out had secured 
 in his rough nature a respect bordering on affection. We do 
 not wish to paint him as a pattern, and when we say that he 
 felt towards our friend much like the mastiff who licks his 
 master's hand that chastised him, we do not wish to intimate 
 that we consider this the highest type of our race. Richard 
 understood him instinctively, and had chosen his words ac- 
 cordingly. He raised his hand entreatingly, crying. "Don't 
 now, Misther Brown, I'll never do it again, least ways, not if 
 I can help it. Ye must not be too hard on a poor lellow, and 
 help him a little to fight against his owl inimy." 
 
 "That I will, Jim. I'll help you by giving you work. It 
 is the idle man, you know, that's ready for all sorts of mis- 
 chief." 
 
 "And 'tis the truth, ye speak there, Mister Brown," Mrs. 
 Murphy interposed. "When Jim has work he is all right, but 
 
196 HITHER, OR. 
 
 when he loafs, and gits in with them rum sops, he kicks the 
 traces." 
 
 "Well, we'll keep him straight, Mrs. Murphy, trust me for 
 that. He has promised to let you alone. If he breaks that 
 promise you just come to me, and say a word, and then he'll 
 discover that I, for my part, am good at keeping mine. Now, 
 good bye. I'll call again in a day or two and give Jim a job." 
 
 Mrs. Murphy told her neighbors afterwards, that she 
 was really as feared of Misther Brown, as of His Riverence, 
 a pretty strong expression for a devout Catholic, considering 
 that His Riverence holds the keys to heaven and paradise. 
 
 As Richard stepped into the court, he saw the entire pop- 
 ulation of that choice spot huddled together. A dozen 
 tongues rattled at the same time, but when Richard's form 
 became visible in the door every voice was hushed, making 
 the silence almost painful. As the young man approached 
 the motley group, the old woman who had joked with him the 
 day before, took courage, and said, after a deep obeisance : 
 "The top of a good mornin' to ye, Mr. Brown." 
 
 "The same to you all. Can I do anything for you? " 
 
 "Well, yis. We heard, as how ye had bought this court, 
 surr." 
 
 "Well, a very particular friend has bought it. What 
 of it?" 
 
 "Well, Misther Brown, we all beared, as you, he would 
 turn us all into the street, surr." 
 
 "Tell those who said this that it is a base lie." 
 
 "The Howly Virgin bless him. I tould them so. Sez I 
 to them: 'And is it Misther Brown's friend as would do so 
 mane a thing? Indade and double; a man loike Misther 
 Brown has dacent friends, that's what I said.' ' 
 
 "And you were right, madam." 
 
 "So we can stay on and won't have the rint raised 
 neither? " 
 
 "The rent will not be raised, but you will have to move 
 a while because Mr. Velder intends putting up better houses 
 with all modern improvements." 
 
EITHER, OR. 197 
 
 "But when the houses are built he'll double the rint 
 on us? " 
 
 "Fear nothing, good people. My friend says he will not 
 charge you more for the new houses than Mr. O'Flannigan did 
 for the old ones, and I know that he will not break his word." 
 
 "Three chairs for Misther Brown's friend.'' 
 
 When the noise had subsided the crone inquired: "But 
 Misther Brown where will we go until the new houses are 
 finished? " 
 
 Never before had Richard been so deeply impressed with 
 the utter helplessness of these big children. Like children, 
 they manage pretty well, as long as the regular daily task is 
 set for them. But if the slightest obstacle presents itself, 
 the}' cry for mamma, or somebody else having charge of them, 
 huddling together like sheep threatened by the wolf. Richard 
 saw plainly that it would be folly to ask or expect them to 
 provide for the rising emergency, but while he recognized 
 their^helplessness and the necessity of taking matters in his 
 own hand, he also resolved that greater self-reliance should be 
 one of the first lessons taught them. 
 
 "Now listen, friends," he said earnestl}- and impressively 
 "you surely don't expect Mr. Velder, or rather Mrs. Kean, who 
 attends to his business, to hunt you lodgings, while he builds 
 you new houses. That would be a little too presumptuous, 
 would it not ? " 
 
 "But you see Misther Brown, 'tis out of the rinting season, 
 and where would the loikes of us find a house as is vaicant?" 
 
 "Well, I'll tell Mrs. Kean, but I doubt very much whether 
 she can or will take the trouble of hunting lodgings for you. 
 I have not the time to discuss the matter now, but advise you 
 kindly, as your friend, to go to work without delay, and secure 
 new lodgings, for from what I learn, Mrs. Kean intends to 
 have these houses pulled down at once. As to me, I am only 
 a tinker you know, but I'll tell you what I will do. I'll give a 
 fine new cooking stove to the first one that moves, and a bran 
 new bedstead with spring mattress to the second." 
 
 These words proved truly magic. The commotion which 
 
ig8 EITHER, OR. 
 
 came into the crowd was much like that of a multitude of 
 mice or rats penned up in a box and suddenly shaken out. 
 Women ran here, and women ran there. Some rushed to the 
 houses to secure the indispensible sun bonnet, while others 
 were actually roused to such a pitch of frenzy as to disregard 
 even this respect for the goddess of fashion, a diety ruling as 
 absolute in the hut as in the palace. Richard laughed until 
 the tears rolled over his cheeks. He did not go, however, as 
 he had at first intended, forseeing that the [decision would be 
 forthcoming in a very short time, and that the fiat of an im- 
 partial umpire might, nay would, be necessary to determine 
 the merits of the contestants. While the mothers were out 
 hunting, the junior members of the families commenced lug- 
 ging the household goods into the court ; showing conclusively 
 that the apprehension of not finding lodgings had either been 
 a fictitious one, or changed suddenly into a feeling of con- 
 fidence and assurance. Richard was still pondering this new 
 trait of human nature, when a cart came rattling into the 
 court, drawn by a rather extenuated nag, and tenanted by our 
 crone and her husband, who was the lucky owner of this ele- 
 gant rig, plying the vocation of a carter. A shout of indig- 
 nation on the part of the others arose, answered by one of 
 defiance on the part of the couple in the cart, who hastened 
 to leave it with commendable speed, and began piling their 
 furniture in a manner so reckless as to threaten destruction to 
 anything frail and perishable, features fortunately unknown to 
 their belongings. In less than fifteen minutes the goods were 
 on board, and with a whoop of delight and defiance the 
 worth}- carter and his spouse drove from the court. However, 
 there was a second premium to be earned ; so the other people 
 continued to lug their goods from the houses. By this time 
 several of the mothers began to return, showing in their 
 miens whether they had been successful or not. Their faces 
 offered a rich field for study, and Richard was really curious 
 to see the outcome of his experiment. Suddenly a new idea 
 lit up the features of one of the dames. She whispered a few 
 words into the ears of her half grown daughter and then Rich- 
 
EITHER, OR. i99 
 
 ard saw the entire bevy rush upon the pile of goods belonging 
 to them with 'a frenzy both ludricrous and dangerous to any- 
 thing not made of solid iron. There were seven or eight in 
 the family, and when each one had loaded him or herself with 
 a parcel up to or rather beyond their strength, the pile on the 
 ground had disappeared. They began a hasty retreat from 
 the court, and the others, who, by this time had discovered 
 the motive of the schemers, sent up such a howl of rage as to 
 create the apprehension of a hand to hand encounter. In fact, 
 it is highly probable, that hostilities would have broken out, 
 if Richard's presence had not kept the beligerents in check. 
 Nor was it moral suasion which prevented the feud, but the 
 determined front he made to the hostile factivity. Collaring 
 several urchins who tried to trip the carriers, he jerked them 
 back and said sternly : "Hands off. Everything is fair in 
 war." 
 
 "But she hain't no house to go to, she hain't," protested 
 one ol the women. 
 
 "That is her business, not yours or mine. I did not offer 
 the premiums for finding a house, but for vacating these." 
 
 So the ingenious woman was allowed to carry off her 
 booty without hindrance, and the others were too good na- 
 tured to indulge long in an indignation so unfair and so use- 
 less. However, when some of the women saw that they had 
 failed in securing the coveted prize, they made mien to carry 
 the furniture back to the premises. This provoked Richard, 
 who had made continuous studies of the traits of these people. 
 He had prevented a fight, but he had also seen that only his 
 peremptory "beware," had hindered it. Nor did he doubt 
 that the feud would' have been both relentless and severe, 
 showing the brutality of these untutored creatures which rank 
 only a few steps above the savage in the gratification of their 
 passions. Secondly he had discovered that only material 
 benefits were capable of inducing mental and subsequently 
 physical exertions, while stubborness and spitefulness were 
 very apt to follow disappointment. 
 
2oo EITHER, OR. 
 
 "Hallo !" he cried, loud enough to attract universal at- 
 tention. "I see some of you are carrying your duds back to 
 the house. Of course, you can do as you please and you 
 might say that it isn't my business ; but you may rest assured 
 that*I$may report the names of those that do to Mrs. Kean, 
 ■who will be very apt to exclude them from the list of tenants 
 for the new houses" 
 
 He turned to go, but was stopped by the guilty parties 
 who assured him that they had only meant to put the furniture 
 back to keep it from spoiling in the sun, and that they would 
 leave as soon as they had found a shelter. On examination 
 Richard found that some of these families were without a 
 penny, and could actually not raise enough money to pay the 
 drayman. So he said : 
 
 "I know it is foolish in me to strengthen your improvi- 
 dence in this manner, but as I have been instrumental in 
 depriving you of your homes, I'll help you moving. My 
 friend, the grocer has a horse and spring wagon which I can 
 and will borrow, to move those of you who can and will secure 
 lodgings right away." 
 
 With these words he left them, declining with something 
 like annoyance the profuse exclamation of gratitude they 
 showered upon him. As he passed the shop of Mr. Stitch, that 
 individual stopped him, saying : 
 
 "Say, Mr. Tinker, hain't you got some more of those 
 dokiments? My neighbors have read them all to pieces, and 
 are clamoring for more." 
 
 "Glad to hear it. Here is all I have with me. When 
 they are gone you can have more." 
 
 "Don't be in a rush, now, friend. I want to ask a ques- 
 tion or two." 
 
 "Fire away, then.'' 
 
 "Well, you see we have talked the matter over, and come 
 to the concloosion that your ideas ain't so very bad. that it 
 
EITHER, OR. 201 
 
 would be well for us to form a branch order. What do you 
 say to that?" 
 
 "It is a capital idea; but I knew you would come to that 
 sooner or later." 
 
 "How did you know, now ? When you gave me these 
 papers, I hadn't any more idea of doing such a thing than to 
 fly to the moon." 
 
 "How I knew ? Because your head is level, that's why." 
 
 We all have our share of vanity, a very good and proper 
 thing to have by the way, as vanity makes us aim to be at 
 betterment and improvement. Mr. Stitch was pleased to see 
 so desirable a quantity of his head acknowledged by a stranger 
 andwenton: "Now the question arises, will this thing be 
 costly? I ain't a miser, you must know; but business is dull, 
 and none of us have any money to throw away just now." 
 
 "I know. Well, there need be no expenses at the start. 
 You might meet at the houses of the members in turn, 
 and — " 
 
 "I hardly think that would do. I feel sure that we'll com- 
 mence with fifty members and have no doubt that that num- 
 ber will be doubled as soon as we are fairly organized." 
 
 "Yon surprise and gladden me, Mr. Stitch. Well, in that 
 case, we'll have to think of something else. To tell you in 
 confidence: I have a wealthy patron, who shares these views, 
 and will do much to advance them. I'll sound him on the 
 question of buying or renting some big hall, and report the 
 next time I meet you. Farewell." 
 
 This was news indeed. Fifty members from the start, 
 and probably small merchants or master mechanics, that is, 
 the most conservative of the element of the nation. If they 
 opened their eyes and minds to truth, what might be expected 
 from the more radical working men? Truly, this was good 
 news. But how should he meet these demands? As yet his 
 means were sufficient for all emergencies, but if the cause 
 grew at this rate it would not take many months to ebb the 
 treasury. He foresaw the necessity of taxing the adherents 
 of the new gospel at an early date. Nor would this be dif- 
 
202 EITHER. OR. 
 
 ficult after the movement was fairly under way, and the en- 
 thusiasm of number and success had been produced. At pres- 
 ent, however, he would have to subsidize the newly fledged 
 societies and was still pondering on the best mode of aiding 
 them when he reached the grocery. Dinner was ready to be 
 placed upon the table, and on Richard's arrival, Sophie called 
 the members of the household to the dining room. These 
 meals served as informal meetings, at which the various com- 
 mittees made their reports, offered suggestions or debated 
 questions. This time Richard gave a graphic description of 
 the scenes in Dennis Court, which caused much merriment, 
 and also some philosophical deductions. Next our friend 
 reported the communications of the tailor, which were received 
 with approbation and created considerable enthusiasm. When 
 Richard said: "Now, what had we better do in this matter? 
 That is, how can we best secure a hall, where this order and 
 many others likely to spring into existence in the next months, 
 may assemble?" 
 
 Duncan replied, "I think I know. Did you notice the 
 large three story building on Bloome street, corner of 
 thirteenth ?" 
 
 "Exactly. It was built by a socialistic association to 
 which I belonged, and whose enthusiasm was greater than its 
 prudence or its purse. The association became bankrupt and 
 the building was taken by a bank in satisfaction of a mort- 
 gage. It is not adapted for business or lodgings, and the bank, 
 therefore, desirous of disposing of the property." 
 
 "Do you know its value?" 
 
 "I know its cost, which is $40,000, not including the lot 
 which cost our association five thousand more. I understand 
 the bank lent $35,000 on the property and will take that sum 
 for it." 
 
 "Well, let us investigate the matter. The building is 
 sufficiently central and large enough to serve as a gymnasium, 
 armory, &c , &c." 
 
 "Armory. Why, Richard, you intend playing soldier?" 
 
 It was Mrs. Duncan who asked this question. Richard 
 
EITHER, OR. 203 
 
 hesitated a moment, then said : "Alice, I need;not tell you that 
 a prudent general keeps his guns and ammunition in order, 
 not to provoke war, but to prevent it. I will not conceal from 
 you the necessities of preparing hostile attacks on the part of 
 our adversaries. They even now talk of the insufficiency of 
 our military forces, the unreliability of the militia and the 
 necessity of subduing socialistic ideas by the bayonet. It is 
 therefore my intention to organize our forces and drill them 
 to a state of efficiency. In that way, and that way alone, can 
 we foil the intrigues of our foes, and preserve peace and pros- 
 perity in the nation." Alice nodded, her intelligence showing 
 her the wisdom of Richard's preparations. Our friend con- 
 tinued: "I have promised my Irish clients to move them this 
 afternoon, for which purpose I want to borrow your wagon, 
 Gottlieb. Duncan is too busy with his umbrella covers, to loaf, 
 so we have only Alice to fall back upon." 
 
 "Fall back upon?" she inquired with well feigned alarm. 
 
 "Fall gracefully, then Richard, for I have not the con- 
 stitution of your clients of Dennis Court." 
 
 "I learned the art of dancing, Alice, so fear nothing. 
 Besides, the work in store for you is light and genteel. In- 
 deed Mrs. Kean's carriage is at your disposal to execute it. 
 Sophie says that she complains of her horses getting too wild 
 from too much oats and little work. So, if you will go to the 
 livery stable and order Mrs. Kean's carriage to be gotten 
 ready, you can drive down town to execute your mission." 
 
 "That is tempting. But what am I to do down town? " 
 
 "Simply to call at the bank and ascertain whether the 
 hall in question is still for sale, and, if so, at what price." 
 
 "Can't Sophie go with me? I know she would like the 
 drive." 
 
 "Of course, she and Fay. Will you go? " 
 
 "Certainly and with pleasure; but where is the bank 5 " 
 
 Duncan gave the necessary information, and then all dis- 
 persed to their afternoon's work. When Richard reached the 
 Court with his vehicle, he found several parties ready to re- 
 move to the quarter they had secured. As stated before the 
 
204 EITHER, OR. 
 
 possessions of these poor people were scant and a very few 
 hours sufficed to domicile the entire population in their new 
 lodgings. Towards evening Mr. Wur/.el appeared, sent by 
 Mrs. Kean to survey the premises and give his advice to the 
 mode of remodeling the court. These European engineers- 
 receive a much more general education than those of Oceiden- 
 tia, and Richard had, therefore, no doubts that Wurzel would 
 be able to plan and superintend the rebuilding of the court. 
 When he arrived Richard had finished his work, and on the 
 invitation of the engineer, accompanied him all over the 
 premises. On exact measurement the length of Dennis Court 
 proved to be one hundred and sixty feet, while its entire width 
 was one hundred and thirty. In obedience to Mrs. Kean's 
 wishes Wurzel began with the sewers, which he soon declared 
 as totally insufficient and miserably constructed. 
 
 "I do not see where the city officials had their eyes when 
 they accepted these sewers.'" 
 
 "I do. They had them in their pockets to enjoy the 
 eagles slipped there by interested contractors." 
 
 "You are probably right. Well, they must be rebuilt^ 
 Mr. Yelder does not want to see his tenants decimated by 
 diphtheria one of these days. These Irish must be tough, or 
 they couldn't have stood it so long. It will be a heavy bill to- 
 foot, though." 
 
 "I don't think Mr. Yelder will mind that." 
 
 ''Of course he won't; but he has many irons in the fire 
 you know, so we must be as economical as we can, in con- 
 sistency with decency." 
 
 Next the buildings were examined. They consisted of 
 brick, all of which could be used a second time when 
 cleaned. 
 
 "Here is a job for all these Paddies," said Richard, with a 
 smile. 
 
 "Yes, Mrs. Kean has ordered me to employ them to the 
 best of their and my ability. Supposing you act as mediator?' 
 You have an excellent knack of treating these people." 
 
 Richard consented and was on the point of informing his 
 
EITHER, OR. 205 
 
 •clients of their good fortune when two woman approached 
 him, hanging their heads and acting a difference totally 
 foreign to their nature. Richard looked at them inquiringly, 
 saying merely: "Well, my ladies?" 
 
 Then one pretended to gather courage, saying: "Misther 
 Brown, we two be the ones as gained — gained the premises 
 you know?" 
 
 "The what?" 
 
 "The stove and the bedstead, you know." 
 
 "Ah, yes. And you would like to have them now would 
 you?" 
 
 "Well, we is fixhf up the new lodgings loike, and ef it 
 suits your honor — " 
 
 "Of course it does. Jump in girls." 
 
 The girls exchanged one glance of delight, then of exultation 
 with their less lucky sisters and were whirled away to select 
 the one a stove, the other a fancy bedstead, in accordance 
 with their own and individual tastes. We need hardly add 
 that the bedstead was of a fierv red, and the stove of a com- 
 pany's capacity, the happy owner being the mother of sixteen 
 healthy children, possessed of an astonishing capacity for stor- 
 ing eatables. 
 
 When Richard returned to Dennis Court, the male portion 
 of the former tenants had gathered in groups before the doors. 
 Working hours were nearly over, and curiosity had induced 
 them to quit a little before the usual time. When Richard 
 walked up to Mr. Wur/.el, who was awaiting his return, the 
 men crowded around them eager to hear what kind of a job 
 they might expect. Seeing his friend Murphy among them. 
 Richard said: "Good evening, Jim, I am glad to see you 
 again. Are you ready to commence work to-morrow?" 
 
 "And shure, I be, Misther Brown. May I be so bold as 
 to ask what wurk ye have for the loike of me?" 
 
 "Yes, Jim. We want you and your friends to pull down 
 the old houses, and then clean the bricks." 
 
 "And what is it, a man can earn that wav. surr?" 
 
206 EITHER, OR. 
 
 "I hardly know, Jim. What do you generally earn a day 
 when engaged in such work?" 
 
 "A dollar and a half to a dollar, seventy-five." 
 
 "That seems reasonable enough. Well, Mrs. Kean is a 
 very fair-minded lady and will do what is right. But she ex- 
 pects you to do your duty as well. So you see it rests with 
 you to get paying work for quite a while. Are all you gen- 
 tlemen ready to commence work to-morrow morning at $1.75 
 per day ? ' ' 
 
 "We be, suit," was the unanimous reply. 
 
 "Very well, then. Mr. Wurzel is going to boss this job 
 for Mrs. Kean, but as he does not speak your language quite 
 fluently as I, he has requested me to engage you for him. I 
 want you to understand that you are here on your good 
 behavior. We will pay first-class wages for good work, but 
 shall tolerate neither idleness nor drunkenness. Mr. Wurzel 
 is fully able to manage the job, but I will add that I shall be 
 around every day, and that I am prepared to back any order 
 he may see proper to issue." 
 
 On the following morning the dismantling of the houses 
 began. The rubbish was at once carted away, and the wood 
 given to the children of the workers, who carried it off for fire 
 wood. The bricks were cleaned and piled up in the yard, 
 leaving sufficient room to pass by. When all the debris had 
 been removed, Mrs. Kean visited the vacant lot and handed 
 Mr. Wurzel the plans and specifications he had drawn up for 
 her inspection, saying : 
 
 "I feel sure that they would have Mr. Velder's approval 
 so you may proceed." 
 
 Accordingly, the engineer caused his force to excavate 
 the soil at the right and left extremities of the lot, going to 
 nearly the depth of the sewers of the neighboring streets. 
 Next he constructed a sewer in these trenches, giving it suf- 
 ficient fall for drainage. 
 
 These sewers were prolonged into the main sewer, and 
 the closets themselves provided with water and all modern 
 improvements, to deprive the tenants of every excuse of fall- 
 
EITHER, OR. 207 
 
 ing back into their former filthy habits. Smaller sewers were 
 laid from every kitchen to the larger ones and provided with 
 the same water pressure and other improvements, Richard 
 being particularly anxious to wean his proteges from habits 
 which had become a second nature, and therefore clung to 
 them as tightly as their skin. When this underground work 
 was done, Wurzel began the construction of dry and spacious 
 cellars, in front of which a coal vault was erected, allowing 
 this useful mineral to be shoveled in from the front. The new 
 houses were placed fully ten feet further back than the old 
 ones, making the court in front of them thirty-five feet wide. 
 There were twelve in all, six on each side, placed in pairs, 
 with a three foot walk between them. In that way light and 
 air had free access on all sides, making the houses not only 
 more cheerful, but more healthful. They consisted of two 
 stories, and contained six rooms each. As they possessed a 
 depth of forty feet, ample space was left behind them for a 
 little garden or at least court, according to the taste of the in- 
 mates. The far end was closed by a solid two-story brick 
 building, running the entire width, but containing an arched 
 gateway in the center, to mediate the access to the street be- 
 yond. This building was intended for various purposes. Both 
 wings contained spacious basements, in one of which a boiler 
 was placed to create steam. The left wing was fitted up lor a 
 laundry, with all modern improvements and appliances, and 
 the right one, for a public kitchen, that is, a place where 
 meals could be secured, but not eaten. Richard had discussed 
 his intentions with Mrs. Kean in all their bearings, and not 
 only secured in her an able, but truty enthusiastic executrix 
 of his plans. She called frequently at the Court while the 
 houses were in course of construction, and also at the tem- 
 porary homes of her future clients. In this way she became 
 thoroughly familiar, not only with the premises, but with the 
 people. This familiarity enabled her to choose from the wo- 
 men those qualified and inclined to assist her in her work of 
 reformation. She found in Mrs. Murphy a woman of superior 
 character and intelligence. It was wonderful to see the 
 
208 EITHER, OR. 
 
 change which kindness and firmness combined had wrought 
 in her husband and, through him, in her. He was no longer 
 the sot that had rolled in the gutter day after day, but worked 
 with a zest highly grateful to his and our friend. Richard 
 had looked for an occasional relapse, and there were indeed 
 moments of terrible temptation. At such moments Jim pur- 
 sued the wise policy of seeking the aid of Richard, who was 
 too wise to put him off with mere advice. He took him on 
 such occasions to Mrs. Murphy, saying: "Here is Jim, thirsty 
 as a louse. Give him a good horn. He has been a good fel- 
 low, and deserves a little recreation. And now, Mrs. Murphy, 
 you take him for a ride in the country, on the railway; I'll 
 foot the bill." And off the two toted, blessing him both aloud 
 and in their hearts always returning with new hopes and new 
 strength to fight the battle of life, and with their own pas- 
 sions. We may as well state here, that when the Court was 
 finished and ready to receive its tenants, Jim was appointed 
 engineer and fireman, a trust which did not only make him 
 proud, but gave him that self reliance needed to complete his 
 reform. True, he occasionally went to Mother Murphy for a 
 little eye opener, as he called it, but a more strictly temperate 
 man than Jim Murphy could not be found on the premises. 
 Jim had also the chance of keeping the Court in trim, and to 
 prevent the mischievous urchins from committing nuisance. 
 We know that they stood in awe of him, but the bully had 
 disappeared with the drunkard, and though he was strict in 
 the discharge of his duty, he displayed a gentleness of temper 
 and manners marvelous to those who had known him before. 
 To Mrs. Murphy, on the other hand, was given the super- 
 vision of the laundry. Mrs. Kean learned that she had for- 
 merly worked long and successfully in similar establishments, 
 and finding her not only tidy and scrupulous in her work, but 
 also possessed of the needful authority to manage inferiors in 
 rank, had resolved to make her superintendent of the new 
 establishment. In anticipation of the new industry, Mrs. 
 Kean had selected a dozen volunteers from the female forces 
 of the Court and subjected them to a thorough training of 
 
EITHER. OR. 209 
 
 their future duties. They were sent to other laundries, on 
 small pay, or as mere supernumeraries, Mrs. Kean, meanwhile, 
 supplying their wants. When the laundry opened, most of 
 them were ready for efficient work, and those lacking in skill 
 at that time, were given a chance to perfect themselves. The 
 laundry soon won, or rather rightfully earned, the reputation 
 of doing good work at reasonable rates, thus securing a trade 
 which kept everybody astir, and soon taxed it to its utmost 
 capacity. The same thing can be said of the public kitchen. 
 At first, Mrs. Kean had been at a loss as to a proper head for 
 this establishment, knowing full well that both skill in the 
 art of cookery and the utmost cleanliness are necessary to 
 gain and keep the confidence of the public. She knew full 
 well that the ladies of Dennis Court excelled in neither of 
 these virtues, and was therefore compelled to look outside for 
 a proper head. It was then that Richard learned by incident, 
 that the parents of Alice had formerly kept a restaurant, and 
 that she had aided in the kitchen for several years. When 
 Richard broached the subject of the kitchen, and asked her 
 whethef she felt inclined to assume the management of the 
 establishment, she replied with a voice half choked with emo- 
 tion : "Richard, what I have I owe to you. You know I 
 would lay down my life for you, How, then, can you doubt 
 that I will aid you, and aid you cheerfully in your work? " 
 
 He made a deprecating gesture, saying: "Alice, you 
 overestimate the little service I was fortunate enough to ren- 
 der you. I do not wish you to put your consent on this basis. 
 It is hard work, and if your inclination does not run that way 
 I want you to tell me." 
 
 "But it does run that way, Richard, and I shall be only too 
 glad to aid the cause in this manner. However, I am a little 
 rusty in the culinary art, and would like to brush up in the 
 kitchen of some hotel or restaurant, if you can procure such 
 a chance for me." 
 
 "If I cannot, Mrs. Kean can and will, so that is settled." 
 Alice did serve her apprenticeship, and when the kitchen 
 opened, was fully prepared to manage it. Half a dozen 
 
210 EITHER, OR. 
 
 maidens of the court had been placed under discipline at the 
 same time, and acquitted themselves very creditably in the 
 ruder and less complicated branches of cookery, aiding their 
 superintendent so ably, as to assist materially in establishing 
 the reputation of the kitchen on a solid and enviable basis. 
 Alice moved with little Fay into a comfortable room over the 
 archway and found that sweet and desirable satisfaction which 
 always arises from a faithful performance of our duties. Some- 
 times she was a little homesick for her absent husband; but 
 took great comfort in his numerous letters and the certainty 
 of an early reunion. 
 
 And as to the tenants of Dennis Court. How did they 
 proceed? Did they all at once become model men, women 
 and children? Of course not. Anybody acquainted with 
 human nature, would give us the lie for such an assertion. 
 Indeed, the}' were far from being perfect, and often taxed the 
 patience and temper of their patrons to the utmost. Richard 
 saw very soon that they could not be left to themselves, with- 
 out the certainty of sinking back into their former sloth and 
 untidiness. So Richard and his aunt put their heads together, 
 and, after due deliberation entered upon the following course. 
 When the houses were finished Mrs. Kean called a meeting of 
 her future tenants to the large room above the kitchen. We 
 have forgotten to state that this room was provided with a 
 small platform at one end, and quite a number of desks and 
 benches at the other, while the center contained a large table, 
 and the walls, shelves on which books of useful information 
 were placed for the use of any one, inclined to visit the room. 
 A number of periodicals was placed on the tables, free to such 
 visitors, nor was there any condition coupled with the admit- 
 tance, excepting that of a cleanly appearance and a civil be- 
 havior. Richard intended to introduce lectures in the win- 
 ter, but did not deem it wise to push these features too rapidly, 
 knowing well that too much of a good thing is apt to create 
 nausea, especially in case of chronic mental dyspepsia. 
 
 When, on the evening of the meeting, the seats and 
 benches of the reading room had been filled to overflowing, 
 
EITHER, OR. 211 
 
 Mrs. Kean arose and addressed her clients in this characteristic 
 manner: 
 
 Dear Friends : In giving yon this title, I do not mean 
 an empty sound, a mere formality, but the earnest, sober truth. 
 I consider you my friends and shall prove to you, if I have 
 not proved it already that I am, and shall continue to be your 
 friend. With the aid, and in the name of Mr. Yelder I have 
 built for you comfortable homes, which you can occupy as 
 soon as you sign a contract, which I shall submit to you to- 
 morrow in this room. The shanties which filled this court 
 only a few months ago were calculated to beget habits of filth 
 and untidiness, habits conducive to physical illness and moral 
 degradation. While I admit that the condition of your former 
 homes made such habits excusable, though hardly justifiable, 
 I am determined that they shall not be practiced in the new 
 cottages I have erected for you. You find a clause in your 
 contract, authorizing me to enter your premises at my pleas- 
 ure, though at seasonable hours, of course, to inspect them 
 and to convince myself that they have not been defaced or 
 soiled in an unbecoming manner. Your contract, further- 
 more, authorizes me to evict you on short notice if I find you 
 guilt}- of such misdemeanors as I mentioned. I am aware 
 that these are rather summary powers, but experience has 
 convinced me of their necessity, while, on the other hand, my 
 conduct must have convinced you that I have your own in- 
 terest, and nothing but this interest in view, in making and 
 enforcing them. Besides, you are free agents in this respect, 
 and can refuse my cottages and my contracts if you see 
 proper. You are aware that a laundry has been established 
 in the south wing of this building. It shall be the privilege 
 of the tenants of Dennis Court, to get their washing done 
 there at mere nominal rate, to be fixed by myself. I need not 
 say that this privilege must not be abused at the peril of los- 
 ing it at once and certainly. You are also aware that a pub- 
 lic kitchen w T ill be opened in the basement and ground floor of 
 this wing. Here, again, you have the privilege of purchasing 
 superior food at much lower rates than you could prepare it 
 
212 EITHER, OR. 
 
 yourselves. I need not add that this franchise also is coupled 
 with conditions, whose violation will result in their sudden 
 withdrawal. A bath-room has been erected in the other wing 
 which is at your service free of charge. To prevent quarrel- 
 ing a permit must be secured from Mrs. Murphy, the superin- 
 tendent of the laundry, who is instructed to issue only one at 
 a time, and only from six in the morning to eight in the even- 
 ing. No one is allowed to use the bath more than once a day, 
 or longer than fifteen minutes. Any complaint made to me 
 will certainly lead to the withdrawal of this valuable privilege. 
 In conclusion let me say that Mr. Velder has opened this 
 pleasant reading room for his tenants and such of their neigh- 
 bors as will comply with his conditions. No book or periodical 
 must be taken from the room. Visitors must be cleanly 
 dressed and observe a civil behavior. The room will be closed 
 at ten p. m., and no one will be permitted to remain after that 
 time. You are all aware that the rent of the houses has been 
 placed at the low sum of eight dollars. Mr. Velder expects a 
 prompt remission of this sum, not for his own benefit, but 
 that of his clients, which are scattered over the entire country, 
 and would suffer by your remissness. A failure to pay the 
 rent in two consecutive months will be surely followed by the 
 eviction of the tenant, except in cases of sickness which must 
 be reported to me for decision. Before saying good night to 
 you, I will repeat, that my government, though fraternal, will 
 be a strict one, and its provisions carried out in letter and in 
 spirit. Trusting that nothing will occur to mar the cordial 
 relations which you and I sustain ; I bid you good night." 
 
 There was a good deal of jeering on the part of outsiders 
 the next morning, but all the tenants of the court signed their 
 contract and moved into their comfortable quarters to the 
 envy of the very ones who had jeered them. 
 
EITHER, OR. 213 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 THE BALL KEEPS ROLLING. 
 
 We have anticipated the development of Dennis Court, 
 and have now to retrace our steps, to see what has become of 
 Duncan and the other inmates of the grocery. The reader 
 saw Alice and Sophie start on their drive to the bank, and is 
 probably curious to learn the result of their errand. Well, in 
 the evening they reported to Richard, and this is what he 
 learned : The bank would take $35,000, with interest on that 
 sum for one year, at six per cent., provided half the money 
 was paid down. They would throw off the interest, it the 
 entire sum was paid cash. 
 
 "Can one see the building?" 
 
 "I anticipated such a question, and put it to the clerk. 
 He gave me the key with the request of returning it to-mor- 
 row evening." 
 
 "Is the building empty?" 
 
 "Only a few pieces of furniture are stored there, belong- 
 ing to the bank, and for sale also." 
 
 "Well, let us all go in the morning and take a look at 
 things. I doubt the wisdom of giving Charley a holiday, but 
 as he is familiar with this socialistic den, we will have to let 
 him off, I reckon." 
 
 So, on the following morning, all except Gottlieb took 
 the street car for Bloome and Thirtieth streets, and got there 
 half an hour later. The key grated in the rusty lock, show- 
 ing that the building had not been used for quite a while. The 
 appearance of things inside confirmed this view. Everything 
 was covered with dust, to the disgust of the ladies and the 
 detriment of their dresses, which trailed in the dust and raised 
 it in clouds. First they examined the extensive pavement, 
 which contained a dilapidated gymnasium, a number of brok- 
 en chairs and benches, and piles of rubbish generally. There 
 was also a furnace, which, at one time, had probably heated 
 the whole building, but now showed the tooth of time as 
 much as everything else. Next the ground floor was ex- 
 
2i 4 KITH KR, OR. 
 
 plorecl. They found more broken chairs, tables limping on 
 three legs, shattered lamp chimneys, broken beer glasses, 
 and even two or three mirror frames. One of the rooms 
 seemed to have served as a bar room, for they noticed a little 
 bar, with a moldy keg behind it and two or three decanters 
 on the side board Dust, dust, everywhere, forming an "en- 
 semble" calculated to depress the spirit and to remind one 
 strongly of the perishableness of mortals and their affairs. 
 
 A wide and massive stairway led to the second floor, 
 causing Richard to remark : "The building is certainly strong 
 and substantial, and has not suffered from the neglect mani- 
 fest everywhere." 
 
 "No, the building is all right, and will require hardly any 
 repairs, unless the roof is leaky. Isn't there lots of room, 
 though?" 
 
 "Yes, these apartments are very spacious, and will suffice 
 for years to come." 
 
 "Then you would advise its purchase ?" 
 
 "I shall report favorably, unless a further examination 
 shows some flaw. Ah, here is the way to the third floor. 
 Whew ! What a dust. Won't you ladies be kind enough to 
 proceed and sweep a little with your trains?" 
 
 The ladies politely, but fiimly declined, .^o Richard and 
 Charles had to bear the brunt of the assault, but were rewarded 
 for their trouble, when on reaching the top of the stairway, 
 they entered a magnificent hall extending over the entire 
 building and impressing the spectator by its very simplicity. 
 At the far end they perceived a sort of stage, provided with 
 scenes and other theatrical contrivances, making dramatic 
 performances not only possible, but easy. The auditorium 
 was supplied with seats, raising gradually in height and 
 allowing a fair view of the stage. A handsome and roomy 
 gallery ran along three sides and together with the seats be- 
 low was capable of accommodatiug fully a thousand persons. 
 
 "Why, this is grand," Richard exclaimed enthusiastically. 
 
 "I wasn't prepared for anything half so grand." 
 
EITHER, OR. 215 
 
 "I knew you would like the building; but can you scrape 
 together enough money to secure it?" 
 
 "We must have the building if we have to steal the 
 money," cried Richard laughingly. "May be, Mrs. Kean will 
 lend us a helping hand. I must see her at once, for I would 
 not miss the purchase of this hall for a thousand dollars." 
 
 Mrs. Kean did lend a helping hand and a few days later 
 the deed was handed her on payment of $35,000, the purchaser 
 being Richard Velder. 
 
 When the tinker informed Mr. Stitch of the purchase the 
 next day, that worthy opened his eyes to their fullest 
 capacity. 
 
 "Is it possible," he exclaimed. "Why your friend is 
 a daisy. And you say, we can go and meet there without any 
 charge whatever?" 
 
 "Excepting the cost of the gas." 
 
 "Why, of course. We ain't hogs, we ain't, to saddle such 
 a splendid fellow with our gas bills. Won't our fellows open 
 their eyes though. When can we commence?" 
 
 "Well, not before a week or so. If you saw the dust 
 there you would be of the same opinion. I'll have to hire a 
 dozen damsels from Dennis Court to sweep and scrub the 
 building from top to bottom." 
 
 "Well, do, and allow us to share in footing the bill. It 
 ain't fair that you should do all the work and then pay all the 
 bills as well." 
 
 "Agreed; but now farewell. I'll engage the scrubbers, 
 and report progress." 
 
 "Do, sir. Whew! Won't them fellows open their peepers 
 when I tell them." 
 
 Richard found no difficulties in securing all the help he 
 needed. Jim Murphy expressed his sincere regret at not be- 
 ing able to marshal these hosts, but secured a substitute "in- 
 toierly railoiable," he said, and was as good as his word, forthe 
 substitute did splendid execution. There were fully two 
 dozen of the fair sex at his heels and it was refreshing 
 to see how this corps of vengeance made the dust 
 
216 EITHER, OR. 
 
 fly. Richard made them commence with the upper 
 floor. The dust was really thick enough to be 
 shoveled. It was accordingly shoveled into barrels, and then 
 carried down by the substitute and deposited on the sidewalk, 
 to be afterward removed by the ashman. The shoveling was 
 followed by sweeping, and this, in turn, by scrubbing. Next 
 the windows were washed, and finally the seats scrubbed and 
 cleaned, after which purification the fine hall looked like 
 newly born, smiling upon the visitor like a being recovering 
 from a cutaneous disease and rejoicing now in fresh linen. 
 Richard resolved to give it a coat of paint, later on, and led 
 his forces to the second floor, where the same process was 
 gone through with. The building was of gigautic dimensions, 
 and Richard had calculated with tolerable accuracy, when he 
 had placed its readiness for occupancy at the end of the week. 
 He w r as greatly pleased with the efficient help rendered him 
 by the people of the court, and showed his gratitude by a little 
 feast, which he spread for them in one of the rooms of the 
 first floor the day after they finished their work. Gottlieb and 
 Sophie were present; so was Mrs. Kean and Elinor; Jim 
 Murphy and his spouse, Alice and Duncan and many other 
 tenants of the court. Our friend also invited Stitch, who was 
 one of the jolliest of the crowd, and made a little speech 
 prompted partly by his enthusiasm for the new gospel, and 
 partly by the beer furnished for the occasion and consumed 
 in becoming moderation by the little tailor. One might have 
 thought Richard had been popular before with the court, we 
 mean Dennis, of course, so popular indeed that an increase of 
 this popularity seemed impossible ; but by this little indulg- 
 ence to their appetites, he gained even more than by 
 his unceasing interest in their spiritual welfare, and unfor- 
 tunately indeed would have been the party bold enough to 
 speak ill of him among the tenants or utter threats against 
 him. 
 
 Richard saw that the large hall would require some en- 
 ergetic person to manage its business ; so he offered the place 
 to Mr. Rinehart, who was sagacious enough to see that the 
 
EITHER, OR. 217 
 
 post was likely to be a lucrative one, and therefore readily 
 accepted it. The transfer of his goods and family was speed- 
 ily effected, and then the building was thrown open to any 
 and all the branches of the new order wishing to avail them- 
 selves of the privilege. Mr. Stitch was the first to lead his 
 phalanx to the new temple, and proud indeed, he was, when 
 they assembled fully sixty strong. Richard was present, to 
 assist in the formation of the order, which assumed the name 
 of Number One, to distinguish it from those likely to follow 
 soon, but he declined the honor of presiding over it, as his 
 manifold duties would prevent him from doing justice to the 
 post. And now we must once more abandon the task of fol- 
 lowing him at every step, not because we would have nothing 
 of interest to present to our readers. On the contrary. We 
 claim that the most trivial work performed in such an exalted 
 scheme, is surrounded with a halo ennobling it in the sight of 
 every true lover of humanity, giving it a spiciness foreign to 
 more trivial matters, no matter how interesting to the selfishly 
 inclined or materially disposed. No, the plot thickens, 
 and it will be utterly impossible for us to keep in hand and 
 follow all the single threads of our story. We must be satis- 
 fied therefore with presenting to the reader's mind the 
 powerful combinations, the deep reflections, the strik- 
 ing lights, the scenes of awe, of terror, of love and 
 tenderness, of rage and hatred, of breathless suspense and 
 keen intensity, which our story presents. There are enough 
 of them dear reader, in fact, how could it be otherwise? Our 
 tale is not fictitious. If 3-011 have not met exactly the same 
 individuals presented on our stage, rest assured that they have 
 their true counterparts in life, and that you have encountered 
 them under different names and at other places. We repre- 
 sent a struggle more intense and bitter, more pathetic and com- 
 prehensive than any one which has hitherto marked the 
 annals of the race. Trust with us, that our heroes will 
 triumph ; hope that their philanthropise designs will be 
 crowned with success, for if they are not, if the selfish, the 
 despotic, the greedy and licentious crowd them to the wall ; if 
 
21 s EITHER, OR. 
 
 they toil their noble purposes and crush them under their 
 relentless tyranny, the aspect of human affairs will take a 
 sombre 'hue indeed, the milleniumj will be removed to distant 
 epochs, and our civilization bought with so much blood, so much 
 misery, so much suffering and so much time, swamp in the 
 universal brutality, which must and will ensue before the 
 race can be born anew. Yes, trust with us, that our heroes 
 will succeed, and do not withhold from them that sympathy 
 which is in itself a powerful ally. 
 
 The da}' after the opening of National Hall, as the place 
 was christened, Charles Duncan said farewell to his wife and 
 child and to his new friends, and started for the west. Rich- 
 ard, on the other hand, resumed his wanderings through the 
 city, feeling that he had lost much time, and determined that 
 it should be made up by double industry. His efforts were 
 eminently successful, so successful in fact as to fill him with 
 wonder, and strengthened into absolute certainty his previous 
 belief in the timeliness of his work. Wherever he went he made 
 converts, and soon the orders which met in National Hall 
 rose to tens, then twenties, and before the end of winter had 
 crowded up to number one hundred. Duncan was equally 
 successful. It was a pleasure to read his letters. "Our mem- 
 bership grows at an almost incredible rate, and what surprises 
 me most, the women are as anxious to join our ranks as the 
 men. We have a dozen orders composed exclusively of 
 women. " I took them in, knowing that you would not only 
 approve of such a step, but rejoice at it. In fact it is my 
 belief, Richard, that a movement which fails to enlist the 
 sympathy of women is still born. The funds you sent came 
 very handy. We have rented a hall and are now self sustain- 
 ing, although it has been impossible thus far to create a 
 reserve fund, as we must prepare for emergencies. I am glad 
 to hear that Gottlieb is drilling your forceS. We have some 
 old soldiers amongst us, and at our next meeting I shall sug- 
 gest the propriety of introducing such a feature in our exer- 
 cises. Well, enough for to-day. With heart} 7 good wishes to 
 you all I remain, Yours Sincerely, 
 
 Charles Duncan. 
 
EITHER, OR. 219 
 
 He was correct. Gottlieb did drill the members of the 
 order and almost every member excepting perhaps some old 
 men, had joined some company or other. When Richard had 
 time he frequented the nightly meetings and infused quite an 
 enthusiasm for gymnastics, wrestling and similar sports into 
 the members. He had a shooting gallery erected in the base- 
 ment, running the full length of the building, and there he 
 astonished his mates by the accuracy of his never failing aim. 
 They soon looked up to him in this, as almost all other 
 things, and before long Dick Brown, the tinker, became a 
 celebrity in the city. His deportment, however, remained the 
 same. He continued to be plain, painstaking, civil and oblig- 
 ing fellow, following his profession with a never swerving as- 
 siduity, as if his life depended upon his earnings. Of course in 
 his estimation, the seed he scattered during his wanderings was 
 of much greater value and importance than the money he 
 pocketed. Yet even in this he took pride, feeling that he was 
 thus setting an example worthy of imitation and likely to be 
 followed. Among the converts he made daily he found many 
 able men, and such he sent out to the various cities of the 
 land. Before the end of the year orders had been estab- 
 lished in Fratopolis, Smokopolis, Shoatopolis, Iyousopolis and 
 many other places. They all nourished in a surprising man- 
 ner, and at a meeting of all the orders of Plutopolis, which 
 occurred about New Years, he stated that reports from all 
 these places justified his opinion that the Order of the Nation 
 had even then, that is, only five months since its creation, 
 reached a membership of over two hundred thousand. He 
 said he took this opportunity to bid them farewell for a few 
 months, as their missionaries had expressed the wish of seeing 
 him in their midst, expressing their belief that such a move 
 would be followed by good results. He exhorted them to 
 keep the ball rolling and never to lose an hour to spread the 
 new taith among the ignorant or unbelievers. 
 
 He did go the next evening, but we cannot follow him. 
 He went from place to place, from State to State, until he had 
 journeyed over every portion of that immense country. At 
 
220 HITHER, OR. 
 
 some places he tarried long, at others only a day or two, 
 adapting his movements to the wants and interests of the peo- 
 ple. He did not travel as a tinker, however, feeling that such 
 a procedure would consume more time than he could spare, 
 and feeling also, that addresses delivered to large crowds 
 would further the cause more at this state of development 
 than the necessarily slow instructions meted out to a few in- 
 dividuals. 
 
 During his journey he was the subject of many criticisms 
 in the papers Most of them were moderately fair. While 
 some called him a crank, and others a dreamer, an enthusiast, or 
 impractical extremist, but very few denied that he showed re- 
 markable ability and consistency, living up to his preachings 
 in every particular and exhorting his followers to use 
 moderation in all their dealings with their foes, as 
 well as friends. A few conservative papers, however, denounced 
 him and his doctrines as extremely dangerous, because 
 fascinating, and expressed their belief in the propriety of in- 
 creasing the federal army, as the militia had become infected 
 with these dangerous doctrines, and could no longer be 
 trusted in emergencies. 
 
 It was in the fall, when Richard Brown returned to Plu- 
 topolis, where his friends gave him a warm reception. He 
 learned to his great satisfaction, that the members of the or- 
 der in that city alone had reached the surprising number of 
 five hundred thousand. National Hall was still the center of 
 the order, but a dozen other halls had been rented besides, 
 and the brotherhood possessed a reserve fund amounting to 
 many thousands. Here also women had been drawn into the 
 movement, forming dozens of orders or societies. Nor is this 
 to be wondered at, as the brotherhood proclaimed the equality 
 of the two sexes, allowing equal rights and equal duties. So 
 great was the influx of women into the order, that the 
 churches of the city began to be alarmed and preached con- 
 demning sermons, denouncing the godlessness of the movement, 
 its disregards of the teachings of the bible which justifies 
 poverty, and gives to woman an inferior position. These ser- 
 
EITHER, OR. 221 
 
 mons, however, had an effect contrary to that desired and 
 contemplated. They called the attention of women to the 
 unworthy position to which the bible condemns woman, and 
 after due investigation these harangues increased the deser- 
 tions from the churches to the ranks of the brotherhood. 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 THE BRUTALITY OF THE POOR. 
 
 On the Sunday following his arrival, Richard took his 
 customary morning walk in the park, when he discovered a 
 figure on one of the benches which appeared familiar to him. 
 He cast a second scrutinizing glance at it and, true enough, 
 there sat the old Scandinavian gentleman, whom he had met 
 over a year ago, on almost the same bench. There was the 
 old-fashioned broad-brimmed hat, the palitot buttoned to the 
 neck, the shoes with the huge buckles and the round glasses, 
 over which the benevolent eyes peered into the distance. The 
 locks, however, had become a little grayer, the palitot a little 
 more seedy, and the hat a little more dilapidated. Richard 
 sat down beside him, as on the former occasion, and said : 
 "Good morning, sir; how are you, and have you found your 
 niece?" 
 
 The other gave a little start, and replied with an uncer- 
 tain puzzled look: "I do not recollect of having met you be- 
 fore. Will you refresh my memory?" 
 
 "With pleasure, sir. We met on this very spot over a 
 year ago, when you informed me that you hailed from Swed- 
 en, and had come to Occidentia to find your niece, Mary ; nay, 
 Bertha, was her name, I think." 
 
 A smile passed over the old man's features, as he replied : 
 "Ah, now I recollect. You were the gentleman who gave me 
 a few circulars on parting, circulars, whose contents I disbe- 
 lieved and condemned then, but which a sad experience has 
 proved to be only too true." 
 
 "I had forgotten about the papers, a slip of memory at 
 
222 KITHER, OR. 
 
 which you will not wonder, when I tell you that I am in 
 the habit of stuffing everybody that way. So you have 
 become converted to my views. Am I to conclude from that 
 remark, that the world has not treated you very gently since 
 we met?" 
 
 "Gently?" the foreigner asked bitterly, "why they have 
 mocked me. scorned me, and robbed me ever since." 
 
 "That is too bad. To tell the truth, I anticipated some- 
 thing of the kind and had half a mind to post you a little on 
 leaving you ; but you had such an air of self-posessiou that I 
 felt a little shy to offer you advice. I am now sorry I did not 
 follow my first impulse. But what of Bertha : Have you not 
 found her yet? " 
 
 "Not a vestige of her, my friend, for something tells me 
 that I may consider you as such. They sent me from Pontius 
 to Pilate on errnds, which I now suspect to have.been those of 
 a fool, until my means are exhausted, and I had to stop from 
 want of funds as well as from exhaustion." 
 
 Here he stopped, looking so miserable, and yet so touch- 
 ingly grand in his simplicity, that Richard's heart warmed to. 
 wards him, causing him to form the resolution of charging 
 himself with this big boy. 
 
 " 'Tis too bad," he cried with genuine sympathy. "But, 
 may be it is not too late yet. Will you allow me to offer you 
 my assistance in this as well as in other matters? " 
 
 The stranger cast at him a glance, showing plainly that 
 the meanness of the world had done its mischief, and poisoned 
 a mind once so trustful, simple and genial. 
 
 He hesitated fully half a minute, then said uncertainly: 
 
 "Your words are ver) r kind, sir, and I long to confide in 
 them; but I have heard of so many of the same nature during 
 this wretched 3-ear that I cannot help feeling distrustful. 
 What interest can you take in an old man whom you saw only 
 once, and who was born in a foreign land? " 
 
 Richard gazed at him with compassion. "The world 
 must indeed have been very cruel to 3'ou, to dim a mind as 
 clear and placid as a spring, when first I met you. What in- 
 
EITHER, OR. 223 
 
 terest I take in you ? Do you forget the papers I handed you ? 
 I take in you the interest of one human being in another. But 
 I forgot ; these rascals have made you suspicious, so I must 
 not preach but argue. Tell me what reason could I possibly 
 have to dupe you. Are you not poor? " 
 
 "My purse is exhausted." 
 
 "Are you not old and friendless?" 
 
 "I ^ould, indeed, be of little use as a helpmate or a 
 worker." 
 
 "In that case, what inducements could I have to deceive 
 you, and to abuse your confidence?" 
 
 "You reason logically. Iyittle inducement could you 
 have to deceive me, excepting perhaps, the source of sport 
 which you and others might derive from it." 
 
 Richard was moved beyond expression. How some rogue 
 or rogues must have abused this child of nature ! 
 
 "These words imply no flattering estimate of my charac- 
 ter," he said kindty, "but I excuse them for the wrong done 
 you by parties who boast the name of men, but really stand 
 below the brute. All I can and will say, is : Try me, sir, and 
 if you detect the least trace of malicious selfishness or treach- 
 ery in ruy conduct, why spurn me and cast me off like a pois- 
 onous serpent." 
 
 There is a ring in truth which no imitation can fully 
 reach. The old man was conquered. He wiped a suspicious 
 moisture from his eyes, and extending his right hand to Rich- 
 ard, said in a tremulous voice : 
 
 "I will believe you, I do believe you. They have been 
 very cruel to me ; but to use such language and then deceive 
 me would be worthy of a Judas. Yes sir, I believe you, I do 
 believe and trust you." 
 
 "Thank you, Mr. — what is your name, please? " 
 
 "Andersen, Eric Andersen." 
 
 "Thank you, Mr. Andersen. I hope I can soon prove to 
 you the sincerity of my professions. And now Mr. Andersen, 
 give me an outline of your circumstances and situation, to en- 
 able me to form an idea of the course we had better pursue 
 
224 EITHER. OR. 
 
 to discover Bertha, and better your condition. But stop," he 
 continued, seeing that the other prepared to do his bidding. 
 "This is rather a public place for confidential communications. 
 Where do you live? Had not we better seek the quietude of 
 your room, before we begin ? " 
 
 The other hesitated and showed a slight embarrassment. 
 "Do not misjudge my silence," he then said hastily. "It was 
 not dictated by distrust ; but — but by the simple fact that 
 since this morning I have no room which I could call my 
 own." 
 
 "No room? Was I not lucky then to find you this morn- 
 ing." 
 
 "You?" the Swede said, with a touch of humor, "it 
 strikes me the luck is all on my side. Well, having no room 
 to take you to, I may as well make a virtue of necessity and 
 unburden my mind right here. I — " 
 
 "Nay, stop a moment. If you have no room we must 
 procure one. I do not wish to wound your feelings, but — but 
 have you any baggage left? " 
 
 "My trunk is in the clutches of my landlord, who refuses 
 to surrender it until a little boarding bill has been settled." 
 
 "The Shylock. Well, lead me to his den." 
 
 The Swede arose, but, was it increasing age, was it want 
 of proper nourishment, or the excitement of the moment, he 
 shook visibly, causing Richard to exclaim. "Come take my 
 arm and lean on me. Lean hard, I am strong and young and 
 only too glad to support old age so worthilj- attained." 
 
 The old gentleman accepted the proffered arm, saying 
 huskily. "It is the reaction, dear sir." 
 
 A sudden thought flashed through Richard's brain. 
 Perhaps it is also the want of breakfast. But he was too 
 delicate to give it words. When they reached the street 
 Richard halted before a restaurant, saying gaily: "See here. 
 There is a restaurant. Talking has made me hungry. Will 
 you do me the honor of being my guest ? " 
 
 The old man gazed at him over his spectacles. "That's 
 right," he said with a grim smile, "gloss it over. You know, 
 
EITHER, OR. 225 
 
 I had no breakfast and take this delicate way offering me 
 one." 
 
 "Have your own way about that" Richard replied with a 
 laugh. "It isn't polite to contradict old people, so if you con- 
 sent to be my guest you may arrange the details to suit your- 
 self." 
 
 They enter the establishment, and when the viands had 
 been placed before them, the old man attacked them with a 
 zest filling Richard with mixed pleasure and compassion. 
 The meal seemed to restore his guest to some of his former 
 buoyancy, for as they proceeded on their way. his step was 
 firmer, and his bearing more erect. 
 
 After walking half a dozen blocks further, the Swede 
 pointed to a small tavern, saying: "This is the place. Well, 
 I declare, you have not given me your name." 
 
 "Richard Brown, Mr. Andersen, generally known in town 
 as Dick, the Tinker." 
 
 Their arrival at the door of the tavern ended their con- 
 versation. There was an awning before the house, and a 
 number of the inmates sat on chairs, taking the usual Sunday 
 siesta. No sooner had our friends made their appearance, 
 when one of the men, a young fellow of rather rude and vul- 
 gar looks, exclaimed: "Hallo, professor, how is Bertha?" 
 
 "Richard felt his companion's arm tremble, and saw a 
 deep red mount his brow. Richard prided himself on consid- 
 erable self possession, but this unkind jest taxed it to the 
 utmost. Abandoning Andersen's arm he walked up to the 
 fellow, gazed him squarely in the face, and said coldly, with 
 ill-disguised contempt ; 
 
 "Mr. Andersen is my friend, sir, and I am ready to resent 
 severely any indignities offered him." 
 
 After uttering these words he retained his position suf- 
 ficiently long to give him an opportunity for replying. The 
 fellow, however, dropped his eyes before Richard's cold 
 scrutiny, and remained silent. 
 
 Richard had spoken loud enough to be heard by the 
 crowd, to intimate, that his remark had been intended for all. 
 
226 EITHER, OR. 
 
 Returning to Andersen, he said: "Now, dear sir, where is the 
 landlord?" 
 
 Before the old man could reply, a figure rose from one of 
 the chairs, exclaiming: "Here he be. Do you want anything 
 of me?" 
 
 "If you will please step into your office I shall inform you 
 the nature of my errand." 
 
 We need not inform the reader at this place, that there was 
 a certain something in Richard's decisive tone and manner,, 
 claiming attention and respect. So the landlord deemed it 
 prudent to lead the two newcomers into the office, where he 
 inquired rather brusquely: "Well, what is it you fellows 
 want?" 
 
 "Make out Mr. Andersen's bill, sir." 
 
 "There is no need of making that out. It has been made 
 out a dozen times, and he knows it." 
 
 "Let me have it, then." 
 
 The landlord opened a safe, rummaged amongst some 
 papers, and finally pulled forth a slip, which he threw rather 
 contemptuously on the counter. Richard had no desire to 
 pick a quarrel with him: so he took up the slip, reading: 
 "For ten weeks' board and lodging, $50." 
 
 "Is this correct, Mr. Andersen?" 
 
 "Of course it is. Do you think we cheat here, sir? " 
 
 "Is this bill correct, Mr. Andersen?" Richard asked a 
 second time, without heeding the landlord's interruption. 
 
 "I am afraid it is, sir. At least — " 
 
 "All right, then, we won't wrangle over a dollar or two 
 Receipt this if you please." 
 
 The landlord complied, and when Richard had handed 
 him the money he inquired. "Now, where is Mr. Andersen's 
 trunk?" 
 
 "In the garret amongst other rubbish," the other replied 
 sueeringly. 
 
 "Have the goodness, then, to have it brought down with- 
 out delaj-, as we desire to take it with us." 
 
EITHER. OR. 227 
 
 "Well, there ain't such a dreadful hurry, is there? He 
 took plenty time to pay his bill." 
 
 "I do not wish to bandy words with you. I'll give you ten 
 minutes to procure the trunk with all its contents, mind. If 
 it has not been delivered to us then, I shall notify the police " 
 He drew his watch, looked at it, and then sank into a 
 chair to await the landlord's pleasure. For fully a minute 
 wrath and prudence wrestled for the upper hand in the fellow. 
 Then prudence conquered by whispering. 
 
 "Get the trunk, to avoid cost. There is no earthly use in 
 throwing money into the street." So he dispatched the porter 
 for the trunk which was delivered to Richard just at the ex- 
 piration of the time of grace. 
 
 "Can you procure an express wagon for me ? ." he inquired 
 slipping a quarter into the man's hand. 
 
 "Certainly, there is one halting before the house now." 
 "Call him in, please." 
 
 The express man was called, and when the baggage had 
 been placed in his charge with the injunction to deliver it at 
 the grocery on Lemon street, Richard and his protege retired 
 from the tavern. While, they passed the loungers on the 
 pavement, not a word was said, but when our friends were a 
 hundred feet away a suppressed laughter became audible It 
 was the old story of the fist in the pocket. Richard, of course 
 ignored it, and hailing a street car, was soon whirled towards 
 Gottlieb's emporium. We give the establishment this name 
 on purpose. From its original humble proportions, it had 
 grown to be a real emporium now. An additional lot had 
 been purchased, and covered with a large building in which 
 not only groceries of every description, but a selection of hard 
 and hollow ware and dry goods were offered or sale Six 
 clerks had been engaged, one after another, partly because 
 Gottlieb and Sophie could not wait on all the customers, and 
 partly because their time was occupied by other things A 
 little girl had made her appearance, engaging rnuch of the 
 young mother's time, and as to Gottlieb, he had hecome grand 
 military instructor in National Hall, drilling his recruits to his 
 
228 EITHER, OR. 
 
 heart's content, until fifty thousand stalwart yeomen hailed 
 him chief. At first they had drilled with sticks, but gradually 
 as the resources of the order increased, rifles of an improved 
 pattern had been purchased, lining the armory of National 
 Hall, and the smaller rendezvous' of the brotherhood, to the 
 alarm of many a croaker who claimed that these weapons in 
 the hands of such fanatics, endangered the public safety. 
 Now and then a conservative newspaper published a leader on 
 this subject, clamoring for an increase of the army to keep 
 these anarchists in subjection ; but as the laws of the country 
 forbade only concealed fire arms, all these croakings had thus 
 far availed their authors nothing, although Richard forsaw 
 the probability of early attempts on the part of capital to 
 crush the rising spirit of the masses by more stringent police 
 measures. Duncan had written him several times on this 
 point, regretting that the lack of funds of the Lakopolis 
 brotherhood had thus far made the purchase of arms impossi- 
 ble. To this Richard had replied: 
 
 "Organize companies and offer them to the State as 
 militia .True, this makes them subject to the governor's call, 
 but the danger of the abuse of his power is small in com- 
 parison with the advantage you will derive from the drill." 
 
 But we have lost sight of Richard and his protege. When 
 they reached the grocery Gottlieb and his spouse were rather 
 surprised at this increase of the family, but Richard had 
 brought the stranger, and that was sufficient. So perfect was 
 their trust in him and in the sagacity and benevolence of his 
 measures, that they would have jumped into the river, if he 
 had bidden them. 
 
 Richard took Sophie aside and gave her a hurried account 
 of the stranger's case, and his own intentions. Then he ad- 
 ded: "And now Sophie, have you some spare room where we 
 can put him? " 
 
 "Certainly, there is the attic room in the new building, 
 just as cosy a place as a king could wish." 
 
 "Is it ready? " 
 
 "I can make it so in ten minutes." 
 
EITHER, OR. 229 
 
 "All right, I'll take his trunk up, and when you are ready 
 make me a sign." 
 
 The sign was made very shortly, and Richard took his 
 new protege to his new quarters, saying on entering: "Now t 
 Mr. Andersen, make yourself comfortable. I'll leave you to 
 arrange things to suit yourself, and when vou have done I'll 
 come to hear your story." 
 
 As he was on the point of leaving, the old man took both 
 his hands in his, and said with a voice half choked with 
 emotion? ''Mr. Brown, how can I ever repay this? It is all 
 like a dream, from which I expect to awaken every mo- 
 ment." 
 
 "It isn't though, and you can repay me by saying noth- 
 ing more about it. Good bye, I'll be back shortly." 
 
 Down stairs he once more cornered Sophie, confiding to 
 her his fear that her guest's linen was in a highly dilapidated 
 condition. "You examine his trunk when he is away, and if 
 you see anything wrong, quietly restore or renew it. We 
 must not hurt his feelings, you know." 
 
 She nodded intelligently, and informed him late that 
 evening that Mr. Andersen's linen was past mending, so she 
 would get him half a dozen shirts, beside the requisite hand- 
 kerchiefs, socks, cravats, etc. Nor was she slow in executing 
 her errand of mercy, for when the old gentleman opened his 
 trunk the next evening he found his entire wardrobe renewed, 
 with a liberality only less marked than the delicacy exercised 
 in the act. He saw that they did not want him to say any- 
 thing about it, and he obeyed, although his heart was full to 
 bursting. But this does not put us in possession of his his- 
 tory, so we returned to the moment when Richard re-entered 
 his room and said. "Now, Mr. Andersen, I am ready to hear 
 what you have to say, but remember that I am no detective, 
 nor you on the witness stand." 
 
 "Thank you, rny son. You do not object to my calling 
 you sou?" 
 
 "I do not, provided you allow me the privileges of a son. 
 
2 3 o EITHER, OR. 
 
 I am going to take one right now. Why don't you take off 
 this overcoat, sir." 
 
 "I answer as frankly as you ask. Because my wardrobe 
 is hardly in a presentable condition." 
 
 "Then we'll make it so. Off with the palitot." He 
 laughingly took hold of the garment, and Andersen seeing 
 his kind intentions, and having, morever, a keen sense for the 
 humerous, yielded to the gentle force of his new friend His 
 clothes were indeed far from presentable. The coat had 
 numerous tears and holes, and the pantaloons were hardly 
 better. 
 
 "I see we must postpone our story a little while longer," 
 Richard said, feigning a comical consternation. "Excuse me 
 a moment. I think you and Gottlieb are of nearly the same 
 build, so I'll go and see whether I cannot annex a suit of his 
 until we can secure a new outfit. He left and was gone fully 
 fifteen minutes. When he returned, he said : "Come with me, 
 Mr. Andersen, if you please." 
 
 The old man had by this time adopted the docility of a 
 child. At first this kindness had been embarrassing, but it 
 was offered with such genuine friendship that the bitter edge 
 was soon wore off, and now the keen satisfaction of stripping 
 off his rags and donning nice new clothes overpowered the 
 rest of his diffidence, and he followed his patron with the 
 readiness of a person who has had his coat drenched and does 
 not care whether the other garments follow suit or not. 
 Richard proceeded down stairs, and finally stopped at a door, 
 saying: "Go in here, sir, and lock the door after you. Things 
 inside explain themselves. So I need not interpret them. 
 When you are through, come back to your room where I shall 
 await you. Richard shoved him in. The apartment was a 
 bathroom, and a large tin tub contained warm water, while 
 soap, sponges, brushes and towels were spread on a neighbor- 
 ing table. A clean shirt, ditto socks, and a complete suit were 
 laid on another table, with the evident design of being donned 
 by Mr. Andersen. He stood for a moment, as if overwhelmed, 
 and involuntarily folded his hands, as if invoking silent bless- 
 
EITHER, OR. 231 
 
 ing upon the donor of all these things. Then he rapidly 
 stripped his rags, and proceeded to bathe with the delight of 
 a person who indulges in a favorite pastime long missing. 
 We need not stand by to watch him, but will say that when 
 he returned to Richard, that j'oung man hardly recognized 
 him. So he said approvingly, "that looks something like it. 
 Now take this easy chair, and spin your yarn." 
 
 Andersen complied, heaving a deep sigh of relief and sat- 
 isfaction, as he sank in the comfortable chair, and then 
 began : 
 
 "I was born in Stockholm, but raised in Upsala, where 
 my father was appointed professor of ancient languages. I 
 showed a predilection for natural science from childhood and 
 determined to devote myself to the study of chemistry and 
 its sister branches, when I had reached the age of sixteen." 
 
 "Then you and I have kindred minds and tastes," said 
 Richard. "That accounts perhaps for the interest I took in 
 you, sir." 
 
 "Don't slander yourself Richard. You would take the 
 kindest interest even in a savage. But to proceed : At 
 eighteen my father gave me enough money to study chemistry 
 for a year or two at the University of Goettingen, in Germany, 
 then famous through the lectures of some eminent chemists. 
 There I stayed three years and, — " 
 
 "Of course, you speak German, then?" 
 "Not so fluently as then, but I have retained enough to 
 understand it when spoken, and to reply in it." 
 
 "That conies handy. Gottlieb and his worthy spouse are 
 both natives of Germany, and will take a double interest in 
 you, when they learn that you speak their language. But ex- 
 cuse my interruption." 
 
 "When I was through I returned to Upsala, where I 
 worked first as the assistant of the professor of chemistry, but 
 was installed in his position a few years later, at the time of, 
 and on account of his death. This professorship I have filled 
 uninterruptedly for forty-five years. About eighteen months 
 ago I. was pensioned and would probably be living at Upsala 
 
232 EITHER, OR. 
 
 at this very moment, if I had not received the letter informing 
 me of my sister's death, and filling me with the desire of find- 
 ing and befriending my niece." 
 
 Richard pondered a moment or two. It was a simple life, 
 the life of a scholar probably eminent in his branch, but 
 strangely ignorant not only of other sciences, but of the ways 
 of life. At last he said : "Mr. Andersen, I presume you have 
 mingled but little with society?" 
 
 "Very little, my son. I did not care for their ways, nor 
 they for mine." 
 
 "But your journey to Goettingen and your sojourn there 
 must have caused numerous contacts with the world." 
 
 "Not so many as you imagine. In those days we had no 
 railways, and the post chase is a rather secluded vehicle of 
 travel. I traveled from Upsala on board a vessel, landing at 
 Breuerhafeu. Thence proceeded on a river craft to Muenden, 
 and thence the last ten miles by stage to Goettingen. You 
 see in that way a fellow would not see much of the wortd." 
 
 Richard did see it, and now understood some traits in the 
 professor's character strange to him at first. "And don't you 
 still draw your pension? " he inquired. 
 
 "I do, but my expenses have been so very great that I 
 Was forced to anticipate it fully six months, and can not draw 
 now until the first of April, next year. Besides my leave of 
 absence expires at that date, and unless it is renewed I must 
 return to Sweden or lose my pension." 
 
 "That's queer, can you not live where you please? " 
 
 "It seems not. Perhaps our government wishes me to 
 spend my money at home. At all events, you may rely upon 
 the correctness of my statement." 
 
 "Then we must either find Bertha in a hurry, or get your 
 furlough renewed. Through whom do you communicate with 
 the government at home? " 
 
 "Through the Swedish consul." 
 
 "And did you never invoke his assistance in your search." 
 
 "Not until recently. While I had money my landlord 
 was as sweet as pie, volunteering his assistance and insisting 
 
EITHER, OR. 233 
 
 upon having my mail sent to his place. I never received 
 any letter from him, but whether none arrived, or whether he 
 appropriated them I cannot tell." 
 
 "Then Bertha may have written to you repeatedly?" 
 
 "She may, but as I stated before, such letters, if written, 
 never reached me." 
 
 "But now you have sent instructions to have any letters 
 arriving in Upsala for you, sent in care of the Swedish consul 
 here?" 
 
 "It is, as you say, but I must confess, that I entertain but 
 little hope of help from that quarter." 
 
 "But why is this, Mr. Andersen?" 
 
 "Simply because the consul received me very coldly, call- 
 ing me names which are polite synonyms for dolt or fool. He 
 was kind enough to say or insinuate that he had never seen 
 such simplicity before, and if you are honest my son, you will 
 say about the same thing." 
 
 "You certainly are very simple-hearted and simple-man- 
 nered. But that, Mr. Andersen, is no disgrace, but rather a 
 virtue in my estimation. Your simple life in the lecture 
 rooms of Upsala could hardly impart to you the 'finesse' of a 
 Tallyrand or Macchiavelli, but I tell the honest truth, when I 
 say that I prefer your simplicity to, their cunning." 
 
 "I thank you sincerely, my son, for your kind criticism ; 
 but you must confess that my simplicity disqualifies me greatly 
 for hunting lost maidens." 
 
 "So it does, Mr. Andersen, and I shall, therefore, take 
 this matter in hand myself. Did you ever advertise in the 
 great journals of Plutopolis ? " 
 
 "Not extensively. At first I did not deem this necessary, 
 and when I finally became convinced of the expediency of 
 such a measure, I lacked the means to resort to it." 
 
 "Well, I shall insert an advertisement in every one of them 
 to-morrow. Let me see. Bertha Rasmussen, age — how old 
 did you say?" 
 
 "She must be over eighteen now." 
 
 "Eighteen then ; is requested to communicate without 
 
234 HITHER, OR. 
 
 delay with Gottlieb Grad, 1591 Lemon street, Plutopolis, if 
 she desires to learii the whereabouts of her uncle, Eric Ander- 
 sen." 
 
 "You think this indirect communication best? " 
 
 "Well, it answers as well as an}\ But I hear Sophie call- 
 ing for supper; so come on." 
 
 At supper the conversation turned upon the Brotherhood 
 and its principles. When Richard emphasized the necessity 
 of enlightening the masses, declaring that even a superficial 
 knowledge of natural science was calculated to dissipate the 
 darkness, superstition and bigotry still befogging so many 
 minds, Mr. Andersen said : "Mr. Brown, that touches my 
 province. I have delivered many such lectures as you sug- 
 gest, at home, and received many favorable criticisms regard- 
 ing them. If you think that my feeble efforts in that line 
 would advance your cause, I would be only too happy to offer 
 you my services. Of course I don't talk English very well, 
 but if you think — " 
 
 "I think the idea is superb, and we shall try at once, only 
 don't make the thing too long and learned at first, you know, 
 and then make experiments, that arouses their interest." 
 
 "I understand, and think I could gain your approbation. 
 I have no doubt of it professor. At all events, with your per- 
 mission, we shall try to-morrow night. There will be a 
 general meeting in National Hall, that is, quite a crowd. If 
 you need anything for your experiments, write it down and I 
 shall procure it to-morrow. Have you thought of the sub- 
 ject you will present to the audience." 
 
 "Yes, Richard. I thought of reproducing a course of 
 lectures I once delivered at home with great success, entitled 
 'Chemistry, Man's Handmaid.' Some of them touch upon 
 the various trades and occupations of man; others on house 
 keeping, touching on those of women, all of them showing the 
 value, nay the necessity of the knowledge of chemistry in even 
 the humblest vocations." 
 
 "An excellent subject, Mr. Andersen. If you can show 
 
EITHER, OR. 235 
 
 the necessity to our friends, you will do them a great service 
 and at the same time enable our cause." 
 
 "Please inform me a few days before hand, when you in- 
 tend speaking on housekeeping to enable me to inform our 
 sisters and thus secure a full attendance." 
 
 In the morning Richard called at the various newspaper 
 offices and arranged for the advertisement in question. Later 
 he called at the Swedish Consulate to interview its head, and 
 urge a more zealous attendance to Andersen's case. He found 
 the consul ready to make fun of the matter and take it very 
 lightly. Richard's seriousness, however, stopped this levity 
 at once. 
 
 "Professor Andersen's simplicity," he said impressively, 
 "entitles him to the consideration of all men, and especially 
 his countrymen, as it originates with the faithful and long con- 
 tinued services to his country. He had no time to learn the 
 ways of the world, and this ignorance instead of being made a 
 subject of sport, should secure to him the respectful and cheer- 
 ful assistance of all men. I have no doubt that the govern- 
 ment of Sweden entertains these views, and would readily and 
 earnestly rebuke any negligence or levit} r of its servants in 
 this case." 
 
 The consul listened attentively and promised to exert his 
 influence in Andersen's behalf, adding that he expected to be 
 able to secure for him a prolongation of his furlough, and 
 closing with the promise to send to the professor's present ad- 
 dress any mail which might arrive for him. 
 
 Next he purchased the jars, lamps and chemicals which 
 Andersen had ordered, and then secured for him a plain but 
 becoming suit of black cloth in which to appear before his 
 audience that night. He knew the importance which a su- 
 perficial world puts upon appearances and was determined to 
 aid to the best of his ability, the debut of his old friend. In 
 the afternoon he plied his old vocation, visiting places which 
 had hitherto escaped his attention, or others, where encourage- 
 ment or information was needed, and only returned to the 
 grocery when the clocks on the steeples pointed to the hour 
 
236 EITHER, OR. 
 
 of supper. At seven he put the professor's apparatus in the 
 spring wagon, invited that worthy to a seat at his side , 
 and drove to the hall. The meeting was called at eight, 
 and when our friends entered the hall they found it 
 well filled, the men standing or setting in groups, con- 
 versing, and waiting for the call to order. It was 
 given precisely at eight, and obeyed with an alacrity pleas- 
 ant to behold. Richard had endeavored so instill from 
 the start, the necessity of order and dispatch, claim- 
 ing that a ' quiet and orderly conduct would not only 
 secure them the approbation of the public, but go far to 
 silence the apprehension of timid croakers. The business of 
 the order was first attended to, occupying a little over half an 
 hour. When it was over the president rapped on his desk 
 with his gavel, and informed the meeting that Brother Brown 
 wished to say a few words. A general hush followed this an- 
 nouncement, and when Richard stepped to the front, the drop- 
 ping of a pin might have been heard. This token of respect 
 and interest, was, no doubt, mainly due to the universal 
 regard in which our friend was held by his associates, but also 
 to his eloquence, intelligence and sagacity. Richard had 
 from the start remembered the adage that "familiarity begets 
 contempt." While he had addressed these men quite 
 frequently, he had taken pains not to tire them with his 
 orations, thus insuring a freshness impossible with a daily 
 repetition. Nor had he ever addressed his associates, unless 
 he had really something to say, a policy whose pursuit now 
 and always secured for him their undivided attention. He 
 said: 
 
 "Friends and Brethren : You have often heard me say, 
 and are likely to hear me say again and again, that no eleva- 
 tion of the workingmen, no redress of their wrongs, no ad- 
 vancement of their interests can possibly be secured without 
 enlightenment and the acquisition of useful knowledge. It 
 is mainly the superior knowledge, skill and education, which 
 has enabled capitalists to usurp the rights of the masses, and 
 only by our endeavors in that direction can we hope, nay ex- 
 
EITHER, OR. 237 
 
 pect, to compete with them, and compel them finally to respect 
 our claims. Your general conduct proves that you are not 
 only deeply impressed with the necessity of the dissemination 
 of knowledge in our ranks, but also bound and determined to 
 secure the advantage accruing therefrom. You have bene- 
 fitted by every opportunity which offered, to perfect your- 
 selves in political economy, in the sciences bearing most 
 directly upon the interests of our race, and also those physical 
 exercises calculated to quaiify the body for the endurance of 
 hardships, or the defense and securement of our inalienable 
 rights. This being the case, it gives me great satisfaction to 
 inform you to-night, that I have been offered the services of a 
 gentlemen, who, for nearly a half century, has made the 
 teaching of chemistry the business of his life, and now vol- 
 unteers to give us a number of lectures on this most important 
 of all modern sciences, lectures to be adapted to our wants and 
 intermingled with experiments. The gentleman is a native 
 of Sweden, and has requested me to remind you that he has 
 mastered our language by study in late years, begging your 
 indulgence for inaccuracies and imperfections he may betray. 
 And now permit me to introduce to you and your considera- 
 tion my friend, Professor Eric Andersen, of the University of 
 Upsala." 
 
 Mr. Andersen stepped forward, made his bow and began 
 his remarks, which not only captivated the audience from the 
 beginning, but created the undivided astonishment of our 
 friend. Was this really the same man that had been made 
 the sport of roughs, the same man that had betrayed a sim- 
 plicity laughable in the eyes of even a child? It seemed as if 
 the stepping upon the platform had, as it were, transformed 
 him. His simplicity had become frankness, his credulity, 
 confidence. Even his language had undergone a change, be- 
 ing broader, more comprehensive and appropriate. Of course, 
 his foreign accent remained, but this accent, instead of hurt- 
 ing his delivery, only gave it a piquancy, which lent it an ad- 
 ditional charm. Before the professor had spoken five minutes, 
 Richard perceived that he was a complete master of the sub- 
 
238 EITHER, OR. 
 
 ject he had chosen. Andersen did not only know what he 
 was talking about, but he interspersed his remarks with such 
 genuine humor, and spiced them with so many telling anec- 
 dotes, that his audience uttered an involuntary "ah" of regret, 
 when the professor closed his lecture at the expiration of an 
 hour. Richard warmly pressed his hands, and thanked him 
 most cordially for the splendid effort with which he had en- 
 tertained the brotherhood, while our friend in turn was heart- 
 ily congratulated upon the procurement of a person that 
 promised to prove a phoenix amongst' lecturers. The hap- 
 piest in the crowd, however, was Andersen himself. A deep 
 satisfaction filled his heart, the consciousness of being able to 
 thus repay the kindness of his young friend and rescuer from 
 want and abuse. He proposed nightly repetitions of the lec- 
 ture, but Richard put in his veto, saying: "You are too prec- 
 ious an acquisition to exhaust your strength in such frenzied 
 efforts. Besides, familiarity breeds contempt. No, no, my 
 dear sir, you take life easy now. If you give us a lecture 
 once, or at most twice a week, you do all you ought to do. 
 Remember, you are no longer a boy." 
 
 "Only sixty-nine," the professor said with a laugh. 
 
 "An old boy, then, at the least. But here we are at home. 
 I hope you will sleep easy on your laurels." 
 
 We must pursue the same policy with the professor, as 
 with Richard and the other characters of our tale, i, e., give 
 him an occasional notice, when time and opportunity permit. 
 As we shall probably lose sight of him for a while, at least, 
 we may as well add here, that his first lecture to the sisters of 
 the brotherhood was even a greater success, than the first one. 
 Richard had taken pains to advertise this lecture of "the 
 chemistry on cookery" extensively, partly in the little weekly 
 organ of the brotherhood, which had been started lately, to 
 cement more firmly the individual members, and partly in the 
 press of the city generally. In consequence, the hall was 
 packed with the flower of the fair sex that night, with a 
 sprinkling of the sterner sex, which we fear, was more at- 
 tracted by the ladies, than the lecture. Richard duly intro- 
 
EITHER, OR. 239 
 
 duced his friend, who then gave the ladies a harangue, bal- 
 ancing so cleverly between dry science and trite common 
 places, that they were not merely delighted, but greatly bene- 
 fitted by his words. These two lectures insured his fame. 
 The house was packed every time he spoke, nor could even 
 bad winter nights deter the people from drinking knowledge 
 from lips so eloquent, humorous and benevolent. Richard told 
 Andersen more than once, that these lectures did not only 
 spread much useful information amongst the people, but in- 
 creased the membership, especially of the sisters, in an astonish- 
 ing degree. Our friend, however, had long since ceased to won- 
 der at this marvelous growth. He had learned that the subject 
 had only to be presented to the people in the proper light, 
 to bring conviction and subsequently support. At first he had 
 attended to the correspondence with outside lodges ; but 
 gradually the work had assumed such proportions that a 
 salaried secretary had to be appointed, whose duty it was to 
 answer queries and communicate facts. He was not greatly 
 surprised to learn from this official at the end of the second 
 year of the existence of the order, that a careful count placed 
 the membership at nearly two millions, full}' one third being 
 women. 
 
 It was on the morning after Andersen's first lecture that 
 Richard passed Mr. Stitch's shop, and was called in by that 
 gentleman. 
 
 "That was a fine treat you gave us last night, Dick," he 
 said, after the first greeting ; "where in the world did you 
 fish for that fellow?" 
 
 "On dry land, Mr. Stitch." 
 
 "Well, he is a caution. The way he brings those fine 
 words out is a surprise to me. But see here Brown, did you 
 hear of the trouble they had in Irishtown last night? " 
 
 "I did not. What was the matter?" 
 
 "Oh, well, I reckon our teachings have crazed some of 
 those ignorant chaps, for they claim that the distribution of 
 all the good things is at hand, and threaten to call upon the 
 rich to hand over their surplus." 
 
240 HITHER, OR. 
 
 "Poor cranks. That proves plainly that without knowl- 
 edge, ideas may prove dangerous." 
 
 "So they be, Dick, and no mistake. It is like a child's 
 playing with fire — it may set the town on fire." 
 
 "Yes, and get burnt itself. I trust the folks of Dennis 
 Court are not amongst these fanatics? " 
 
 "Not they, not they. I tell you a wonderful change has 
 come over those people, and one hardly recognizes in them 
 the doleful set of two years ago. No, it is them vagabonds two 
 or three streets further back, as make the trouble." 
 
 "Well, I shall go there to-night and see for myself." 
 
 "Yes go, you have a powerful influence over them Dick, 
 and will, no doubt, use it to good advantage. I tell you this 
 is a disgrace for the brotherhood, and I am in for quelling the 
 mob by main force, if they refuse to listen to reason." 
 
 "Well, such force is as dangerous as the evil ; but I must 
 go, so good bye." 
 
 That evening when supper was over, Richard started for 
 the quarter which, according to the tailor's story, had been 
 the scene of the disturbances the night before. 
 
 They could hardly have been as serious as Stitch inti- 
 mated or the police would have interfered. True he had been 
 too busy to read the local news, but felt sure that he would 
 have heard of serious outbreaks, if any had occurred. 
 It was a little after seven when he reached the 
 neighborhood, which was inhabited almost exclusively by 
 Irish, that is, the element"which, according to the tailor's ac- 
 count, had caused the disturbance and was likely to renew it. 
 He met with no scenes of manifest disorder, but there was a 
 more than usual stir among the inhabitants. They sat in 
 groups on their door steps, stood in knots around the lamp 
 posts, or at the corners. The latter consisted mainly of men, 
 and when Richard approached one of them, he was accosted 
 with a noisy — 
 
 "Good evening, Misther Brown." , 
 
 "Good evening," our friend replied. "What's going on? 
 This is not St. Patrick's day in the morning?" 
 
EITHER, OR. 241 
 
 "No, surr, it be the divil's day in the evenin'." 
 A shout of laughter awarded this attempt at wit. 
 "You better look out then, my good fellow, 'tis after his 
 imps the devil is, on such occasions." 
 
 "Then, what is it ye are after here, Misther Brown? Is 
 it to spy out our doings, ye skulk about this neighborhood? " 
 "You must be drunk, man, to talk that way. You surely 
 do not know me, or you would not rave such nonsense." 
 
 "May be I would, and may be I wouldn't. It is a civil 
 tongue I would advise ye to keep in your mouth when ye 
 crape around here. This ain't Dennis Court, you know." 
 
 The others winked to the speaker to desist, and Richard, 
 who had no desire whatever to pick a drunken row, proceeded 
 on his way. He passed the Irish quarter and entered a street 
 principally inhabited by Italians, Hungarians and kindred 
 nations of the southeast of Europe. Here the same excite- 
 ment prevailed, but as he could not understand the remarks 
 of the people as he passed, he only conjectured that the same 
 cause had produced the same effect, viz., that doctrines sound 
 and harmless in themselves, but misunderstood or perhaps 
 purposely misconstrued, had stirred these ignorant people to 
 a depth portending evil to order and peace What should he 
 do^ Should he stop and argue with people incapable of un- 
 derstanding, and much less comprehending him ? It would 
 be useless, and his heart was heavy and oppressed, as he re- 
 traced his steps, and finally stopped at Dennis Court. He 
 ascended the stairs to the reading room, but found it empty. 
 He picked up a paper, but laid it down as quickly as he had 
 picked it up, and was on the point of leaving when little Fay 
 came in and gleefully ran up to her lrieud. 
 "Where is mamma, Fay ? " he inquired. 
 "Down stairs in the basement to get supper ready." 
 "Well, let us go and find her. I want to speak to her." 
 The child took the proffered hand and together they 
 decended the stairs, and entered the basement, where they 
 found Mrs. Duncan superintending as usual. After shaking 
 hands, she said: "I am glad you came, Dick. I fear mischief 
 
242 EITHER. OR. 
 
 is brewing amongst these ignorant people, and as it is 
 through the misapprehension of your teachings that this 
 trouble has come, it is but right that you should know of it." 
 
 il I heard of the trouble, Alice, and have just returned 
 from a walk through the rebellious district. I found the peo- 
 ple noisy, but orderly, and really think that talk is all the} 7 
 will resort to." 
 
 "Mrs. Murphy does not think so. She says hard times 
 and communistic ideas have set these people crazy, and she 
 fears that they think of sacking and robbing the houses of the 
 wealthy in the neighboring ward. There, do you hear that?" 
 
 It was the distant sound of many discordant and excited 
 voices, which caused this question. Richard rose hastily, and 
 was on the point of dashing from the building, when Alice 
 took his hand and said imploringly : "Do not expose your- 
 self rashly and foolishly, Richard. Stay here, these premises 
 may soon need your presence and protection." 
 
 "I cannot stay, Alice. Tell Jim to close the large door 
 of the gateway, and to stay on the premises. I must find out 
 what this means, and perchance prevent mischief." 
 
 He hastened in the direction of the Irish quarter, guided 
 by the ever increasing noise. It w r as half after eight now, 
 and, short though his absence had been, the scene had changed 
 greatly and for the worse. The men walked in squads in the 
 middle of the streets, now swinging half empty bottles, sing- 
 ing songs full of obscene allusions, and uttering threats 
 against all who possessed wealth and refused to surrender it. 
 The women kept more on the side walks, but they were 
 noisier than the men, swinging like them bottles with dubious 
 contents evidently stronger than water, verifying Schiller's 
 words, when he says : 
 
 "Da werden Weiber zu Hyaenen, und treiben mit Entset- 
 sen Sherz." 
 
 Just at that moment Richard approached a place where 
 an alley opens into the larger street. From this alley there 
 dashed a carriage with a coachman on the box, whose palid 
 face betrayed fear and consternation. He whipped his horses 
 
EITHER, OR. 243 
 
 as if his life depended upon their speed. He described so 
 short a curve on reaching the wider streets that the inside 
 wheels were raised from the ground, the vehicle threatening 
 to upset for quite a while. The coachman leaned heavily to 
 the left, until the carriage righted, when once more he whipped 
 his horses, dashing through the crowd without any regard to 
 their safety, until he disappeared in the distance. Richard 
 saw how the maddened crowd picked up cobble stones and 
 flung them after the carriage, but he failed to notice whether 
 these missiles did any harm, for at that moment he reached 
 the corner formed by the street and the alley, and looking 
 down the latter saw a spectacle so thrilling as to rivet itself 
 indelibly upon his brain. 
 
 About thirty feet from the corner a solitary lamp shed its 
 light upon the nearest surroundings, its light forming a strik- 
 ing contrast with the darkness behind. This lamp was not 
 placed upon a post like most street lamps, but on a bracket 
 protruding three or four feet from the wall to the building. 
 The lighted place was filled with women, but women so full 
 of whiskey, and consequently so infuriated as hardly to 
 deserve the name. In their midst stood a young woman — a 
 girl hardly older than eighteen, clad in the materials used by 
 the richer classes. Her head was bare, but a bonnet of costly 
 material which an old hag swung threateningly in her face, 
 showed that this head cover had probably been hers but 
 snatched away in rough fashion, as braids of rich blond hair 
 had fallen down her bosom, reaching far below her waist. A 
 jacket in which she was clad had partly shared the fate of the 
 bonnet, for one sleeve had disappeared and the other was torn 
 to its full length. All these things, however, engaged Rich- 
 ard's attention only a moment, for the face of the girl soon at- 
 tracted and held his gaze as if by magic. 
 
 She was a blonde, her disheveled hair gleaming in the 
 light like gold, and her pure and clear complexion contrasting 
 strangely with the darkness behind. Her face was pale, her 
 lips compressed, and her eyes fixed upon the hags around 
 her, who seemed to fascinate her much as the rattle snake is 
 
244 EITHER, OR. 
 
 said to fascinate little birds within its reach. Richard took in 
 this sight like one in a dream, but suddently the aggressive 
 movements of the hags recalled him to the full consciousness 
 of the situation, and the necessity of speedy action, if he did 
 not want to see this victim torn to fragments by the mob. He 
 hurried forward, and was just on the point of breaking through 
 the circle formed by the hags, when he heard her say with a 
 sweet but firm and strangely calm voice : "My friends, why 
 do you treat me in this way?" 
 
 "And it is yer friends, indade we be, darling," cried the 
 woman, swinging the bonnet in her hand. "We love yer so, 
 that we shall take care of all them purty things for ye." 
 
 "I'll take care of this purty pin for yer." 
 
 With these words she snatched at the jeweled breast-pin, 
 holding" together the fragments of the jacket, while another 
 made a dive at one of the earrings, and would probably have 
 torn it from the ear, if Richard's hand had not interfered in 
 season. Seizing the two hags, one with one hand, and the 
 second with the other, he swung them back with a force which 
 caused them and others behind them to tumble, and then 
 cried sternly : "Back, you friends. Are you crazy, to thus 
 treat a human being? Back, I say, and out of the way, or, 
 by jove, I'll crush you like so many adders !" 
 
 The crowd recoiled, partly on account of the suddenness 
 of the interruption of their sport, partly on account of the 
 recognition of the intruder. " 'Tis the tinker," some of them 
 cried, increasing the distance from an adversary, whose pow- 
 ers had resounded through the neighborhood. Richard was 
 aware that this awe would probably last only a short time, 
 and undoubtedly be drowned in the fumes of whiskey. He 
 knew also, that many hounds are the death of the hare, and 
 that, once pursued by these infuriated hags, and impeded by 
 the care for his protege, her escape at least would be highly 
 problematical. He therefore seized her hand, and said hur- 
 riedly, while drawing her deeper into the shade of the alley : 
 "This way, madam. And now be quick, for when these 
 
EITHER, OR. 245 
 
 devils have recovered from their shock, and start in pursuit, 
 your life will not be worth much, I assure you." 
 
 "Nor yours, either," she replied with her former calmness, 
 "You must not imperil it by loitering with me." 
 
 "Nonsense," he exclaimed impatiently, as if shocked at 
 the very idea of such an imputation, and pulling her along as 
 fast as he could without hurting her. "Hurry, I say, or they 
 will be upon us before we know it. There," he added, looking 
 behind, but still dragging her along, "I told you they would 
 be after us. Run for your life, and get out of this quarter as 
 fast as your feet will carry you, while I make a stand and beat 
 them back. Run I tell you." 
 
 He had no time to see whether his injunction was obeyed, 
 for at this very moment the drunken host came in sight whoop- 
 ing, yelling and screaming in a fashion which would have done 
 credit to a legion of imps. They rushed forward with reck- 
 lessness, which Richard would undoubtedly have admired on 
 another occasion and in a nobler cause. As it was, he had no 
 time for sentiments of any kind, for the foremost hag made a 
 dive at his face and would probably have scratched out his 
 eyes, if he had given her time. He saw plainly that this was 
 no occasion for a display of gallantry, and that even a passive 
 resistence would probably result in loss of limb, if not of life. 
 So he gave the foremost hag a blow which sent her spinning 
 to the dust. A second one took her place, and once more sharp 
 nails aimed at the destruction of his organs of sight. A 
 second blow — a second fall; but still they came whooping, yell- 
 ing and gnashing their teeth in fury. His hands rose and fell 
 like sledgehammers, every blow increasing the pile at his feet. 
 But now he perceived that some endeavored to pass him, 
 with the evident intention of attacking him in the rear. He 
 set his teeth firmly, wishing for a hundred arms, but feeling 
 that they would surely encompass him, and start in pursuit of 
 the woman he had succored with so much risk and so much 
 bravery, when suddenly a well known voice struck his ears, 
 crying : "Take courage, Misther Brown, the by's of Dennis 
 Court be coming to the rescue." 
 
246 EITHER, OR. 
 
 Then there was an onset on the hostile forces in front of 
 him, followed by a wholesale slaughter, and then Jim Murphy, 
 with half a dozen other tenants of the Court rushed forth, and 
 surrounded our friend, who smiled pleasantly, saying: "Thanks, 
 my lads, I won't forget this very soon." 
 
 "That's all roight, Misther Brown, but ef you'll take my 
 advice, you won't stay here very long, you won't. The very 
 air is full with them she devils, an' ef we stay long we'll have 
 more of them at our hails, nor we can manage. But who is 
 this little gal, surr? " 
 
 Richard looked quickly round and discovered to his sur- 
 prise the lady, whom he believed far away. 
 
 "Did I not tell you to run for your life?'' he asked, almost 
 sternly. 
 
 "You did," she replied gently, "but I could not do it. I 
 could not have forsaken you, if I had tried." 
 
 A queer sensation filled Richard's heart at these words 
 so simple and yet so grand. He felt sorely tempted to scold, 
 knowing full well that this disobedience might still involve 
 this girl's life, but he could not find in his heart to chide this 
 brave girl. If exe r there was a heroine she deserved the title. 
 For a moment he stood irresolute, meditating on the best way 
 ot getting out of their dilemma. Suddenly he said : "Here, 
 don this coat of mine, then gather your braids, and force them 
 under this hat. So, now boys, close around her, and let us 
 see whether we can get out of this scrape. Stay in the dark 
 as much as you can. Forward!" 
 
 On they went, following the alley to its intersection with 
 the next street, where they turned to the left, mixing with the 
 masses floating like a stormy sea up and down the streets. 
 These were foes as well, but foes ignorant of their prey, and 
 harmless until their discovery. "Shout like the best of them, 
 Jim," Richard whispered in his friend's ear, while he himself 
 began a boisterous song in a voice thick with pretended 
 drunkenness. This ruse secured the approbation of the crowd 
 and consequently the comparative safety of our party, although 
 Richard did not breathe freely, until the riotous quarter lay 
 
EITHER, OR. 247 
 
 behind them, and the natural stillness of the night once more 
 surrounded them. 
 
 "That will do, friends." Richard addressed his helpers. 
 "I'll thank you some other time. Now your presence may be 
 needed at the court. To-morrow morning I shall call there, 
 to pay my debt." 
 
 "Now, don't yer be talking that there way, Misther 
 Brown. Can't ye give a feller a chance of showing his grati- 
 fication ;" he meant gratitude. "Ye must not spake about pay- 
 in', unless yer mean to make us mad, surr." 
 
 "That's what, Misther Brown," the other chimed in. 
 
 Richard was deeply touched. "All right then, friends. But 
 now you must go to the court. Good night, boys." 
 
 "And now, where can I take you? I suppose the fellow 
 who ran away with the carriage is your coachman?" 
 
 "He was, sir." 
 
 "But what possessed you to venture into that human 
 vortex? Didn't you know your life would be imperiled?" 
 
 "I did not know it would be so bad as that," she said 
 simply. "I had heard that there were needy people in that 
 ward, and went to offer them my assistance." 
 
 "That was very kind, but greatly more imprudent. I 
 shudder at the thought of your probable fate, if you had 
 fallen into the hands of these intoxicated men . Death ! 
 Mere death would have been a blessing in comparison." 
 
 He felt her arm tremble in his, but she did not reply. 
 
 "Where shall I take you to ?" he asked again. 
 
 She thought a moment, then replied : "Take me to the 
 street car line, to Palace street, if you please. But let me 
 first return your coat and hat. I will tie this handkerchief 
 over my hair to avoid inquiries." 
 
 He relieved her of his garment, which he put on, then 
 took his hat, and said : "Come." 
 
 The walk to the line in question consumed only a few 
 minutes. Just as they reached it a car passed, and stopped 
 on being hailed by Richard. He assisted her to the steps, 
 when she inquired : "Won't you tell me your name?" 
 
2 4 S EITHER. OR. 
 
 Richard hesitated. Why should she know his name, the 
 name of a tinker, she the daughter of a wealthy family, no 
 doubt? But she had asked it, so he said half aloud: "Richard 
 Brown." 
 
 While he was speaking, the conductor pulled the bell, 
 and this noise, together with that produced by the starting of 
 the car, drowned his voice to such an extent, that he felt sure 
 the girl had not understood him. Nor did he care much, for, 
 when we state that the pale, resolute face haunted him on his 
 way home, and for many a day to come, we do not mean to 
 insinuate that his heart played any role in these visions. He 
 admired the courage and firmness of a creature evidently 
 frail and delicate, that was all. If you had asked him to de- 
 scribe her features, he would probably have failed, but never- 
 theless the pale figure, so calm and collected, so firm and so 
 frail, so elevated above the brutality of its surroundings, re- 
 mained indelibly engraved on his mind, and he treasured it as 
 a precious memento, as something calculated to inspire and 
 stimulate, although he did not expect or care to meet the or- 
 iginal again on the intricate paths of an uncertain existence. 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 THE BRUTALITIES OF THE RICH. 
 
 When Richard glanced over the columns of the papers 
 the next morning, he noticed sensational accounts of last 
 night's disturbances, accompanied in most cases by leaders 
 denouncing the new-fangled doctrines, causing them and the 
 leaders who insisted on preaching them to the masses. A 
 few conservative journals went even so far as to counsel the 
 prosecution of these dangerous innovators, and one, known 
 lor its ultramontane tendencies, plainly intimated the neces- 
 sity of a considerable increase of the regular army as the only 
 means of preserving order and security of property and life. 
 
EITHER, OR. 249 
 
 It closed by relating an interview, which one of its reporters 
 had had with the eminent statesman, Senator Cheatham. In 
 this interview the Senator had said, that such a measure 
 was absolutely necessary, and that he was prepared to intro- 
 duce a bill to that effect in the Senate, as soon as the next 
 Congress would convene. 
 
 Richard dropped the paper in disgust, but his brow was 
 pensive, and he sat in meditation for quite a while. Then 
 he muttered to himself: "All right, Mr. Senator, go ahead. 
 Mines call for counter-mines. Let us see who will succeed in 
 blowing the other out of the saddle." 
 
 Then he seized the pen and wrote the following lines, 
 which appeared in the next issue of the "Sentinel" the organ 
 of the brotherhood: 
 
 "We were very sorry, when we heard of the excesses in the 
 Tenth ward, last Wednesday, as they can be indirectly traced 
 to the doctrines promulgated by this paper, but we were in- 
 finitely more sorry, when we read the subsequent leaders of 
 our press on this subject. We have always thought that fair- 
 ness and impartiality form one ol the mostvital, nay indispen- 
 sible traits of a journal, and therefore regret exceedingly to 
 be compelled to state, that this trait is absolutely wanting in 
 the articles alluded to. Our colleagues know, or ought to 
 know at least, that the brotherhood condemns such outbreaks 
 as much as the most conservative paper in the country. It 
 has shown this aversion to lawlessness on every occasion. 
 We need hardly call the attention of the public to the 
 incidents of the bread riot of last winter, or the great fire, a 
 few months later. On both occasions it was our brotherhood 
 which preserved order, when the authorities despaired of such 
 a possibility, and the brotherhood can, and will again offer its 
 services for such a purpose, when the necessity arises. 
 
 But it is the doctrines we preach which cause these up- 
 heavings, you say, but your assertion is only negatively true, 
 for it is not the promulgation of these doctrines, but their 
 criminal suppression for ages which has produced the brutality 
 manifested in these outbursts. We teach that all men are 
 
250 HITHER, OR. 
 
 born equal, and possessed of equal rights. Dare you deny the 
 correctness of this principle ? You dare not. You admit its 
 justice in the abstracts, but refuse its application to present 
 circumstances. We say that all men are bound to work for 
 and in the interest of humanity. Do you deny the correct- 
 ness of this principle? You dare not, but you say : "Some 
 of us let their wealth work for them, which is equal to saying: 
 some of us appropriated an undue share of the profits of 
 labor, and now use these unfair profits to live in ease and 
 luxury, thereby doubling the burden of our less fortunate or 
 maybe, more scrupulous and conscientious fellows." We re- 
 peat, it is the long suppression of these doctrines which has 
 done the mischief. It is true, their promulgation upsets the 
 judgment of some of the victims of society, because society 
 has withheld from them the means of progress and enlighten- 
 ment, but we ask all fair minded men w 7 ho bears the blame, 
 the withholder or the restorer? The giving of healthy food 
 to a starving man may endanger his life, but its prolonged 
 withdrawal, will surely kill him. Is it therefore not better to 
 run the smaller risk, remembering all the while that the re- 
 fusal of such food deprived the individual of self control ? 
 
 Obnoxious gases rise from ill drained and badly sewered 
 cities, and if you apply a match to these gates a dreadful ex- 
 plosion will occur. Does this threatening peril justify you 
 to withhold light and fire altogether, thus instituting an 
 eternal night, hostile to growth, and development and pro- 
 gress ? 
 
 Nay, friends, be just ; lay the blame where it belongs, and 
 address your appeals to those who need an awakening to the 
 grand truths of the day. But be sure to blow your trumpet 
 loud enough, for even that of Gabriel is hardly powerful 
 enough to rouse some of the Rip Van Winkles of our day." 
 
 On that evening, when Richard sought his aunt as usual, 
 she said to him: "Dick, your affairs are becoming so com- 
 plicated, not to say entangled, that I can no longer manage 
 them successfully. Would it, therefore, not be wise and 
 proper, if Richard Velder came home from his extensive trip 
 
EITHER, OR. 251 
 
 and saw to his affairs for a while at least? Dick the Tinker 
 has been so industrious that his friends can well afford to do 
 without him for a month or two. What do you think of that, 
 and what do you say to it? " 
 
 "That the suggestions of Mrs. L,aura Kean are very timely 
 and appropriate. Indeed, Aunty, I have held similar 
 views for some time, but it is only lately that things 
 have shaped themselves in such a way as to make my return 
 feasible. It is not only my affairs which need watching and 
 straightening, but public affairs as well. Our foes carry them- 
 selves with schemes calculated to bind us more firmly, and it 
 requires the intermingling with them to discover and foil 
 their plots. So you may look for an early departure of the 
 tinker for the West, and the subsequent arrival of Richard 
 Velder." 
 
 "Do you really intend going west? " 
 
 "Yes, aunt} - . Duncan needs my assistance, and, then 
 there should be a real arrival of the other chap, don't you 
 see ? ' ' 
 
 "I do see, and hope you will disappear soon, to quicken 
 the arrival of mj' nephew, whom I have not met publicly for 
 ever so long." 
 
 "Well. The tinker will depart the day after to-morrow." 
 
 He did go, after taking such steps and measures as an absence 
 of several months seemed to demand. Alice was both sorry 
 aud glad to see him go; sorry because she would miss cheer- 
 ing influence, counsel and assistance; glad because he would 
 see her husband, and probably arrange for a speedy reunion 
 of the little family, which had, however, been augmented 
 by the arrival of a boy. Richard spent nearly the whole day 
 in saying adieu, and on the next morning was whirled towards 
 Lakopolis, where he arrived in safety nearly two days later, 
 and met Duncan, who showed an almost childish joy at see- 
 ing his friend and co-worker. They drove to Duncan's lodg- 
 ings, where they spent several days in meditations and con- 
 sultations with other leaders of the brotherhood, and other 
 work connected with the movement. Richard rejoiced at the 
 
252 EITHER, OR. 
 
 healthful condition of the order in that city. Its members- 
 were more enthusiastic and, in may instances more intelligent 
 than those Richard had left behind, showing plainly that the 
 mental growth as well as the physical, tended westward. The 
 list of membership was fully as large, and many thousands 
 had benefitted by Richard's hint, and formed into companies 
 of militia. Duncan told him laughingly, that while the gov- 
 ernor had not ventured to refuse the petition for arms, he had 
 been very wary not to call these companies into active 
 service. 
 
 "And now, Dick, what about the little woman?" Duncan 
 inquired, after all these things had been attended to. "Don't 
 you think I am entitled to an early reunion with her and the 
 little ones? " 
 
 "I do think so, most earnestly and emphatically. If I 
 send them here; would you like to locate permanently in 
 I v akeopolis? " 
 
 "Indeed I would. There is more life and stir here than 
 in the east, and if I returned there I would be afraid of shar- 
 ing the fate of Rip." 
 
 "So much the better, for you are needed here. But what 
 about tinkering? I really think that the soldering iron and 
 the grindstone have outlived their usefulness in this in- 
 stance." 
 
 "I wouldn't mind dropping them Dick," the other replied, 
 with a laugh. "But what am I to substitute? I am more 
 obnoxious to the upper crust now, than ever before." 
 
 "Never mind the upper crust. How would you like to 
 start a gunshop, Charley?" 
 
 "A gunshop, Dick?" the other said startled by the unex- 
 pectedness of the suggestion. "I don't know the first 
 principles of the art." 
 
 "But you could learn, Stupid, couldn't you ? And couldn't 
 you employ other men, that do? " 
 
 "Employ men? That would take money, and money."' 
 
 "See here" Richard said with a laugh, shaking his friend's 
 arm. "You say living here sharpens the wit. You do not 
 
EITHER, OR. 253 
 
 illustrate the truth cjf this assertion. Now listen attentively : 
 The brotherhood needs arms, man}- arms, or may at least 
 need them soon. I have a few thousand left which I will ad- 
 vance for the erection of a gunshop on a large scale." 
 "Ah!" 
 
 "He begins to see" Richard cried laughing. "Well it 
 was about time." 
 
 "I see Dick, I see as well as any blind man now," Duncan 
 said earnestly. "The idea is a grand one, but I am really so 
 green in the art of gunmaking that I shrink from taking the 
 responsibility." 
 
 "Don't be foolish, Charley. Besides, you might go into a 
 shop for a while." 
 
 "You forget my taint." 
 
 "Go as a volunteer, willing to pay if necessary. In that 
 way you will find no difficulty." 
 
 The friends discussed the further details of the plan, and 
 then Richard made his preparations for returning. He ap- 
 plies soap and water so vigorously to his hair and beard, as to 
 remove the deep brown, and restore the lighter color of Mr. 
 Velder. Duncan stood by in utter amazement. 
 
 "You have been playing possum all this time," he cried. 
 
 "And why?" 
 
 Richard made him sit down, saying: "You have earned 
 my confidence and shall know all. Listen." 
 
 He then gave a short concise account of his history and 
 motives, keeping his friend in a continuous wonder and ex- 
 citement. When Richard had done he exclaimed. 
 
 "Well, if that don't beat all. 'Tis a real novel, only more 
 so. Now I begin to understand many things which were a 
 little mixed and dark to me. I thought that Mrs. Keau was 
 mighty accommodating to a mere tinker, and your Mr. Yelder 
 rather soft in squandering his money in such a loose manner. 
 I see it all now Dick, I see it all, and switch me if you did not 
 manage that mighty clever but you were right, it would not 
 have done to admit the crowd into your secret ; they would 
 
254 EITHER. OR. 
 
 have either distrusted or cheated you. Have you many con- 
 fidents?" 
 
 "Only Gottlieb and Sophie." 
 
 "Well, keep it there, Dick, keep it there. You are safe 
 with me, but take my advice and let the thing go no further.'* 
 
 "Of course not, but now farewell, good fellow. I'll come 
 occasionally and see how you get along in gunsmithing." 
 
 The conductor cried "all aboard," and soon our friend 
 w r as on his way back to Plutopolis. On the day of his return 
 the papers of L,akeopolis had the following : 
 
 "Mr. Velder, the eminent inventor is in our midst. We 
 learn that he has just returned from an extensive trip in 
 foreign countries, and is on his way to Plutopolis to stay there 
 for a while, at least. He started east on this morning's train." 
 
 We need not add that this news traveled much faster than 
 he, and reached Plutopolis long before his arrival there. He 
 hastened home without loss of time, and beat curious reporters 
 and more curious acquaintances, sufficiently to meet and greet 
 his friends affectionately. George was now four years old, 
 and very glad to see his long missed uncle. Richard had 
 seen his sister almost every day, but never conversed with her, 
 and was therefore glad to find her mind much clearer, and 
 less occupied by the one painful thought of her lost husband. 
 True, she spoke of him but as one dead, and Richard enter- 
 tained the hope that a few more years would fully restore the 
 equilibrium of her mind. 
 
 Early in the evening a card was handed Richard, who 
 had no sooner read the name, than he exclaimed : "Show the 
 gentleman in, Marie." A minute later Maxwell stepped into 
 the room, and was warmly welcomed by Richard, who .said 
 pleasantly: "Glad to see you, Maxwell. Aunt Laura, this is 
 Mr. Maxwell, whom we, or rather I alone, met in Paris. Max- 
 well, this is Mrs. Kean, and this my sister, Mrs. Roberts." 
 
 The visitor shook hands with both ladies, and Richard 
 noticed that his eyes turned to Elinor, whenever he believed 
 himself unobserved. A bitter feeling rose in Richard's mind, 
 shaping itself into something like this thought: "Why could 
 
EITHER. OR. 255 
 
 she not met such a fellow before ? Why had that fiend in 
 human form to come, and destroy both mind and happiness ? 
 Surely life is an unfathomable enigma." 
 
 Elinor did not mingle in the conversation, and Richard 
 soon discovered that she was a riddle to the visitor, who 
 seemed intoxicated by her beauty, then puzzled by her inanity. 
 Richard resolved to inform him of his sister's mental con- 
 dition at some future opportunity, without, of course, betray- 
 ing the cause, thinking that such a course would be honor- 
 able, and calculated to check a passion, which might assume 
 alarming proportions, if allowed to grow. 
 
 "Well, Velder, what is your programme for the remain- 
 ing winter months?" Maxwell inquired during the evening. 
 
 "I hardly know." 
 
 "Well, you'll surely cultivate the belle monde of Plutop- 
 olis? From what I hear, these ladies have been shut up here 
 for many a month, and if you are not careful you will be 
 decried as a new Bluebeard." 
 
 "That must be avoided by all means. Well, I would not 
 mind going out occasionally, but then I do not know anybody, 
 and—" 
 
 "I would be delighted to introduce you to our 'elite,' 
 if the ladies and you will permit me." 
 
 "Well, we'll see. Is there anything going on now?" 
 
 "Well, we have our reunions at Del Palino's, you know, 
 the club house ol our 'Jeuness doree.' It is open every 
 night and before the beginning of Lent a grand masked ball is 
 to close the season. Everybody will be there, and I shall be 
 only too happy to procure tickets for you. It requires the 
 endorsement of a member to procure them." 
 
 "You are a member?" 
 
 "Yes, my name is on the list, but I do not go often, as 
 the character of the entertainments, in truth, the habitues 
 does not strike my fancy on the whole. I am a little more 
 seriously and intellectually inclined." 
 
 "This 'Jeuness doree' caters more to the body than the 
 mind, eh?" 
 
256 EITHER, OR. 
 
 "Well, yes, it does. I don't pretend to be a saint, and not 
 even a prig, I trust, but the sensuality, nay brutality of the 
 amusements favored there, is distasteful to me." 
 
 "No doubt of it, my dear fellow, for you are a sensible 
 chap. You say the club is open every evening?" 
 
 "Exactly. Shall we go there to-night?" 
 
 "It is rather late, and then I am a little stiff from my 
 journey." 
 
 "An excellent reason for delaying our visit. As for the 
 time, why it is early ; our golden youth hardly ever appears 
 before midnight. Well, shall we say to-morrow?" 
 
 "To-morrow, if you please." 
 
 "I shall call here, then, at half past nine. Good night." 
 
 At punctually half past nine, the next evening, Maxwell 
 called at the Yelder mansion. He found Richard ready for a 
 start, and said: "It is rather early, and we'll hardly find any- 
 body there, sir ; but that makes no odds, as the building alone 
 is worth a visit, and you can feast your eyes upon master- 
 pieces of art of every description. I have brought my coupe 
 along, so let us go." 
 
 They entered a handsome one seated carriage and were 
 rapidly drawn towards that part of the city where wealth and 
 fashion have domiciled themselves. After a ride of about 
 half an hour, the coupe stopped before a brilliantly lit en- 
 trance, whence a fine, broad stairway led into the second, and, 
 as Richard soon discovered, principal story. Everything be- 
 tokened wealth and luxury, although Richard considered the 
 taste not always the most refined. Fine marble statuary lined 
 the pillared corridors, all nude, which in itself is no objection, 
 but many of a conception and attitude highly sensual, if not 
 voluptuous. Fine oil paintings adorned the walls, but they, 
 too, appealed to the animal passions, not by an open viola- 
 tion of decorum, but that subtle insinuation which, like the 
 gauzy cover, reveals more than it hides, and calls upon the 
 imagination to complete what the eye fails to perceive. A 
 strong perfume of eau de mille fleurs filled the atmosphere, 
 und Richard said to his companion, as they loitered along the 
 
EITHER, OR. 257 
 
 corridor: "A temple of Venus Amathusia. Woe to the mor- 
 als of the young man frequenting these haunts daily. Here 
 good resolutions will melt like ice in the noonday sun." 
 
 "Are you not a little severe? I, for my part, I am not at 
 all affected by either these sights, or this atmosphere." 
 
 "You say you are not a daily visitor. That accounts 
 for it." 
 
 "I beg to differ. Would not the rareness of the charm 
 increase its power ? " 
 
 "Not in this instance. It is the constant influence of 
 these enervating scenes which tells. Would you want au 
 innocent sister to frequent these apartments? " 
 
 "Hardly," confessed Maxwell hesitatingly. "But stop 
 your moralizing, Velder, for we are nearing the room where 
 our fellows sacrifice to Dame Fortune." 
 
 "You mean, where they gamble?" 
 
 "Fie, what an ugly Avord? " 
 
 "But the truth. I thought gambling was forbidden in the 
 code of Plutonia ? " 
 
 "What an innocent boy you are, Velder. I never saw 
 such intelligence coupled with such simplicity. Why, man, 
 do you not know that the foot of the executors of the law is 
 never seen in the halls of wealth? " 
 
 "I am only too well aware of it. But say," he con- 
 tinued, "I am not at all interested in gambling, and with your 
 permission we'll yisit some objects of interest to me." 
 
 "There it is again. Gambling! Man you are obdurate. 
 Give the devil his due, and call it 'bucking the tiger.' Come 
 you must see how bravely our young cubs face that ferocious 
 beast." 
 
 "All right, then," replied Richard, and Maxwell was on 
 the point of turning the door knob, when some one cried 
 behind them: "Maxwell, one word if you please." 
 
 "Botheration," muttered the young man. "Well, step in 
 while I talk to him. I'll be there in a minute." 
 
 Richard obeyed, and entered a room gorgeous in the ex- 
 treme, but overladen, and offensive to a simple taste. 
 
258 EITHER, OR. 
 
 Velvet Brussels carpet of a flashy pattern covered the floor, 
 gilt paper of the costliest quality, the walls. Heavy curtains 
 of Lyons silk hung from the windows and pictures in massive 
 gilt frames presented views of a character similar to those 
 mentioned before. A faro table occupied the center, and 
 smaller ones were scattered over the room. Easy chairs of 
 luxurious patterns and finish invited to rest, and swelling 
 divans running along the walls did the same. Articles "de 
 vertu" were scattered promiscuously over stands and what- 
 nots, and everything breathed voluptuous ease and indolence. 
 Richard had no time to examine all these allurements in de- 
 tail, for, just as he opened the door, another opposite to this 
 was shut, and then a third one opened. As Richard turned 
 to learn the cause of the last movement he saw a young man, 
 evidently one of the attendants, advance towards him carry- 
 ing a folded paper in his hand, sajdng, as he handed it to Rich- 
 ard: "Please, sir, Miss Antoinette told me to deliver this to 
 you." 
 
 "To me ?" Richard inquired wonderingly, but unfolding 
 mechanically the paper which contained only a line or two. 
 He was on the point of returning the slip, when his eye was 
 attracted by some words which riveted his attention, and in- 
 duced him to set aside all scruples and to read : 
 
 "Sweet Cyrus: Your girl in room 27 is as stubborn as a 
 mule. I fear you will have to use force, or drug her, to obtain 
 your purpose. Call to-morrow morning at eleven. 
 Yours devotedly, 
 
 Antoinette." 
 For a moment Richard was at a loss what to do. He saw 
 plainly that some villany was at work, probably meditating 
 the ruin of some innocent girl. He saw, of course, that the 
 paper was not intended for him, but for a fellow called Cyrus. 
 But how had this mistake occurred? Was this messenger 
 an awkward clown, or Antoinette so secure in this temple of 
 of sensuality as to disregard all dictates of prudence and 
 caution? He must venture a question to feel his way. So 
 he inquired : "To whom did Antoinette tell you to give this? 
 
EITHER, OR. 259 
 
 "To the gentleman in the play room." Then, with a 
 tone of alarm : "Ain't you the right party? " 
 
 "That's all right, James." 
 
 The man smiled. He was young, probably not over 
 twenty-two and had an open, upright countenance, which Rich- 
 ard thought out of place here. He said : 
 
 "My name is Harry, sir." 
 
 "Ah! Are you a native of Plutopolis? " 
 
 "Born and raised here. My uncle is janitor of National 
 Hall, if you know what this is." 
 "Ah, Mr. Rinehart?" 
 
 "You know him?" the youth inquired eagerly, a light 
 beaming in his eyes. Richard saw that he had nearly betrayed 
 his secret. To undo the mischief, he must make some ex- 
 planation, and replied, therefore : "By reputation, yes. My 
 name is Velder, and I own National Hall." 
 
 The light brightened in the eyes of the youth and he 
 exclaimed with an ardor, showing plainly that the atmosphere 
 of this place had not yet corrupted him: "Mr. Velder! I de- 
 clare ! Oh, I am so glad to meet and see you. Uncle thinks a 
 sight of you, and says he wishes all rich men were like you." 
 
 "I am truly obliged to your uncle for his good opinion," 
 Richard said, with a smile. "But say, are you a member of 
 our order ? " 
 
 "I bet I am— all of the boys here are," he added, looking 
 cautiously around. "But you said, 'Our.' Does that mean 
 that you are a member in spite of all your money? " 
 
 "I am, Harry, indeed; I am one of the founders." 
 
 The youth looked at him attentively, then said: "By 
 George, I must have seen you before, though I can't for the 
 world tell, where. If your hair was darker, and—" 
 
 "Well, never mind that, Harry," interrupted Richard, 
 fearing that a prolonged consultation with his memory might 
 put the young man on his track. "I want to see you & in 
 private— no not now, but to-morrow morning at ten in this 
 room. Can you be here?" 
 
260 EITHER, OR. 
 
 "Certainly: we have little or nothing to do in the morn- 
 ing." 
 
 "All right then. Somebody is coming." 
 
 The door opened and Maxwell entered. "All by yourself? 
 I wonder where the Cubs are to-night. Harry, have you seen 
 any of them ? " 
 
 "I saw Mr. Cheatham. General Runwell, and — " 
 
 "The Senator?" 
 
 "No: Mr. Cyrus Cheatham. I think you will find them 
 In the billiard room." 
 
 "Well, let us hunt them up, Yelder. This way, if you 
 please." 
 
 He opened a door and entered a room as gorgeously fur- 
 nished as the other, but equipped with several billiard tables, 
 at one of which two gentlemen lazily pursued a game. 
 
 When the door opened, they looked up, and one of them 
 exclaimed : "Ah, there is Maxwell. Deucedly glad you 
 came, the general and I are bored to death with ennui. 
 Billiards is a bore, you know." 
 
 Maxwell seemed acquainted with the other, for he shook 
 hands, saying. "How are you. General? Permit me to pre- 
 sent Mr. Yelder — Mr. Yelder, General Runwell." 
 
 Both gentlemen acknowledge the favor by a bow. Max- 
 well continued. "The other gentleman met in Paris, if I am 
 not mistaken." 
 
 Richard bowed slightly, but Cheatham remarked: 
 "Think we did. Glad to meet you here Mr. Yelder. But say, 
 fellows, let's have a game of poker to kill time. Don't see how 
 I shall survive midnight, unless I get a little excitement. 
 What do you say. Shall it be poker or faro?" 
 
 "Neither, as far as I am concerned." said Richard coldly. 
 
 "I. too, must decline," chimed in Maxwell. 
 
 "Well, then suggest something else" remarked Cheatham 
 Jr., peevishly. "Don't you see, I am dying for want of some- 
 thing to do? Come, have pity on a fellow " 
 
 At this moment half a dozen young gentlemen burst into 
 the room, feigning the manners of the London swell, using 
 
EITHER, OR. 261 
 
 his "aw's," imitating his swagger and disgusting people of sense 
 generally. 
 
 "Here they aw' at lawst" one of them cried. "Cy, why 
 in the world awn't you in the kennel? Don't you remembaw 
 this is the evening of your bet with Singaw ? " 
 
 "The deuce it is. This ain't the twentieth ? " 
 
 "That's what it is, Cy," another chimed in. "It is just a 
 quartaw to ten, and if you hurry you can still make it." 
 
 "By George, let's be off, then. It is a cool thousand 
 which I can hardly afford to lose by not coming to the 
 scratch." 
 
 "Yes, let's all go," said a third one. " 'Tis beastly dull 
 and the fight will help us over a few idle minutes." 
 
 The others echoed these sentiments, and the crowd 
 started for the kennel, Maxwell followed, and dragging Rich- 
 ard, who did not exactly know what to expect, but remem- 
 bered that he had come here for information, and thought one 
 place as good for that purpose as another. The company 
 descended a flight of back stairs, and soon entered a spacious 
 room lined with kennels on all sides in which dogs of all 
 kinds were chained. On entering they noticed a gentleman 
 who looked at his watch, and at sight of Cheatham, smiled 
 ironically, saying: 
 
 "Just in season, Cy. Five more minutes and the thous- 
 and would have been mine by default." 
 
 "Well, they ain't, though. Here is Caesar, bring out your 
 Caro." 
 
 The other complied, and no sooner had the two dogs been 
 set free, than they rushed against one another with a fury as 
 if — as if — we came very near saying, as if they had been human 
 beings. It is indescribable with what zest they inserted their 
 teeth into the adversary's flesh. After a few minutes blood 
 began to flow freely and soon their heads, necks, and sides 
 presented one mass of mangled flesh. Richard's heart sick- 
 ened at the sight, and more than once he was tempted to 
 spring between the infuriated brutes. Nor was it the fear of 
 resistance or ridicule on the part of these sports, which pre- 
 
262 EITHER, OR. 
 
 vented, but considerations of a more weighty character. He re- 
 membered the slip which the waiter had handed him, and his 
 desire to watch the machinations of these human sharks, and 
 to unearth any measure they might have concocted, or be 
 concocting to the detriment of his comrades. 
 
 So he watched with a deep compassion, but in perfect 
 silence, the struggle of these savage and therefore excusable 
 quadrupeds, but with infinite disgust and ill-suppressed indig- 
 nation, the coarse jests, the beastly exultation and almost 
 frantic expressions of glee or regret of the brutal bipeds, who 
 in his opinion, had sunk below the poor creatures tearing 
 each other to pieces for their recreation. At last Caro with 
 one mighty effort, grasped Caesar by the throat and actually 
 strangled him to death, to fall shortly after, a victim to the 
 many and deadly wounds inflicted by his foe. 
 
 "The fight is off,'' cried General Runwell, who was um- 
 pire. "I declare Caro victor in the combat." 
 
 "By Jove! they were game, " cried a half fledged youth. 
 "I wouldn't have missed that fun for a hundred dolaws. Cy, 
 you'll have to make a deep dive into your pocket to square 
 the account. Wouldn't like to be in your boots, just now, 
 'pon honaw." 
 
 The others also chaffed Cheatham, who pretended to be 
 indifferent to his loss as well as these taunts, but showed a 
 scowl, telling a different story. 
 
 "Gents," cried the half-fledged youth, "don't fawget that 
 Jim Sullerban and Joe Smithers meet to-morrow morning, for 
 a purse of $500 each. I have bet on Jim. Any one weady 
 to take me up? " 
 
 "Yes, Alf, I'll go you an even fifty." 
 
 "I'll take you up. But, it is getting late, gents, and if we 
 don't hurry, we cawn't have that little game of pokaw, we 
 promised Cy." 
 
 "All right, let us go up," cried Cheatham, who seemed 
 anxious for a change of scene, and a new exitement, to efface 
 the recollection of his loss. So the fellows rushed up, Max- 
 
EITHER, OR. 263 
 
 well, the General and Richard forming the rear at a more 
 moderate pace. 
 
 "Poor brutes!" our friend could not help exclaiming. 
 
 "You mean the dogs?" Maxwell asked quizzingly. 
 
 "Of course, the others do not deserve any compassion." 
 
 The General looked at him searchingly. You take no 
 stock in such fights, it seems?" he inquired cautiously. 
 
 "Who would, and call himself a man?" Richard replied 
 frowning severely and looking all he meant. 
 
 "That's hard on our set," Maxwell. said significantly. 
 
 "Beware, or some one may invite you to a passage at 
 arms." 
 
 "I wouldn't care much, and shoot my adversary with 
 considerably more mercy than was shown these poor dogs to- 
 night." 
 
 "Yes, you would brain him sure," Maxwell cried with a 
 laugh. "General, you ought to see Velder's skill with firearms. 
 I bet you he will cut the spot out of an ace of diamonds a 
 hundred times, running." 
 
 "You are joking of course, replied the military man." 
 
 " Of course not, you mean. Nor is this all. I bet he will 
 touch you a hundred times with a foil, and not be touched 
 once." 
 
 "Why Maxwell, you surely have a poor opinion of my 
 skill as a fencer," the General replied slightly vexed. 
 
 "I know nothing about your skill, General, but — " 
 
 "Shut up, Maxwell, will you," Richard said laughing, but 
 evidently at his friend's enthusiasm. "The General will 
 surely think you are from the West." 
 
 "And why from the West, sir? " 
 
 "Because it is so windy there." 
 
 Both Runwell and Maxwell laughed. "I'll pardon this 
 severe thrust, Velder," the latter remarked, "if you will con- 
 sent to give the General a proof of your skill. You do not 
 want to buck the tiger. So we can do nothing better than 
 visit the shooting gallery and try our luck." 
 
264 EITHER, OR. 
 
 "Yes do, Mr. Velder," the General urged. "I would 
 really see you shoot a hole into Maxwell's bag." 
 
 "That settles it" Maxwell cried with well feigned indig- 
 nation. "If you fail to prove my veracity, I'll cut the cable 
 of friendship binding us." 
 
 "All right then, I cannot endorse the thought of such an 
 amputation." 
 
 vSo they went to the gallery, where they found half a 
 dozen men engaged in shooting, fencing and boxing. A gleam 
 of pleasure came into Richard's eyes, and he soon forgot what 
 brought them here, in the genuine enjoyment of these manly 
 sports. At first the others paid no attention to our trio, but 
 when Richard began to fire and the General's exclamations of 
 surprise and delight became more vociferous with ever)* 
 shot, they approached and also became witnesses of the skill of 
 our friend. When he had fired about twenty shots, Maxwell 
 exclaimed. "Well General will you bet now? " 
 
 "Not I, sir. Mr. Yelder must have formed a league with 
 the devil." 
 
 "Three of them, General." Maxwell exclaimed with a 
 laugh. 
 
 "And they are? I would like to get an introduction to 
 them." 
 
 Maxwell paused a moment, then said: "His devils are : 
 Moderation, coolness and practice." 
 
 Most of the crowd laughed, but the General said seriously, 
 "Mighty powerful devils, these. It is a pity they are so rarely 
 invoked." 
 
 "That's so, General. Well, I have proved one of my 
 assertions, and will now inquire: Does any one of the 
 gentlemen present wish to be spitted on this foil by Mr. 
 Yelder and roasted on a slow fire. If so let him speak and I 
 will intercede for him." 
 
 "Maxwell !" Richard cried warmly. 
 
 "Well, I must recover my character you know. Here are 
 two foils, General, will you take one ? " 
 
 "I suppose I'll have to save the honor of the army. I 
 
EITHER, OR. 265 
 
 begin to believe though, you were really born in the extreme 
 East Maxwell, for if this gentlemen will do half as well with 
 the foil as with the revolver, I shall have no show. Ready I 
 Well, here she goes." 
 
 It was a pleasure to see the ease, assurance and steadiness 
 with which Richard went into position. When General Run- 
 well saw the calm steel-blue eyes take his measure, watching 
 his every movement with the vigilance of the hawk, antici- 
 pating his intentions almost before they had taken definite 
 shape, he vowed to himself that he would avoid a quarrel with 
 this man if he could possibly help it. Nor did the steady 
 bearing, the lightning rapidity, and the consumate skill of our 
 friend fail to impress the spectators. Richard's antagonist 
 was not unskilled in the use of the foil, having practiced with 
 it considerably at North Bend, the military school of Occiden- 
 tia ; but both he and the spectators soon discovered that he 
 was no match for Velder. He tried his best to touch him, and 
 his original coolness gave way to a pardonable excitement 
 and vexation when he found that he not only failed, but that 
 the latter actually played with him. The excitement, how- 
 ever naturally decreased his chances, and when finally the 
 half-fledged chap exclaimed: "Give it up, General, havn't no 
 chance at all, you see," he was wise enough to throw away 
 his weapon saying with a forced laugh: 
 
 "I consider such a defeat an honor." 
 
 "And I such a victory a triumph,'' Richard added good 
 naturedly. "The General is a good deal above the ordinary 
 run, and kept me in breath I assure you gentlemen." 
 
 Maxwell was greatly gratified. He had two objects in 
 view. He was glad to see his veracity thus established, but 
 his anxiety for Velder's interests overshadowed greatly the 
 gratification of his self-love. He could not help seeing that 
 his friend felt, and openly manifested a contempt for the 
 frivolity of this "gilded youth," which could not help pro- 
 voking irritation and lead to feuds. He was therefore glad to 
 exhibit a skill calculating to make a quarrel with Velder a 
 perilous affair. He knew that some of these fellows had the 
 
266 EITHER, OR. 
 
 true mettle in spite of their foppishness, and on such the 
 knowledge of Richard's dexterity in the use of weapons would 
 have little or no effect, but the mass was effeminate and ener- 
 vated, and for this mass Maxwell's lesson was intended. The}' 
 would now give a wide berth and show a scrupulous civility 
 to a man far above them. 
 
 When the foils had been laid aside, Maxwell said with an 
 assumed innocence. "Now, friends, we ought to close with a 
 friendly passage with gloves. Who will meet on the arena 
 where Jim and Joe gained immortal glory? " 
 
 The half fledged youth accepted his challenge but both 
 combattants exhibited such inferior skill that the spectators 
 yawned, and began to turn their backs. 
 
 "Now, 'tis your turn Yelder" Maxwell exclaimed, thus 
 re-exciting the expectation of the crowd. 
 
 "General, will you try your luck with him?" 
 
 "You go to Halifax !" Runwell cried with an emphasis, 
 which created universal merriment. 
 
 "One defeat satisfies me perfectly, and if any of these gen- 
 tlemen wish to be pommeled to their heart's content, I cheer- 
 fully stand back.'' 
 
 Maxwell then offered the gloves first to one, then to an- 
 other of the spectators, but, somehow, there seemed to be no 
 disposition to be "pommeled," so Maxwell threw them away, 
 saying: "Well, gents, ir there is notljing more to be done 
 here, let us go to Dame Fortune's temple and see how Cy is 
 being fleeced." 
 
 This summons caused a sudden rush on the part of the 
 younger sports, who should have been lucked into bed by 
 their mammas by this time, as Maxwell whispered to Richard 
 while following more slowly. They found the play room 
 empty, but boisterous laughter and shouts of merriment indi- 
 cated too plainly the route of the gamblers, to be mistaken. 
 Richard expressed a desire to retire, but Maxwell pulled him 
 iorward, saying impressively: "Ah, come on. They are in 
 the bar-room, where you can and should study another chap- 
 ter of human life." 
 
EITHER, OR. 267 
 
 "I fear it will be a disgusting one ; but have your way. 
 I said A, so I suppose I'll have to say B." 
 
 They soon reached the bar-room, or banquet hall as some 
 fastidiously called it. The apartment was more gorgeously 
 embellished than even the other rooms. The divans were 
 more swelling, the pictures and statuary more voluptuous, the 
 glitter of gold and cut glass more brilliant. 
 
 Small tables were scattered around the room, with chairs 
 around them, occupied by the devotees of Bacchus. At one 
 of them, which was empty. Maxwell sat down, inviting Rich- 
 ard and the General to follow his example. He ordered a bot- 
 tle of champagne, and pouring out the sparkling liquid, said: 
 "This, in my opinion, is the king of drinks. I confess to a 
 slight passion for champagne, and would probably cater to 
 it more frequently, if it were not so beastly expensive." Then 
 they entered into a light and rambling conversation, Richard 
 taking little heed, but watching the company which, with few 
 exceptions, had reached a stage of mild intoxication. 
 
 The waiters of this room were girls, handsome girls, of 
 course, but dressed in so flimsy a fashion as to betray their 
 lewdness, even if their presence at this place had not foretold 
 it. The devotees, especially the more juvenile ones, paid 
 homage to these Venus' es Valgatas, pinchtng their arms and 
 cheeks, and occasionally drawing them into an embrace. 
 Richard was on the point of rising, when suddenly a voice at 
 the table, just back of him', claimed and, after a few minutes, 
 riveted his attention. 
 
 '"Well, Cy, so you broke the bank ? Lucky dog, that you 
 .are. You must have made a big haul?" 
 
 "Just about enough to pay , hie, Ben, hie." 
 
 "Well, I am glad you were lucky for once. They drain 
 you pretty regularly, you know." 
 
 "I don't care, hie ! The Gove'nor has the change, you 
 know, hie !" 
 
 "I know, Cy, and I could say the same thing of mine. 
 They tell me, Cy, you are universally successful with the fair 
 sex, Cy." 
 
268 EITHER, OR. 
 
 "Unlucky in play, lucky in love you know, hie." 
 
 "That's what they say; but they say also, Cy, that you 
 are about as fickle as you are lucky." 
 
 "Well, what can a fellow do, 'tis constitutional, hie, you 
 see. What can a fellow do when he is bored? " 
 
 "Bored? Handsome women wouldn't bore me, I tell 
 you." 
 
 "Yes, they would, hie. Antoinette, another bo'tle of 
 champagne. Yes they would, my boy, especially if they were 
 dull, hie. I had once an amour with the han'smest girl in th' 
 city, by Jove, but she was dull, and I cast her off, hie." 
 
 "Tell me awl about it, Cy, it is deucedly interesting to 
 heaw you tawk." 
 
 "Well, there ain't much about it, hie. Her name was 
 Elinor, and she was an orphan, hie. There was the dragon 
 of an aun', aunt, hie; but we circumvented her, hie, and took 
 her off." 
 
 "We? Had you a pawtner in the affair, Cy? " 
 
 "Course not, hie. He merely played preacher, hie, you 
 know." 
 
 "Ah, then you married the girl, did you?" 
 
 "Course I didn't, hie. Only sham, you know, hie." 
 
 "And she bored you soon?" 
 
 "Devlish soon, hie. After a few months, hie, I couldn't 
 stand it any longer, hie, an' lef her in Shoatopolis, you know, 
 hie." 
 
 Richard's feelings during this conversation can more 
 easily be imagined than described. He thought he had 
 passed through fiery ordeals in his comparatively short career. 
 and flattered himself to have endured them with credit ; but 
 this one put the climax unto them all. The fact that the 
 same blood and flesh which had wrecked his parents' hap- 
 piness and life had also prevailed in destroying the happiness 
 and the mind of his sister, probably intensified his feelings: 
 at all events the fiery wrath, the terrible indignation now rag- 
 ing in his soul, surpassed by far the sensations which had 
 shaken him, when first he stood face to face with the destroyer 
 
EITHER, OR. 269 
 
 of his parents. In the father's case there had at least been a 
 provocation, a cause, which, though unjustifiable, had roused 
 the fury of an evil nature, and thus led to the terrible sequel. 
 In this instance, there had been no such provocation. An 
 idle mind, an over-fed body, thus filled with lewd passion, had 
 calmly, deliberately planned and coldly consummated a vil- 
 lanous plot. And when the base passion had been gratified ; 
 when the plaything of an idle month had become tiresome, it 
 had been flung aside without compunction, without any after- 
 thought, excepting perhaps that of satisfaction at the skill 
 and cunning displayed in the deviltry. 
 
 These thoughts and feelings rushed promiscuously and 
 wildly through Richard's brain. He was aware that the 
 vermin that had thus poisoned an innocent existence, was 
 within his grasp. He felt that it would give him infinite sat- 
 isfaction to seize it, crush it under his feet, and thus free the 
 world from its further contamination. But while he felt this, 
 he never for a moment forgot that his life had a purpose; that 
 it belonged to countless beings, who, it is true, might accom- 
 plish their emancipation without his aid, but who had never- 
 theless a claim upon him. So potent was this feeling in him, 
 that he did not waver one moment, checking his fierce desire 
 with the superior consciousness of duty. He felt, however, 
 that there was no necessity for a continued self-torture; so he 
 arose, saying: 
 
 "Maxwell, it is after twelve, I shall retire." 
 "Well, I shall go with you, as I have business to-morrow 
 requiring a clear head and a steady hand. Good night." 
 
 On the following morning Richard entered his aunt's 
 room and startled her by saying : "Aunt Laura, I have found 
 him at last." 
 
 "Found whom, Richard?" 
 
 He went close to her, then said with an attempt of calm- 
 ness : "Elinor's ravisher! " 
 
 Mrs. Keau paled. Without knowing what she was doing, 
 she rose and said, gasping for breath. "Merciful Heavens. 
 Is it possible 1 Are you sure, Richard? " 
 
270 EITHER, OR. 
 
 "As sure as a confession from his own lips can make me." 
 
 "When I tell you his name, Aunt Eaura, you will hardly 
 wonder." 
 
 Mrs. Kean clutched at a chair and in search of support, 
 then said: 
 
 "Richard, don't torture me. Who is it ? " 
 
 "The offspring of the man who killed my parents'' he 
 cried bitterly; "Cyrus Cheatham." 
 
 Mrs. Kean's head reeled. "Cyrus Cheatham" she said 
 automatically, as if hardly aware of her doings, then arous- 
 ing herself with a powerful effort, "And they say there is a 
 ruling Providence, kind and benevolent." 
 
 "I doubt it, Aunt Eaura — I doubted it long ago." 
 
 "And — and, what are you going to do with him, Richard? " 
 
 "I have not decided, aunty." 
 
 "Then you do not propose to kill him ? " 
 
 "What good would his death do her? True, it would 
 prevent him from wronging others, but for her sake he must 
 live, live for a while at least." 
 
 "Will you compel him to repair the wrongs he has done 
 her?" 
 
 "Can he restore her mind? I place little value on what 
 the world calls vestitution of sullied honor. In my eyes poor 
 Elinor is as honorable now, as when wedded to him. But let 
 us drop the subject. I thought it right to post you, to under- 
 stand any action I may take in the matter. Now that we have 
 him and can confront him with her, we might consult the 
 physician again. Perhaps the}' will think her sufficiently 
 strong now to bear a shock which, at a previous period might 
 have killed her. But, to repeat it, let us drop this painful 
 subject." 
 
 "I want your aid in a little plot I have conceived to save 
 the last victim of his lust." 
 
 He then narrated to her the lucky error of last night, and 
 asked in conclusion : "Can I count on your assistance Aunt 
 Eaura? " 
 
EITHER. OR. 27r 
 
 "Of course you can. What do you wish me to do?" 
 
 "Engage the carriage, and cause yourself to be taken to 
 the main entrance of Del Polino. Provide yourself with a 
 heavy veil, and another for the girl ; also with a bonnet and a 
 mantle for her, as she may need these articles." 
 
 "When must I be there?" 
 
 "Precisely at half past ten. I must leave you now, to 
 provide for other matters connected with this scheme. Good 
 bye." 
 
 "Good bye, my son, and may good spirits guide and help 
 you." 
 
 Richard left, wending his steps first towards the head- 
 quarters of police. On his arrival he interviewed the chief, 
 saying: "I require the assistance of a discreet detective. Un- 
 derstand, discreet. I shall probably not need his interference, 
 and only want him as a reserve." 
 
 "I understand. Is it a scandal of high life ?" 
 
 "Something of that sort. I may as well tell you, that one 
 of the young bucks has imprisoned an innocent girl at Del 
 Polino, with intentions which I need not point out to you." 
 
 "Why, that is really going a little too far," the official said 
 with an air of vexation. "You understand, that we have 
 sometimes to shut an eye to their doings, but too far is too far. 
 How did you discover the intrigue ?" 
 
 "By a slip handed me by mistake." 
 
 "Ah, yes, I see, and I approve of your intention to op- 
 press this scandal and to content yourself with the rescue of 
 the girl, With whom have I the honor to — 
 
 "My name is Velder." 
 
 "Richard Velder, the millionaire ?" the chief cried, assum- 
 ing a much more respectful attitude. 
 
 "Richard Velder, the inventor," said the young man 
 coldly. "I place no value upon the title you apply to me." 
 
 " 'Tis a powerful one, though," the chief said with a 
 smile. "Splaine can you come here a moment ? " 
 
 A middle aged man entered the office from an adjacent 
 
272 EITHER, OR. 
 
 apartment. He looked" respectable enough, but more like a 
 well-to-do baker, than a detective. 
 
 "Splaine," the chief, addressed him, "Mr. Velder here 
 wants your assistance in a little scheme. He will enlighten 
 you himself, and I only add, that I shall sanction anything he 
 proposes." 
 
 "Now?" the detective inquired laconically, 
 
 'Yes, now," Richard replied. "I need hardly add, that I 
 shall reward your services handsomely." 
 
 "Very well, Mr. Velder, I am at your disposal." 
 
 They left. On the way to the club rooms Richard told 
 his companion all he needed to know. "You stay outside," he 
 said, "and abstain from making yourself conspicuous. Your 
 presence may suffice, and I not need your service at all, which, 
 of course will make no difference as to the pay ; please remain 
 within hailing distance." 
 
 "A} r , a} - ," was the response, and Richard ascended the 
 stairs. In the billiard room he found Harry. 
 
 "Are we safe from interruption here?" he inquired. 
 
 "Oh, yes, our patrons never bother us at this hour, sir." 
 
 "Well, I am glad. Harry. I know I can trust you, for 
 your uncle's name and character are sufficient guarantee." 
 
 "I am glad you think so. I wouldn't like anything better 
 than to do a good turn for Mr. Velder." 
 
 "All right, then, Harry. The slip you handed me last 
 night was not intended for me, but as it revealed a plot against 
 rthe innocence of a girl, the blunder was a lucky one." 
 
 "Whew !" whistled Harry. 
 
 "That was lucky. Ain't they a bad lot though. I think 
 I'll clear out here before long." 
 
 "So would I if I were in your place. But don't be in a 
 rush, Harry. I suspect that they are plotting against the 
 people here, and I want your aid in ferreting out their 
 schemes." 
 
 "And you can count on me, and all our fellows, in fact. 
 There ain't but two or three that don't belong to the brother- 
 hood." 
 
EITHER. OR. 273 
 
 "So much the better ; but you see I can't and won't con- 
 fide in Tom, Dick and Harry." 
 
 "Yes you can and do confide in Harry," the young man 
 said, with a laugh. 
 
 "I stand corrected. Well let's keep Harry and throw the 
 res-t overboard." 
 
 "But what do you expect me to do in this matter?" 
 
 "Nothing except to call Miss Antoinette, when I tell you. 
 For the rest, you know nothing at all about this business, for 
 if they suspected any duplicity on your part, they would give 
 you the grand bounce in less than no time." 
 
 "I see. When is this thing going to come off? " 
 
 "Right away. Let me see. What time is it? " 
 
 "Just half past ten." 
 
 "All right, you stay here until I return." 
 
 With these words Richard left the room, and descended 
 the large stairway. Before the entrance he saw a carriage, to 
 which he walked, assisting a densely veiled lady to alight. 
 He offered her his arm and said guardedly, while leading her 
 to the entrance: "You see the man leaning against the 
 post?" 
 
 "I do." 
 
 "Well, he is a detective. Take a good look at him, to 
 recognize him, in case his services are needed." 
 
 They ascended the stairs in silence, and proceeded to the 
 billiard room, where Harry was in waiting, looking expect- 
 antly at his new friend. 
 
 "Harry," Richard said, with a purposely loud voice, "can 
 you find Mademoiselle Antoinette for me? " 
 
 "I think I can," he replied, and left the room. 
 
 "Do not take offense at her repulsive familiarity, Aunt 
 Iyaura," Richard said cautiously. "Remember that the patrons 
 of this haunt have taught her to impute the lowest motives to 
 their actions." 
 
 She merely nodded, and a minute later the person he had 
 
274 EITHER, OR. 
 
 sent for entered. She made a deep courtesy, saying : "Bon 
 jour. Monsieur. Vat can I do for yon?" 
 
 "I want a room. Mademoiselle." 
 
 "She cast a knowing look at the veiled figure, then said : 
 "Je comprends, I understand. Has Monsieur une pref- 
 erence?" 
 
 "Let me see. Yes, I would like to have twenty-seven." 
 
 The woman started, then said, collecting herself: "Je 
 suis fachee, I am soree, but twenty-seven is engaged." Rich- 
 ard resolved upon a new venture. 
 
 "Well then, twenty-six or twenty-eight. Is either of 
 them vacant?" 
 
 The woman laughed ; "Ah, Monsieur has been there before. 
 Yes, twenty six is at his service. Weel he have the kindness 
 to follow me ? " 
 
 She led the way from the room until she reached a 
 spacious elevator, luxuriously furnished, into which she in- 
 vited the couple with a gesture of her hand. They were rap- 
 idly lifted to the fourth floor, here the girl or woman resumed 
 her office as guide, traversing several corridors, and finally 
 stopping at a door bearing the number 26. She inserted a 
 key into the lock, flung open the door and said, with an insin- 
 uating smile and inviting gesture : "Entrez : Beacoup de 
 plairsir, Monsieur." 
 
 She was on the point of retiring, when Richard exclaimed, 
 pointing to something behind the door, as if displeased with 
 what he saw: "What does this mean?" 
 
 The woman standing outside could not see what he inti- 
 mated. So she stepped into the room, her face showing 
 wonderment and expectancy. When she was inside Richard 
 closed the door, and turning to the woman said sternly : 
 "Mademoiselle, I want to say a word or two to you. Who is 
 in the next room ? " 
 
 The woman shrank back in sudden fear and said, "what 
 does Monsieur mean? Nobodv is in that room." 
 
EITHER, OR. 275 
 
 "You know you lie, and said yourself a few minutes ago it 
 was occupied." 
 
 "Oh Monsieur, I swear — " 
 
 "Don't perjure yourself. You need not tell me who is 
 there, for you informed me last night. Do you recognize this 
 slip ?' ' 
 
 She gave a scream and made a dash at the paper. Ward- 
 ing her off, he resumed: "I know all about it, and have 
 taken my measures accordingly. There are two courses open 
 
 to you. The first is, to scream and alarm the building the 
 
 second, to unlock the door of 27 and deliver the prisoner into 
 our keeping. Before you decide let me tell you, that the 
 offense of kidnapping an innocent girl is punished with a long 
 term of imprisonment in the penitentiary here, and that an 
 officer of the police is waiting down stairs to arrest you. Now, 
 Mademoiselle, decide." 
 
 "But I shall call upon Monsieur Cyre to protect me." 
 
 "You may do as you please in that respect, but you are 
 more likely to secure for him also a term in State prison." 
 
 Mademoiselle remained silent, pondering in her mind the 
 chances for an escape from this dilemma. Richard under- 
 stood her, and said firmly. "No evasions Mademois. I'll give 
 you one minute to decide. When it is up I shall send for the 
 officer." 
 
 He took out his watch to time the seconds, planting his 
 foot at the same time so firmly against the door, as to make 
 an attempt to escape futile. Half the time of grace had ex- 
 pired, when the woman cried with real anguish : "But what 
 will Mr. Cyre say ? He will kill me." 
 
 "He need not know. Tell him any story you please, that 
 she's escaped during the night, or something to that effect." 
 
 "He won't believe me," she cried wringing her hands. 
 
 ^'Perhaps he knows the measure of your veracity. Break 
 the lock, tear the bedsheets, or -something of that sort. I want 
 to save this girl, but I do not wish to ruin you; so make up 
 your mind to any invention you desire to adopt. But quick, 
 because I'll not fool much longer, I assure you." 
 
276 EITHER, OR. 
 
 She wavered a moment, then said : "If Monsieur 
 will help me. I'll do his bidding. What does he propose to 
 do>" 
 
 "Give me the key of 27." 
 
 A ^learn G f light shot from her eyes. v She probably 
 thought he would unlock the door, and prepare the prisoner 
 for flight. In that case, she would escape, alarm her confed- 
 erates, and probably capture the intruder in his own trap. She 
 handed him the key readily, but was sadly disappointed, when 
 she saw him give it to his companion, saying inerely : "You 
 go; I'll have to watch her." 
 
 Richard remained in his position, one foot against the 
 door, and both his eyes keenly fixed upon Mademoiselle. 
 Voices became audible in the neighboring room, but the words 
 exchanged could not be understood. After ten minutes they 
 ceased, and shortly after two veiled figures made their appear- 
 ance in the room. Richard said : 'Ah, here you are. madam » 
 you will please descend to the pavement and await my com- 
 ing. I shall only tarry to assist Mademoiselle in her 'ruse 
 de guerre,' and then follow without delay.'" The woman who 
 had come with Monsieur now took the other's arm, and dis- 
 appeared around the corner of the next corridor. Then they 
 heard the bell of the elevator and a moment later they felt the 
 slight tremor caused by the descent of the concern. Richard 
 waited five more minutes, then he addressed Mademoiselle, 
 saying : "Now, let us go to 27. I'll break the lock and dam- 
 age the door sufficiently to give your story the appearance of 
 likelihood. Come on." 
 
 Mademoiselle was completely cowed by this time. She 
 saw that a cry for help at this late hour would only make mat- 
 ters worse, and resolved, therefore, to make the best of it, and 
 benefit by the assistance which this dreadful fellow had of- 
 fered. She followed him to the other room, and while he 
 dilapidated the lock beyond recovery, she tossed up the bed, 
 and scattered the furniture in such a way as to create the 
 thought of a desperate determination, if not struggle. 
 
 "So,'' he said, "that ought to do. I wish you luck, and 
 
EITHER, OR. 275- 
 
 trust you will escape without injury. To wish your reform 
 and the return to decency and virtue, would probably be mere 
 wasted breath. Adieu, Mademoiselle." 
 
 With these words he left her, and rapidly gained the 
 pavement, where the carriage was still in waiting. "Drive 
 home, aunty. It is all right. I have to settle with Mr. 
 Splaine, but shall be home for dinner." 
 
 So off the carriage rolled, while Richard turned to the 
 detective, and said, handing him a ten dollar bill : "I am 
 very much obliged for your assistance, Mr. Splaine. When I 
 need an officer again, I shall take pleasure in calling on you." 
 
 "Do," the man said, with a grin. "It ain't often that such 
 light work pays so handsomely.'' 
 
 Richard said good bye, and then taking a streetcar, re- 
 turned home, where Mrs. Kean was awaiting him with an im- 
 patience so feverish, as to create the wonderment of the serv- 
 ants and to attract the notice of her nephew as soon as she 
 entered her room. She ran to meet him, drew him into a 
 sofa, and cried. "Richard, this is strange, stranger than fiction, 
 stranger than ati5 ? story I ever read. Do you know whom you 
 rescued from such a peril ?" 
 
 "I do not; but from your excitement, am prepared for 
 something quite remarkable." 
 
 "You are right, Dick, quite right, but can't you guess?" 
 
 "Never was very good at guessing, aunt. Hadn't you 
 better tell me? For your sake, I mean, seeing that you will 
 burst, if you don't unburden soon." 
 
 "Dick, burst isn't a nice word at all, and as a merited pun- 
 ishment, I ought to tantalize you a little longer, but I'll for- 
 bear and tell you. The rescued maiden is Bertha Ras- 
 mussen." 
 
 That announcement was evidently unexpected, for Rich- 
 ard sprang to his feet, crying excitedly: "You don't mean it?" 
 
 "I do, every word of it. Isn't it wonderful, Dick?" 
 
 "Strange indeed, if true." 
 
 "It must be true, for she gave me this name, and .could 
 
278 EITHER, OR. 
 
 she, if it were not hers ? She did not know your interest in 
 such a girl." 
 
 "That sounds reasonable, but this is really so strange that 
 I can hardly grasp it. Well, tell me all about it, aunty, and 
 quick, for we should gladden the heart ot the old man with 
 the news as soon as possible." 
 
 "You are right, my sou. Well, this is her story: When I 
 first went into her room she looked at me like a frightened 
 doe, and was inclined to distrust me. No wonder; the rascal- 
 ity practiced upon her would have turned honey into worm- 
 wood. I told her I had come to rescue her, and urged her to 
 put on the veil, and wrap herself in the mantle I fetched her. 
 She finally obeyed, quite bewildered by the sudden turn her 
 fortune seemed to take. When we were seated in the car- 
 riage, she burst into a flood of tears, saying amidst convulsive 
 sobs: 'I trust you mean me no harm, madam. I have been so 
 wretched, so miserable, that another deception, would — would 
 surely kill me.' " 
 
 "I embraced the poor girl, soothed her in every way I 
 could think of, and succeeded in restoring her to comparative 
 quietude by the time we reached the house. I took her at 
 once to my room, made her comfortable in one of Elinor's 
 suits, and forced her to eat a bite, and drink a glass of wine, 
 having forced from her the confession that she had not tasted 
 food for nearly twenty-four hours." 
 
 "The fiends." 
 
 "Nay, they gave her food, but her state of mind impelled 
 her to reject it. After partaking of the victuals she felt bet- 
 ter; so I asked her who she was, and where she lived. I 
 need not tell you how surprised I was when she told me her 
 name was Bertha Rasmussen." 
 
 "It is strange; but proceed: How did she get there?" 
 
 "That is all I know. She had just told me her name 
 when I heard your step, and hastened to communicate to you' 
 my startling disco very." 
 
 "Let us see her, then, that is, if she is strong enough for 
 such an interview." 
 
EITHER, OR. 279 
 
 "I shall see. She lies on my bed; wait my return here, 
 Richard." 
 
 vShe entered an adjoining room and a minute later returned 
 with their young protege leaning upon her arm. Richard saw 
 a very handsome girl of the most pronounced blonde type, 
 standing before him. It was the pure type of the extreme 
 north, in almost faultless perfection. Her complexion was 
 snowy; hair of yellowness crowned her head, and eyes of the 
 deepest azure beamed mildly upon him. Her lips and cheeks 
 were pale, probably blanched by terror and grief, but Richard 
 imagined that a rosy hue was wont to dwell there under or- 
 dinary circumstances, and felt a thrill of satisfaction at the 
 thought of his power to recall these roses. When the two 
 entered he rapidly arose, advanced a few steps and said, tak- 
 ing the hand of the girl : "*I bid you welcome under our roof, 
 Miss Rasmussen. L,ay aside all fear, for you are perfectly 
 safe under aunt's care." 
 
 Her eyes filled with tears. "Oh, I thank you," she cried, 
 "I thank you with all my heart for — for taking me from 
 that dreadful place. I — I — " 
 
 vShe broke down, and the tears flowed copiously over her 
 cheeks. Mrs. Kean led her caressingly to an arm-chair, 
 forcing her gently down, and said : "There now, my dear, do 
 not thiuk of it any more. The danger is past, and under our 
 protection you need not fear its return. How do you feel 
 now? Are you strong enough to tell us how you came to the 
 city, in fact, all about you, to enable us to help you intelli- 
 gently ? " 
 
 "I am strong enough madam, but I have but little to tell. 
 My parents lived at Four Roads Corner, a little village in the 
 interior of the State. My father has been dead these ten 
 years, and my mother" — -she choked a little at this place — - 
 "followed him about eighteen months ago. She left little. 
 Our place was encumbered to fully its value, so I wrote to an 
 uncle living in Sweden, and begged his protection. Receiving 
 no answer, I wrote a second time, then a third time. All in 
 vain, and I finally came to the conclusion that he was dead. 
 
280 EITHER. OR. 
 
 1 tried to make a living in the village, but the people are all 
 of them poor, so I resolved to go to Plutopolisand try my luck 
 there. I am skilled in sewing, and other little arts of that 
 kind, and hoped to turn them to a better account here. I sold 
 the few pieces of furniture I possessed, and bought a ticket 
 for the city. On board the train I found a lady who pretend- 
 ed to take a lively interest in me and befriended me in a 
 manner very agreeable to me. As I was inexperienced and 
 dreaded the big city with its multitude of strangers, the 
 lady persuaded me to go with her, promising me remunera- 
 tive employment. Alas ! I yielded but too readily, and fell 
 without suspicion into the trap she had set for me. I would 
 have fallen in, if it had been ever so clumsy, for I had never 
 mingled with strangers, and was incapable of discerning be- 
 tween truth and deception. I was taken to that place last 
 Monday, and — and — oh do not insist upon a description of the 
 agony I suffered there by day and night." 
 
 "Of course not, my dear. Banish all recollection of the 
 place from your mind, and rejoice at the certainty of 
 peace and happiness, for rest assured Bertha, that we shall 
 befriend you and secure for you a future free from care and 
 harm." 
 
 "You are so good,'' she exclaimed fervently, folding her 
 hands and looking from one to the other with volumes of 
 gratitude in her beautiful eyes. 'You are so good.'' 
 
 "Tut, tut," Richard exclaimed deprecatingly, "don't make 
 us blush. By the way, you did not give us your Uncle's 
 name." 
 
 "Professor Erric Andersen." 
 
 He knew the name, of course, but asked to introduce 
 into her mind some hope and expectancy of finding her 
 relative. 
 
 "Andersen.'' he echoed." "Why. I have read that name 
 in the papers recently, and am almost sure a person bearing 
 that name is in the city." 
 
 She rose excitedly. "Is it possible?" she cried, again 
 folding her hands beseechingly. "Oh, take me to him then 
 
EITHER, OR. 281 
 
 or bring him here. He is my mother's brother, and so good, 
 so good." 
 
 "Then you know him?" 
 
 "Only by his letters. But you will find him for me, good 
 friends — will you not?" 
 
 "We shall try," said Mrs. kean, "but here is the dinner 
 bell. Come dear, you have been starving for a week, and 
 must try to regain your strength and buoyancy to cheer your 
 uncle, when you meet him." 
 
 Youth is the period of intensity. Extreme sorrow jumps 
 into ecstacy, and the reader need not marvel when we tell him 
 that this fair creature rapidly revived under the kind and ten- 
 der care of new friends. At dinner she was introduced to 
 Elinor, and made the acquaintance of Master George, who at 
 once vouchsafed to her his friendship and protection, and 
 aided much in diverting her thoughts from the dreadful ex- 
 perience of the past week. After dinner Richard took up the 
 paper and said, suddenly, with cheerful emphasis; "Wh} r , 
 Miss Bertha, here is an advertisement concerning you. 
 Listen." And then he read to her the lines which he had 
 caused to be inserted some time ago. She jumped up, 
 dancing in glee, and crying: "O dear! O dear! Can it be pos- 
 sible. Say, Mr. Velder, can we go there at once? " 
 
 "We must be cautious, Miss Bertha. You may not find 
 your uncle there, but only news concerning him, and if you 
 find him, the sudden shock may hurt him. He must be 
 tolerably up in years from what you tell us." 
 
 "Yes. nearly seventy." 
 
 "Well, then, let me manage this for you. I will use all 
 the dispatch I can, and return soon, as the place is very near." 
 
 She submitted with good grace to his suggestions, but 
 begged him to hurry with such pleading earnestness, that he 
 snatched his hat and started for the grocery. He was a little 
 dubious in regard to the efficiency of his disguise, or rather its 
 removal, but trusted that a determined front would avert a 
 dangerous inquisitiveness on the part of the Professor. In 
 the store he inquired for Mr. Grad, and the busy clerks 
 
282 HITHER. OR. 
 
 directed hitn without the scrutiny which he had anticipated. 
 "Kleider machen Leute," the Germans say, and his stylish and 
 costly suit of the finest black broadcloth precluded so effectu- 
 ally of the comparison with the rough and poor clad tinker, 
 that they failed to make it. Gottlieb accosted him civilly, but 
 indifferently, telling him that he would find Mr. Andersen in 
 the attic room of the new building. So up he climbed, and 
 upon the inmate's summons, entered the room. 
 
 "Professor Andersen?" he inquired. 
 
 The old man started, eagerly expecting to see the person 
 his memory associated with this familiar voice. At the sight 
 of this elegantly dressed gentleman, who, moreover, observed 
 a distant reserve, he started and said confusedly in reply to 
 the other's salutation : "Excuse me, sir, I thought I expected 
 to meet an acquaintance, whose voice is strangely like yours. 
 What can I do for you? Be seated, if you please." 
 
 "You are the gentleman to whom this advertisement refers, 
 I presume?" 
 
 The old man started again. "My name is Eric Andersen, 
 and I am the party to which the advertisement refers. Can 
 it be possible that Bertha has been found ?" 
 
 "There are strong clues to her, at least. My name is 
 Yelder, I think you know my aunt, Mrs. Kean." 
 
 "Very well, and have heard much of you, sir. But will 
 you please inform me of the nature of your discoveries." 
 
 "My aunt is better qualified to do so. Would it be too 
 much ot a trouble to accompany me to our house?" 
 
 "Of course not. I would go to the end of the world to 
 find my niece. I am ready, sir." 
 
 They left the building, and were soon seated in Mrs. 
 Kean's room. She shook hands with him, and said cordially: 
 "I have good news for you, professor. The whereabouts of 
 your niece have been discovered. Are you strong enough to 
 meet her soon?" 
 
 "I am strong enough to meet her, madam," he said husk- 
 ily, "but I am not strong enough to bear disappointment or 
 
EITHER, OR. 283 
 
 even suspense. So, bear with an old man, and do not torture 
 him with well-meant caution." 
 
 "You are right, Mr. Andersen. Learn then, that your 
 niece is in this building. I'll go and prepare her for this meet- 
 ing." She returned after a short absence, leading by the hand 
 the maiden who, in the old man's eyes, was fair as one of the 
 houris of Mohamet's Paradise. 
 
 "Here she is," she said pleasantly, then turned and left 
 the room, unwilling to mar the scene sure to ensue. 
 
 Shall we be less discreet, dear reader? Nay, let us follow 
 her, and leave the pair, to enjoy undisturbed by our presence, 
 one of the happiest moments of their lives. 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 NOT ALL THAT GLITTERS IS GOLD. 
 
 Does the reader remember the brave girl so roughly 
 handled by Billingsgate on the evening of the riot ? If so, is 
 "he, beg pardon, she, not anxious to learn more of her ? Yes. 
 Well, let us retrace our steps, and follow her into the street 
 car, where her dilapidated appearance created some surprise 
 and even comment. True, she had thrown away her torn 
 jacket before entering ; but the absence of a head dress and 
 the crumpled condition of her dress, could not help attracting 
 attention. 
 
 "Had an accident, miss?" the conductor inquired on col- 
 lecting the fare. 
 
 "The horses ran away," she said quietly. "Please stop 
 for me corner Fortieth." 
 
 "At the Cheatham mansion?" 
 
 "Corner Fortieth, I said," she replied so emphatically, 
 that he refrained from further remarks, stopping in due season 
 at the corner indicated. When she had alighted, he went to 
 the driver in front and said emphatically, but in a confiden- 
 tial undertone. : "I'll be blasted if that wasn't Miss Cheatham 
 
284 EITHER, OR. 
 
 herself. Wonder what row she has been in. Looked quite 
 used up she did." 
 
 "Didn't you ask her?" 
 
 "She said the horses had run away, but it looks mighty 
 much like a fib. I'd give a nickel to know." 
 
 Meanwhile the girl had proceeded until she reached the 
 portals of a magnificent palace. Let us anticipate her 
 entrance and acquaint ourselves with the building and its in- 
 mates. 
 
 We are not over fond of describing gorgeous edifices or 
 grand festivities whose purpose is the catering of the animal 
 appetite. Such descriptions are tantalizing to poor devils 
 such as we are. They are toq much like the epicurian ban- 
 quet derived from the reading of the cook book, to suit our 
 taste. Besides, they tend towards exciting the env}' of the 
 reader, a misdemeanor of which we would not be guilt}' for 
 the most tempting consideration, our sole and only aim being 
 to elevate his character and improve his morals. So we 
 merely say: This mansion was a truly grand affair, furnished 
 in the most luxurious manner, and filled with everything 
 desirable: including happiness? you inquire. Nay. reader, 
 that is about the only thing wealth does not insure or presup- 
 pose, and we leave it to your own self to draw your con- 
 clusions as to that a little further on. 
 
 We enter the private apartment of the owner and master 
 of all this wealth, and find him seated in any easy chair. 
 His countenance, however, betrays anything but ease. On 
 the contrary, it betokens anger and indignation, scowling 
 fiercely upon another person, the only inmate of the room be- 
 side the owner. Now he speaks : 
 
 "You have my ultimatum, sir. I shall no longer cater to- 
 your idle and vicious tastes, and if you do not at once accept 
 and faithfully discharge the trust offered you without so much 
 urbanity, and accompanied with such enticing emoluments, I 
 shall withdraw my support and leave you to your fate." 
 
 The party addressed was a man young in years, but old 
 in dissipation, which had emaciated his form, and marked his 
 
EITHER, OR. 285 
 
 features. He did not appear deeply impressed with the 
 threat he had listened to, but said with a yawn: "You are jok- 
 ing, Senator. It would sound well in Gold street or the capi- 
 tol, that Senator Cheatham cut off his son with a shilling." 
 
 "I do not care how it sounds, or how it looks. A shilling 
 you say? Is that the sum a generous law compels one to 
 leave a prodigal son? Here is yours," (flinging a small coin 
 to the other's feet ;) "now be gone, and don't confront me again 
 until you bring with you the promise aud determination to 
 <Jo my bidding." 
 
 "But, Senator — " 
 
 "Don't senator me, sir. You have my last word, and will 
 ■oblige me by a speedy retirement from these quarters." 
 
 The other yawned again, then stretched himself, arose 
 and withdrew, whistling the "Rogue's March." 
 
 "An appropriate air," the older man murmured, half bit- 
 terly, probably thinking of his worthy offspring in connection 
 with the melody, without a faint suspicion of the possibility 
 of a different construction. 
 
 "I trust this will bring him to his senses. I am tired of 
 paying his bills, and smoothing over his peccadillos which 
 threaten to assume an ugh- character if allowed to grow. 
 Well, what is it now ? A fellow cannot work a minute with- 
 out being interrupted." 
 
 The last words were provoked by a noise at the door, and 
 the entrance of a lady, who requires, nay deserves a close des- 
 cription. 
 
 She appeared slightly over forty, but time, instead of 
 wrinkling her features, seemed to have frozen them. No 
 other word could express half so well the cast of her counte- 
 nance. Her features seemed frozen, preserving the intactness 
 characteristic to frozen matter, but also their icy chill. She 
 had been very beautiful — she was beautiful even then, but it 
 was the beauty of marble, marble chiseled in the frigid zone. 
 She had beautiful golden hair, and eyes of violet blue, but 
 eyes partaking of the general iciness of the apparition. Her 
 
2.S6 EITHER. OR. 
 
 face was pale, not of the silky hue, common with consump- 
 tives, but pale like ivory or alabaster. 
 
 She glided nearer, until she was within half a dozen steps 
 of the other ; then she said in a voice strangely contrasting 
 with the terrible import of her words: 
 
 "Blanche has been killed, John." 
 
 A curse from the other's lips stopped her. 
 
 "Woman, are you crazj- to talk that way ? What does 
 John say ? Where is he ? " 
 
 He walked to the door, jerked it open and cried : "John • 
 John ! " 
 
 "Yes, sir," a voice responded, and a moment later its 
 owner stood within the room. His master at once saw that 
 something unusual, something terrible must have happened, 
 for his hair hung disheveled around his face, his hands and 
 face were soiled, and his clothes in disorder. 
 
 "What is this I hear?" the senator gasped, now 
 thoroughlv alarmed. "Where is Blanche? What has befallen 
 her ? " 
 
 "I fear they have killed her surr," the fellow cried, his lips 
 shaking and his teeth clattering. 
 
 "Killed her, you dolt? You are drunk. Killed her? And 
 you dare to show vour face here and tell me ?" 
 
 "And it wasn't I as could help it, your honor. You see it 
 was thus :" 
 
 And then he proceeded to give a disconnected account of 
 the affairs, alleging that the woman had whipped his horses 
 causing them to run away, and refusing to obey the reins, 
 until it was too late. We know that he embelished the real 
 state of affairs and need not point out the reason. When he 
 had done, the senator uttered a deep groan, saying: "And 
 here we stand, instead of going to the rescue. Quick ! Alarm 
 the servants ! Arm every one of them and send them to the 
 scene of outrage." 
 
 "They have been sent, now," said the lady with the same 
 frozen quietude, "You are the only man in the house except 
 this coward. Why don't you go ? " 
 
EITHER. OR. 287 
 
 There was an indescribable tone of utter contempt in her 
 voice, which irritated the senator. He was on the point of 
 making a furious reply, when a servant girl rushed into the 
 room with a mixture of weeping and laughing. "She is here, 
 Miss Blanche is here. She is all right, ma'am, all right." 
 
 Then a reaction came over the lady, if a frozen statue is 
 capable of such a thing. She laid her hand upon her bosom ; 
 a slight flush came into her face, and, with a half whispered, 
 "Thank Heaven," she glided from the room. "Where is 
 Blanche?" she inquired of the girl who followed her. When 
 she learned that Miss Cheatham had retired to her room, she 
 went up a flight of stairs, and finally knocked at a door of the 
 second story. Upon a "come in !" she opened the door and 
 saw her daughter lying on a lounge, evidently unstrung by 
 some recent terrible ordeal, but otherwise unharmed. The 
 girl rose at the sight, and when her mother had glided up to 
 her, sank into her embrace. For fully a minute the two stood 
 thus entwined, the pale lady betraying an emotion doubl}- 
 startling by the contrast of her general demeanor. There was 
 one spot evidently, which had not been frozen — her mother's 
 heart. When finally they released each other, they sat down 
 side by side, their hands still clasped in a firm grasp. Then 
 the mother said : "Tell me all about it. Was your life really 
 in danger, my dear?" 
 
 "I think it was, mamma. I think I would have been 
 torn to pieces, but for the assistance of a young man who de- 
 fended me against a crowd of infuriated women, and brought 
 me out in safety." 
 
 She then told the whole affair, avoiding purposely the 
 superlatives so liberally applied by j'oung ladies generally, 
 but using nevertheless, a pathos, bringing the occurrence 
 vividly before her mother's eye. She said not a word in 
 praise of her rescuers, but when she spoke of him, her tone 
 assumed a fervor betraying clearly to the other the intensity 
 of her feelings on that point. 
 
 "And his name?" she inquired, when the girl had done. 
 "He must be liberally rewarded." 
 
288 EITHER, OR. 
 
 Blanche made a gesture of impatience. "He is not ot 
 that sort," she said warmly. "As to his name, I asked him 
 for it, but failed to catch it, on account of the noise of the 
 starting car. No, mamma, we shall never see him again, and I 
 long so to thank him." 
 
 Her looks were so absent as to attract her mother's at- 
 tention. "Blanche," she said, as if wishing to divert her 
 daughter's thoughts from that subject, "do you know that 
 you were very imprudent to expose yourself in this manner ?" 
 
 "I know now. mamma. I had no idea how terrible the 
 passions of human beings can be aroused. It is want and 
 poverty which make them so intense." 
 
 "Hardly, my daughter. Believe me, passions are as fur- 
 rious amongst the wealthy as among the poor." 
 
 "I suppose so. mamma, but I think, yes I feel convinced, 
 that it is the extremes which make them so. You know I 
 have always thought it wrong to possess so manv millions. 
 Now, I know it to be wrong and sinful in the extreme." 
 
 "I cannot contradict you, child, for there is perhaps no 
 human being in this wide land that knows the hollowness of 
 wealth better than I. But you must be tired. I will leave 
 you to get that repose you need so badly to restore your 
 strength. Good night, my darling." 
 
 On the following morning Miss Cheatham was more than 
 usually pensive. She spent most of her time in her room, 
 visited occasionally by her mother, who would say a kind 
 word, and then disappear, moving about with a placidity of a 
 statue, or the noiselessness of a spirit. About ten o'clock Mr. 
 Cheatham entered his daughter's room. He closed the door 
 carefully, then walked up to her and said, standing up and 
 confronting her: "Blanche, what escapades are these? What 
 business had you in the Irish quarter at such an unseasonable 
 hour? Are you not aware that people will talk of you, and 
 that such talk reflects on your parents? " 
 
 "I am sorry, father. I had no idea that there was any 
 danger connected with the drive, or I would not have gone.'' 
 
 "Well, I trust you will abstain from such romantic trips 
 
KITHER, OR. 
 
 289 
 
 hereafter. Some new-fangled notions have upset your judg- 
 ment, and caused you to imagine that such friendly visits to 
 the poor and downtrodden will improve their condition. I 
 know the world and can assure you that they do not, but that 
 they cause provoking articles for the newspapers." 
 
 A blush rose in the girl's cheeks. "Was my name men- 
 tioned?" she inquired, eagerly. 
 
 "Not your name, but some circumstance bringing the 
 thing pretty well home to us. I came in to warn you kindly, 
 and to ask you at the same time : What answer am I to give 
 to Count Suwarow ? It is over a month now since he honored 
 you by asking your hand in marriage, and you continue to 
 hold him off — I — " 
 
 The girl rose from her seat, standing before him with that- 
 calm dignity so peculiar to her. 
 
 "I do not hold him off," she said coldly, "on the contrary, 
 I told him kindly, but positively, from the start, that T do not 
 love him, and therefore can not and will not marry him." 
 
 The Senator winced under her words and evidently was 
 inclined to be angry, 
 
 "That's all nonsense and school girl's romance. Life is 
 real, life is earnest, and a girl of your intelligence cannot help 
 seeing that such romance has little to do with it, and that 
 wealth, power and position are agencies too potent to be jested 
 with. Count Suwarow is the plenipotentiary of Russia to our 
 country. He is one of the most powerful men of his native 
 land, and so rich that he is actually incapable of forming an 
 estimate of his wealth. You were lucky enough to attract 
 the attention and win the affection of such a man, and now 
 you come and tell me that you do not love him. What does 
 it matter ? In marrying him you secure a position in which 
 you can follow the bent of your inclination in every partic- 
 ular. I^ove him. Are you not aware that nine people out of 
 ten marry without love? " 
 
 "I am assured by persons who ought to know that such 
 is the case." 
 
 "And they informed you right. Come, will you author- 
 
2c)o EITHKR.OR. 
 
 ize me to bring the Count the news of your acceptance ?. 
 
 "Not to-day, father." 
 
 "Blanche, do not provoke me," he cried, angrily. "I have 
 spoiled you by humoring every whim of yours, but beware! 
 There is a limit to everything, my patience included. I want 
 an answer, miss." 
 
 She stood pensively, evidently weighing what she should- 
 say to him. At length she gazed at him steadily and said: 
 "Give me this day, father. I promise you solemnly to give 
 you a plain and unvarnished answer to morrow morning." 
 
 "Very well," he replied, after a moment's thought. "Be 
 a prudent girl, Blanche, and do not throw away chances, at 
 which hundreds of girls would jump with alacrity." 
 
 "I'll tell you to-morrow, father." 
 
 "Very well. Good bye, Blanche, I'll have to go down 
 town on business." 
 
 When hehad left, Blanche remained fully five minutes in the 
 same position ; but her thoughts were rather dreamy in char- 
 acter, rocking before her vision a certain image surrounded 
 with direful caricature as an offset. At length she started 
 and, heaving a sigh, left her room for that of her mother. 
 She found that lady seated in an arm chair, glancing over the 
 leaves of a new novel. On seeing her child enter, her face 
 brightened a little and pointing to her side, she said invitingly : 
 "Come daughter, sit here, and talk to me. I have the blues, 
 and your chat may perchance drive them away." 
 
 The girl shook her head pensively. Drawing a low stool 
 to her mother's feet, she sat down on it, and said rather 
 solemnly: "Mother, I come to you for advice. In truth, I lay 
 my destiny in your hands, and as you decide, so will I act. 
 You are my judge, you see, and a judge is always placed 
 above the culprit. So I'll sit on this stool to await your de- 
 cision." 
 
 "You are no culprit dear. When could my darling have 
 committed a crime deserving that name ? " 
 
 "Well, client, then." 
 
 "And you are serious, child?" 
 
EITHER. OR. . 291 
 
 "'Very serious, mother, as you will soon perceive." 
 
 "But you charge me with a terrible responsibility, 
 Blanche." 
 
 "You love me, mother— that suffices. I know your 
 decision will be guided by this love, and love you, know, can- 
 not err. Now listen : Father was in my room just now urging 
 me to say 'Yes' to Count Suwarow's wooing. First I will 
 argue the case as it appears to me, and then you shall decide. 
 The laws of men and the precepts of religion tell us that it is 
 our^duty to obey our parents. Father has always been kind 
 to me, and I should like very much to repay him by a ready 
 obedience to his wishes or commands. On the other hand, 
 I do not love the Count— yea, the manifestation of his 
 urgent prayers has filled me towards him with something akin 
 to repugnance. Now, mother, you know the whole case, and 
 my sentiments concerning it. Decide my fate, for, as I said, 
 I shall consider your decision as fiual and binding." 
 
 It would have been interesting to trace the thoughts and 
 sentiments passing through this woman during these words. 
 They were exceedingly tumultous, as we shall see before long. 
 Outwardly, however, she appeared unmoved, making it appear 
 as if her features were a frozen sea, incapable of indicating the 
 condition of the billows below. She sat there fully five 
 minutes wrapt in deep and painful meditation. She seemed 
 to fight an inward struggle at the same time, for she heaved a 
 deep sigh, and said to her child, every syllable tinctured with 
 the essence of unspeakable love. "I have decided, Blanche, 
 but not in spoken words will I communicate my verdict to 
 you. Wait here one minute." 
 
 She arose and went into her bed chamber, whence she 
 returned a few minutes later bearing in her hands some sheets 
 of paper. Handing them to Blanche, she resumed: "Take 
 these to your room and read them. As I said before, they 
 will speak for themselves. Return them when you have 
 done, and let no other mortal eye catch a glimpse of them. 
 They contain bitter medicine my darling, and will convince 
 
292 EITHER. OR. 
 
 you that whatever feeling I am entertaining towards others, I 
 love you, my darling, with every fibre of my soul." 
 
 She nodded gently, and pushed the girl coaxingly, as if she 
 ■would urge her to begin the perusal without delay. So 
 Blanche kissed her tenderly, and then went to her room, 
 whose door she locked. Then she shoved an easy chair into 
 a favorable light and read as follows : 
 
 Jan. ioth, 1 8 — 
 
 It is very chilly, but it is not the low temperature which 
 has frozen my blood. There has been a fearful tempest in the 
 house, which has up-rooted all the flowers of my heart and 
 blasted the prospects of happiness for this life. I wonder that 
 I can say this ; I wonder still more that I can narrate this 
 tempest, and dissect with cruel indifference the tissues of a 
 bleeding heart. I suppose it is the necessity of having a 
 willing ear into which I can pour my grief, which induces me 
 to take the pen and chronicle the events of this dreadful 
 morning which broke so cheerfully, and smote us all so cruelly 
 We had a late breakfast, and when it was over, papa, who 
 generally leaves for his bank at once, tarried, following me 
 from room to room, as if desirous of speaking to me. At last 
 I turned laughingly upon him, saying: "Well, Pa, what is it? 
 Can I da anything for you ? " 
 
 He started, and'turned pale. "Yes child" he said huskily; 
 "You can do something for me, and if you will come into my 
 room I will tell you what it is." 
 
 Little did I dream of the nature of the terrible revelations 
 in store for me. Indeed they smote me doubly on account of 
 their unexpectedness. 
 
 When we had seated ourselves in his study, he began: 
 
 "Eva you know Josephus Cheatham ? " 
 
 "The clerk in your bank?" I asked wonderingly. 
 
 "The very one: what do you think of him ? " 
 
 "Nothing," I replied with a laugh: "What should I think 
 of him ? I have never thought it necessarv to trouble my 
 thoughts concerning him." 
 
EITHER. OR. 293 
 
 "Well, my dear child, you will have to do that hereafter, 
 for Mr. Cheatham has asked your hand in marriage.'' 
 
 I rose quickly to my feet, and looked at him wonderingly 
 thinking I did not hear aright. "What did you say? " 
 
 He repeated his words, whereupon I started, saying : 
 
 "Father, you are making sport of me. What have I done 
 to deserve such treatment? If Mr. Cheatham has had the im- 
 pudence you mentioned, was it not enough to simply show 
 him his place?" 
 
 I noticed that father was greatly troubled. The perspira- 
 tion ran from his forehead, and he continued with a great 
 effort at composure: "Daughter, listen to me. There are 
 reasons which make it paramount for you and me to treat his 
 proposition leniently, nay to accept it. Now listen to me," 
 he continued, when he saw that I was on the point of utter- 
 ing a vehement protest ; "Cheatham has discovered papers, 
 which put it in his power to reduce us to beggary." 
 
 "Let him do it then,'' I cried cheerfully. "Better poor 
 than his wife." 
 
 "You talk like an idiot," he exclaimed, angrily. "Do you 
 know what poverty, especially genteel poverty means? Of 
 course you do not or you would not talk that way. But this 
 is not all, Eva. You remember your uncle's unfortunate 
 death?" 
 
 "Yes, he was asphyxiated." 
 
 "But you do not know that I was in your uncle's room as 
 late as ten o'clock that night, and that Cheatham saw me com- 
 ing out of it. Eva, I swear to you by all that is sacred, 
 that—" 
 
 "Stop father," I cried, once more rising to my feet. "Has 
 it come to this? Is it necessary for you to swear to convince 
 your daughter you are not a murderer?" 
 
 He recoiled under these words. 
 
 "I thank you, Eva, for this confidence. No, thank 
 heaven, I am not a murderer ; but the world knows that my 
 brother's death has made me a millionaire, and if Cheatham 
 
294 EITHER, OR. 
 
 whispers his knowledge to a few, I shall soon stand branded 
 as a murderer." 
 
 "You are innocent, " I cried encouraging^. "So brave 
 them all and live their suspicion down." 
 
 He shook his head mournfully and said : "You do not 
 know them. I could stand an open trial, but I could not 
 bear to have them point with their fingers at me and whisper : 
 'There is the murderer. By rights he ought to grace the gal- 
 lows.' Eva, it would kill me." 
 
 I feared it would. I had the choice between being my 
 father's involuntary destroyer or to marry Cheatham. It was 
 a short, but fearful struggle. Ten minutes later I said to him : 
 "Father tell Mr. Cheatham that I accept his proposal." 
 
 He thanked me and went. 
 
 February ist. The wedding day has been set. The day 
 after the dreadful one described, Mr. Cheatham did me the 
 honor to wait upon me in person. I had determined to marry 
 him, but I had also resolved not to deceive him. I said to 
 him: "Mr. Cheatham, I want to place our future relations 
 upon a clear basis. I do not wish to deceive you. I do not 
 love you, and shall never love you. After these intrigues of 
 yours against my father I cannot even respect you, but I shall 
 be a faithful wife to you as far as your honor is concerned. I 
 can and will not play the hypocrite. If these terms and words 
 do not suit you, release me, and I shall praise and thank you." 
 But he did not release me, and tomorrow I shall be wedded to 
 a man whom I loathe and abhore. Would it — I have asked my- 
 self repeatedly — Would it be justifiable to end my miserable 
 existence, and a still voice within me, answers: It would be 
 pardonable, at least. But what good would it do ? It is true 
 it would release me of fetters both hateful and repulsive, but 
 it would leave him exposed to the poisonous fang, for whom I 
 endure this martyrdom. No ! no ! There is no escape from 
 this yoke. I must bear it, and I will endure it with the spirit 
 of those martyrs who braved the malice of the;r persecutors 
 and found comfort in the consciousness of the fulfillment of 
 their duty. 
 
EITHER, OR. 295 
 
 Here the sheets of the diary ended, but pinned to them 
 was this paper, superscribed in pencil : ''Accommentary to 
 Josephus Cheatham's character. Then came copy of Harry 
 Halleck's affidavit, and next this affidavit. 
 To whom it may concern : 
 
 I, Harry Halleck, being in my sound mind, do herewith, 
 and hereby declare, that Mrs. Mary Brown, with whom I have 
 lived for many years in matrimony is truly my lawful wife, to 
 whom I was wedded on the 25 day of July, 18 — ,in the Mis- 
 sionary church of Yoko by Rev. Swift, then minister of said 
 church. Mary Brown was born in this wedlock, and is there- 
 fore truly and lawfully my daughter. I make this statement 
 because I married Mary under the name of Harry Brown, as- 
 sumed for reasons foreign to this matter, and because, being 
 separated temporarily, being mortal, though in good health, 
 my wife and child might be deprived of the fortune rightfully 
 theirs. To which I have set my name and seal on this 20 day 
 of June. 18. — Harry Halleck. 
 
 Witnesses : 
 
 John Krugek, 
 Edward Means. 
 
 Plutopolis, June 21st, 18—. 
 
 To-day Harry Hallack, of the firm of Halleck Bros., ap- 
 peared before me a Justice of the Peace, and made oath that 
 the contents of the above paper are the truth, the whole truth, 
 and nothing but the truth. 
 
 Jasper Wells, Notary Public. 
 
 Then in pencil again : — This is the Document for whose 
 oppression I was sold soul and body to Josephus Cheatham. 
 
 The hand of the poor girl sank as if under a heavy 
 weight. The paper contained the death warrant of the love 
 and respect she had thus far entertained for a father, of whose 
 real character she had perhaps had an intuitive though dim 
 perception, but who had shown to her as much affection and 
 indulgence as was at all compatible with his nature. Now it 
 fell like scales from her eyes, and she saw clearly what before 
 had been distant and uncertain. And to this man her poor 
 
296 EITHER, OR. 
 
 mother had been tied many years. She saw now more clearly , 
 traits in her mother's character which she had failed to com- 
 prehend before, and which now threw a perfect halo around 
 her martyred head. She understood what it must have cost 
 that mother to make this revelation, and that only the 
 determination to save her child at all hazards from a 
 fate worse than a dozen deaths, could at last have overcome 
 her scruples. The medicine was bitter as gall and wormwood, 
 but it effected the desired cure. A bright light came into the 
 girl's eyes. She compressed her lips firmly and then made 
 the mental vow, that never and under no circumstances would 
 she marry a man she did not love. Taking the papers, en- 
 trusted to her keeping and discretion, to her mother and hand- 
 ing them to her. she said, only: "I understand, mother dear;" 
 and then left the room. 
 
 The girl grew much older that day. The mental tempest 
 which swept over her soul broke many a tender shoot, killed 
 many a flower blooming in romantic dells and shady recesses. 
 She sought the solitude of her room most of the time, absent- 
 ing herself from several meals, exciting the curiosity, though 
 not alarm of her father. He had always known her to be 
 peculiar, given to pensive moods and reflections, which some- 
 times broke out in startling questions, and generally resulted 
 in convictions even more startling. These, however, she had 
 kept to herself, and as her father had always found her docile 
 and obedient, he feared no serious trouble in this instance. 
 The fact was, Senator Cheatham hardly understood his 
 daughter. She was too deep for him, and as he saw merely the 
 placid surface of her gentle disposition, he had no conception 
 of the depth below. When he, therefore, entered her room 
 the next morning he wore a cheerful aspect. Expecting a 
 ready compliance with his wishes or rather dictates, he did 
 not deem it worth while to sit down, but said standing: 
 "Well, my dear girl, have you decided to be an obedient 
 daughter, and to send to Count Suwarow the message to come 
 and hear the fulfillment of his wishes from your own lips." 
 She had been sitting, but now arose, and said, looking him 
 
EITHER, OR. 297 
 
 full in the face: "Father, I am sorry to disappoint both you 
 and him. After weighing the matter long and carefully, I 
 have arrived at the conclusion that I can not accept the 
 Count's wooing, in justice to him and myself. The face of 
 the Senator reddened, and a vein which crossed his forehead 
 filled and stood forth in purple color. Both the unexpected- 
 ness of this answer and the calmness of the girl provoked a 
 wrath, which|tbreatened to escape his control, but he restrained 
 his anger with a mighty effort, saying, huskily: "Blanche, 
 you are joking. Permit me to inform you that I am not at 
 all in the humor to be funny." 
 
 "You are mistaken father," she replied, unmoved, facing 
 him with a fearlessness under which he shrank. "I never in 
 my life was more serious. I can and will not wed Count 
 Suwarow." 
 
 A curse escaped his lips, and he raised his clentched 
 first as if to strike. She did not "retreat an inch, but, 
 awaited the blow with an unconcern which brought him to his 
 senses. He lowered the uplifted hand, but, as if to indemnify 
 himself for this restraint, a torrent of abuse and threats broke 
 from his lips. 
 
 "Ungrateful hussy," he cried in a voice of thunder. "This 
 is the reward for all my affection and indulgence. But be- 
 ware! There are means to bring refractory children to terms. 
 I'll cut you off with a penny, and turn you into the street; 
 that's what I'll do." 
 
 "I'll go father, if you wish it. Better the crust of poverty 
 than the gilded cage and the loathsome'presence of a man I 
 do not love." 
 
 "'Yes, I suppose that would suit you," he cried, nursing 
 his wrath. "You always had a beggarly taste, and would 
 enjoy their company. But I will not gratify you. I will call 
 in medical assistance and have you declared insane, that's 
 what I will do. We'll see what effect the tiger jacket will 
 have upon you and your lunatic notions. I swear I will." 
 
 He turned to rush from the room, but started back as if 
 he had seen an apparition. Indeed, what he saw, might well 
 
298 HITHER, OR. 
 
 be called an apparition. A few steps from him stood Mrs. 
 Cheatham. Her features wore their usual icy touch. Her 
 cheeks were as palid as ever, even her eyes darted glances 
 marked by their chill, but also by a supreme contempt. Rais- 
 ing her hand slowly in a warning manner, she said: "Swear 
 not, Josephus Cheatham, for if you do and carry out your pur- 
 pose. I will break the silence which I have preserved so many 
 years. Injure one hair on the head of this child, and the 
 world shall make the acquaintance of Senator Cheatham, and 
 learn the manner in which he earned his millions." 
 
 Foam gathered on the lips of the man, but they remained 
 closed. He stood for a moment as if meditating some desper- 
 ate step. Then he gathered himself, and with a glance full of 
 deadly hatred, he passed his wife and rushed from the room. 
 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 PLOTS AND COUNTERPLOTS. 
 
 Richard Velder found his affairs well muddled. Mrs. Keau , 
 though both able and willing, had been unable to attend 
 to every little detail. Uncle Calculus had kept the 
 books in excellent condition, but beyond that he was a mere 
 cipher with no figures in front, to count. True, the tinker 
 had occasionally attended to the most pressing business, but 
 he had been very busy with the affairs of his wards, and dis- 
 covered that one cannot well serve two masters. On exami- 
 nation Richard found that after a successful start, his colonies 
 had become stationary, partly because the parties entrusted 
 with their career had become indifferent or mercenary, abus- 
 ing Richard's confidence to his and his ward's detriment. The 
 question now arose. What should he do ? He felt that his 
 means did not suffice to colonize the whole globe, and what 
 is more and was worse, that a truly paternal government is 
 not exactly the thing to advance the welfare of the masses. 
 The power of the Czar is sometimes a good thing, as a stroke 
 of his pen can remedy an evil, which a liberal government 
 
EITHER, OR. 299 
 
 cannot reach or reach only slowly and indifferently. But, the 
 pen, which is so strong an agent for good, can also be a terri- 
 ble agent for evil, and, what is worse, the people subjected to 
 his rule will forever remain in a state of infancy. 
 
 These thoughts occupied the mind of our friend long and 
 painfully. He disliked the idea of giving up the role 
 of an invisible Providence, a "Deus ex Machina ; " but 
 after several weeks of earnest study, he came to the conclusion 
 that such a renunciation would be necessary, and that a con- 
 centration of his means and measures was indispensible for a 
 successful execution of his plans. Then the question arose : 
 Which of his characters was more essential to the public weal, 
 that of Dick Brown or Dick Velder ? He was not sufficiently 
 conceited to imagine the world could not get along without 
 either. He knew that his idea had taken deep root in the 
 masses, and that the good work would probabl}- go on with- 
 out Brown or Velder, but while aware of his dispensibleness, 
 he also knew that Velder's millions would form a powerful, 
 nay, indispensible aid, and that, on the other hand, the tinker 
 had gained that great popularity calculated to sway the masses 
 in emergencies. That such emergencies would arise frequent- 
 ly and at an early date, he knew; so, after weighing the use- 
 fulness of the two characters, he concluded that it would be 
 Avell to combine the merits of the two, by realizing all the 
 means of Velder, and placing them at the disposal of the 
 tinker. This resolution once formed, our friend was net slow 
 to carry it out. On his arrival he found offers from numerous 
 parties to purchase at greatly advanced prices his various 
 proprieties. The swamp, now a village of a thousand cot- 
 tages, with room for five thousand more, was in great demand, 
 a syndicate wishing to purchase it, and offering a million 
 dollars in cash. Richard felt sure that this bid would be in- 
 creased a few hundred thousand if the party saw any prospect 
 of closing a bargain. Other parties offered liberal prices for 
 the other estates, and when the proper negotiations closed a 
 few weeks later, Richard found himself fully two millions 
 richer. Next he wrote to Senator Cheatham, informing him 
 
300 EITHER. OR. 
 
 that he wished to make investments on a larger scale, requir- 
 ing vast sums, and that he would, therefore accept ten millions 
 in cash for the fourteen payments of one million, still due. As 
 the discount was very liberal, the Senator eagerly accepted the 
 offer, paying our friend in bonds of Occidentia. Thus he held 
 at his disposal eighteen millions, which might and probably 
 would suffice to carry out plans growing rapidly in size, and 
 assuming every day a more tangible shape. He had noticed 
 a growing restlessness in the press of the country, subsidized 
 by capital, and working, with few exceptions, in its interest. 
 Various measures had been suggested, all aiming at a sharper 
 surveillance of the masses, to keep them in subjection and 
 preventing them from putting into practice the dangerous new 
 gospel of the socialistic evangelists. He felt instinctively 
 that mischief was brewing in the ranks of the upper tendom, 
 and as he could watch and unearth their doings better as one 
 of them, he formed the resolution of remaining Richard Yel- 
 der sufficiently long to serve this purpose. 
 
 •One morning he received a short letter from Harry, in- 
 forming him that the young man would like to see him as 
 soon as possible. So Richard started without delay for the 
 Del Polino. where Harry approached him respectfully. Rich- 
 ard demanded the morning paper and when the young man 
 handed it to him he whispered : 
 
 "Go to the reading room, I wish to speak to you in 
 private." Richard rose accordingly, and, paper in hand 
 walked to the reading room which he found empty, a circum- 
 stance which_brought a smile to his lips. The "Jeunesse 
 doree" was not over fond of reading. He sat only a few min- 
 utes when Harry entered and said, after casting a cautious 
 glance over the room : "Mr. Yelder do you remember what 
 you told me the other day?" 
 
 "I told you various things. Harry. I believe. Which one 
 is it?" 
 
 "Oh, of your fear that these fellows are plotting against 
 the people " 
 
 "I think I expressed that apprehension, Harry. " 
 
EITHER, OR. 30* 
 
 "Well, I beard something yesterday which makes me 
 think that you hit the nail pretty well on the head. Just let 
 me look into the hall to see whether the air is clear. A fellow 
 can't be too cautious." 
 
 He opened the door, and failing to discover the trace of 
 any human being, he returned and said guardedly, coming as 
 near our friend as prudence would permit: "Well, sir, yester- 
 day I was in the watercloset of this room, when a couple of 
 men came in and sat down near enough for me to understand 
 their words. Generally people don't discuss secrets here, so 
 I did not feel any compunction to remain. In fact, I went on 
 cleaning the premises, and wasn't particularly anxious either, 
 to avoid noise, until I heard one of them say rather guardedly: 
 'Yes, General, it is too bad, and things can't go on this way 
 much longer. This cursed plebs must be gagged and chained, 
 to keep it from trampling upon us.' '.' 
 
 "I had not paid any particular attention to the speaker be- 
 fore, but now recognized without difhculy, the voice of Sena- 
 tor Cheatham. - ' 
 
 "Aha!" Richard exclaimed. "Go on, Harry" 
 
 "The other chap was General Runwell. Says he: 'Well, 
 Senator, I have thought so all along and warned you, if I am 
 not very much mistaken.'" 
 
 " - I think you did. General; but these radicals w ? atch a 
 fellow so keenly that he must be careful not to expose aii5 7 
 weak spots. If I am not mistaken, you counseled the intro- 
 duction of a bill to increase the regular army."' 
 
 "That's what I did. You can't place any confidence in 
 this militia, and must expect to see them fraternize with the 
 mob, and turn against you, just when you need them the 
 most.'" 
 
 '"Well, I have come to the conclusion to assume the odium 
 and risk of such a bill, and shall introduce it after vacation. 
 Now, I want your opinion and advice on some details, so 
 where can I meet you under four eyes? '" 
 
 "The other studied a moment, then said: 'I think we can 
 
302 EITHER. OR. 
 
 meet in this building with less risk of discovery than any- 
 where else.'" 
 
 " I think so too. I Y et me see. You know, there is a num- 
 ber or little apartments here arranged for tete-a-tetes of a 
 more amorous character, but one of them will suit our pur- 
 pose. When can you meet me, General?'" 
 
 " 'To morrow evening, Senator, if that suics you.'" 
 
 '"Perfectly. I'll order a little spread to belaid in No. 
 10. Can you be there at nine sharp?"' 
 
 " 'I can, Senator.' " 
 
 '"All right, General, au revoir, until then."' 
 
 "That's all. Mr. Velder." 
 
 "It is a good deal and enough. Now, see here, Harry. I 
 haye a little machine, an invention of my own, which records 
 the conversation of any parties near by. It is not more than 
 eighteen inches long, or six inches high and wide. Could you 
 smuggle it into the room and hide it there?" 
 
 "I could without any difficulty. I might hide it under 
 the table, you know, which is covered with a cloth, or set it 
 on one of the shelves without attracting attention, Mr Velder." 
 
 "All right, then. You understand Harry, that it would 
 be contemptable for me to trouble myself with their affairs. 
 But when it comes to plotting against our friends and breth- 
 ren, the things assume a different aspect. Do you understand 
 me ? " 
 
 "Fully, Mr. Velder, and I share your views ; but how will 
 I get the machine to start at the proper time? " 
 
 "I'll set it to start at eight. These fellows are never 
 before time but mostly behind. The machine, however, runs 
 for two hours, and is therefore liable to catch all they say dur- 
 ing their rendezvous." 
 
 "All right, Mr. Velder. When will you bring the 
 machine? I ought to have it in good season. I think the 
 table will be set this afternoon." 
 
 "I'll get you the machine at once. You meet me at the 
 foot of the stairs, and if anybody asks you concerning the 
 bundle, you must invent some plausible story." 
 
EITHER. OR. 303 
 
 "Wrap it thickly in paper sir. and I'll smuggle it in as 
 washing." 
 
 Then they parted, and an hour later Harry was in posses- 
 sion of the phonograph, which he concealed until an oppor- 
 tunity of hiding it in No. 10 would offer. Nor was this diffi- 
 cult. Harry had little or nothing to do in the afternoon, and 
 when he volunteered to help the waiter in arranging the room 
 for the little banquet, his assistance was accepted with readi- 
 ness and without suspicion. The damask table cloth hung 
 nearly to the floor, and when Harry slipped the machine 
 under, profiting by a momentary absence of his comrades, no 
 one would have suspected the presence of a witness, who, 
 without hearing himself, would record every syllable spoken 
 in the room, thus bearing testimony against any one plotting 
 against the safety of the land or its inhabitants. 
 
 On the next morning Harry brought to the Velder man- 
 sion a package with the request to inform Mr. Velder of his 
 presence. Richard was out just then, so the youth delivered 
 the parcel to the servant, with the injunction of handing it to 
 her master immediately after his return. This was done. 
 Richard locked himself into his room, reversed the bolt, and 
 listened to the following dialogue, which we shall free from 
 the clinking of the glasses, the orders to the waiters, and other 
 outside matter foreign to the plot. When the reader learns 
 the dialogue, he will not wonder that Richard listened with 
 eyer increasing interest. 
 
 "Well, General, here we are. The waiter will not dis- 
 turb us without the ringing of the bell, so let us discuss the 
 business of the meeting. L,et me, however, remark as a pre- 
 liminary, that there will be no necessity for putting on the 
 masks one has to wear in public." 
 
 "We know each other, General, and may dispense with all 
 this silly prattle of liberty, equal rights." 
 
 "Just so, Senator. It is the upper crust which rules and 
 must continue to rule, if a decent fellow is to remain in Occi- 
 dentia." 
 
 "Very well, I see we understand each other, and agree as. 
 
304 KITHER, OR. 
 
 to the preliminaries. Let's pass to the main question, then. 
 As I told you before, this question of increasing the regular 
 army is quite a ticklish one, and must be handled with gloves 
 to avoid burns and scratches. I propose to divide the risk 
 between us, with the tacid understanding, that we divide the 
 profits as well. You know as well as I, that our commander- 
 in-chief is getting old in years and mind, and cannot hold out 
 much longer. How would you like to be addressed: 'Gen- 
 eral Runwell, Commander-in-Chief of the Army of Occideutia,' 
 especially when this army numbers a hundred thousand 
 men ?" 
 
 "It wouldn't sound bad, Senator.'' 
 
 "Of course, it wouldn't, and I know a certain senator that 
 would do all in his power to bring it about. Let me see : 
 How large is our army now. all told ?" 
 
 "Hardly twenty-five thousand, a number rediculously 
 small, in proportion to the size of Occidentia." 
 
 "Dangerously small, you better say, General. Well, it 
 should be larger, it must be larger, and it irill be larger, if we 
 manage well." 
 
 "Out with your scheme, Senator. I am all ear." 
 
 "I am coming. There are two sources ot danger to 
 which our country is exposed,, and against which we must 
 guard, the Indians and foreign complications." 
 
 "You forget public outbreaks." 
 
 "General, I fear you would cut a poor figure in politics. 
 You are only too right to think of this peril, but you should 
 be too wary to express your thoughts. No. it is only the 
 Indians and the other Powers we have to fear, and it is upon 
 these strings we must play our war dance. Don't you think 
 that the Indians have been rather troublesome of late?" 
 
 "The Indians ? Why, no — I mean yes, of course. They 
 have been very troublesome and annoying." 
 
 "In your department particularly ?" 
 
 "In my department, Senator.'" 
 
 "Then, if I were you, I would present this danger in its 
 true light, address, for instance, a circular to the Secretary of 
 
EITHER, OR. 305 
 
 War, warning him, and through him the country, of their 
 peril." 
 
 "That might answer only — " 
 
 "I know what you would say : I'll manage the secretary. 
 .Next, sir, comes the danger arising from the rabbit-skin and 
 the cat-fish trouble. I am really afraid that there is bloodshed 
 lurking in this war cloud, General." 
 
 "There may be, Senator. I admire both your sagacity 
 and the patriotism characterizing your remarks " 
 
 "Thank you, General. Well, if a bill were introduced in 
 the Senate, advocating the increase of our standing arm}' and 
 the mover called upon the criticisms of experts such as you, 
 for instance, could he depend upon a confirmation of his 
 assertions?" 
 
 "Of course he could, upon a hearty and unqualified confir- 
 mation, Senator." 
 
 'That settles it, General, that settles it. Let me see; 
 this is the 18th of February. Our sessions begin again 
 on the first of March, and I must use the respite thus given 
 lis for the preparation of the bill." 
 
 "You think you can get congress to pass, and the Presi- 
 dent to sign it? " 
 
 "As to the latter, he is merely a tool of our party. As to 
 Congress, I can rely upon the Senate, which is entirely com- 
 posed of our set, and smells fire and brimstone far off. The 
 Lower House is not quite so certain, but I think we can play 
 successfully upon the fears of its conservative members. I 
 assure you that we shall strain every nerve to accomplish a 
 measure absolutely necessar}- for the preservation of our pre- 
 rogatives. By the way, General, will you be present at the 
 masked ball next Wednesday?" 
 
 "I think I shall. Will your ladies be there?" 
 
 "I think they will, though there is no reliance to be 
 placed upon women, you know. They are fickle as April, and 
 changeable like the chameleon. Well, we are through, I be- 
 lieve. Have you any more suggestions to make, General?" 
 
 "Yes, Senator. I have often thought it dangerous to 
 
306 EITHER. OR. 
 
 allow these independent companies of militia to form. It 
 should require the permit of the governor to form such mili- 
 tary bodies." 
 
 "That would be a feeble protection, but yet a protection. 
 I'll keep this point in mind. Anything else?" 
 
 "Yes, in my estimation the law on conspiracies should 
 be revised and sharpened. At present we cannot reach these 
 rascally agitators stirring up the people. Take this tinker 
 Brown, for instance. He is a standing menace to our caste, 
 and goes on as unconcernedly as if he were cock of the 
 yard." 
 
 "The fellow is dangerous and I must keep an eye on him. 
 Well, General, these hints are valuable, and I shall benefit by 
 them in due season. One thing at a time, you know. The 
 increase of the army once secured, and the rest is compara- 
 tively easy. If you are done, I'll ring for the waiter." 
 
 Richard had heard with mingled feelings. When his own 
 name was mentioned a smile passed over his face and he mut- 
 tered: "Quite complimentary, gentlemen. I would a thous- 
 and times rather be feared and hated by you than loved. Let 
 me see; the first of March. Well, Senator, your respite is my 
 respite. Let us see who will make the best use of it." 
 
 Next Richard turned back the machine and made it repeat 
 the dialogue so slowly that he could copy it on paper. When 
 done he heaved a sigh of relief, locked the document in his 
 secretary, and went down stairs into the parlor, where he 
 tound Maxwell, who had brought the tickets for the 
 masked ball and conversed gaily with Elinor, who re- 
 plied in the same style, showing more animation than 
 usual, and paying back the visitor's jests in so happy 
 a manner, as to create the astonishment of her 
 friend. Richard had carried out his intention and told 
 Maxwell that an unfortunate marriage had clouded his sister's 
 mind; but evidently to no purpose, for Maxwell continued his 
 visits and his marked attention to Elinor, who not only re- 
 buffed him, but showed him a friendliness and appreciation 
 surprising to her friends, and gratifying to Maxwell, who told 
 
EITHER, OR. 307 
 
 Richard more than once that he could discover no marks of 
 mental abberation in Mrs. Roberts. Richard shrugged his 
 shoulders, as if to say : "Very well, my dear fellow, have it 
 your own way; but don't you come afterwards and complain 
 to me." At about the same time he carried out his intentions 
 of submitting his sister's case to the medical authorities, which 
 he consulted on a former occasion. Before taking the 
 physician to the house he told him of Maxwell's attentions, 
 and their remarkable effect upon Elinor. The doctor's eyes 
 brightened and he said with a smile : "That is very fortunate 
 indeed." "Similia similibus curantur, you know," he said with 
 a smile. "Don't you impede this little courtship, for it will 
 probably restore your sister's mind." 
 
 "Then you would not counsel a meeting with the party 
 that upset it ? " 
 
 The doctor eyed him searchingh". "You can confide in 
 me" he said warmly. "We fellows meet with so much misery 
 and devilment, that we do not mind it, and treasure every 
 evidence of it in the recesses of our soul. Has the rascal 
 turned up?" 
 
 "He is within our reach, sir. I may as well tell you that 
 he benefitted by the sudden death of both my parents and my 
 absence, to inveigle my sister into a sham marriage, and leave 
 her afterwards to her fate." 
 
 "The rascal! Does she talk of him as much as for- 
 merly? " 
 
 "Hardly at all, and when she does, it is with indifference 
 and as of a person who is dead." 
 
 "Well, I won't decide until I have seen her. If a new 
 affection has taken hold of her, a meeting with her betrayer 
 might possibly retard the restoration of her mind." 
 
 The doctor was introduced as Richard's friend. He re- 
 mained the entire evening, thus having an opportunity to 
 study Elinor. It was Maxwell's evening, and when his name 
 was announced by the servant, the doctor saw a fine red rise 
 in her cheeks. His face cleared visibly, and when Richard 
 led him to his carriage on his departure, he said : "She'll be 
 
3 o8 EITHER, OR. 
 
 all right. I think it wouldn't hurt to bring her face to face 
 with the Don Juan. I think, if she could be made real in- 
 dignant or angry, it would have a good effect." 
 
 Richard reported the doctor's words to Mrs. Kean, who 
 said : "Well, I would not precipitate matters. Let things 
 have their course. If she really likes Mr. Maxwell, and it 
 looks very much like it, such an affection will prove a very 
 effective medicine, and not hard to take." 
 
 At last the evening of the great masked ball had arrived. 
 The ladies had decided to benefit by Mr. Maxwell's kindness 
 and to frequent the ball. Richard forseeing the possibility of 
 unpleasant con. plications, and fearing reproach on the part of 
 his friend, took him to his room and gave him an unvarnished 
 account of his sister's past, saying as an introduction : "I 
 cannot bear the thought of misleading you, or even tolerating 
 false impressions to influence your feelings for my sister.' 
 When he had done, Maxwell sprang up, his eyes flashing fire, 
 and an angry red mantling his cheeks. "The scoundrel ! " he 
 exclaimed. "Does he live? Do I know him? Tell me his 
 name, that I may crush him like a scorpion." 
 
 "He lives, and you may learn his name, if you promise to 
 leave him to me. The doctor thinks that a meeting with him 
 mav affect her favorably. It is evident that she no longer 
 cares for him, a new deity having probably been enshrined 
 in her heart." 
 
 "A new deity?" Maxwell cried with evident alarm. 
 "Velder I trust you are mistaken." 
 
 "Even if the initials of the new diety should be 'L. M." 
 
 "Who is 'L. M.?" 
 
 "Say, did you sit for Twain's Innocents Abroad. L- M.' 
 stands for Lucius Maxwell, if you must know." 
 
 "By Jove, you don't mean it? Richard, I would be the 
 happiest fellow in the world, if you spoke the truth. I have 
 half a notion to find out now. What do you say?" 
 
 "I say nothing. It is no use to advise people in love, 
 they tell me." 
 
EITHER, OR. 309 
 
 "You are a tease, Richard. Well, I'll know my fate. So 
 here we go." 
 
 He went into the parlor as if there were a battery to 
 storm. Unfortunately he shut the door behind him so that 
 we cannot follow him. Nor do they speak loud enough for 
 us to hear them through the door. The only thing which we 
 can judge by, is his face, as he leaves the house, and that is so 
 joyous and happy that Elinor can surely not have been very 
 cruel to him. That evening Mrs. Kean said to Richard in a 
 whisper: "It is all right between them, and Elinor is not only 
 her former self, but much more clever than I ever knew her." 
 But to return to the evening of the masked ball. After 
 supper Professor Andersen and Bertha made their appear- 
 ance at the Velder mansion to join the family in their pro- 
 jected visit to the carnival. Bertha had shrunk at first from 
 the thought of going to the scene of such dreadful experience, 
 but when both Richard and her uncle assured her of the utter 
 groundlessness of fear, she had finally consented, and taken 
 an almost childish delight in the suit which Elinor and her 
 aunt had chosen for her. It was the costume of a Swedish 
 country girl, highly appropriate on account of her long 
 luxuriant braids of yellow hair. Richard and Maxwell had 
 planned a merited punishment of Cheatham, Jr., for this out- 
 rage, but said nothing to Bertha, partly to keep her from 
 worrying, and partly because their measures were by no 
 means perfected, and would much depend upon circumstances. 
 Elinor and Mrs. Kean had selected the garb of Sisters of 
 Mercy, while Maxwell had chosen that of an ancient knight 
 errant. 
 
 Richard had chosen two suits, that of a mail carrier, and 
 that of a grinder, the latter probably with the view of braving 
 his foes in his true character in their own den. 
 
 The company started early, and they intended to dress in 
 the club building, and desired, therefore, to arrive in season. 
 The building was brilliantly lit with thousands of gas jets, and 
 as they ascended the broad stairway, it appeared to Bertha's 
 inexperienced eyes, as if they entered upon a scene of the 
 
3io EITHER.OR. 
 
 Arabian Nights. She clung tightly to her uncle's arm, who 
 was hardly less bewildered than the girl, and in turn, took 
 good care to adhere closely to the heels of Richard and Max- 
 well. From the second floor the} 7 took the elevator which 
 carried them to the next one containing the ball room and 
 its accessories. There were dressing rooms for both sexes, 
 besides small apartments for tete-a-tetes, lining the hall on two 
 sides. There were also bar-rooms, and places for refreshments 
 of every description, in short everything belonging to such an 
 establishment. Here the}' parted, the ladies seeking the 
 seclusion of a dressing room, the gentlemen to look for Harry 
 who had received a hint to be on hand. Nor did he disappoint 
 them, for hardly had they left the ladies, when he stepped 
 from one of the dressing rooms greeting them with a friendly 
 "hallo." 
 
 They stepped to this apartment which was empty, locked 
 the door, and began to dress. 
 
 "Well, Harry," Richard inquired, "have the Cheatham's 
 come?" 
 
 "Not yet, Mr. Yelder. I told the boys to keep their eyes 
 open and report." 
 
 "You used due caution, though? " 
 
 "Don't fear, Mr. Velder, they won't smell a rat." 
 
 "And you think you can find out what masks they will 
 wear ? ' ' 
 
 "I'll try might}" hard, anyhow. May be I can get to as- 
 sist in dressing them. If not, my chums will post me. But 
 if you gentlemen don't need my services, I may as well 
 scedaddle, for 'tis the early bird you know that catches the 
 worm.'* 
 
 "You'll be on hand, though, when I change my cos- 
 tume? " 
 
 "You bet. You better lock the door on going out. I 
 have a duplicate key, and shall be on the lookout. I'll report 
 as soon as I have found out the masks they wear." He left 
 and our friends proceeded to disguise themselves. Andersen 
 donned the long flowing robe of an astrologer, this simple at- 
 
EITHER. OR. 311 
 
 tire suiting both his taste and age. Half an hour later Harry 
 returned and reported that he had been successful in his 
 mission. General Run well, he said, would personify an 
 Indian chief. He wore a leather suit of tan color and three 
 eagle feathers in his scalp-lock. The Senator had chosen the 
 garb of a Chinese mandarin, and his son that of a Turk. The 
 Senator's habit consisted of yellow silk, while Cyrus was 
 dressed in red trowsers and a blue silken jacket. 
 
 "Do you think you will know them from that?" he 
 added. 
 
 "I should think so," Richard replied with a laugh. "If 
 they do not change their costumes, we have them sure. Are 
 you ready, gentlemen?" 
 
 They nodded, and the trio left the room, locking it secure- 
 ly to prevent the entrance of curious idlers. One of the fe- 
 male attendants was dispatched to notify the ladies of their 
 presence, and a few minutes later the company was re-united. 
 Maxwell offered his arm to Elinor; Anderson conducted 
 Bertha, while Richard escorted his aunt. When the door of 
 the ball room was flung open, an involuntary "Aha !" escaped 
 the lips of the three ladies, and they arrested their steps to 
 gaze upon a scene enchanting and brilliant in the extreme. 
 The hall was nearly a hundred feet long, by sixty wide. Two 
 rows of slender columns bore the ceiling, which was at least 
 thirty feet above the floor, and painted in the most exquisite 
 manner. A thousand gas jets illuminated the hall, reflected 
 by countless mirrors which reached from the floor to the ceil- 
 ing. The floor was waxed and caused the feet of the unini- 
 tiated to slip in a risky manner. The band seated on a gallery 
 at the narrow end, played bewitching music, causing the feet 
 of the young and gay to beat the time with impatient expec- 
 tation. The most attractive scene, however, was doubtless 
 the multitude swaying hither and thither, to and fro, resemb- 
 ling a sea of silk and satin, broadcloth and brocade, silver and 
 gold, pearls and diamonds. 
 
 "I had no idea that there is so much splendor in the 
 world, uncle," Bertha said with a beating heart, a sentiment 
 
3 i2 EITHER. OR. 
 
 to which the professor was read}' to subscribe. "See, they are 
 going to commence dancing. Let us retire to the side. Mrs. 
 Kean, don't forsake us." 
 
 "Never fear, my dear, just keep at my side. Why, here 
 is a noble Indian chief, evidently bent upon scalping you." 
 
 "Maiden from the North," the red man said with a gal- 
 lantry rare in his clan. "May the last of the Tobogans ask 
 you to step with him the light fantastic measure?" 
 
 "May I?" Bertha asked, looking inquiringly into Mrs. 
 Kean's face. 
 
 "I think you may. Yon see he has left his scalping knife 
 at home." 
 
 So the girl rose, dropped a courtesy and was led to the 
 place where the couples formed for the opening march. Max- 
 well came next, soliciting and receiving Elinor's hand. 
 
 "This example is contagious," said Mrs. Kean, laugh- 
 ingly, to the Professor, who had taken refuge at her side 
 "Don't this fine music send the blood coursing through your 
 veins, letting you forget your years." 
 
 "It is very fine, but it could not induce me to venture 
 amongst that crowd. I am sure I would kill a dozen in my 
 awkwardness." 
 
 "That settles it," she said, merrily, "I was on the point of 
 inviting you." 
 
 The dance began, and the sight which these fantasticly 
 dressed people presented was both fine and unique. When it 
 was over the couples swarmed like so many bees, acting and 
 talking in accordance with their characters. The Indian con- 
 ducted the Swedish maiden back to her seat, expressing the 
 hope that she would favor him with another dance during the 
 evening. As he retreated a mail carrier hustled through the 
 crowd, handing him a letter and then disappeared in the multi- 
 tude. The Indian looked at the missive, opened it carelessly., 
 and was on the point of putting it indifferently into his pocket,, 
 when he suddenly started, reading not only attentively, but 
 excitedlv, as follows : 
 
EITHER, OR. 313 
 
 Patropolis, Febuary 21st, 18 — 
 Dear Run : — Your uncle Sam got your note, but being 
 sick with the rheumatics, begs me to tell you that you can't 
 have the boxes with toy soldiers for which you ask. He 
 really can't afford the outlay now; so you'll have to play a. 
 while longer with the old ones. As to the venture in red 
 skins, rabbits and catfish, uncle thinks it is poor stock, and 
 advises you not to meddle with it. Affectionately, 
 
 Aunt Betsv. 
 The chief mused. These simple lines seemed to have an 
 almost magical effect upon him, for he sank into a re very so- 
 deep as actually to overlook and therefore miss the next 
 dance. Meanwhile the carrier had industriously plied his vo- 
 cation and handed his letters right and left. The recipients, 
 however, did not all seem so deeply affected as the Indian, for 
 while some laughed, others called the carrier cheeky, and 
 threatened to hand in a complaint to the Postmaster General. 
 Finally the dispenser of missives espied a costly clad Man- 
 darin, who walked leisurely and with much dignity among 
 the crowd. "Letter, sir," cried the carrier, diving iin his usual, 
 fashion into the crowd and disappearing before the Chinaman 
 had opened his letter. Let's look over his shoulder to see 
 whether we can discover Chinese characters. No, the letters 
 are English, so let us see what the contents are. Hurry, for 
 the Mandarin seems strangely excited, and may crumble up 
 the letter, unless we hasten. He reads it a second time, with 
 increasing interest, if not excitement. Let us join him. 
 
 Patropolis, Feb. 21st, 18 — . 
 Dear Joe : — I am sorry to inform you that my old man is 
 sick. His stomach is out of sorts, he says, and he blames 
 Congress for the trouble. He says some of its bills lie 
 very heavy on his stomach, and defy all attempts at 
 digestion. Having heard it whishered that you intend offer- 
 ing a soldier bill after vacation, he begs you earnestly to spare 
 him, as such a bill might make his malady fatal. He says, he- 
 has more soldiers now than he can feed and pay, so please 
 don't bother him. The doctor has forbidden Sam to go out... 
 
314 HITHER, OR. 
 
 and as time is very heavy on him, he begs you to send him 
 that dialogue between the Senator and the General, delivered 
 in No. 10 to cut it out and paste it into his scrap book. Trust- 
 ing that you will humor him in these requests, I am, dear Joe. 
 Yours very truly, Aunt Betsy. 
 
 The Mandarin felt the perspiration rolling down his brow. 
 "Confoundedly hot here" he muttered turning in the 
 direction of the bar room. "How in the devil's name this 
 thing could have leaked out is more than I can comprehend. 
 Runwell can hardly have been crazy enough to give it away. 
 I must see him about it, though." 
 
 By this time our carrier's supply had become nearly ex- 
 hausted. He held only one more letter ; but with it he seemed 
 rather chary, for he looked this way, and that way, without 
 being able to make up his mind. At last, however, he seemed 
 to have formed a resolution. He worked his way to an ele- 
 gantly attired Turk in a blue jacket and red pantaloons, 
 uttering his stereotyped "letter, sir," and then disappearing 
 not merely from his neighborhood but from the ball room. After 
 seeing that he was unobserved, he opened the little dressing 
 room, where we have seen him at the opening of the ball, and 
 rapidly unrobed, to don with the same rapidity a suit such as 
 Italian or Hungarian scissor grinders are won't to wear; 
 although his suit was of superior material and rather a fash- 
 ionable cut. Next he picked up his apparatus, and was on the 
 point of turning to the ball room, when Harry made his ap- 
 pearance. While they conversed together, let us go and 
 watch the Turk and the letter he has received. It is very 
 short it seems, for on looking over his shoulder, we noticed 
 only a line or two. Yet the contents must be very startling, 
 for the hands of the Turk shake violently, and it is with a 
 powerful effort, that he succeeded in holding the paper 
 sufficiently still to read a second time, as follows : 
 
 Plutopolis, Feb. 22, 18 — . 
 Arthur dear : — Rejoice! I have found you at last, and am 
 dying to meet you, which will be at twelve, when they un- 
 
EITHER, OR. 315 
 
 mask. Bertha is also here; so are your particular friends, 
 Nemesis and Retribution. 
 
 Yours impatiently, 
 
 Elinor. 
 
 To the Turk, too, the air seemed intolerably hot. He 
 Jen. the room, then the hall, and next evening the papers con- 
 tained amongst their personals, this notice: "We learn that 
 Mr. Cyrus Cheatham, son of Senator Cheatham, has started 
 on an European trip to restore his health, which has been 
 frail and unsatisfactory for some time.' ' Somehow the disap- 
 pearance of the Turk did not seem to dampen the spirits of 
 the crowd, which went on dancing, chatting, teasing and flirt- 
 ing, as before. It did not disturb the equinamity of the 
 younger Sister of Mercy who, contrary to her vow of abstin- 
 ence, danced almost every dance, having invariably for her 
 partner a big knight errant, who had fastened her glove to the 
 crest of his helmet and served her as faithfully as any paladin 
 of ancient times. When the pair did not dance, they prom- 
 enaded or partook of the refreshments so temptingly dis- 
 played in adjacent apartments. While thus engaged, they 
 said all the pretty and sweet things discoursed on such occa- 
 sions, things very delightful for the parties concerned, but 
 rather stale for outsiders. We shall, therefore, not render 
 them here, and only chronicle a short conversation bearing 
 directly upon our story. 
 
 "So you are happy and content?" the knight inquired, 
 while handing an ice cream to the Sister. 
 
 "Happy, Lucius ? Yes, I am happier than I have been 
 for years. I feel like newlv born, like one awakening from a 
 long and distressing dream. In fact, the past is like a blank 
 to me, and I do not recollect a thing after my parents' death , 
 and — and my marriage. I sometimes think I must have 
 been ill, very ill, for — " 
 
 "I would not borrow trouble, dear," he said soothingly, 
 fearing that too deep a search might bring trouble and recol- 
 lections both dangerous and unpleasant. "Richard tells me 
 that he has learned definitely, that your husband is dead. So 
 
3 i 6 EITHER, OR. 
 
 there is nothing in the way to our happiness, and if you will 
 only set the day — mind, an early day — for our wedding, yo us 
 will bind in adamant chains the truest knight that ever 
 lived." 
 
 The answer was a gracious one, so what need of details ?' 
 These knights are generally jealous, and dare devils in the 
 bargain, so we had better get out of the way of this 
 one, and mingle again with the crowd, where, amongst 
 other masks, a scissor grinder is plying his trade. Just as we 
 join him, he accosts an Indian chief, saying : "Want your 
 scalping iron ground, Geronimo? Good thing to prepare in 
 times of peace for war, you know. There is war in the air,, 
 they say. Injuns on the warpath, you know, and the British 
 lion shaking his shaggy mane." 
 
 The warrior started. "What do vou mean, fellow? " he 
 asked somewhat haughtily. 
 
 "Mean ? There's nothing mean about me, Geronimo. 
 We tinkers are plain folks ; no meanness about us. We grind 
 scissors but no souls." 
 
 Again the warrior started, and seemed inclined to> 
 take the grinder to task. The latter, however, had had his 
 say, and, taking up his frame, sought new employment and 
 new adventures. Running against a pompous Mandarin, he 
 exclaimed : "Ah, son of the celestial realm, any work for me ? 
 Hard times, these, Mr. Chinaman ; nothing to tinker but the 
 constitution, and nothing to mend but the manners of our 
 nabobs. Can't you give a fellow a job? " 
 
 The Mandarin eved him keenly, then said gruffly: "You 
 mimic the rascals well, sir." 
 
 "The nabobs, Mandarin? You better be careful sir to* 
 call them names. They are surly, they are, just now, and 
 might haul you over the coals." 
 
 "I mean the fellows you mimic. They need a lesson, 
 good fellow, and I shouldn't wonder if it would be given 
 before long." 
 
 "You call me good, Sir Mandarin. Thanks for the com- 
 pliment. I know many a grinder that would hesitate to re- 
 
EITHER, OR. 317 
 
 turn the compliment. The}' are ungrateful, they are, in spite 
 -of all the blessings the nabobs bestow upon them." 
 
 The Mandarin laughed angrily. "You mock them well- 
 sir. One would almost imagine, to hear one of the saucy imps 
 in person. Hallo, Esquimo, a word ! " 
 
 The tinker pursued his way, addressing the masks every 
 where and actually grinding a few knives, to the delight of 
 the crowd. Suddenly somebody touched his elbow, and when 
 he turned, he noticed a Carmelite nun standing by his side. 
 
 "Tinker" she said, her voice trembling with suppressed 
 ■emotion, "may I claim your services in private for a minute or 
 two? " 
 
 He gazed at her keenly, expecting to discover some ac- 
 quaintance, but failed to notice any peculiarities which could 
 lead to a recognition. 
 
 "I am at your service," he said with a bow, rather at 
 variance with the profession. 
 
 "Then follow me." the nun replied, turning and leaving 
 the ball room, to enter one of the adjoining apartments. 
 
 There was nobody in it and the noise of the crowded hall 
 h roke into it only like the breakers of the turbulent sea into 
 a sheltered bay. Leaving the door open the nun turned sud- 
 denly and said, with the same marks of inward excitement : 
 "'Do } r ou not recognize my voice, sir?" 
 
 Once more he gazed keenly, then shook his head , saying 
 ■wonderingly : "I do not." 
 
 A sigh escaped her lips. "No wonder," she said, almost 
 Sadly. "You merely did me a service, probably a daily occur- 
 rence with one so brave. I owe you my life. Do you still 
 fail to recognize my identity?" 
 
 He did recognize her. This was the brave girl he had 
 rescued from the hands of the mob on the memorable night 
 ■of the riot; but was he at liberty to acknowledgle the fact? 
 Would he not jeopardize his incognito, by entrusting his 
 secret to this woman, a member of the caste, against which 
 his efforts were directed? No, prudence counseled discretion 
 .at the expense of generosity, so he kept on shaking his head, 
 
3i8 EITHER, OR. 
 
 saying evasively, "You probably mistake me for some one else,, 
 madam." 
 
 She shook her head almost fiercely, crying: "Take you 
 for some one else? How could I? The man of whom I 
 speak rescued me from the hands of an infuriated mob, and 
 you think I could mistake his voice? I would recognize it 
 from a thousand, for it is engraven here, (laying her hand 
 upon her bosom,) and I would recognize it a hundred years 
 hence as readily as to-night." 
 
 A queer feeling seized him. He felt strangely moved by 
 this intensity of gratitude, this — this — well this ardent con- 
 fession of harboring in her virgin heart the tone of the voice 
 of the man to whom she owed her life. He felt instinctively 
 that this woman was pure and good, uncorrupted by the licen- 
 tiousness of the class to which she belonged. The very ardor 
 of her confession convinced him of the simplicity of her soul r 
 for an experienced woman would have been much more ver- 
 bose, and much less emotional on the occasion. What should 
 he do? Should he yield to the dictates of a nature as unso- 
 phisticated as hers? Should he reveal to her his name and 
 thus put it in her power to thwart his purposes? No, he dare 
 not. If his avowal would have simply imperiled his own in- 
 terests or life, it would not have mattered, and affected only 
 himself. But his secret involved the welfare of many thous- 
 ands and he felt that he had not the right to imperil their in- 
 terests. This girl might be good, pure and noble, but she 
 was frail like other human beings, and might betray her dis- 
 covery under the pressure of excitement or emotion. The 
 girl construed his continued silence as a refusal to comply 
 with her desire, so she tore the mask from her face with an 
 impetuous jerk, exclaiming at the same time impressively: 
 "Now, do you recognize me?" 
 
 The face he saw was truly like a sudden revelation. On 
 the night of the riot he had lacked both the time and inclina- 
 tion, to study her features. Consequently her impetuous act 
 was like a sudden inspiration. And this was what he saw : 
 
 The girl was tall, only about a head lower than himself. 
 
EITHER, OR. 319 
 
 a circumstance which brought her face close to his own, and 
 caused her breath to fan his cheek. A glorious mass of gold- 
 en hair crowned her shapely head. Her face formed an oval 
 of almost perfect proportions. Her features were of the Grec- 
 ian type, her eyes blue and deep, like the well in which the 
 sky is reflected. Her complexion was pure and delicate, and 
 the rosy lips of a sweet mouth so tempting, that a frenzied de- 
 sire to kiss it rose in Richard's mind, to be quelled, of course, 
 as rapidly as it had been born. Her figure was wrapped in 
 the loose folds of her nun's habit, but Richard had no doubt 
 that it was as faultless as her face, for nature is no bungler, 
 and seldom does her work by halves. Our friend struggled a 
 few seconds with his feelings, then said : "It is hardly fair 
 to call to your aid such matchless beauty — " 
 
 She interrupted him with a cry of anguish. 
 
 "I ask you for the bread of life," she moaned, "and you 
 turn me off with compliments." 
 
 Obeying a sudden impulse, he seized her hand and pressed 
 it fervently to his lips. Then he said : 
 
 "You do not know what you ask of me. I am not what 
 I seem and my incognito involves the safety of many 
 people." 
 
 "I do not care who or what you are. I know you must 
 be, you are good and noble. That is enough for me. I do 
 not care even to know your name; but I beg you to permit 
 and to accept the outpourings of a grateful heart. Oh ! do not 
 deny your identity any longer. Confess to me that you are 
 the hero who, at the peril of his life, rescued me from a terri- 
 ble fate." 
 
 "Have it your own way, then, excepting the hero, which 
 I cannot admit. You were the heroine that night, madam." 
 
 "Oh, I thank you with all my heart for this confession," 
 she cried joyously, seizing both his hands and pressing them 
 with fervor. "And — and — you say that I cannot see you 
 again, that some mysterious fetter binds your lips and 
 hands?" 
 
 "Yes. It is folly in me to admit even this, but I feel that 
 
j2o HITHER, OR. 
 
 you are true and honest, and that you will not abuse iny con- 
 fidence. I would tell you more, but the welfare of thousands 
 is involved in my discretion, so I must forbear." 
 
 "You are right, no doubt. You have accepted my grati- 
 tude and that is all I wanted. A heavy load is taken off my 
 mind, and I shall leave you, for rny people may miss me. 
 Before we part, however, I want to tell you that my name is 
 Blanche Cheatham and — " 
 
 "Cheatham? " he interrupted her almost fiercely. "Did 
 you say Cheatham, madam ! " 
 
 "I did" she replied wonderingly ; "what is the matter? 
 why does my name excite you so?" 
 
 "Oh never mind — it was only a passing fancy. Are you 
 the daughter of, of — " 
 
 "Senator Cheatham ?" she completed. "Yes I am his 
 'daughter. My father has money and influence, and if ever you 
 need his help — " 
 
 He shook his head vehemently, saying: "No, no, not his 
 help, not his." 
 
 "You seem to bear him ill," she resumed. "Well, my 
 help, then. If ever you need it call on me, and I shall bless 
 you. You cannot tell me your name I suppose ? " she added, 
 smiling sadly. 
 
 He shook his head. 
 
 "Be it so then. J have seen your face, have heard your 
 voice. That will do me for the rest of my life. Farewell? 
 She pressed her face against his hands, then .said once more : 
 '''Farewell?" and turning her back, glided from the room. 
 .For a moment he felt an almost mad desire to draw her into 
 his arms, and shower a thousand kisses on her face ; then he 
 felt a sudden dizziness seize him, causing him to grasp the 
 edge of the table in support. When he recovered a few 
 seconds later, she had vanished. 
 
EITHER, OR. 321 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 FLUCTUATIONS. 
 
 The human soul is like the ocean or the atmosphere, 
 rarely at rest, and moved, now by joy, now by grief, and very 
 frequently by fierce and violent passions. Richard that night 
 did not await the hour of unmasking. He felt that he could not 
 a second time stand before these eloquent and pleading eyes 
 without melting away before them like the snow before the 
 sirocco. He invented some excuse to leave his friends, and 
 on reaching the solitude of his room, walked its length much 
 like the tiger recently taken from its jungles and placed into 
 a cage. Never before, perhaps, had he met with such a pow- 
 erful temptation. While his duty, the vow he had taken in 
 the face of heaven and earth, the promise to the memory of a 
 dear mother beckoned one way, an alluring face clothed in all 
 the charms of beauty, innocence, goodness and loveliness, drew 
 the other. It was no easy battle our friend fought that night. 
 In vain did he say to himself, ''yqu have no business to love. 
 You have devoted your life to your race; have, so to speak, 
 married humanity. To draw a gentle, tender, frail, inexpe- 
 rienced being into the vortex of your agitated existence, 
 would not be merely folly — it would be criminal. And then 
 this girl above all others ; she, the daughter of the man that 
 killed your parents. She, the sister of the man that wrecked 
 the happiness of your sister. She, the child of wealth, luxury 
 and ease. Why, man, it is absurd to think of such a thing, 
 much more to entertain the idea seriously and permanently. 
 Arouse yourself, Richard, buckle on the armor of your 
 strength, and destroy without mercy a phantom, threatening 
 to unman you, and to crush resolutions so noble, aspirations 
 so grand, and obligations so binding." 
 
 All these things he said to himself, but the dawn of 
 morning stole into his room, without bringing strength. "I 
 love her," his heart cried. "I love her with every fibre of my 
 being" and he who knows human nature, knows also that such a 
 
322 ' EITHER. OR. 
 
 voice is hard to quell, and that he who does succeed in this 
 task, can well boast of Herculean strength. When the sun 
 peeped into Richard's room, he said to himself: "I cannot 
 crush this feeling. Well, I will run away from it. I will, I 
 must leave this place, until I have torn this feeling from my 
 heart.'' 
 
 Idle threat ? Idle resolution ? You may kill your heart, 
 but you cannot kill the impulses with which Nature has 
 imbued it. 
 
 When he appeared at breakfast the ladies noticed his 
 apathy and weariness 
 
 "Why, Richard, I am surprised," Mrs. Kean cried play- 
 fully. "It seems you cannot bear these mighty revels. Look 
 at me, an old woman ; look at your sister. We are both fresh 
 like roses in the dew of morning, while you appear perfectly 
 used up." 
 
 "It is a fact, aunty, I am used up, and think a change of 
 scenery will do me good. I'll pack my trunk to day, and take 
 a stroll through the length and breadth of the country." 
 
 "Why, Richard, you alirm me. I was only in fun. Do 
 you really feel fatigued ?" 
 
 "More mentally than physically, Aunt Laura. If you 
 were in fun, I am in earnest, and really propose to take a little 
 trip. The change of scenery will build me up again, I 
 reckon." 
 
 Richard Velder, however, was not the only person whose 
 feelings were deeply stirred by the occurrences of that 
 memorable evening. General Runwell received a note the 
 following morning to the effect that Senator Cheatham would 
 like to meet him at the club rooms at eight that evening. 
 The General complied, and when the two met, they gazed at 
 one another in mutual silence before they spoke. 
 
 "Do you understand it General?" the statesman finally 
 put in. 
 
 "Deuced, if I do. It beats'me that that thing leaked out. 
 Do you think it could have been the waiter ? " 
 
 "I am sure it wasn't. Even if he had listened at the key- 
 
EITHER, OR. 323 
 
 hole, he could not have heard our conversation. You go out- 
 side and listen, to convince yourself." 
 
 The General did so, the Senator speaking in rather a 
 loud key. When he re-entered, the other inquired : "Are 
 you satisfied? " 
 
 "I am as to the waiter, but that only deepens the mystery. 
 Did you examine the walls ? May be there is some hiding 
 place which has escaped us." 
 
 "I have tested the walls and found them solid. It beats 
 me, and makes me nervous. It isn't at all pleasant to have 
 you watched and exposed in this manner." 
 
 "What did the fellow write to you ?" 
 
 The Senator handed him the note. 
 
 "Hm ! He does not threaten, but implies a threat. What 
 are you going to do about it? " 
 
 "Do about it? Go ahead, of course. Do you think 
 Senator Cheatham is the man to shrink from a shadow ? " 
 
 "This is a pretty substantial shadow, Senator. I, for my 
 part, prefer to withdraw from the agreement. I do not wish 
 to have my name paraded in the papers." 
 
 The other smiled contemptuously. "Show the white 
 feathers?" he asked with a sneer. "I call that queer in a mili- 
 tary man." 
 
 "Well, you ma}'- smile as much as you please, Mr. Cheat- 
 ham. You politicians are used to haviug your names and 
 character hauled over the coals every day in the year, but 
 with a soldier it is a different thing. I,et the country once 
 know that he dabbles in politics and takes to wire pulling, 
 and his fate is sealed. He'll never rise to the top of the 
 ladder." 
 
 "Didn't Brant dabble in politics? " 
 
 "Yes after he had climbed to the top, not before." 
 
 "Well, I am sorry, that is all, sorry for you I mean, for 
 you are throwing away a plank which would have raised you 
 to a high position." 
 
 "You are ambiguous, Senator," the General said with a 
 smile. "I know of high positions not at all to my liking." 
 
324 EITHER, OR. 
 
 The statesman smiled a forced smile. "Hang it all" he cried 
 angrily, I wish I could get hold of this fellow. Wonder how 
 he crawled in anyhow. He must have forged his ticket, for 
 no one in our set would have humored such a cad." 
 
 The General looked at him fixedl)*. "I think you are 
 mistaken Mr. Cheatham" he said impressively. In my 
 opinion the carrier was one of our own set. That is the worst 
 feature in the ugly business. Our own men are going back on 
 
 2CS." 
 
 "I can't believe it. I won't believe it. What in the devil's 
 name could induce them?" 
 
 "Did you never hear of the rats that leave the sinking 
 ship?" 
 
 The other started and looked vexed. "General," he cried 
 with an attempt at cheerfulness. "You are an old owl, shame 
 on you. Waiter, bring us a bottle of old port. You make a 
 fellow nervous. Here is a toast to which I want you to 
 respond: The upper crust backed by a strong army." 
 
 "I have no objection, I am sure. But say Senator, what 
 got into your son ? When did he conceive this sudden freak 
 of a European tour ? " 
 
 "The devil knows. I don't." 
 
 "May be he got a letter, too." 
 
 The statesman started again. "Possibly but not likely. 
 Cy has looked too deep into the cup of pleasure, I fear, and 
 sees the necessity of prudence. I don't care much, for Cy did 
 not do anything but spend money, a trick of which one gets 
 tired at last." 
 
 "I have no doubt of it. By the way, I learn that Miss 
 Cheatham is to link her name with that of a foreign noble- 
 man. Is it too early to offer my congratulations ? " 
 
 "Damn all foreign noblemen!" the statesman cried, his 
 eyes blazing and his hand putting the wine glass so heavily 
 upon the table as to smash it to pieces. Then recollecting his 
 companion and the place, he said apologetically : "Pardon my 
 violence, General. Fact is, this confounded note, together 
 with vexing family affairs have unstrung me to such a degree 
 
EITHER, OR. 325 
 
 as to treat my best friends in this manner. Fact is, Blanche 
 has refused the Count, the little fool. I tell you this to ex- 
 plain my temper. Trust you will make no use of this con- 
 fidential communication." 
 
 The general promised, but after he had left the Senator, 
 he looked after him with a mixture of pity and wonderment, 
 muttering to himself: "H'm, he is in a bad fix. His wife, a 
 frozen statue ; his son, a wreck, and now his daughter a rebel 
 against paternal authority. Senator Cheatham, I think, your 
 ship is leaky, and the rats teach one a lesson worthy of re- 
 membrance." 
 
 Blanche Cheatham was another party which took home 
 much material for thought from the masked ball. On the 
 whole her thoughts were of a cheerful character. She had 
 seen, or rather heard him again, who had not onlv rescued 
 her, but filled her mind ever since, to the exclusion of every- 
 thing else. Before this meeting she had only thought of him 
 as her deliverer, as a hero, as a being to be admired and looked 
 up to. If she had had our experience, dear reader, she would 
 have known, that with women, to admire is almost always to 
 love. She had loved Richard from that evening, without 
 knowing it herself, and the existence of this love had prob- 
 ably nerved her for, and sustained her in conflict with patern- 
 al authority. When her mother met her at breakfast on the 
 following morning, she looked not only not tired, but so hap- 
 py, nay radiant, that her mother said with a smile : "Masked 
 balls seem to agree with- you, my daughter. You look as if 
 you had had a draught of the fountain of everlasting youth." 
 Now, between this, mother and this daughter, there was 
 trust, as perfect as it is rare. The pure soul 1 of the girl pre- 
 sented the limpidness of the Spring, showing every sentiment 
 to the bottom. She embraced her mother with her usual 
 fervor, then said, hiding her face on the other's bosom: 'T 
 have had such a draught, mother dear. I met him at the ball 
 last night." \ 
 
 "Met whom, little, one .?" her mother, asked with some 
 concern. When a mother hears her daughter speak of "him," 
 
326 EITHER.OR. 
 
 she blusters a good deal like the hen, which scents the hawk 
 in the air. 
 
 "Why, him, don't you know?" Blanche asked a little pet- 
 ulantly, as if she thought it preposterous to think of any one 
 but the demigod in question. 
 
 "Indeed, I do not. You haven't told me that you think of 
 any one particularly," 
 
 The girl blushed and said, hiding her face deeper in the 
 maternal bosom: "Until yesterday, I only dreamt of him, 
 mamma." 
 
 "And now you think of him, eh? Well, that is startling 
 news. May I inquire, who he is?" 
 
 "I could not tell you, mamma, for I do not know his 
 name." 
 
 "Don't know his name, and yet dream, yea think of him. 
 That is rather strange. Can't you give me the clue to that 
 mystery?" 
 
 "I can and will, mamma, far as I am able." 
 
 And then she told her of her rendezvous with the stranger 
 witholding neither facts nor feelings, causing her mother to 
 exclaim with much concern, after she had finished. 
 
 "Blanche, my dear girl, I fear you love this man." 
 
 "I know I do, mamma. I have known it ever since last 
 night. But I do not fear, dear mother, I rejoice, for to love 
 him is to exclude fear." 
 
 "But he says himself, that he is engaged in some danger- 
 ous business, and that he — " 
 
 "It may be dangerous, but it must be honorable, or he 
 would not pursue it." 
 
 "He may be one of those enthusiastic dreamers who pre- 
 tend to aim at the elevation of the masses, exposing their 
 lives to deadly attacks by both foe and friend." 
 
 "Whatever it is mother, it must be noble, else he would 
 not embrace it." 
 
 "You are of strong faith child, and I almost envy you, for 
 such faith exalts, while slavery of any kind degrades and 
 debases. But such a passion of yours leads too often to disap- 
 
EITHER. OR. 327 
 
 pointment as gratification. You may never see your hero 
 again, poor child." 
 
 "Then I shall feast upon his memory. Even such a feast 
 will glorify a long life, and guard against the contamination 
 of everything low and evil." 
 
 Mrs. Cheatham embraced her daughter, saying : "You 
 are a noble girl, Blanche, but too exalted for the standard of 
 happiness used by the world. Martyrs are more frequently 
 made of such material than Fortune's favorites. May heaven 
 grant that you will form an exception ! " 
 
 The next morning witnessed the departure of Richard 
 Velder, who disappeared somewhere between Plutopolis and 
 Lakeopolis, to remain unearthed for quite a while, if not for- 
 ever, as Richard Brown told Duncan on his arrival in the 
 latter city. The delight of the little family at the sight of the 
 tinker was great. Alice went even so far as to kiss him re- 
 peatedly, a demonstration applauded vigorously by her hus- 
 band, who declared that Dick was a fellow of whom you 
 couldn't get jealous in spite of yourself. After they had 
 petted him to their heart's content, and feasted and fed him 
 to a dangerous extent, they informed him of the condition of 
 the brotherhood in Lakeopolis. It was highly satisfactory, 
 according to their account. "We have nearly a million mem- 
 bers in the West, Dick," Charles reported, "and I should not 
 at all wonder, if the South could muster as many; which, 
 with the East, would make the total membership about four 
 millions. Deduct from this number the sisters and we have a 
 grand total of three million men capable of bearing arms — 
 and using them, too," Duncan emphasized. "Your remit- 
 tances have been put to a good purpose, for we now turn out 
 a hundred rifles per day. The trouble is, they are so good 
 that they are gobbled up by outsiders nearly as fast as we can 
 make them." 
 
 "Let them go, Charley. We can use every pennj- they 
 will bring. Are our men pretty well supplied now? " 
 
 "About two thirds, I should say. I think three months 
 from now they will all have their weapons; that is, 
 
328 EITHER. OR, 
 
 those we have now. Indeed, I couldn't begin to think ot mak- 
 ing rifles as fast as our cause makes converts." 
 
 "That's a good fault, Charley. I think in one year from 
 now we can and should begin to exercise our influence upon 
 the political arena of the nation." 
 
 "Won't our debut be a caution, though?" Charles ex- 
 claimed, chuckling at the idea of the great surprise he ex- 
 pected to give to the world. "I think sometimes that we 
 ought to show our hand in local politics at once, to gain sup- 
 port in the municipal and State authorities ; but the surprise 
 we'll give them will indemnify me for all this delay." 
 
 "I do not care much for the surprise, Charley, as the stun- 
 ning defeat we shall inflict upon the two old rotten parties. 
 If our brotherhood increases at its present rate, we shall be 
 able to carry every State, elect our President, and all the 
 members of the lower house of Congress." 
 
 "So we shall, but mind me; the Senate will offer us a 
 determined resistence. They are all millionaires, you know." 
 
 "That is true enough, but they are but human. Turn 
 the pressure of seventy millions upon them, and they will 
 yield." . 
 
 "I trust they will, but it will be safe to count upon a 
 desperate resistance on their part." . 
 
 "I am prepared for that, friend. We must avoid violence 
 to the extreme. If we cannot get their consent, we must wait 
 until the Senate is. filled with our men, or until we have a 
 majority there, which will at most take four years. Charles 
 Duncan, I predict, if things progress favorably, if we grow at 
 our present rate, Nationalism will be introduced in Occidentia 
 within. six years." 
 
 "Stop, Richard, you make me dizzy. -My fondest hopes 
 to become reality in so .short space of time, and I to live 
 and see the emancipation of millions from a slavery worse than 
 that of color! Richard, it is almost too good to become real," 
 
 "It is only hope so often thwarted, expectation so sadly 
 foiled, calculation so poorl)- verified which make you so des- 
 pondent, Duncan. Fortunately it is not hope, not expectation 
 
EITHER, OR. 329 
 
 or calculation upon which we base our plans. It is solid facts 
 already achieved ; preparations completed, faithful hearts won 
 and sturdy arms ready for strife to the bitter end if necessary, 
 which justify my prediction, that, in six years Nationalism, that 
 is justice, equity and brotherly love will shape the destiny of the 
 people of Occide7itia." 
 
 "Amen, and hurrah ; " cried Duncan. 
 
 This 'active life in a measure restored Richard's peace of 
 mind. Once more the great problem of his life assumed the 
 prominent place in his mind, to which it was entitled, but deep 
 in the recesses of his heart, in the fanciful realms of his imagi- 
 nation a never to be forgotten image ruled supreme, its sway 
 being despotic in proportion to its boundlessness. There the 
 murder of his parents could not enter, the seducer of his sister 
 mar his visions. Yes, if this image could never become suf- 
 ficiently tangible to kiss his lips, smooth his brow, sooth his 
 soul, weary from the contact of a prosaic world, in his soul, at 
 least he could build it shrines, and lay upon them the best 
 emotions, the purest feelings and the most exalted conceptions 
 of his soul. 
 
 Richard found it necessary to draw the bond of union of 
 the various lodges tighter, and to give the leaders of the sec- 
 tions a deeper insight into his plans and expectations. So he 
 commenced a second tour through the land, addressing elo- 
 quent appeals to the masses, and meeting the leaders in 
 secret council. He pointed out to them the nearness of the 
 moment, when their principles must prevail, and so logic were 
 his deductions, so clear his proofs and so evident his means of 
 fulfilling, his promises,' that uncertainty was changed into con- 
 fidence; incredulity to conviction. He told them the necessity 
 of constant vigilance, of increased activity. He proved to 
 them that to stand still, is to recede, and that the United 
 efforts of every member were required to bring about the 
 result so fondly anticipated. "This journey occupied fatty 
 three months, and it was only aftef he had visited the remotest 
 sections of the country and inspired the smallest lodges with 
 new life, hope and zeal, that he dared -to listen to the still 
 
330 EITHER, OR. 
 
 voice within him, urging the propriety of a return to Plutopo- 
 lis. It was the beginning of July when Richard stepped into 
 the grocery where he was greeted with shouts of delight. 
 
 "Why, Mr. Brown, where have you been all this time?" 
 cried the Professor, shaking both his hands vigorously, "I 
 have not seen you for a century." 
 
 "Was it that long? " inquired Richard, with a smile. 
 "Well, you need not be so particular about a month or 
 two. But where is Bertha? You don't know, I suppose, that 
 my niece was found, nay, rescued by Mr. Velder? Bertha, 
 Bertha — Ah. here she is — Bertha, this is Mr. Brown, who 
 befriended your uncle when all the world had turned its back 
 to him. Dick, this is my niece, Bertha Rasmussen, a pretty 
 good and docile child, I — if I do say it in her face." 
 
 "Don't believe him, Mr. Brown," the child cried, shaking 
 her pretty head, warningly. "His love for me makes uncle 
 blind." 
 
 "Ah, it is well for you, to thus qualify your assertion," 
 the Professor said, roguishly, "else I might have taken you to 
 task for calling me a liar." 
 
 Thus they chatted and joked until Richard said he must 
 pay a visit to the Velders. He started for his house, feeling 
 keenly the inconvenience of his double character and deter- 
 mining to end it at the earliest convenience. He sent in his 
 name as Mr. Brown, and was requested to step into the sitting 
 room, where he found not only Mrs. Kean and Elinor, but 
 also Maxwell, who stared at him, wondering what business 
 the tinker could have with the ladies. As soon as the servant 
 had closed the door, Richard embraced Elinor, who struggled 
 violently under this daring familiarity of a stranger, but was 
 nevertheless heartily kissed before she could disengage her- 
 self. Maxwell sprung to his feet, and was just on the point 
 of seizing the intruder and eject him from the room, when the 
 audacious fellow walked up to Mrs. Kean and hugged and 
 kissed her in fine style, carresses which she not merely 
 endured, but even returned with emphasis. Maxwell began 
 to doubt his own identity, and was on the point of pinching 
 
EITHER, OR. 331 
 
 himself to see whether he was awake or dreaming, when the 
 saucy stranger stepped up to him, extended his hand and 
 said: "How do, Maxwell? Been well all this time? How are 
 you and Elinor getting on ? Is the day set, or are you going 
 to await the return of that harumscarum, Velder?" 
 
 Maxwell stood like one perfectly bewildered, hesitating to 
 accept his proffered hand. 
 
 " 'Tis clean, sir," Richard said, with a laugh; "we tinkers 
 make it a point to keep hands as well as conscience clean, a 
 "boast which some of your nabobs cannot make or rather sus- 
 tain." 
 
 At this moment Elinor flung herself once more into the 
 tinker's arms, to the boundless consternation of her lover, who 
 began to fear that the whole crew had gone crazy, until Elinor 
 turned to him, saying with one peal of laughter after another. 
 "Why it is brother Dick, you stupid boy, don't you see? You 
 need not boast of your keenness hereafter, for it is my humble 
 self that has sharper eyes than you." 
 
 "Your brother ! " Maxwell ejaculated, still dazed by this 
 unexpected development of things, laying, however his hand 
 cautiously into the other's. "I declare, I begin to see it now. 
 So you are the famous tinker, and have been playing possum 
 all this while ? Do you know that I do not feel quite safe in 
 the presence of such a formidable anarchist ? " 
 
 "Being a swell, you have good reasons to be scared and. 
 cautious. I eat one naboo regularly every day, but having 
 breakfasted on one this morning, you are safe for the remain- 
 der of the day." 
 
 "Thanks for that assuring piece of information. And 
 Aunt Laura was the only one in the plot ? I am looking for 
 Tevelations both startling and interesting. Arn't you, Elinor? " 
 
 "I am Lucius; so make a clean breast of it, and quick, or 
 this poor boy will die. Talk of a woman's curiosity! Why, a 
 man's beats it all hollow. I bet a dollar poor Lucius will 
 die if you don't unburden before to-night." 
 
 "Quite a tempting prospect," Richard said laughingly, "for 
 m that case there would be one aristocrat less." 
 
332 EITHER, OR. 
 
 "And my only chance of getting a man" Elinor cried .. 
 laughing gaily, "no brother, you. surely could not be so cruel." 
 
 "Well, the prospects of getting you off my hands really 
 deserves some consideration, so I may as well make a clean 
 breast of it." Suddenly his face became very serious, and 
 looking gravely into Maxwell's face, he added: "Maxwell, the 
 communication I am going to make are a stronger proof of 
 my faith in your secrecy, your discretion and your honor, than 
 a thousand mere professions to that effect. Nor is it your 
 honor alone in which I have perfect confidence, but your 
 sagacity as well. True, you belong to the upper crust, that 
 is, to the people who live in luxury and idleness, at the ex- 
 pense of their less fortunate brethren ; but you are neither 
 blind nor obtuse and have probably read many signs pointing 
 to a radical change in the condition of society. If you have 
 been blind, my relations will open your eyes, as I can prove 
 every assertion I am going to advance. I do not demand of 
 you any pledges of secrecy, for such demands would imply a 
 distrust which I do not feel, and an insult to a man I honor 
 and love. Are you ready for my communications? Remem 
 ber that they involve the weal of millions. If you feel as if 
 you should not assume the obligation of secrecy imposed upon 
 you by honor, say so, and I will spare you from the knowledge 
 of things which may disturb and worry you." 
 
 Maxwell thought a moment, then took Richard's hand 
 and said, earnestly: "Dick, you are considerably personified. 
 I think I understand you, and surely appreciate your senti- 
 ments for me. In reply I would say : A man of your chai"- 
 acter cannot possibly engage in anything low and dishonor- 
 able, so go on." 
 
 "I thank you in turn, Lucius, and now listen, both ot you, 
 for you will hear strange and startling things." 
 
 Then our friend gave Maxwell a concise,- but exhaustive 
 sketch of his life, of his parents' fate, and the charge of his- 
 dying mother. He explained how his own investigations, 
 studies and experiences had verified his mother's denunciation 
 of a cruel and selfish minority, and had given strength, depth. 
 
EITHER, OR. 333 
 
 and character to the resolutions evoked by his dying mother. 
 He sketched his preparations, his labors, his disappointments, 
 his hopes and his just expectations, ending with the firm con- 
 viction that the rejuvenation of society and more humane con- 
 dition of affairs were close at hand. Maxwell had not inter- 
 rupted him by word or gesture. Man of the world and expe- 
 rience, though he was, he did not share with many of his caste, 
 the error of an underestimation of the probability of an im- 
 pending crisis. Richard's communications furnished Maxwell 
 with a new scale to measure the rare gifts of Richard Velder, 
 or, as he called himself now, Richard Brown. He knew well 
 what such a man can accomplish; indeed he could not help 
 -seeing what he had accomplished already. He did not doubt 
 the statement that four millions of intelligent inhabitants of 
 Occidentia had sworn to his colors, and that they would stand 
 by him at the crisis. Nor could he help perceiving that this 
 scheme was as lofty and gigantic as any ever concocted by a 
 human brain. Finally he could not help acknowledging the 
 truth and correctness of Richard's assertions in regard to the 
 unjust distributions of the pleasures as well as labors of life. 
 
 All these things, we say, he admitted; but having hitherto 
 floated on the current of an easy and luxurious life, he 
 had never troubled himself about evils which in his 
 opinion, were not of his making, and, morever beyond 
 his strength to remedy. Perhaps he had at times felt 
 dimly conscious of the unfairness of his life, but such an in- 
 distinct feeling and the burning conviction of his friend 
 were two very different things, and it was now, perhaps, the 
 first time that this consciousness assumed a more definite 
 form, and a troublesome character. Yet, while these feelings 
 agitated his mind, the reader must not imagine that such a 
 devotee of pleasure, ease and recreation, could all at once 
 awaken to the unworthiness of his position. He had too long 
 enjoyed the privileges of his caste, to think at once of sur- 
 rendering them, and, while he was determined to justify 
 Richard's confidence, he was by no means prepared to make 
 common cause with him. 
 
334 EITHER, OR. 
 
 "You are aw enthusiast, Richard," he said when the 
 other had ended, "and a noble one in the bargain. But do you 
 not forget that to do justice to the people, you do injustice to 
 their oppressors as you call them ? " 
 
 "I do not, Maxwell. In which way would I wrong 
 them?" 
 
 "By depriving them of their means of existence." 
 
 "I beg your pardon, I, or rather we have no such inten- 
 tion." 
 
 "Are you going to despoil the rich of that which is justly 
 theirs?" 
 
 "Justly, Maxwell? Will you please tell me what creates 
 all wealth?" 
 
 "Various things, such as labor speculations — ," 
 
 "You are mistaken. Speculation does not create wealth, 
 it merely changes it. If you speculate in lands or goods you 
 simply abuse the necessities of your neighbors bv charging 
 them exhorbant prices. If your corner lots double in value 
 you do not mean to tell me that you increase the wealth of 
 the community, simply shifting their money from their 
 pockets into yours? No, no," he continued, when he per 
 ceived that his friend remained silent. "Labor is the only 
 source of wealth. How then does it come that the laborer 
 the producer of this wealth, remains poor, while the idler be- 
 comes wealthy? Don't you see that he takes an undue portion 
 and that the abuse of this undue portion, that is, speculation, 
 constantly increases his wealth at the expense of the pro- 
 ducer? " 
 
 Maxwell did not reply, perhaps because he could not, so 
 Richard went on: "You know as well as I that the immense 
 fortunes of the country have not been made by labor, but by 
 speculation. The original speculators died, leaving their 
 wealth to their children. Now I ask you simply and plainly. 
 Does this circumstance make it any more right for the chil- 
 dren to keep and enjoy this wealth, than was the case witk 
 the parents, that is, the original robbers?" 
 
EITHER, OR. 335 
 
 "You use harsh terms, Richard," Maxwell said, with the 
 grimace. 
 
 "But just ones; or don't you call a man that steals, a rob- 
 ber? Let us take the case of the Irish, for instance. I need 
 not tell you that Edward the II., I believe, conquered Ireland, 
 and gave the land of the inhabitants to his nobles, whose 
 descendants hold them now. Do you think their title would 
 stand for a moment, if equity had to decide?" 
 
 "The courts of the country, do, at all events." 
 "You are equivocating. It is against the existing laws 
 our efforts are directed, because they are partial and unjust. 
 In moral law, or, if you prefer, in justice pure and simple, the 
 descendants of these robbers have no title to the estates they 
 hold. No more have the children of the millionaires of this 
 or any other country, and a movement designing the spolia- 
 tion of such owners could hardly be accused of injustice. Be- 
 sides, if the nation assumes their wealth, they still are co-own- 
 ers not only of their former wealth, but that of their neigh- 
 bors, as well." 
 
 "It is easy for an outsider to talk that way, Richard." 
 Richard colored. "You forget, Maxwell, that I am not an 
 outsider, that I have already spent millions in this cause, and 
 propose to spend every cent I own for the benefit of the peo- 
 ple.'* 
 
 "Yes, I know you are unselfish, Richard," the other said, 
 hastily. "Nor did I mean any reflection on you personally. 
 But you must confess that many of these innovators desire 
 nothing more or less than to enrich themselves at our ex- 
 pense." 
 
 "There are few such people, Maxwell, I admit; but I 
 have been much amongst these people, and I assure you that 
 on the whole, selfishness taints them much less than the rich. 
 It is the very low and ignorant that reason and work that way, 
 and it is for this reason I want everybody to be educated and 
 enlightened." 
 
 "Well, there is much truth in what you say, and I will 
 think it all over, but for the present you must pardon me if I 
 
336 EITHER, OR. 
 
 stand aloof irom a movement which may result in the wreck 
 and ruin of society.'' 
 
 "I expect nothing else. Nor will I worry you by preach- 
 ing and attempts at conversation; but mark what I tell you 
 now: You cannot take in the light of truth without becoming 
 affected by it, and if you will investigate my doctrines care- 
 fully and impartially, vou cannot help becoming a convert to 
 our cause." 
 
 "If I do, I shall make an honest confession." 
 
 "That's all I can and do expect." 
 
 CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 PACING THE TIGER IN HIS JUNGLE. 
 
 We do not head this chapter "Bearding the lion in his 
 den," because the lion is said to have some noble traits, that 
 of generosity and magnanimity, for instance. Whether these 
 epithets are justly his due, we shall not discuss at this place 
 although we seriously doubt it. The tiger, on the other hand, 
 is not only more blood-thirsty, but also more treacherous, and 
 to face him in his native haunt, the jungle, requires nerve and 
 presence of mind, virtues which we wish to impress before 
 hand upon the reader, hence the superscription. 
 
 Richard took his abode for the present in the grocery, 
 many considerations counseling such a measure for a while at 
 least. He did, however, no longer carry his apparatus, nor 
 did he grind the shears of tailors, the scissors of house wives, 
 or the knives of butchers. It was not so much the masses he 
 sought, as the presence of the leaders, discussing with them 
 measures too important and perilous to be entrusted to the 
 masses before the proper moment. These deliberations, how- 
 ever, soon showed results. In almost every ward, excepting 
 those devoted exclusively to business or occupied by the palaces 
 of the rich, large buildings were either purchased and then mod- 
 ified, or erected anew. All of them contained large basements 
 
EITHER, OR. 33 7 
 
 or cellars in which kitchens or restaurants were located, not 
 so much for the present accommodation of the members or 
 the public, as for future emergencies, such as strikes, garri- 
 sons and the like. Of course, being established, they were 
 used, dispensing food at low prices to the poor and needy, 
 thus serving from the start as highly useful and timely meas- 
 ures. In other apartments the members stored the rifles with 
 which they were equipped in their capacity of military orga- 
 nizations. Finally each edifice contained a large hall or 
 lecture room, in which able men taught the members political 
 economy, natural science, and in the case of women— cookery. 
 We need hardly add that Professor Andersen played a con- 
 spicious role in these exercises, having declaired his inten- 
 tion to remain in Occidentia even at the risk of loosing 
 his pension The membership of Plutopolis had long 
 since outgrown the dimensions of . National Hall, and it 
 seemed actually as if the acquisition of new places of meeting 
 was all that was needed to give the order a new and ever 
 more wonderful start than that heralded before. Duncan 
 doubled, yes, trebled his forces, yet could hardly keep 
 pace with the demand for rifles pouring in from all sides. 
 Richard did everything in his power to counsel prudence and 
 moderation on the part of the members, knowing full well 
 that the foes ot public freedom would jump at every chance to 
 frighten the timid and cautious. On the whole he succeeded, 
 but occasionally the cruder and deeply ignorant portion of 
 his followers could not be totally refrained from manifesting 
 a spirit well calculated to alarm not merely the timid, but 
 even Richard himself. He therefore continued to urge the 
 acquisition of more knowledge. "More light? More light!" 
 he cried, with Goethe at every opportunity. 
 
 Thus the summer and fall wore away, and, with the 
 month of December, Congress once more assembled in the 
 Capital of Patropolis. Richard was not a little startled by 
 reading in the daily papers that Senator Cheatham had an- 
 nounced his intention, immediately after the introductory ex- 
 ercises, to offer a military bill to the Senate after the holidays, 
 
338 EITHER. OR.- 
 
 stating in a preamble his reasons for such a step. He 
 pointed to the growing Indian troubles, the war clouds rising 
 frequently on the political horizon and the danger of compli- 
 cations with rival powers. Thirdly, he pointed to the danger 
 growing out of internal commotions, and dissimination of 
 socialistic and even anarchical doctrines, and the open avowal 
 of the poor to compel a surrender of the wealth of the monied 
 classes. He pointed to the unreliability of the militia on such 
 occasions, and declared it to be his intention to move an in- 
 crease of the regular army to one hundred thousand men. 
 
 He seemed to have made this announcement purposely 
 at an early date, to occasion a discussion of the measure and 
 the disappearance of the first heat, which such a design would 
 undoubtedly produce. He probably also desired to belabor 
 the press, knowing full well the folly of the idea that the 
 press presents the public sentiment and is guided by it. He 
 knew very well that the press, like the pulpit, is but too often 
 influenced by interest, knowing full well where their bread is 
 buttered. 
 
 Richard studied deep and carefully before he decided 
 upon a course of conduct. He did not wish to have this 
 measure carried and executed, knowing full well that the ex- 
 istence of large military forces begets a desire to use them, 
 and that a struggle against a hundred thousand men, well 
 drilled and equipped with all instruments of war, might pro- 
 voke a fearful slaughter, dreadful to contemplate, even in case 
 of success, of which he felt sure under all circumstances. His 
 first warning had caused a delay, that was all, and a new and 
 stronger pressure must be applied to secure a new respite. 
 What should he do? What could he do? 
 
 Write again ? He could say nothing more intimidating 
 than his first missive. No, writing would not answer the pur- 
 pose. Should he go in person and scare the fellow by the in- 
 timation of personal danger or exposure of old short comings? 
 His natural fairness shrank from such a course, but this bill 
 must be killed in the bud, even at the expense of the Sena- 
 tor's feelings. The paper giving the above news, stated also 
 
EITHER, OR. 339 
 
 that the Senator was expected to spend Christmas at home, so 
 here was an opportunity to carry out his plan if he were bent 
 upon its execution. 
 
 Richard did not decide at once, but the more he thought 
 of the idea, the more he liked it. Its very boldness possessed 
 a fascination to one so fearless as our friend. It was then 
 fully two weeks to the holidays so there was no hurry to 
 decide the matter, but it was nevertheless decided on the very 
 next morning. When he returned home that night he found 
 Maxwell, who informed him that Elinor had consented to 
 marry him on Christmas. "I tell you this early" he said 
 banteringly, "to prevent you from flying off at a tangent at 
 that time. You better make a memorandum of the fact, old 
 fellow or you'll stray off in a fit of absent mindedness. By the 
 way, Dick, did I tell you that Runwell is sweet on that little 
 Swede at the grocery?" 
 
 "Is he? No, you did not, I hope he has honest inten- 
 tions, for, if not, I authorize you to tell him that I shall break 
 every bone of his body for him." 
 
 "Oh, I think it is all right. The girl is very pretty, and 
 what is more, lovable." 
 
 "Does she return his fancy? " 
 
 "I cannot tell, but Elinor thinks she does. I told the 
 ladies and they have promised to take matters in hand and see 
 that the little one does not come to harm." 
 
 "All right then. I think we can leave matters in their 
 hands. It takes a woman to make matches you know." 
 
 Day followed day, and at last Christmas was at hand. 
 Richard had resolved to let it pass, partly because his sister 
 was to be wedded then, and partly from a natural repugnance 
 to bring disquietude into a family at that time. He did not 
 know why, but he had a certain forboding that his step would 
 bring about startling, and perhaps ominous results. This 
 presentiment, however, did not change his purpose, only 
 causing a more deliberate taking of his measures. When the 
 morning of the intended visit arrived, he opened his trunk and 
 gazed a moment at the coat of mail, which he had secured in 
 
34 o KITHKR.OR. 
 
 Berlin, but never used. Should he put it on ? He had no 
 doubt that the man he meant to visit would put him out of 
 the way in case of necessity, without any compunction, pro- 
 vided he could do so with safety and without any "eclat; " 
 but in this instance the servant would announce him, and look 
 for his departure as a natural consequence. No, he did not 
 fear open violence on the part of the Senator. Besides he 
 shrank from such a measure of precaution, indicating appre- 
 hension, moreover of a man whom he despised but did not 
 fear. No, he would not put on the coat, so he again closed 
 the trunk, disdaining even to arm himself with a revolver. 
 He took the street car to the Cheatham mansion, and alight- 
 ing and ascending the flight of stairs to the first floor, re- 
 questing the servant in waiting to announce to Mr. Cheatham 
 his wish to see him. 
 
 "Whom shall I announce, Sir?" 
 
 "Brown, if you please." 
 
 Let us anticipate the footman and visit the statesman's 
 study, or rather the library next to it. The study was a room 
 of only moderate size, but the library was an apartment 
 much more spacious. It was lined with book cases of the 
 finest tropical wood, only the windows breaking the lines, the 
 cases forming their deep recuses well fitted for retirement 
 with a favorite author. 
 
 Now it happened that on this morning the door of one 
 of the cases had been flung open, hiding not only one of the 
 windows, but also an easy chair and its occupant, Miss 
 Blanche Cheatham. She had come into the library at an early 
 hour and retired to her snug corner, not with the view of con- 
 cealment, for she had nothing to conceal, but because its 
 seclusion agreed with her dreamy mood. She soon was deep- 
 ly interested in Goethe's "Hermann und Dorothea" which she 
 read fluently in the original, and which somehow struck a 
 kindred chord in her soul. She was so absorbed that she 
 failed to notice the entrance of her father in his study. The 
 Senator walked to the door of the library which was open, not 
 so much with the mien of a man who looks for something 
 
EITHER, OR. 341 
 
 especial, but rather with the abstraction of an occupied mind. 
 The soft Brussel carpet made his footsteps almost inaudible, 
 so Blanche failed to notice them and went on reading. The 
 statesman walked leisurel}' to his arm chair, sank into its 
 luxurious cushions, and taking up the paper began to glance 
 over the telegraphic news. Congress adjourned, he read half 
 aloud. Hon. Cheatham home to prepare his great military 
 bill. The entire country astir over — Well, what is it?" 
 
 "Please, sir, there's a gentleman out there who wishes to 
 speak to you." 
 
 "What's his name, John?" 
 
 "He says it is Brown, sir." 
 
 The Senator prided himself upon his popularity with the 
 masses. He was easy of access, knowing fully well that it 
 tickles the average citizen to feel himself as good as the best, 
 and to shake hands with the big bugs of his country. So he 
 said affably: "Show him in, sir, show him in." 
 
 John went out and a minute later Richard Brown stood 
 before the Senator. There was something in his mien and 
 bearing which attracted and chained the statesman's attention. 
 He stood erect; his face looked calm and unmoved, and his 
 clear, penetrating eyes rested so searchingly upon the Senator, 
 as to cause him to lower his. Recovering himself instantly, 
 how*, ver, he smiled affably at his visitor, saying with a slight 
 inclination of his head: "How do you do, Mr. Brown. Please 
 be seated; I understand that you desire to speak to me. What 
 can I do for you ? " 
 
 "No thanks; I will not trouble you long, and what I have 
 to say, I can say standing." 
 
 He paused a moment and at the same time there was a 
 slight fluster in the library. Richard had not spoken loud, but 
 his voice had a metallic ring, which sent it over much space. 
 The voice of the servant had been overheard by Blanche; the 
 words of her father had not touched a chord within her, but 
 when Richard's clear tones vibrated in the air, she heard them 
 and became alert. Thus it is that the strings of one harp 
 vibrate to the music of another. Her heart strings have been 
 
342 KITHER.OR. 
 
 touched, and lo! They correspond. At first she stands irreso- 
 lute, an innate delicacy of feeling prompting her to avoid the 
 role of eaves dropper, though unwilling; but the next words 
 of the visitor chain her to the spot, and soon she is totally 
 absorbed by the conversation in the study, as to cease to be 
 a free agent. But hush! The voice resumes: "I learn from 
 the papers, sir. that you will offer a militarv bill to the Senate 
 on the re-opening of its sessions. Are the papers correct, 
 sir?" 
 
 These words were so unexpected to the Senator, that they 
 puzzled him for a moment; but thinking that he saw before 
 him one of those political cranks one meets occasionally, he 
 said good naturedly: "Yes, -Mr. Brown, you have been rightly 
 informed. I shall introduce such a bill before long." 
 
 "In that case I ask you in the name of the people of this 
 country to desist, as such a measure is antagonistic to its true 
 interests." 
 
 The other opened his eyes in great surprise, but ad- 
 hering to his original estimate of the visitor, he said, 
 in the same affable tone: "Well, this is a free country, Mr. 
 Brown, and everybody can entertain such opinions as he 
 pleases. But while I do not dispute your right in this respect, 
 I claim the same, you see. This bill is the offspring of much 
 and mature thought, and I must therefore, refuse your request 
 of quashing it." 
 
 "Then, if you have no consideration for our country, Mr. 
 Cheatham, consider your own interests. I tell you, not as a 
 friend, but as a prophet: If you persist in offering this bill, 
 it will ruin you as surely as the sun now shines in the 
 heavens.' 1 
 
 By this time the Senator had risen, and now stood before 
 our friend in wonder and surprise. This was no crank, it was 
 a fellow who presumed on his good nature and had come here 
 for a purpose, which the Senator did not know, suspecting, 
 however, that the bill was a mere pretense. 
 
 "Who are you?" he asked, changing his tone and assum- 
 ing severity, instead of affability. 
 
EITHER. OR. 343 
 
 "Do you really want to know. vSenator Cheatham?" Rich- 
 ard said, impressively, coming one step nearer. "I would 
 spare you, if I could, but fear you will not heed my warning, un- 
 less I tell you. I am the son of him you slew, the son of her 
 you caused to die with a broken heart! " 
 
 The effect of these words on the Senator were startling. 
 He shrank back in consternation, fumbling with his hand for 
 support. His cheek paled, his eyes became like petrified, dwell- 
 ing upon the visitor with unspeakable horror. His lips tried 
 to formulate some words, and finally stammered the one word 
 "Woods." 
 
 "Your memory serves you well, Senator Cheatham, I am 
 the son of those good and noble people, whom your fiendish 
 hatred sent to an early grave. Oh, fear nothing. I could 
 have slain you a dozen times if I had wished, but the last 
 wish of a dying mother makes you safe as far as I am con- 
 cerned. Nor would I have intruded here if you had not 
 formed this tyrannical scheme against the people. Again I 
 say: Beware! Again I warn you and prophecy that the mere 
 introduction of such a measure will achieve your ruin. I now 
 offer you this compromise.: You abandon this scheme against 
 my native land, I, on my part shall endeavor to forget that the 
 persecution of my dearest friends on earth, originated with 
 vSenator Cheatham." 
 
 The vSenator seemed to awaken suddenly as from a trance. 
 His terror vanished and an uncoutrolable rage at being thus 
 braved in his own house, seized him. The recollection of his 
 momentary fright undoubtedly fanned his fury, being by no 
 means flattering to his manhood. Foam gathered on his lips, 
 and he hissed more than spoke. 
 
 "You dare to threaten me? Out with you, or I shall 
 shoot you like a dog." 
 
 Richard stood unmoved. Folding his arms on his breast 
 he said sternly, but calmly: "Yon won't listen, then ? Very 
 well, there will be war then between us, and may the righteou.-. 
 cause win.' 
 
 He faced the enraged man a moment longer, then seized 
 
344 EITHER, OR. 
 
 his hat and turned to leave the room, when a howl of rage 
 caused him to look back. He saw the Senator spring toward 
 a bureau, jerk open a drawer, snatch from it a revolver, and 
 with it in hand turn once more upon his antagonist. What 
 now followed occurred so rapidly that Richard retained of it 
 only an instinct recollection or rather the impressions were 
 interwoven into one like the picture of a region seen from a 
 railway train dashing on at the rate of sixty miles an hour. 
 He remembered that the Senator turned upon him; then he 
 heard a cry of agony and the frightened exclamation "father." 
 Next he saw a white figure flit through the room, and a 
 second later, felt two soft arms entwine themselves around his 
 neck while almost at the same time a pistol shot rang through 
 the room. He felt the fmgei tremble, he heard a cry of pain, 
 then felt the arms around his neck relaxing their hold, but it 
 was more instinct than conscious reasoning which caused him 
 to encircle it with his arms. In doing so he felt something 
 warm running over his fingers, and looking down, saw them 
 stained with a purple fluid. Then the terrible consciousness 
 that she had been wounded, perhaps killed, in her efforts to 
 save his life, came to him, almost overpowering him. Noth- 
 ing out ihe precious burden in his arms saved the other's life 
 at that moment. 
 
 "Monster! You have killed her?" he cried in an agony 
 of pain, looked at the same time for a place to lay the un- 
 conscious girl. At that moment a second pistol shot rang 
 through the air, but Richard was too occupied to know its 
 cause or care for its results. What we record now, he learned 
 from others. They told him that the would-be murderer had 
 staggered back in consternation at the result of his fury. He 
 stumbled over a hassock in his rear, and in his attempt to 
 righten himself, threw up his arms. In doing so he must 
 have clutched his hand, thus pulling the trigger, for a report 
 followed, and when the servants rushed in they found him 
 lying on the floor, blood streaming over his face, and one eye 
 injured, if not destroyed. The shot must have been fired 
 parallel with his face, for it had pierced the bone of the nose 
 
EITHER, OR. 345 
 
 and just glanced the left eye. All this he learned afterwards 
 as we said before, for just at that moment the fate of the states- 
 man was of no consequence to him, nor to the pale mother 
 w r ho kneeled at her daughter's side, sponging her face with 
 cold water and watching with a gleam of despair in her eyes, 
 for signs of returning consciousness. A moment later rapid 
 footsteps drew near, and a physician leaned over the prostrate 
 figure. 
 
 "Where is the wound ? In her back ? Turn her then, 
 sir. You need not fear to hurt her, she is unconscious. Ah, 
 it is the shoulder, and no bones broken, it seems." 
 
 "You think she will live?" Mrs. Cheatham cried in 
 breathless suspense. 
 
 "I think she will, in fact, I know she will, for the wound 
 is too high up, to have touched any vital spot. I will probe 
 the wound and try to draw the bullet before she comes to. Ah, 
 here it is. All right now madam. This was a mighty luck}* 
 accident indeed. Now let me dress the wound. If no fever 
 sets in she will be all right in a couple of weeks." 
 
 Just then a quiver passed through the senseless body. 
 Next a pair of limpid blue eyes opened, sending a dazed 
 glance over her surroundings. Then consciousness returned, 
 her look became anxious and exclaimed, trying to rise. 
 "Where-where is he? Has he killed him? " 
 
 Richard could not resist the impetus which urged him to 
 bend over her, and his eyes must have spoken volumes of 
 tenderness, for an expression of great happiness came over 
 her face, while she murmured: "Safe ! safe! " 
 
 Then she sank back and the physician, an old practitioner 
 who probably devined a romance, but was too prudent to 
 betray his thoughts, said peremptorily: "No nonsense now. 
 Take hold of this lounge, young fellows," addressing some 
 servants, "and carry it to Miss Blanche's room. I interdict all 
 excitement, for if fever sets in, the wound may give us a great 
 deal of trouble. Gently now, lads, gently." 
 
 Richard wanted to assist, but the doctor motioned him 
 back with a smile. "Not vou, sir. She must have rest and 
 
346 HITHER, OR. 
 
 tranquility. Now I must see what my colleague thinks of 
 the Senator's case. I fear he won't get off quite so easy.'' 
 
 Richard never knew exactly how he got out of the man- 
 sion on that memorable morning. He indistinctly recol- 
 lected to have bowed to a pale, frozen figure, and to have ex- 
 pressed deep regret at the consequences ot a visit prompted 
 by pure and noble motives. The figure had then pressed his 
 hand, saying something about her conviction of the truth of 
 his professions, adding that her daughter's faith in him was 
 all the guarantee she desired. She had ended by expressing 
 the hope of seeing him again, and glided away to the chamber 
 where her daughter lay, suffering from a wound received in 
 his behalf. Sweet thought, yet tinctured with pain. The 
 image repressed with so much pain and trouble into the 
 recesses of his soul, once more came forth, filling ever nook 
 and corner of his being, smiling sweetly, but defiantly at any 
 attempt to shut it up once more into its prison. It did not 
 speak, but it looked volumes, saying in that mute, yet elo- 
 quent way: "I have earned you now, my blood has flowed for 
 you, I have become a martyr for your sake. Who can now 
 dispute my right to you? Who can come between us? If 
 you have grand, exalted plans, can I not share them? If you 
 expose your life for the welfare of the people, can I not share 
 your danger?" Thus it spoke all the way to his home, spoke 
 all day; filling his dreams, and finally compelling a compro- 
 mise, if not a surrender. Richard began to think that a 
 woman so brave and devoted, might, after all, not be a draw- 
 back, but a help. True, he ran risks ; his antagonists might 
 waylay and kill him, but would the girl who had received a 
 deadly wound for him, yes, probably saved his life, shrink 
 from such dangers? It seemed really an insult to entertain 
 such thoughts. Finally, as to her relation to the enemy of 
 his family, the destroyer of his parents' lives. Was it right 
 that she should suffer for a father's iniquity ? He felt that 
 his noble mother would scorn such an idea. He saw her even 
 then smile sweetly and encouragingly upon him, and expe- 
 rienced a sweet peace stealing over him, quelling all doubts 
 
EITHER, OR. 347 
 
 and steeling his wavering purposes into the firm and un- 
 changeable resolution of winning her. Strange, the difficulty 
 of such an undertaking never once entered into his calcula- 
 tions. She was the daughter of a millionaire, the daughter, 
 morever, of a man who probably entertained towards him the 
 bitterest animosity, but nevertheless he was determined to try, 
 nay to win. He knew that he possessed the love of this rare, 
 beautiful and fearless girl— everything else shrank into insig- 
 nificance. 
 
 The next morning's papers brought a sensational, but 
 necessarily garbled account of the occurrence. The high 
 position of the actors in the tragedy impelled a delicacy but too 
 often disregarded by the press. The accounts differed greatly, 
 being in fact, based upon the imagination of the reporters, 
 rather than their knowledge. Mrs. Cheatham had only 
 volunteered the information that the shooting was accidental 
 as far as she knew, and that it had occurred in presence of a 
 stranger, of whose name she was ignorant. The condition of 
 the Senator put the possibility of interviewing him out of the 
 question. So the papers substituted their respective air 
 castles for the truth. One expressed its conviction that the 
 stranger was a political desperado, who had entered the 
 Senator's room with the view of killing him. Another 
 believed him to have had designs upon Mr. Cheatham's purse, 
 and only been baffled by Miss Cheatham's timely appearance. 
 Not one of them attempted to explain the curious circum- 
 stance, that all the firing had been done by the statesman and 
 that the would-be assassin or robber had been allowed to 
 withdraw unmolested. The public noticed this incongruity, 
 and the wildest speculations and most absurd reports filled the 
 city for fully a week, then to subside and make way for new 
 and equally startling sensations. We also will dismiss the 
 subject, after starting, that the right eye of the Senator was 
 totally ruined, requiring an artificial one to hide the vacancy, 
 while the broken bone rather disfigured his face. The vision 
 of the left eye was not seriously disturbed, but the surgeon 
 had urged the necessity of great caution, fearing that a con- 
 
348 EITHER, OR. 
 
 tinned strain upon it might end in its total loss. They 
 advised Mr. Cheatham to resign his place in Congress, hinting 
 at the near expiration of his term, and the absolute impossi- 
 bility of his return to Patropolis that winter. We need 
 hardly add that he chafed long and angrily, but finally yielded 
 to an inevitable necessity and actually offered his resignation. 
 His wound chained him to his room till April, and when he 
 reappeared in public he looked like a stricken man, exciting 
 the sympathy of a few, and the compassion of many. 
 
 Blanche's recovery on the other hand was more rapid. It 
 was aided by a strong and vigorous constitution, but as much, 
 or more, by the buoyancy of her mind, caused no doubt by the 
 consciousness of possessing the love of the man who had so 
 strangel}' and completely become the center around which 
 her thoughts, hopes and feelings revolved. The day after 
 the accident a carriage stopped before the mansion, and 
 cards were handed to Mrs. Cheatham bearing the names of 
 Laura Kean and Mrs. Lucius Maxwell. As Mrs. Cheatham 
 was well acquainted with Maxwell she accepted the 
 visitors and met them with icy coldness, so long observed 
 by the world as to no longer attract attention or occasion re- 
 marks. When, however, the ladies disclosed their relation- 
 ship to Richard, giving his true name and hinting at his con- 
 nection with the tragedy, she warmed a little, saying frankly, 
 that she was glad to make their acquaintance, and granting 
 cordially a daily repetition of the visits to learn the particulars 
 of Miss Cheatham's convalescence. A week later they were 
 even admitted into the sick room and when Blanche learned 
 who the}' were, a faint color came into her face, and she 
 looked so eagerly for the appearance of the visitors that Mrs. 
 Cheatham became uneasy, when the usual hour came without 
 bringing them. An intimacy soon sprang up between 
 Blanche and Elinor, and when the former was well enough to 
 drive out, she visited their new friends, (the Maxwell's living 
 for the present with their relatives). At first Richard ab- 
 sented himself on such occasions, fearing to excite the con- 
 valescent, but when his aunt told him with an assuring smile, 
 
EITHER, OR. 349 
 
 that his diety could now probably endure his sight without 
 melting away, he ventured in. Blanche was sitting on a tete- 
 a-tete with Elinor. When she saw him a faint flush colored 
 her face, and as he hastened towards her, she rose to meet him. 
 "Miss Cheatham," he exclaimed, extending his hand in greet- 
 ing, "I come to thank you for the generous way in which you 
 protected me. I — " 
 
 "Miss Cheatham?" she interrupted him, a roguish smile 
 playing around her lips, "It is, or should at least be, Cousin 
 Blanche. Are you not aware, or do you wish to ignore that 
 our grandfathers were brothers?" 
 
 "That is a fact, although there are persons unwilling to 
 acknowledge our claim to such relationship." 
 
 "I am not one of them, Richard, for they tell me that you 
 bear that name. But sit down and tell me that you are glad 
 to see me. Gratitude, you know, is nice enough amongst 
 strangers, but it is not your gratitude I am after, but a cousin's 
 affection. Say, Richard, can you just like me a little?" 
 
 "Nay, Blanche, I cannot like you a little, for I love you 
 with all my heart, with all the ardor of my nature, with every 
 fibre of my being." 
 
 He had taken both her hands and looked with a deep 
 yearning into her beautiful eyes. 
 
 "That's more like it," she said, the smile deepening on 
 her face. "But dearest, you tell me nothing new. I knew 
 you loved me from the moment you bent over me and gazed 
 into my very soul. Nor need I tell you that I love you better 
 than my life, have loved you from the moment I saw you." 
 
 "Yes darling, I know," he said, drawing her into his arms 
 and holding her as if he would never let her go, "and this 
 knowledge makes me both proud and inexpressibly happy." 
 
 "And yet you tried to run away from me, you bad boy" 
 she said tenderly, stroking his hair from his brow. "Ah, you 
 need not deny, for we have kindred spirits, and I anticipate 
 your feelings before their birth. I know that you have warred 
 with your affection, that you have tried to tear my image from 
 
350 EITHER, OR. 
 
 your heart, and to persuade yourself into the conviction that 
 you ought to shun me like a siren." 
 
 "If you are not a siren, you surely are a witch, Blanche. 
 It is true, I have battled with myself to tear you from my 
 heart, because I believed that a man who, like myself, has 
 devoted his life to his brethren, had no right to erect an idol 
 in his heart. Besides, your father was a bitter foe to — " 
 
 She gently laid her hand upon his lips, saying : "L,et the 
 feud rest, Richard. You and I are destined to heal the 
 breach which hatred, envy and jealousy caused. I know what 
 you would say, and bowing my head in humility acknowledge 
 that the fault lies with the man to whom I owe my being. 
 Eet me attonefor his misdeeds, Richard." 
 
 "Say nothing more dearest. You conquered long ago." 
 
 "I know" she said with a beautiful smile. "Ah, I know 
 my power, Richard, and promise to keep you in adamant 
 chains, as long as there is breath in my body. Yes, your com- 
 plete surrender disarms my wrath, although I ought to scold 
 you for your little faith. I think I know pretty nearly your 
 plan and aspirations, but you foolish boy though, that one is 
 stronger than two, forgetting that a woman can also rise to 
 the lofty height of enthusiastic philanthrophy, and aid the 
 man she loves instead of checking and encumbering him," 
 
 He looked at her with proud exultation. "You must not 
 blame me, dearest, for you are a new and sudden revelation, 
 and such women as you are rare." 
 
 "Not rarer than such men as my beloved. I gauged you 
 from the start, Richard, and gauged you correctly, or do you 
 think Blanche Cheatham would have enshringed you in her 
 heart if it had been otherwise? She is proud, if she is frank, 
 and no low prey would have satisfied her ambition." 
 
 "I am your prey, then?" he inquired with a happy laugh, 
 drawing her again into a fervent embrace and kissing her 
 repeatedly. 
 
 "You are my own, dear, that is the main point" she said 
 slyly, returning his caresses. 
 
 "But, dearest," he cried, a sudden recollection coming 
 
EITHER, OR. 351 
 
 into his miud, "what about your parents? Will the proud 
 Senator consent to a marriage of his daughter to a plebian? " 
 
 A troubled look came into her face, and she said, sadly : 
 "Richard, I have no father as to matters of such moment. He 
 has no heart for the true welfare of his children, and I cannot 
 allow him to have a voice in the selection of my husband." 
 
 "And if he refuses his consent." 
 
 "I can do without it. The matter lies different with m}- 
 mother. She loves me dearly and a noble heart lies under 
 the icy surface she shows to the world. She knows I love you 
 and is ready to give me her blessing." 
 
 Thus the two went on, forgetting the outer world, for- 
 getting time and circumstances, until at last a gentle knock at 
 the door recalled them to their senses. It w r as Elinor peeping 
 through the door; kind Elinor, who had wisely vanished, 
 when she saw the vortex approaching, knowing that it is 
 awkward for a third party to be engulfed. She now asked 
 for the privilege of being the first to offer her congratulations, 
 intimating that there were other parties desirous of imitating 
 her example. Instead of replying, Blanche flew into her arms 
 and smothered with kisses the warm wishes for her happiness. 
 Then Maxwell stuck his head through the door, asking slyly 
 whether it was his turn next, but receiving the stern rebuke 
 that ladies always come first. So Mrs. Maxwell handed the 
 happy girl over to Mrs. Kean, who caressed her with truly 
 motherly affection, while Maxwell had to content himself with 
 shaking first Richard's and then Blanche's hand, declaring that 
 he was mighty glad to see this uncompromising benedict put in- 
 to the matrimonial yoke. Then the servant announced dinner 
 to be ready, and Elinor triumphantly carried off her friend^ 
 disregarding all her protestations, that she must go, as mamma 
 would be uneasy as to her protracted absence. Happy j^outh! 
 Thrice happy because they have found mates whose hearts 
 beat in unison, and whose character warrants the conviction, 
 that their affection will net die like the fire fed by straw, a fire 
 marked by the intensity of its heat, but also by the shortness 
 of its duration. 
 
352 EITHER, OR. 
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 
 AURORA, THE HERALD OF DAY. 
 
 Richard foresaw that the occurrence at the Cheatham 
 mansion would make an attempt of preserving his incognito 
 much longer abortive. He. for whom it had been chiefly 
 assumed, had seen behind the curtain. True, the re-adoption of 
 his real name would deprive him of that nimbus, which the 
 poverty of the tinker had woven around his head, but the 
 character of our friend had been too firmly established by this 
 time to be shaken by such a revelation, to say nothing of the 
 fact that his treasures were fast taking wings, and promised 
 an early disappearance. A constant drainage without a new 
 influx must exhaust any purse, and such a drainage had 
 been not only steady but on a large scale. The purchase or 
 building of headquarters, and the manufactory of rifles had 
 taken millions, reducing his fund from eighteen millions to 
 six. Fortunately the demand for money in that direction had 
 ceased, as Richard felt sure, that new demands would spring 
 up at the hour of crisis, and was determined to use the 
 strictest economy on that account. Before reassuming the 
 name of Woods, he drew all his money from the banks, and 
 then redeposited it in his real name. He was too well aware 
 of the finesse of these fmanceers, and therefore used all pre- 
 caution in his power to foil an attempt to cripple him by 
 crippling his resources. The bank officials looked blank, 
 when he thus shed his name as the butterfly its chrysalis, but 
 as Richard had said on a former occasion, wealth justifies as 
 mere freaks and caprices many a thing which the world would 
 find unpardonable in a poor devil. So these officers merely 
 smiled and bowed to Mr. Wood as radically as they had bowed 
 to Mr. Velder. Our friend now saw the wisdom of drawing 
 the advance payments for his telephone, heavy though the 
 discount had been, for he heard at more than one place the 
 words of surprise couple with the declaration that they would 
 have tested the legality of his title to the patent under the 
 
EITHER, OR. 353 
 
 circumstances. Spring approached and passed, and Con- 
 gress adjourned without the introduction of the military 
 bill. 
 
 This was partly due to Cheatham's mishap, but partly 
 also to the strong protest of a small but powerful branch of 
 the press, The Sentinel, which had grown from a little penny 
 paper into one of the largest and most influential journals of the 
 land, had denounced the scheme in severe terms. It had said: 
 
 "This bill is not only nefarious, but absolutely suicidal. 
 Its author claims that we can no longer trust the militia, that 
 is, the strength and sinew of the land, to maintain order. If 
 this be really true; if the flower of the country is ready to 
 betray its vital interests, then let us shut up shop, and emi- 
 grate to the Esquimaux or to the savages of Africa. But it is 
 not true. These militia men are the very strength and 
 support of our free institutions. Would you entrust their 
 keeping to capital? You might as well entrust the care of 
 the sheep fold to the wolves or that of the garden to the goats. 
 No, it is the maintenance of a large and standing arm}', which 
 is inimical and ruinous to free institutions. A hundred 
 thousand men! Senator Cheatham must be either demented 
 or bent upon mischief. Such an army wants employment, 
 and ambitious men will take care to give it work. A Napo- 
 lean, a Caesar, is always dangerous, but put them at the head 
 of mercenary legions, and you give them both the opportun- 
 ity and power to carrv out the schemes of their ambitious and 
 mischievous brain. Mercenary; that is the proper term. So 
 antagonistic is the maintenance of a standing army to our 
 free institutions that you can only get the refuse of this and 
 other countries to enlist in its ranks. A hundred thousand 
 men ! Better say a hundred thousand libertines let loose 
 upon a defenseless people. 
 
 Richard breathed more freely when Congress adjourned 
 sine die. Before it would assemble again the first streaks of a 
 new day would color the sky. 
 
 At the break of spring Bertha confided to the ladies of 
 the front mansion the anticipated news that she had accepted" 
 
554 HITHER. OR. 
 
 the General's wooing, and that the first day of April had been 
 set for the nuptials. She blushed very prettily at this an- 
 nouncement, causing Elinor to declare with a warm embrace 
 of her young friend that she was sweet and pretty enough for 
 a prince. The General was now a frequent visitor to the 
 home of her friends, thus gaining not only a deeper insight, 
 but a more perfect appreciation of Richard's character as well 
 as teachings. At first he had shared Maxwell's scruples, but 
 long before the arrival of his wedding day, he had embraced 
 the same views, though perhaps in a milder form. Nor had 
 Maxwell stayed behind, although the latter declared on more 
 than one occasion that both he and Run well had not been 
 converted by the depth of Richard's arguments, but by the 
 wiles of two sirens, at which the two ladies bristled up so in- 
 dignantly that the defamer had to beat a hasty retreat. Well, 
 the wedding went off without any mishap, to the great satis- 
 faction of the friends of the contracting parties, but to no 
 one's greater joy and pride than the old Professor's, who de- 
 clared that his niece's happiness made him young once more, 
 and that he expected to dance at the wedding of his prospect- 
 ive grand children. 
 
 A few weeks later Richard received a short note from the 
 Del Polino Club House, informing him that a sick person 
 living there wished to see him. Our friend wondered 
 a little, but his kindness of heart kept him from 
 asking questions. An hour after the reception of the 
 missive he ascended the stairway to the second floor, and in- 
 quired for Antoinette, as she had penned and signed the note. 
 She appeared at once, looking much older and rather sad. 
 
 "Ah, mille mercis, one thousand thanks, Monsieur," she 
 said with that pomposity so natural to many of her people. 
 "Vous venez voir, Monsieur Cyre. Le pauvre gargon ! Ah, 
 he vill hardly live to see the night." 
 
 "What ! You do not mean to insinuate that Cyrus 
 Cheatham is here and dying? " 
 
 "Mais oui, Monsieur, I mean that very thing." 
 
EITHER, OR. 355 
 
 "And don't his people know? Haven't you informed 
 them ? " 
 
 "Oui, Monsieur, his mothaire and his sistaire are vid 
 him." 
 
 "And his father?" 
 
 "Refuses to see him. Ah, Monsieur le senateur is one 
 bad man." 
 
 "Well, lead me to him." 
 
 She started, taking the elevator and leading him to No. 
 27 in the very room which had been the scene of one of 
 Cyrus' rascalities. When he entered, he found both Mrs. 
 Cheatham and Blanche there, both with tear stained eyes, but 
 calmer than Richard had anticipated. Little did he know of 
 the heart aches which this dying rouge had caused both his 
 mother and sister, killing inch by inch the affection they had 
 once born him. True, a mother's heart never loses its affec- 
 tion for her offspring, but it can be and often is tinged with 
 gloom and despair. It was probably more the unexpected 
 return and prospective death of this prodigal son, than any- 
 thing else which now caused their tears to flow. 
 
 When Richard stepped to the bed, the patient's face 
 showed signs of recognition. He beckoned him to stoop down 
 then said: "V. Woods, where is Elinor?*' 
 
 "Why do you ask ? " 
 
 "I want to ask her forgiveness, and redress the wrong 
 done her as far as lies in my power." 
 
 "Elinor is happily married." 
 
 "And is really happy? " 
 
 "Undoubtedly." 
 
 "And you think it would revive old trouble, to bring her 
 here ? " 
 
 "I do not know, but fear it might." 
 
 "Then do not bring her. I would like to ask her pardon 
 but not at the expense of her peace. Will you tell her some 
 day that the memory of the deep injury to her is now the 
 bitterest drop in my cup? Oh! I would give all the world, if by 
 doing so, I could blot out this spot." 
 
356 EITHER, OR. 
 
 "I will tell her, Cheatham, indeed I will. In fact, if her 
 presence will soothe and comfort you, I'll bring her here." 
 
 The dying man shook his head. "Her peace before 
 mine,'' he whispered. i: You say she is happy; that is enough. 
 Say Woods, I wronged you, too. Will you forgive me and 
 shake hands?" 
 
 "I will, with all my heart, old fellow," Richard cried, tak- 
 ing the wasted hand lying on the bed and giving it a gentle 
 pressure. Then turning to Blanche, he asked : "Did you tell 
 him? " 
 
 "Not yet, we have only been here a few minutes. Tell 
 him yourself. He may be pleased." 
 
 Richard again turned to the patient, whose hand still 
 rested in his. 
 
 "Cheatham," he said gently, almost tenderly, "your sister 
 Blanche has promised to be my wife. Tell me that her choice 
 meets with your approbation.'' 
 
 Cheatham's face lit up. "Is it true?" he asked, turning 
 to his sister. When she nodded, he said, with a sigh of relief: 
 "I am glad, so glad. Blanche, he is good and pure and you — 
 3 r ou will repay him for the injury your brother has done to 
 him and his?'' 
 
 "I will, Cy, I will, to the best of my ability." 
 
 "Thank you. Can't you make a little more light? I 
 want to see you all once more, before I leave you. Mother — 
 sister — farewell ! " 
 
 He closed his eyes, and a few minutes later breathed his 
 last. We will not molest the reader with his funeral, and 
 have, indeed, only drawn this death scene to show you how 
 the chain which bound Senator Cheatham to life and its en- 
 joyments snapped link by link until he remained alone, a 
 blasted oak, a gilded oak, it is true, but only a blasted one 
 after all. 
 
 When Blanche informed her father of her betrothal to 
 Richard Woods, he said, sneeringly: "Thanks for the news. 
 Has the wedding day been set?" 
 
EITHER. OR. 357 
 
 "It has not. We are not in a hurry and wish to consult 
 your wishes and mother's." 
 
 "That was considerate. I expected that you had it all cut 
 and dried, and were about to hand me aii invitation to the 
 wedding." 
 
 "You are sarcastic father, and unjustly so. I am no child 
 and consider it my right to consult my own inclination in 
 such an important matter. I have mother's sanction, and 
 trust that you also will not oppose my wishes." 
 
 "A timely wish. I wonder that you did not delay its 
 utterance until after the wedding." 
 
 "Father your consent would please me, but your refusal 
 would not change my resolution.'" 
 
 "So you disregard my.authority ? " 
 
 "If it conflicts with reason and equity, yes. My past ex- 
 perience has taught me to be distrustful to your measures for 
 my welfare." 
 
 "Enough," cried the irate man, "I have heard as much 
 impudence as I can bear, and now tell you once for all, if you 
 marry this demagogue, this enemy of mine, I'll expel you from 
 my house, and cut you off with a shilling. Go? " 
 
 She rose calmly to leave the room. She felt deeply and 
 bitterly that she did no longer respect and love her father. 
 She regretted that his unfairness and tyranny compelled her 
 to disregard his wishes in so vital a matter, but while she was 
 determined to follow the dictates of her heart and conscience, 
 she was pained at this necessity. She sought her mother and 
 communicated to her the scene we have just reported. Mrs. 
 Cheatham's face became even paler than usual, and she 
 moaned deeply as she drew her child into her embrace. 
 
 "I have said all on this subject I have to say, dear" she 
 said. "What could I add to the terrible words you were com- 
 pelled to read ? If you decide to leave your paternal roof you 
 will take my blessing on your way. I cannot leave, Blanche, my 
 chains are too well forged, and it surpasses my strength to 
 break them, so I shall stay at my post until a merciful death 
 releases me ? With you it is different. You are young, have 
 
358 EITHER.OR. 
 
 life before you, and above all the affection of a noble man. I 
 do not say 'go ! ' for I do not wish to drive you off, and my 
 heart will bleed when you go, if it really contains enough 
 vitality for such an effusion, but if you go, you will take with 
 you tny best wishes for your happiness." Blanche returned her 
 carresses, then left the room. Alas, she had learned to under- 
 stand and commiserate her wretched mother. That same 
 afternoon she met Richard and informed him of her father's 
 threats and her determination to disregard it. 
 
 "I have my grandmother's jewels," she said, "their sale 
 will yield a sum sufficient for my humble wants." 
 
 "You are the only jewel I care about," he cried. "Leave 
 all his wealth behind and then come. The sooner you bless 
 me with your presence, the better." 
 
 "I have thought it would be well to come to you if he 
 drives me off, and in such a case — " 
 
 "We shall tie the knot which make us one for life." 
 
 "Be it to-morrow. It can never come too soon for me." 
 
 And it came sooner than they both anticipated. The 
 Senator had been pondering upon what he considered and 
 openly denounced as his daughter's imprudence. He com- 
 plained to himself that he had spoiled her, had humored her 
 every wish. He blamed this foolish indulgence for her 
 present independence and stubborn opposition to his orders 
 as well as his wishes. 
 
 "I must change my tactics" he grumbled to himself, and 
 ringing the bell, ordered the servant to inform Miss Cheat- 
 ham that he desired her presence in his room. This was on 
 the eve of the day which witnessed the conversation recorded. 
 The servant returned, telling him that Miss Blanche was 
 absent and would probably not return before nine or ten. The 
 Senator's brow darkened. "I'll wager anything she is with 
 the accused fellow" he growled when the servant had retired. 
 "Well, this must be settled at once. If she yields, all right ; if 
 not, I'll drive her from my house and my heart at the same 
 time." 
 
 So it occurred that Blanche made her appearance at the 
 
EITHER. OR. 359 
 
 house of our friends the very next morning. She found them 
 assembled in the sitting room discussing some domestic mat- 
 ters concerning chiefly Maxwell and Elinor. Richard sprang 
 up to meet and greet the girl, but discovered something so 
 unusual in her mien, that he asked abruptly. "Well little one, 
 what is it. Can I do anything particular for you?" 
 
 "Yes Richard," she replied simply and unaffectedly. 
 "You can give me a place in your house as well as in 
 your heart, for my father has driven me off." 
 "The—" 
 
 She laid her fingers on his lips, saying, "hush, forget him, 
 as I shall forget him." 
 
 They all crowded around her now, and everyone sug- 
 gested a plan. Maxwell listened a moment to the different 
 suggestions, then said: "I know what we can do, must do, 
 and will do. George, hand me my hat, my boy. Thank you, 
 thank you. Now friends you stay here until I shall be back, 
 I wont be gone long." 
 
 "What are you going to do Lucius? You must tell me 
 dear." 
 
 "Why, can't you guess? I am going for the twine that 
 makes two, one, and for the sailor that does the splicing." 
 
 "That's a good boy," Elinor cried gleefully. "Isn't he 
 clever though? Well, why don't you go? Don't }'ou see we 
 are in a hurry? " 
 
 "Hurry or no hurry. I am going to steal a kiss first. You 
 had better hold still, for if you struggle, you keep me back. 
 So that's a good girl." 
 
 When he had gone Mrs. Kean said: "Now, children, we 
 must make some preparations to discharge our duties to these 
 dear ones with propriety. Elinor, will you please run and 
 tell Marie to dust the parlor? Now Blanche, dear, let me 
 have a look at you. You look awful plain in this muslin 
 dress. Won't you put on one of Elinor's silk ones. She has 
 that white satin you know, and I think it would just fit you." 
 "No, aunty, dear, leave her in her muslin. The plainer 
 she is dressed, the more conspicious her loveliness will be." 
 
360 EITHER, OR. 
 
 "There is taffy for you, my dear. Well, have it your own 
 way. But as far as you are concerned, sir, I'll exercise my 
 authority until this dear creature takes the reins in hand. 
 You go instanter — isn't that what the judges say when they 
 want to impress the culprit? — and put on a suit of black broad- 
 cloth. There is a good boy. Hurry, though, for I wager that 
 fellow Maxwell will gobble the first preacher he can lay 
 hands on." 
 
 Half an hour later Richard reappeared and looked so 
 stately and handsome in his black suit that a feeling of pride 
 and great joy thrilled the heart of Blanche. A little later 
 Maxwell stepped in the room, saying: "Well, I caught a rev- 
 erend. He is in the parlor, so get your faces into the proper 
 solemnity, and then come on." 
 
 Taking Richard a little aside, he added : "Dick, he isn't 
 of the true orthodox sort, but a liberal. I was in a hurry, you 
 know, and had to take what I could find." 
 
 Blanche had crept mischievously behind them, and over- 
 heard his words. 
 
 "Don't you know, that whispering is impolite?" she asked 
 archly. "For a punishment I ought to send you off for the 
 genuine article, but I will be magnanimous and confess, that 
 a liberal suits me just as well. In fact, I would have been 
 satisfied with a justice." 
 
 Maxwell raised his hands in pretended horror. "But the 
 solemnity of the hour and ceremony," he exclaimed, "lies 
 in our hearts, not in the dress we wear, nor the mouth which 
 unites us." 
 
 "Right, my darling," cried Richard, kissing her with fer- 
 vor, while Maxwell said with resignation : "Well matched. 
 A radical agitator and a radical heretic. Well, it can't be 
 helped, I suppose, and as the gentleman in the parlor is wait- 
 ing, we had better join him. Elinor, come dear, let us show 
 them the way." 
 
 So they all went into the room where the minister, an 
 elderly man with an intelligent face, tied the knot which 
 joined their hands and lives, the bond of their hearts and souls 
 
EITHER, OR. 36 1 
 
 having been contracted long since. There were warm con- 
 gratulations, of course, and kissing all around. Then dinne r 
 was announced, and a very happy company sat down to en- 
 joy it. 
 
 "Now, my friends," said Maxwell in the course of con- 
 versation, the question arises: "Where shall we put this 
 couple? Elinor and I have the best rooms, and are going to 
 keep them, so — " 
 
 "Listen to the man," Elinor exclaimed. "There is the 
 true aristocrat for you ; selfish to the core,'' 
 
 " Madam, I have the floor, if you please." said her hus- 
 band gravely. "If you ask this lucky groom here, he will tell 
 you that our aristocracy is the main prop of our count ry and 
 its free institutions, and that selfishness or egotism, as the 
 people in the West call it, is a necessary and conservative 
 virtue. Having thus proved the utter groundlessness of your 
 objection, I proceed. The good rooms of the mansion being 
 thus engaged, by the right priority, only the attic and the 
 office in the basement remain. The former is occupied by two 
 maidens belonging to Richard's patrons, a circumstance bar- 
 ring, of course, the very idea of dislodging them. We are 
 therefore restricted to the office, and will be considered pru- 
 dent in the eyes of all well-meaning people for selecting it. 
 It would be different, if there were any danger of hurting the 
 present incumbent's feelings, but as he is nothing but numbers 
 and therefore incapable of emotions, the last possible objec- 
 tion falls to the ground." 
 
 This sally was greeted with applause and laughter ; but 
 when it had subsided, Richard exclaimed: "I have an 
 amendment to offer. You all know, that the fall elections are 
 near at hand, and that we propose to strike on that occasion 
 the first blow at the Moloch of the day. How would it do, 
 then, for this little girl and me to take a tour over the land, 
 and fire the hearts of our friends?" 
 
 " It would never do," cried Maxwell with comical conster - 
 nation. "If you take this little girl along, the judges of 
 election will afterwards accuse you of using undue influences , 
 
362 EITHER, OR. 
 
 and, in my humble opinion, they would not be so very far 
 from the mark, either." 
 
 Thus they chatted and laughed, until Marie came into the 
 room, announcing that Mrs. Cheatham was in the parlor, and 
 wished to see them. Blanche flew into her mother's arms and 
 cried : " Oh, mother, why did you refuse to sanction our mar- 
 riage by your presence?" 
 
 Mrs. Cheatham smiled. "Is not my approval all the 
 sanction you need? I come to tell you that I have packed 
 your clothes and sent them by John. And here are the jewels 
 of my mother ; they are yours by legacy, you know." 
 
 "But, Mrs. Cheatham, - ' now began Richard, who had fol- 
 lowed his wife. "Won't you call me mother, Richard?" Mrs. 
 Cheatham inquired with a yearning look. "You know I lost 
 one son, so you owe me another, do you not?'' 
 
 "You make me proud and happy by granting me this 
 privilege," Richard cried, taking and reverently kissing the 
 lady's hands. "But, as to these jewels, mother, I would 
 rather — " 
 
 "My son,'' she interrupted him. "Those jewels belong to 
 Blanche, and we have no right, if we had the wish, to keep 
 them, so say nothing more about it, And now, sit down and 
 tell me what you propose to do. I cannot invite you to 
 my house, you know, but no power on earth shall prevent me 
 from seeing you in yours." 
 
 "We propose to travel a while, mother." 
 "Ah? Well, I wish you abundant bliss and happiness, 
 and the company of all good spirits to guard you from 
 harm." 
 
 "When do you propose to leave ?" 
 "Probably to-morrow." 
 
 "Then I may as well say good bye, now, as Mr. Cheatham 
 is not well and needs my attention." She embraced and 
 kissed both Blanche and Richard, saying to the latter : "Be 
 good to her, Richard, she deserves it, and let the husband 
 make her forget that she lost a father." 
 
 A firm pressure of the hand was all the answer he gave, 
 
EITHER,OR. 363 
 
 all in fact, that was needed. With a final nod she glided 
 quietly from the room, while her children gazed sadly after 
 her, the wreck of conventionalities and the worship of 
 mammon." 
 
 The next morning saw the yonng couple off. Their 
 journey was really a triumphal procession, not on account of 
 its pomp and pageantry, but on account of the grateful hom- 
 age which thousands ol hearts brought to the virtues of the 
 groom, and the gentleness, kindness and beaut}' of the bride. 
 In L,akeopolis they were received with open arms by the 
 Duncans. There they rested a while, meeting at the same 
 time the leaders of the brotherhood in conclave, Blanche at- 
 tending and taking as deep an interest in the movement as 
 her husband. When he asked how the prospects of a victory 
 at the polls looked in the city, the president smiled signifi- 
 cantly, saj'jng: "It will be a clean sweep, Mr. Woods." 
 
 The same reply was given at other places, and when the 
 young couple returned to Plutopolis, late in October, Richard 
 was not hopeful, but confident. 
 
 "The beauty of the thing is, that the old parties have no 
 suspicion of the Waterloo which awaits them. You know, 
 Maxwell, that we have studiously avoided to dabble in poli- 
 tics thus far, and while the wire pullers know our numerical 
 strength, they have no idea that the brotherhood is ready to 
 desert from their ranks in a body." 
 
 "Have no nominations been made ?" 
 
 "In every instance." 
 
 "And have they not leaked out? Such a secrecy is al- 
 most incredible." 
 
 "Well, they may have leaked out, they probably have, 
 but they have been treated like so many idle rumors, receiv- 
 ing no credence whatever." 
 
 "And have all the members been duly posted ?" 
 
 "Certainly. The Sentinel has been busy for weeks 
 printing tickets and sending them to the various lodges." 
 
 "Isn't that a rather complicated movement? Would not 
 the local printers have answered as well ?" 
 
364 EITHER, OR. 
 
 "We did patronize local printers who are members, and 
 can- therefore be trusted." 
 
 "And when will the election come off?" 
 
 "Why, don't you know? Xext Tuesday, the first one in 
 November." 
 
 "To tell the truth, Richard, I never voted in my life." 
 
 "A pardonable negligence under the present system, but 
 a criminal negligence after the break of a new and glorious 
 era." 
 
 "Well, I hope you will not be disappointed. A new con- 
 stitution does not make all at once a perfect set of men." 
 
 "Of course it don't, but it paves the way to such a 
 state." 
 
 "You are too sanguine. There never will be perfec- 
 tion." 
 
 "Of course there will not. Who would wish to live, if 
 there were? Perfection means stagnation. No, Maxwell, my 
 watchword is 'progress' and to it I shall adhere while I have 
 life." 
 
 At last the momentous day broke. Nothing distinguished 
 it from other days. Nothing showed that the weal or woe of 
 many millions depended upon the issue of the experiment to 
 be tried in its confines. It was a sunny day, a day of Indian 
 summer, so mild, so genial, and yet so sad on account of the 
 fall of leaves, the decay of flowers and the approach of that 
 icy tyrant, winter. Richard and Maxwell voted early and 
 then proceeded to National Hall, where arrangements for the 
 reception of telegraphic news had been perfected. The lead- 
 ers of the Plutopolis lodges assembled there, but only they, 
 for the masses were too deepl} T stirred for the quiet, ordinary 
 routine of life. Thev swarmed in and out like so many bees, 
 only carrying the honey out instead of in, viz : the honey of 
 the news, for it was all honey, without even one drop of 
 wormwood. 
 
 Twent}--five of the fifty States of the Union elected Gov- 
 ernors that day, all of them Judges, members of Congress and 
 of the State Legislatures and other officials. At noon the 
 
EITHER, OR. 365 
 
 •wires began to click, at first merely intimating probabilites, 
 then strong probabilities, the prospect of a glorious victory 
 improving with every telegram. At seven in the evening the 
 •definite results began to be announced. Every Governor 
 had been elected by the brotherhood. They had made a 
 * clean sweep of all the Legislators, members of Congress and 
 officials. It was not only a Waterloo for the old parties, it 
 was a complete annihilation. Not even a groan of the dying 
 was heard, in fact a deep, an almost painful silence hung over 
 the city, over the whole land. The result took the breath 
 of even the victors, choking the cheers which rose in their 
 throats. And the others? They were awe struck. What 
 could it all mean ? Where were those stalwart followers that 
 had in former days carried the standard so proudly to victory ? 
 Whence came those legions that, with one blow, without ap- 
 parent effort annihilated associations once so strong, once so 
 formidable and so feared? Yes, what could it all mean ? Did 
 it mean anything, and, if it did, was this something bound to 
 make itself feltin future days? Many a sorehead asked him- 
 self that question as he retired that night, not to sleep, but to 
 roll restlessly upon his couch, repeating again and again : 
 "What does it mean? What can it mean ?" 
 
 On the other hand, there were millions, that night, who 
 lay down joyfully, their breasts expanding with a proud con- 
 sciousness of the first successful blow struck in the name of 
 liberty, of equity, of justice and brotherhood, struck at the 
 brazen limbs of the Colossus which had hitherto held the 
 world in bondage, but which now shook and trembled under 
 this first vigorous blow. 
 
 Richard and his friend returned late that night ; but when 
 the former met Blanche, who looked unexpectedly at him, he 
 drew her into his arms and said: "Blanche dear, the time is 
 near at hand, when you also will be entitled to cast your vote 
 for liberty and progress." 
 
366 EITHER, OR. 
 
 CHAPTER XXI. 
 
 A CONSPIRACY. 
 
 The next morning Richard took up the papers with con- 
 siderable curiosity, but if he had expected to find commentar- 
 ies on yesterday's battle he was disappointed. The result was 
 given in dry words and numbers, but even the most conserva- 
 tive paper abstained from any remarks. It was evident that 
 the wire pullers and their organs had not revived from a blow 
 so terrible and telling as to make the renewal of the struggle 
 apparently hopeless. The Sentinel was the only journal which 
 discussed the election and its probable tendencies. To Richard 
 its remarks were nothing new, as he had inspired, if not writ- 
 ten them. The Sentinel said: "Yeni, vidi, vici. With Caesar 
 we have come, seen, and conquered. We have not only de- 
 feated our adversaries, we have wiped them out. We need not 
 crow over our victory, and do not crow, for it is only the 
 weak party which shouts over an unexpected victory. Our 
 victory was certain before we went into battle, for our party 
 now numbers ten million voters, that is, two thirds of those 
 in the Union. We have selected twenty-five governors, or all 
 in the field. We have elected every member of the lower house 
 of Congress, that was to be voted on. We have- elected every 
 member of State Legislators on the ticket, to say nothing of 
 the judges and other officials. If we are equally successful 
 next tail, we shall control the lower House of Congress, one- 
 third of the members of the Senate, and every State Legis- 
 lature in the country. We shall fill everj< governatorial seat,, 
 and send members of our brotherhood to all judicial benches 
 of the country, excepting the supreme judges whose tenure of 
 office has not expired by that time. Let us pause, friends, to 
 look at the stupenduous significance or' this prospect. Let us 
 consider both the possibilities and the duties which it in- 
 volves. We shall have the sole and undisputed control of 
 Occidentia, before four more years have passed. In other 
 words, we shall meet in the nearest future an awful responsi- 
 bility, doubly awful, because we are inaugurating a new state 
 
EITHER, OR. 367 
 
 of affairs, and will have to prove to a wondering world both 
 the feasibility of our reforms, and also their stability. The 
 result cannot be dubious, if we are but true to ourselves, 
 our principles and our promises. Do not forget, friends, that 
 we now stand upon our good behavior, that we are on trial, 
 and that the slightest error on our part will be magnified by 
 our foes, and used to our detriment. Let, therefore, every 
 member of the brotherhood resolve himself into a committee, 
 to watch both his private and public character, to see that he 
 controls his passions and abstains from any interference with 
 the rights of others, showing beyond doubt and cavil, that the 
 yeomen of the Nation can be, and are indeed the unshakable 
 support and safeguard of free institutions." 
 
 "That's it," said Richard, handing the paper to Maxwell. 
 "The danger lies now, not without, but within. If our boys 
 do not observe the strictest order; if they violate in one way 
 or another the rights of their neighbors, there will be a big 
 outcry, and the sins of the individual will be charged to the 
 order." 
 
 From these remarks we are entitled to judge that our 
 friend did not anticipate any more trouble frnm the defeated 
 enemy, thinking, probably, that this slaughter had broken 
 their backbone. We shall soon see how right or wrong he was. 
 
 Mrs. Cheatham paid her children as many visits as she 
 could without neglecting her home duties, or provoking any 
 domestic disturbances. She had learned to love and 
 honor Richard, and to admire the total unselfishness 
 with which he advocated the rights of the people. She had, 
 indeed, become a convert to his views, her experience having 
 probably shown her the vanity and hollowness of riches. 
 About a week after the election she appeared in the house of 
 our friends, and said to Richard: "My son, can I see you in 
 private?" 
 
 "Certainly," he responed, rising and making mien to leave 
 the room. 
 
 "May I come, mamma?" Blanche cried playfully. 
 
 "Of course," she replied and the trio left the sitting room 
 
368 EITHER, OR. 
 
 for the parlor. When they were seated, Mrs. Cheatham said: 
 "Richard, I have discovered things which I feel it my duty 
 to communicate to you. You know the affairs of our family 
 too well, to require any explanation of my motives, so I will 
 merely say that I do not make these disclosures to hurt any- 
 body, but to save your friends from danger and great 
 harm." 
 
 "You make me both curious and anxious, mother. Do 
 you apply the term friends to my home circle?" 
 
 "No, my son, to your clients at large. It is useless to en- 
 ter into details, so let me simply say, that I found a note in 
 the grate of the library, which contained the information that 
 a body of men would soon visit the Senator, to confer with 
 him on the best and most expedient mode of checking the 
 alarming inroads of the people, or as the paper called it, 
 'mob' upon the upper classes." 
 
 "Ah ! I wonder, Mr. Cheatham did not take the precau- 
 tion to destroy this paper." 
 
 "You must remember, Richard, that his eyesight has been 
 greatly impaired. He did make the attempt to destroy the 
 paper, for it was partly burned, creating probably the impres- 
 sion of its entire destruction. Here is the note:" 
 
 Richard took the paper with much curiosity, and read as 
 follows: 
 
 IvAKEOPOLIS, Nov. 5th, 18 — . 
 
 Dear Sir : — Your note reached me yesterday. I am glad 
 to tell you that we have anticipated the necessity of such a 
 step as you suggest, and resolved upon an early meeting in 
 Plutopolis, to discuss measures for the suppression of the mob, 
 and its devices. Your invitation simplifies the measure, and 
 after due consultation with my friends, we have determined 
 to meet at your house on Nov. the 10th, at precisely 9 p. m. 
 
 The committee consists, besides you and myself, of — 
 we omit the names as irrelevant to the issue. Please arrange 
 matters with becoming secrecy, as our purposes must not 
 become public. 
 
 Yours in haste, Conrad Graspman. 
 
EITHER, OR. 369 
 
 "This is important news, indeed, mother," Richard said 
 gravely, "but it is of little use if we cannot get a clue to their 
 machinations. I feel confident that they will leave no stone 
 unturned to accomplish our ruin, and would give a year of my 
 life to ferret out their plans." 
 
 Mrs. Cheatham listened attentively, and then mused 
 a while. 
 
 "I wish I could help you, Richard," she said at last, hesi- 
 tatingly. "I detest eaves dropping, but in cases of emergen- 
 cies and public danger, one must not be too delicate. I know 
 a place where I could overhear the deliberations of the con- 
 spirators, but my memory is treacherous, and I fear I would 
 lose much of their conversation. If I understood short- 
 hand—" 
 
 Richard started, "Mother," he said eagerly, "did you 
 ever see one of my phonographs?" 
 
 "Yes, Richard, we have more than once amused ourselves 
 with its magical powers." 
 
 "Then, could you not smuggle one of them into the room?" 
 
 "I might," she said thoughtfully ; "but I have no way of 
 starting it in season." 
 
 "I have, mother. I provided one or two with works, 
 which can be wound and made to start the machine at any 
 given time." 
 
 "That will do, I think. Give me your phonograph, 
 Richard, and I will manage the rest. If they plotted against 
 me, I would not stir a finger, for death, my son, is not hard to 
 bear for one bruised and lettered as I am. But the people. 
 Nay, I will baffle them in spite of their millions. Ah, it is 
 some grim satisfaction to play Nemesis, my son." 
 
 For a moment a fierce fire flashed from her eyes, then 
 she relapsed into her apathy, taking the box he handed her 
 and departing with the promise to do her best. 
 
 The days slipped by, one after another, and when the 
 morning of the eleventh set in, Richard started at every noise, 
 and sprang to his feet at every ring of the bell, * expecting 
 every moment to see or hear from Mrs. Cheatham. However, 
 
370 EITHER, OR. 
 
 the morning passed off without bringing any sign of her, and 
 when the shades of evening began to settle over the city with- 
 out even a token from her, his heart sank within him, and he 
 began to fear that her risky mission had failed, endangering 
 perhaps her life. He did not express these fears to Blanche, 
 but was determined to assure himself of Mrs. Cheatham's 
 well being if the next morning brought no news from her. It 
 did, though. At about ten o'clock she appeared in the house, 
 carrying with her, and delivering with a sigh of relief, the 
 machine to Richard. 
 
 "I could not come yesterday," she said, sinking into a 
 chair. The thing worked all right, but I could not find an 
 opportunity to take the phonograph from its hiding place, as 
 the excitement of the previous night had shattered his" — she 
 generally spoke of the Senator that way — "nerves, and be re- 
 mained at home all da} 7 . So I had to steal into his study in 
 the dead of night, you see." 
 
 "How can I ever prove my gratitude, mother?" 
 
 She made a deprecating gesture, then said : "You owe 
 me nothing, Richard. It is not for you, I did this but for 
 mankind. My life has been such a blank, so useless, that the 
 thought of helping the people ever so little, has quite a charm 
 for me." 
 
 "You raised this little girl, mother,. That was enough 
 to ennoble your life." 
 
 "Enoble?" she cried with inexpressible bitterness. "How 
 can that be noble which was dragged through filth and mire? 
 But, farewell, dear children, I must go." 
 
 "Will you not stay to hear the result of your venture?" 
 
 "No, Richard. I must go, you can tell me some other 
 time." 
 
 When she had left them, Richard reverted the machine, 
 slackened its motion sufficiently to copy its delivery and then 
 prepared to note it down. 
 
 It was*a long and weary task, and his fingers threatened 
 to cease their cunning, but on he wrote, both his and Blanche's 
 
EITHER, OR. 371 
 
 attention growing every minute, until they had become the 
 prey of feverish excitement. 
 
 The contents are too long for reproduction at this place. 
 To curtail, i. <?., to mutilate them, would deprive them of 
 their interests, so we prefer to copy a leader of the following 
 issue of the Sentinel, headed: "A Startling Revelation," and 
 having, indeed, the effect of startling and arousing the entire 
 Nation to its nethermost depth. And this is what the leader 
 said : 
 
 "We are in possession of news to-day, news so startling, 
 so highly improbable and increditable, that we would not 
 dare to publish it, were we not in condition to prove every 
 item in the most irrefutable and substantial manner. We 
 give to-day only the facts, but are in possession of the names 
 as well. If this publication of the nefarious scheme con- 
 cocted does not drive the fiendish perpetrators into their 
 dens, and induce them to abandon a conspiracy aiming at the 
 ruin of hundreds of thousands of the families of this coun- 
 try, we shall give them also. We repeat, that we are in pos- 
 session of the very words in which these conspirators ex- 
 pressed their wicked intentions, and are prepared to give not 
 only their names, but prove out of their very mouths the 
 truth and perfect correctness of our accusations. 
 
 And this is what we have to say : 
 
 On the evening of the tenth of November there met, in the 
 mansion of one of the millionaires of Palace street, a conclave 
 of twelve men, representatives of the great industries of Occi- 
 dentia, not of their own accord, but as a committee sent by 
 these industries to deliberate, not upon their own welfare and 
 the welfare of the men they represent, but upon the ruin and 
 enslavement of the working classes of this country. Mind 
 what we say, for, what we say, we mean, and what we mean 
 can prove to the satisfaction of the most sceptical. And how 
 was this ruin to be accomplished? Listen ; On pretense of 
 hard times, a bad market and a stringency of money, these 
 great industries were to be closed, one after another, and to 
 be kept closed until our workingmen would be subdued by 
 
372 EITHER. OR. 
 
 starvation; until the wailings of their wives and babes would 
 force them to surrender their manhood, bow their necks under 
 the yoke and receive the lashes due them for their impudent 
 claim of being human beings, possessed of rights that should 
 be respected by their masters. The great rolling mills of 
 Smokopolis were to open the dance. Then the gigantic in- 
 dustries of Plutopolis, Fratropolis, L,akopolis and other cities 
 were to follow suit, each wheeling into line and to remain 
 closed until starvation had done its work. 
 
 We used the past tense on purpose, for we think, we 
 hope, yea trust, that, when these lines meet the eyes of the 
 guilty parties, the)' will shrink in horror at the fearful thing 
 they contemplated. If we err ; if they are shameless enough 
 to push their nefarious scheme in spite of the wonderment of 
 an indignant public, very well; we shall then give the 
 names which we now charitably withhold, and brand with 
 everlasting shame, individuals, so dead to the nobler promptings 
 of nature, as to plan, in cold blood, of the ruin of hundreds of 
 thousands of their fellow beings, who have committed no 
 other crime than that of asserting their inborn rights. 
 
 These men are conspirators. Our courts know this fact, 
 but it would be merely a farce to ask them to punish these crim- 
 inals to the full extent of the law. If they were poor, it 
 would be a different thing; but being rich and mighty, the 
 arm of the law is too short to reach them. 
 
 In conclusion we utter in kindness and without the 
 shadow of a menace, the word "beware!" Our yeoman are 
 generous and long suffering to a fault, but human patience has 
 its limits. The workingmen of the country pride themselves 
 upon being law abiding citizens, and respecters of the rights 
 of others; but they are, after all, but human, and when they are 
 driven to the wall, and cannot recede further, when their dear 
 ones are crying for bread which they cannot give them then, ye 
 rich men of the laud, they might forget that it is not lawful to 
 strike an ingenious tormentor, or to take things which legally 
 do not belong to them. We shall continue to do our duty, 
 holding up the standard of moderation and toleration to the 
 
EITHER, OR. 373 
 
 bitter end, but we shall also continue to teach to our brethren 
 their natural and inborn rights, and if in the hour of the 
 crisis, the dam breaks, and sweeps away the heartless oppres- 
 sor, we shall pity him, but not mourn for him." 
 
 As we have stated before, the effect of this article was 
 deep and lasting. There were no outcries of indignation, no 
 threats, no imprecations, but the emotion was that of deep 
 waters when stirred to their depths. Only shallow, babbling 
 brooks fume and fret, and when you notice a mighty upheav- 
 ing, grounds well reaching from one shore to another, you 
 may judge that the water is deep, and that it has been stirred 
 to the bottom. There were no further condemnatory articles 
 in the Sentinel; there were no indignation meetings, no wait- 
 ing or protesting or imploring committees to the heads of 
 industries, but these heads felt the silent remonstrance perhaps 
 more keenly on account of its very silence, and when New 
 Years came, the time set for the inauguration of the starvation 
 policy, the rolling mills and machine shops remained open, 
 and the industries of the country went their wonted way, 
 fostered and strengthened by the plentiful harvest of the year, 
 and the peaceful attitude of the entire civilized world. 
 
 Spring set in, and passed away. Summer followed in its 
 wake, and autumn in that of Summer. Once more the elec- 
 tions were close at hand and this time everything that money 
 and power and influence could accomplish, had been done. 
 Was it successful ? Had the theory that the poor man does 
 not appreciate his franchise, and is ready to sell it for a drink, 
 proved correct ? Let us see. L,et us once more accompany 
 our friends to the polls and listen in the evening to the '•tick," 
 "tick" of the mighty fluid shaping now our industries and 
 destined to shape it much more completely in future genera- 
 tions. What do these ticks tell ? That the old bosses have 
 forced the masses back to their allegiance ? That the rich and 
 mighty have voted like a unit and saved the country, which, 
 in their dictionary means themselves ? Not much, for listen : 
 "The other twenty-five states have elected National Governors. 
 Their legislators are solid phalanxes of nationalists. The 
 
374 EITHER.OR. 
 
 Lower House of Congress bears the same impress, and when 
 the legislators have elected the Senators that go out, even this 
 senate is the stronghold of conservatism, the refuge of feuda- 
 lists principles will be one third nationalists with the dead 
 certainty of becoming two thirds in two more, and totally so 
 in four more years. This time there is no apathy on the 
 part of the people. They have felt their power and tasted 
 their importance, and their joy is therefore more noisy, though 
 still orderly. Only here and there outbreaks occurred, 
 and these were quelled by the Brotherhood. The worst was 
 in Plutopolis, where thousands of ignorant people assembled 
 in dangerous quantities. They gathered in their own wards, 
 and taking heart from numbers and whiskey, prepared to in- 
 vade the quarters of the wealthy. The authorities were power- 
 less, so they accepted the support of the batallious, so thor- 
 oughly drilled by our friends. Silently, but resolutely they 
 march into the rebellious ward, first warning, then charging 
 the rioters. True, these too, are armed, but their aimless 
 shots do little harm, and when the compact bodies of Nation- 
 alist yeomen strike their loose and promiscuous masses, the 
 latter fly before them, as the chaff before the wind. They 
 gather behind them, attacking in the rear with the fury of 
 wild cats, and the instinct of cowards; but the compact body 
 wheels and again the deluded foes flee, this time to disperse 
 and to hide, to escape the arm of law and order which has 
 regained its strength, and now seizes a few leaders to strike 
 terror into those who led. 
 
 The next day everything was quiet, and with new assur- 
 ance did Richard look upon the problem of the possibility of 
 a self control of the masses, when no longer restrained by the 
 club of the policeman or the musket of the soldier. 
 
EITHER. OR. 375 
 
 CHAPTER XXII. 
 
 THE GREAT STRIKE. 
 
 Richard and the other chiefs of the Brotherhood now met 
 in almost daily council. It was time to inaugurate some 
 measure tending towards that great change, not to say revolu- 
 tion, likely to occur in a few years. They knew it would be 
 idle to expect an}- voluntary concessions on the part of capital; 
 so they would have to be demanded, and demanded gradually, 
 not to startle it and cause it to act like the stubborn mule 
 which balks, if you put too heavy a load upon the cart. The 
 Brotherhood designed to equalize labor and shorten its hours; 
 so it was determined to demand from all employers a shorten- 
 ing of the daily period of labor to eight hours. 
 
 This demand was to be made by a few trades first and on 
 a certain morning was actually made by the iron workers of 
 the country. The employers demanded twenty-four hours 
 time for deliberation, and when they had expired, perempto- 
 rily refused to accede to the demand, alleging that such a con- 
 cession would irretrievably ruin them. It was evident that 
 something was brewing, and when Richard learned of this de- 
 cision he hastily convened his confederates. When they had 
 assembled he addressed them, saying in brief : "Brethren:— 
 The crisis has come, and it behooves us to meet it like men. 
 They would not have given this unqualified lefusal, if they 
 had not met in council, and determined upon uniform action. 
 The ancients said 'Him whom ihe Gods wish to destroy, they 
 first make mad.' These men are mad. They cannot read the 
 signs of the times, and deserve neither pity nor consideration. 
 They are simply mad, but, in their madness, will stroke fur- 
 iously and desperately. Like wise men we must look out for 
 these blows and prepare to meet them. A universal strike 
 will be inevitable, and it is fortunate that we are prepared for 
 it. Our graueries are full. Our stores are ample, and we can 
 stand the strain, severe though it be. Secretary, wire to all 
 head centers to prepare for the worst, and wait for the word 
 
376 EITHER, OR. 
 
 go. I wonder what these foolish people will do next, for 
 depend upon it, now that they have turned upon us, they 
 will not stop at half measures." 
 
 His words were truly prophetic, for at this very moment 
 a constable appeared at the door, drawing forth a paper from 
 which he read a list of names, adding: "Gentleman, I have 
 orders to summon you before Judge Muddle of the District 
 Court of Plutopolis, to answer to the charge of conspiracy." 
 
 The> looked at one another, then at Richard, who only 
 smiled, saying merely, "I told you so." 
 
 Then turning to the constable, he added: "Then we are 
 under arrest, sir ? " 
 
 "That's what's the matter. I am charged to take you 
 before his Honor, where you can give bail, I reckon." 
 
 "All right, law is law, and order, order. Come gentlemen, 
 let us visit the Honorable Muddle, and see upon what he 
 bases his charge." 
 
 The conclave did not seem to be greatly depressed by 
 this unexpected maneuvre of the enemy, for they laughed as 
 they took their hats, and good naturedly followed the constable 
 who, from his sheepish looks appeared more like their 
 prisoner than their custodian. A street car took them to the 
 court house where they had to wait awhile until the case 
 before his Honor was finished. Fifteen minutes later they 
 stood before the judge, who eyed them rather sternly, and then 
 proceeded to enlighten them as to the nature of the charge 
 preferred against them. In closing he said : "The offense of 
 which you are accused is a serious one, punishable with im- 
 prisonment of no less than two, and no more than five years. 
 I will have to make your bail commensurate with the gravity 
 of the charge. I suppose you desire and are prepared to give 
 bail? " 
 
 "Of course" Richard replied with a profound bow ; "how 
 much will it be judge?" 
 
 "Five thousand dollars in each case." 
 
 "There are twelve of us. Will you accept my own 
 cognizance? " 
 
EITHER, OR. 377 
 
 At this moment Maxwell entered the room. The start- 
 ling rumor of his brother-in-law's arrest had reached him while 
 walking in the streets and he had hastened to ascertain the 
 cause. "What's this, judge," he inquired rather sharply, having 
 little patience with this childish attempt to stop an elephant 
 by a paper fence. 
 
 "How do you do, Mr. Maxwell? Serious affair this. 
 These gentlemen are charged with conspiracy, and if found 
 guilty, will have an opportunity to find that the laws of the 
 land cannot be trifled with." 
 
 "Are you judge or prosecuting attorney?" 
 
 "Mr. Maxwell, I must request you to remember where 
 you are. This is a court of justice, sir." 
 
 "iYccording to traditon, yes. Will you accept me as 
 bail?" 
 
 "For all of them?" 
 
 "Why, of course. I have fixed the sum total at sixty 
 thousand." 
 
 "All right; make out the papers." 
 
 This was done, and five minutes later the duodecuple 
 breathed once more the air of freedom. "What does it all 
 mean?" Maxwell inquired, as they were seated in the car to 
 return to National Hall. 
 
 Richard explained, but Maxwell shook his head and said : 
 "I do not see the use of it. Of course there is nothing in the 
 case." 
 
 "Yes, there is, I,ucius; there is a bluff in it. They have 
 been driven to madness, and in this madness imagine a switch 
 to be a lance. But here we are, gentlemen, so get ready for 
 work. Maxwell, you had better stay and hear what is 
 going on." 
 
 "All right, Richard, I'll be a good listener, and if need be. 
 a good executioner." 
 
 Again Richard took the floor. "We must act, friends, 
 and act quickly. We cannot strike without further provoca- 
 tion, and must therefore contrive this provocation. L,et me 
 see ; the judge set our hearing for Wednesday week, so we 
 
378 HITHER, OR. 
 
 have no time to lose. We must resolve into a committee, 
 and carry out the necessary measures with expediency. All 
 the trades of the country must ask to-morrow ot their employ: 
 ers for eight hours work per diem; nor must they grant 
 more than twenty four hours of grace for deliberation. We 
 know beforehand that the request will be refused, and must, 
 therefore, telegraph once more to headquarters to prepare for 
 a general strike, the time to be specified by a final message. 
 Use ciphers, friends, for these telegraph lines are in conniv- 
 ance with our foes, and will hurt and thwart us, if they can 
 and dare. - ' 
 
 In accordance with this programme the demand for the 
 reduction of time was universally refused. Then the few 
 simple and yet portentious words were flashed over the lines : 
 "Friday next, at twelve A. M." 
 
 It was Thursday then, and everything went its customary 
 way. Nothing on the surface indicated that the gases of the 
 great caverns underneath had reached their utmost capacity 
 of resistence, and that to-morrow the eruption would take place. 
 Not an eruption scattering blood and riot, but an eruption 
 powerful and awful in proportion to its quietude. Perhaps the 
 term eruption is inappropriate ; perhaps we should have 
 called it a dismemberment of a giant, the untying of the 
 limbs so strong in union, but so weak and helpless in severalty. 
 The night came, the night went and a new morning was 
 ushered in, to pass rapidly for some, and for others slow, for 
 there are always some in misery, and some in glee; but it 
 finally passed for all, and the hour of 12 was proclaimed from 
 the dome of the City Hall. 
 
 Then a still, but effective activity began, negative, it is 
 true, but nevertheless startling. The street cars then en 
 route, went to the stables to unhitch and water, as it had 
 been strictly enjoined that no innocent part}' should be per- 
 mitted to suffer. The horses in the stalls were all fed and 
 watered and then the employees took their departure for their 
 homes, if they had such or for the head centers of the Brother- 
 hood, if not. The clerks in the public buildings took their 
 
EITHER.OR. 379 
 
 hats and left their employment as well as their 
 places. The mail-carriers laid down their mail pouches 
 and went home. The waiters in the hotels undid their 
 aprons, and stopped whatever work they had been engaged 
 in when the clock tolled the hour of 12. The clerks 
 in the stores left the goods on the counter, and their custo- 
 mers in front of them, to take the way to their respective 
 •quarters. The railroad men left the trains ready to start, 
 and those managing the trains which arrived, followed their 
 example. It had been decreed that no train should be 
 abandoned under way, as this would have punished the em- 
 ployees as well as the railroad kings, and entailed suffering 
 upon unsuspecting travelers. But when these trains reached 
 centers or their place of destination, they were abandoned. 
 The tradesmen left their vocation, and the telegraph operators, 
 their machines. No news was flashed over the wires, and no 
 communications received from other parts of the country. 
 No cry of the newsboys was heard that afternoon, no paper 
 was issued. The domestic servants shared in the stampede. 
 The cooks left the dinner broiling on the range, and the 
 grooms their stables, after first seeing to the well-fare of the 
 innocent animals entrusted to their care, and all of them who 
 had no families to supply their wants, went to the headquarters 
 of the Brotherhood to be fed, for, thanks to the forethought 
 of Richard, ample preparations had been made, plentiful pro- 
 visions of all kinds laid in to last long enough to bring a 
 dazed money aristocracy to terms. Our friend knew as well 
 as anybody that the world is based upon mutuality and that 
 the members need the stomach as well as the stomach the 
 members; but he knew also that his clients, if duly prepared, 
 could endure without harm and for a short time, the strain- 
 fatal to the helpless and uninitiated. 
 
 The city presented a strange appearance that afternoon. 
 It looked like a giant whose blood has all rushed to the heart, 
 leaving the extremities not only pale, but also weak and 
 powerless. There was only this difference, that in this case 
 the blood had concentrated in a dozen hearts teaming with 
 
3 8o EITHER, OR. 
 
 life, strength and agility, but preserving order and decorum. 
 The streets were nearly empty. Only now and then a startled, 
 nervous figure would glide along the pavement, wondering 
 what all this meant, and whether the world was likely to come 
 to an end that night. Occasionally two friends would meet 
 in that way, and then the wonderment shaped itself into the 
 question: "What does it mean? What is going to happen 
 next ? " 
 
 The moneyed men of the city stole to their respective 
 haunts, and there gathered in groops asking the same ques- 
 tions, and receiving the same reply. "Don't know." Nobody 
 knew, nobody knew even an outlet from this dilemma. No one 
 even knew how far this stagnation extended, for the desks of 
 the operators stood vacant and no message could be either 
 wired or received, for the stockholders had only the money, 
 but not the skill to ask for news or help. They felt like a 
 caravan overtaken by the samum of the desert. They lie 
 stricken down by the hot breath, covering mouth and eyes- 
 and ears, to keep the deadly sand from entering, but they do 
 not know how far the samum extends, and whether their 
 friends and mates in other places suffer like them or not. 
 
 It was a terrible isolation which they endured that after- 
 noon, a desolation made a hundred fold worse by the fear of 
 something worse to come. There rose before their vision of 
 the faces of the thousands they had plundered, and with this 
 vision the natural fear that the day of reckoning was near and 
 that they would all be immolated on the altar of a dreadful 
 vengeance. And did they take any measures to ward off the 
 pending blow ? No, they lay their hands idly in their laps, 
 looking helplessly at each other, but stirring neither hand nor 
 foot, to offer a compromise or utter a request. It is not stub- 
 bornness of despair. They allow the dusk of evening to 
 descend upon the desolate city, then start home, startling at 
 every noise, shrinking from every shadow, and expecting 
 every moment the mob which in their imagination has 
 gathered and is coniing to despoil them of treasures now so- 
 valuable and irksome. 
 
EITHER, OR. 381 
 
 And did it gather ? The reader is aware that our foul 
 social system has produced many gauls that would delight in 
 plunder, rapine, violence and murder ; but he is also aware 
 that our hero is not the man to allow the hilt to be thus 
 twisted from his hands. He had urged the necessity of pre- 
 caution upon his friends, and when the mantle of night had 
 fallen upon the city, bands of armed men began to patrol the 
 streets. Plutopolis numbered fully a hundred and fifty 
 thousand of them, and while the aristocracy was trembling 
 with fear, these yeoman renounced their bed and slumber, and 
 guarded their homes against foes, with whom they so unjustly 
 accused them of being in league. 
 
 In consequence not a riot occurred during the night, and 
 in the morning the men of wealth once more met in knots to 
 discuss the situation, and to bring about conciliation with the 
 people whom they secretly despised, but whom they had found 
 so iudispensible, not merely for their comforts, but their very 
 existence. Many of them had had no meal since the beginning 
 of the strike, and the stomach is too powerful a persuader to 
 be disregarded very long. They no longer debated the 
 feasibility of concessions, but their absolute necessity, and 
 trembled at the possibility of a rejection of their overtures. 
 
 But where should they go ? Whom should they meet ? 
 At last one of them suggested that they should appoint a com- 
 mittee, and wait upon Richard Woods, the acknowledged 
 leader, if noi" originator of the movement. 
 
 "I think you will find him at National Hall," he closed, 
 "for it is the headquarters of the brotherhood." A committee 
 of three was then chosen among them, Senator Cheatham, who 
 rose, when his name was mentioned, and said with a dubious 
 shake of his head. "You had better send some one else. Mr. 
 Woods and I are not 011 the friendliest terms, and my selection 
 might hurt rather than benefit our cause." His name was 
 then withdrawn, and the delegates dispatched. An anxious 
 hour followed their departure ; a second one of even greater 
 suspense ensued, and the comparatively small band had almost 
 given up the hope of an adjustment, when the messengers 
 
382 EITHER, OR. 
 
 returned, bringing good cheer, but stating that the leaders of 
 the Brotherhood would not give a definite reply before they had 
 heard from other places. Operators had at once been dispatched 
 to the telegraph bureau, but wishing to end the uncertainty 
 of their friends, the messengers had not deemed it prudent to 
 wait for further news. Let us leave them and hasten to head- 
 quarters, where we find our friends, a little weary from their 
 vigilance, but flushed with hope and supported by the con- 
 viction that the enemy had at last perceived his real weakness,, 
 and the uselessness of further resistance. The operators were 
 dispatched, as stated before, and about two hours later, sent 
 word that telegraph communication with the interior had 
 been established. The wires were at once connected with 
 National Hall and then came, tick after tick, the new r s con- 
 cerning the result of the strike all over the country. It did. 
 however, offer nothing new. The effect had been the same 
 everywhere. The same consternation on the part of the 
 wealth ; the same moderation on the part of the people, coupled 
 with the same zeal and care for the preservation of order. 
 In some places the moneyed men had made overtures as 
 early as the evening before, but in most of them they had 
 awaited the morning and then held out the olive branch 
 which had been accepted. The eight hour system was to be 
 introduced without delay, a concession ending without doubt 
 the most stupendous strike ever recorded in history. When 
 the day set for the trial of Richard and his comrades came, 
 they made their appearance in the court room, but were in- 
 formed by the Hon. Mr. Muddle that the charge had been 
 withdrawn, and the bond surrendered to Mr. Maxwell. 
 
 "I am almost sorry," said Richard, to his brother-in law, 
 "that the rascals have weakened. It would have been curious 
 and interesting to see how far justice in Occidentia has become 
 affected by and subjected to the charm of gold. The revision 
 of our judicial system and the election of our judges will have 
 to be one of the first things to be attended to after the intro- 
 duction of Nationalism." 
 
EITHER, OR. 383 
 
 CHAPTER XXIII. 
 
 FOLLOWING UP THE VICTORY. 
 
 We have now reached a point of our narrative, where the 
 fate of individuals merges into that of the masses. We have 
 to record the doings of legislatures, the proceedings of Con- 
 gress, and the deliberations of conventions. But if we lose 
 sight of our particular friends, we feel and perceive their in- 
 fluence in the achievements of masses, thus preserving the 
 link which binds us to them. This is particularly the case 
 with Richard Woods, who has played too conspicuous a. role in 
 our drama to be forgotten by his friends and clients. There 
 was perhaps no more popular man in Occidentia just then, and 
 there was surely none more heartily hated by a certain clique. 
 Strange to say, no attempt was made upon his life, a circum- 
 stance which we can perhaps explain by the suggestion that 
 his foes saw not merely the uselessness of such a crime at this 
 late hour, but also the consciousness of its imminent danger. 
 Richard had always been one of the main checks upon the 
 rashness and impetuosity of the masses, and to put him out 
 ol the way would have been like the destruction of a salutary 
 dam, checking the flood and keeping it irom spreading 
 destruction over the valley. 
 
 His grateful friends would have showered honors and 
 preferments upon him, if he had let them. "Don't hamper 
 me, friends" he had begged them on more than one occasion, 
 ''I can do more good out of office than in. When I am getting 
 too lazy to work, give me a fat office, not before. I promised 
 to let you know when I reached that stage of human develop- 
 ment." 
 
 So they had let him alone, but there was no meeting 
 which his presence, or at least his spirits did not inspire ; no 
 legislation which was not based by his philanthropy, no con- 
 vention notified by his ardor. Sometimes he was in Patropo- 
 lis, consulting with the leaders of the Lower House, some- 
 times in the various capitals of the states, urging the passage 
 
384 EITHER, OR. 
 
 of reformatory measures or restricting the excessive ardor of 
 some Hotspur. Mostly, however, he was in Plutopolis, 
 either in his home, made attractive and beautiful by grace, 
 goodness and loveliness, or in National Hall, directing by his 
 counsel the movements of the brotherhood, that is the Nation. 
 His word was almost always law, yet he never, for even a 
 moment, lost that even tenor, that toleration and forbearance 
 forming one of the main attractions of his character. Seated 
 in the council room he received the news of the day, news 
 mostly fraught with the spirit of nationalism or recording 
 some achievement of its adherents. We cannot record all 
 the doings of the various legislatures, but as they were only 
 the precursors of the more radical measures contemplated, 
 our readers can well afford to lose them. Female suffrage 
 was proposed and then adopted. Next the vacancies of seats 
 in the National Senate were filled, a measure giving our friends 
 one-third of that body. The doings of Congress, however, 
 claim and deserve a more minute attention. Maxwell, who 
 had been sent from Plutopolis, startled soon, after the opening 
 of the session, not his party, which was prepared, but the 
 world, by offering the following resolution: 
 
 Whereas, In the course of time, by the abuse of privileges 
 and the misinterpretation of principles and declarations, the 
 document called the Constitution of the United States of Occi- 
 dentia, has become obsolete, insufficient, and thus invalid. 
 
 Be it Resolved, That we, the representatives of the peo- 
 ple, herewith decree and provide that the people of these 
 United States of Occidentia meet on the second day of Jan- 
 uary, eighteen hundred , at their respective places of 
 
 election and then and there elect delegates equal in number 
 to their representatives in this Lower Branch of Congress, said 
 delegates to meet at Lakopolis on the first day of March of the 
 same year, to revise, change, or replace by a more suitable in- 
 strument, said Constitution of the United States of Occidentia. 
 
 Resolved furthermore, That such a revised constitution, 
 or its substitute, shall be published for three consecutive 
 months prior to January the second, eighteen hundred, to be 
 
EITHER, OR. 385 
 
 voted on said day by the people of the United States, at their 
 usual places of election, irrespective of States, the votes to be 
 Yea or No, on each and every separate section, and finally by 
 Yea or No on the adoption or rejection of the entire instru- 
 ment. 
 
 Provided thirdly, That, if two-thirds, or more than two- 
 thirds of all the registered voters of these United States of 
 Occidentia vote in the affirmative for the adoption of said in- 
 strument, it shall, from that day be the fundamental law of 
 the United States of Occidentia, and declared to be such by 
 the signature and proclamation of the then President of the 
 United States of Occidentia. 
 
 On the following day the House discussed the provisions 
 of the bill, which was finally passed by a unanimous vote of 
 the body. A few days later the same bill was introduced in 
 the Senate, but postponed and impeded by all means at the 
 disposal of that body. The nation maintained at first a 
 respectful patience, but when the upper branch showed clearly 
 its intentions to disregard the manifest wishes of the people, 
 some ominous grumbling was heard. All the legislatures which 
 had not yet chosen Senators in concordance with their political 
 views passed resolutions requesting their respective representa- 
 tives to either obey the mandate of their constituents, so 
 plainly indicated by the elections, or to resign and make room 
 for men more in keeping with the spirit of the age. These 
 resolutions were certainly far from complimentary, and the 
 parties affected by them gnashed their teeth in impotent rage. 
 But what could they do? True, they might retard the inevi- 
 table result two whole years, but when these had passed 
 away, they would be compelled to step off the political stage 
 forever, and take with them the odium of an entire nation. 
 If there had been the slightast shadow of a hope, they might 
 have held out, and borne the opprobrium of their conduct in 
 the consolation of the coming re-action. But there was no 
 such prospect to cheer and sustain them, and one by one they 
 submitted to the inevitable, and voted Ay on a motion more 
 bitter to them than gall and wormwood. 
 
386 EITHER. OR. 
 
 The President of the nation was at that time a man neither 
 great nor little, neither good nor bad. He was a strict church 
 member, a title which says little if anything. He was in the 
 same predicament as the Senate. If he had any backing; if 
 even a straw had indicated a change in the public sentiment, 
 he might have had the courage to veto the bill, thus leaving 
 a manly protest on record, a manly protest against a measure 
 which he considered injurious. As it was, he left the bill 
 without his signature, thus allowing it to become valid by 
 default. 
 
 Congress passed one more law that winter which deserves 
 notice, namely a so called alien law, making it incumbent for 
 any person possessing property in Occidentia to become a 
 citizen of the country within one year after its adoption, or 
 have such property sold at public auction for his benefit. 
 Such a law had longbeen demanded, as foreign syndicates had 
 bought large tracts of land and great industrial establishments 
 in the union, thus introducing a heterogeneous element into 
 the country, an element threatening complications with for- 
 eign governments in case of war. It was eminently just, no- 
 body having the right to claim the benefits of a society whose 
 burdens he is unwilling to bear. 
 
 It was an eventful day when the delegates chosen by the 
 people of Occidentia for the revision of the constitution met 
 in Lakopolis. They filled a large and spacious hall, and 
 formed a striking contrast with similar political conventions 
 of the past, in as far as bronzed features and sinew}' hands 
 hardened by toil and labor, formed the rule, crowding the 
 delicate complexion and soft jeweled hands quite into the 
 background. Not that wisdom, patriotism and philanthrophy 
 are incompatible with a delicate skin and soft fingers. Far 
 from it. What we wished to intimate is, that a different ele- 
 ment, the element furnishing the sinews and intelligence, and 
 creating wealth ; an element heretofore overlooked and dis- 
 regarded, had at last taken the prominent position due to its 
 merits and importance. Richard Woods was one of the dele- 
 gates from Plutopolis, aud when after the effecting of a tern- 
 
EITHER, OR. 387 
 
 porary organization, his name was presented for the chair- 
 manship of the body, the storm of applause following the 
 nomination proved too plainly for doubt or cavil, how deeply 
 that name had sunk into the hearts of a grateful nation. The 
 delegate seconding the nomination said in support of his 
 action : 
 
 "Fellow Citizens: — In seconding the nomination of dele- 
 gate from Plutopolis, I cannot forbear giving vent to the 
 emotions filling my heart to overflowing. It would indeed be 
 carrying coal to New Castle, to give you at this late hour the 
 history of Richard Woods, or call your attention to his merits 
 in the great cause of equal rights, and equal duties, now agi- 
 tating this great country from one end to another, the cause, 
 in fact, which has led to the convocation of this convention 
 and shaped the nature of its work ; but I must and will say, 
 that without the noble patriotism of Richard Woods, without 
 his untiring zeal, his marvelous energy, his fertility of resour- 
 ces, and above everything else, his surprising tact, wisdom and 
 moderation, the great work now to be accomplished, would 
 either be unthought of, or at least in a helpless state of in- 
 fancy. To him this nation owes a debt of gratitude it can 
 never pay, except, perhaps, by perpetuating his name from 
 generation to generation, thus teaching its great grandchild- 
 ren to think and speak with reverence the name of a man 
 whose virtues and patriotism bestowed upon it the inestimable 
 boon of conditions in conformity with love, justice and hu- 
 manity." 
 
 Those present tell us that they shall never forget the 
 enthusiasm created bv these words. The whole assembly rose 
 in a body, and before Richard could help himself, in fact before 
 he was even aware of the intention, stalwart men had raised 
 him to their shoulders, thus showing him against his will to 
 the delegates and the thousands of spectators gathered in the 
 galleries. The applause broke forth with double vigor, and 
 only after the people had shouted themselves hoarse and ex- 
 hausted their strength, were the hurrahs allowed to die away. 
 When order was restored the motion was put, and our friend 
 
388 EITHER, OR. 
 
 elected unanimously to the highest place of honor at the dis- 
 posal of the convention. Richard took the chair, and as soon 
 as the noise of approbation had subsided, he said in his sim- 
 ple and yet eloquent way : 
 
 "Fellow Citizens:— I do not know whether I ought to 
 thank you for this great honor, for you have exposed me to 
 the greatest temptation of my life. The gentleman seconding 
 my nomination was kind enough to attribute to your humble 
 servant the virtue of moderation. But only the future can 
 and will tell, whether it is strong enough to endure the strain 
 to which your kindness has now subjected it. I need not tell 
 you that it is my sincere and honest intention to discharge the 
 duties of my new position with zeal and impartiality ; but, if I 
 fail; if the fiery ordeal through which you make me pass should 
 find me wanting ; if the dizzy height to which you have 
 raised me, should disturb the balance oi my mind, remember, 
 that it was you that exposed me to temptation, and accord me 
 that compassion due to the reluctant and unintentional sinner. 
 With this provision, I thank you most heartily for the great 
 honor you have bestowed upon me, and trust sincerely that 
 our labors will result in the real and permanent good of our 
 common country." 
 
 After the permanent organization of the convention had 
 been affected, a committee of nine was appointed to draw up 
 such changes and revisions of the old constitution, as in their 
 opinion were timely and necessary. At the same time this 
 committee was instructed to see into the advisability and ex- 
 pediency of framing a new constitution, and draft such an in- 
 strument in the rough, if their investigations should lead them 
 to entertain the view of the necessity of the change. Such 
 deliberations, if not forseen and anticipated, would have re- 
 quired months of earnest and assiduous labor ; but it had been 
 anticipated, and Richard and the ablest minds of the brother- 
 hood had prepared drafts which might now be discussed, and 
 either adopted or rejected by the committee. Nevertheless 
 so radical were the changes suggested, and so far-reaching 
 the consequences of the innovation, that the committee con- 
 
EITHER, OR. 389 
 
 s timed fully a week, before they announced their readiness to 
 report the result of their labors to the convention. The hall 
 was densely packed, when the chairman rapped on his desk 
 with his gavel, and announced that the convention was now 
 ready to receive the report of the committee on the revision 
 of the constitution. 
 
 "Mr. Chairman" the chairman of the committee then 
 said, rising to his feet : "Your committee has only partly 
 achieved the work mapped out for it. The subject is so vast, 
 so far-reaching and important that the greatest care and the 
 most scrupulous consideration should be given to it. Before 
 entering upon details, permit me to state shortly and concisely 
 what your committee thinks on the subject, and what it has 
 accomplished. First, it is the unanimous opinion of your 
 committee that the present constitution of the United States 
 of Occidentia has outlived its usefulness, and should therefore 
 be supplanted by a more suitable instrument, representing 
 more fully the advanced ideas of our age. The new constitu- 
 tion, however, should be so radically different from the present 
 one, that your committee recommends an interim of five years 
 before its introdnction, the old constitution to be retained 
 meanwhile, but to be revised in the following manner, to- wit : 
 
 First. The instrument should declare that Congress 
 has the right and duty to frame laws, but not to pass them. 
 Such laws, when framed, should be submitted to the vote of 
 the people, a majority of all the registered votes to be required 
 to adopt the law, and a two-thirds majority to change the con- 
 stitution. 
 
 Second. The suffrage of women should be declared the 
 law of the entire country. 
 
 Third. The national banks should be abolished and a 
 national currency take the place of gold and silver, the use of 
 these metals being a relic of the barbaric ages, made in the 
 interest of the rich. Provision should be made to restrict the 
 issue of such currency to so much per head, the limit to be 
 fixed in conformity with common sense and experience. The 
 banknotes should read; "this ts," not <l zve promise, etc? 
 
39 o EITHER, OR. 
 
 Fourth. Attendance to school should be made compul- 
 sory, and extended to the end of the eighteenth year. This 
 measure implies interdiction of the working of children in 
 shops, factories, and other places of industrial pursuits. 
 
 Fifth. Differences between employers and employees 
 should be settled by a conference equally made up of both 
 parties, and in case of continued variance, by a board of um- 
 pires elected by people of the respective districts. 
 
 Sixth. The instrument should contain the unequivocal 
 declaration that the highways of the nation are the property 
 of the people, and should be made so wherever this is not the 
 case. In other words, the railroads of the land should be 
 owned and managed by the people at as cheap a rate as the 
 incidental expenses would permit. 
 
 Seventh. In case the owners of a railway should refuse 
 to sell, a rival road should at once be commenced and worked 
 at such a low rate as to compel a compliance to the will of 
 t he people 011 the part of these roads. 
 
 Your committee has drafted these principles, and they 
 should, in their opinion, be submitted to the convention and 
 be voted on according to the stipulations of the law passed by 
 Congress on the tenth day of December, eighteen . 
 
 Next, Mr. Chairman, we submit to you a declaration of 
 those principles, which, in our opinion, should form the foun- 
 dation of the new constitution. We suggest the propriety of 
 submitting them to this convention, which will thus be quali- 
 fied to decide what further steps should be taken in the mat- 
 ter. Your committee suggests the propriety of creating a 
 commission of fifty, one from each State, the same to be 
 elected by the people in the usual manner, and to meet here 
 or in Patropolis at an early date, to deliberate on and put into 
 the proper shape the principles which I now send to the 
 chair." 
 
 Richard demanded of the convention what he should do 
 with the report, which, on motion, was then adopted. On 
 motion of another delegate the articles of the revised constitu- 
 tion were then voted on one by one, and all of them passed, with 
 
EITHER, OR. 391 
 
 some slight changes of words, and a few amendments of no 
 importance. These measures occupied the entire time of the 
 convention for that day, and the body adjourned, feeling that 
 a vital step to progress had been made, but that the work still 
 in store by far overshadowed that of the day. Only a few of 
 the leaders had as yet an idea of the radical nature of the 
 changes of society proposed for the new constitution, and it 
 was natural to expect that some of the delegates would be 
 startled by daring suggestions of the committee. 
 
 On the following morning the galleries were more densely 
 packed than before, and when the session of the convention 
 was opened, and the chairman requested the secretary to read 
 the paper offered by the committee on the preceding day, 
 the house was so still that every word could be distinctly un- 
 derstood in its fartherst corners. He read: 
 
 "Your committee does not repeat the suggestions embod- 
 ied in the revision of the old constitution, but merely say that 
 all of them should reappear in the new one. In addition we 
 offer the following : 
 
 First. The air, the water, and the soil not being of man's 
 making, should not be owned individually, but be the common 
 and inalienable property of the community as a whole. We 
 suggest, therefore, the propriety of declaring all the land of 
 the country to be the property of the nation, not individually, 
 but collectively, together with all the treasures with which a 
 bountiful nature has endowed the bowels of the earth. In 
 other words, coal, oil, metals of all kinds, gas, and soforth, 
 should be as they really are, the common property of all. 
 
 Second. As we are all born alike, that is, naked, helpless, 
 and dependent upon the care of others, we should all be 
 treated alike, receive the same care, the same education, and 
 be given the same chances in the pursuit of life. Poverty 
 should be no hindrance, or rather there should be no pov- 
 erty, and in cases where the death of parents or their improvi- 
 dence or ill health, hinder them from doing their duty to their 
 offsprings, the community should take this obligation upon 
 itself, providing for both the physical and mental welfare of 
 
392 EITHER, OR. 
 
 the beings upon whose proper training the future of the 
 country depends. 
 
 Third. Having thus trained all the young alike, the com- 
 munity should afterwards remunerate them alike, the sex to 
 make no difference. The careful training, instead of destroy- 
 ing the individuality of the young, develops such individuality 
 in the highest degree, enabling every one to ascertain for 
 what they are adapted. Society should not in the least 
 restrict the choice of occupation, but treat all alike, the 
 scholar and the digger having received their education from 
 the same source. The nation having fostered and raised its 
 children, should provide for them, by giving them all employ- 
 ment. 
 
 Society, in a state of civilization, resembles a complica- 
 ted machine, which cannot work or accomplish its purpose 
 without the activity of every individual part. In other words, 
 every member of society must ivork and do its full duty to achieve 
 harmonious result. This axiom implies the obligation of 
 every member of such society to work, that is, do his full and 
 proper share of labor necessary to keep it in a healthy con- 
 dition. In fact, the very duty of society to furnish each mem- 
 ber the means of a comfortable existence, implies an equal 
 obligation on the part of the member, to do the work chosen. 
 There are two parties that have hitherto shirked this obvious 
 obligation: The wealthy and the tramp. Society as we pro- 
 pose to remodel it, can endure neither extreme, and will by 
 necessity be forced to extract from both these extremes the 
 share of work to be expected from them. The equalization 
 of^labor will naturally lessen each worker's burden, and it may 
 be justly expected that with the help of machinery, the hours 
 of work to be demanded of each member of society will fall 
 considerably below the eight hours now so strenuously 
 demanded \>y the over-worked laborers. 
 
 Fourth. Extremes are always dangerous and hurtful. 
 Thus, extreme wealth and extreme poverty are not only hurt- 
 ful to society, but to the parties individually. We therefore 
 propose to make them more nearly alike in this respect, by 
 
EITHER, OR. 393 
 
 making land the common property of the nation. How this 
 can be done withont injury to the old, the infirm and the 
 defenseless, we leave to wisdom and discretion to determine. 
 
 Fifth. The different classes, ranks and occupations hav- 
 ing thus melted into one brotherhood, the lines of States and 
 sections will become not only useless and superfluous, but 
 even hurtful, for which reason we counsel the removal of such 
 lines, and State governments, which would then only form 
 costly and unmeaning fixtures in the economy of the nation. 
 How the affairs of the nation should be managed, in fact all 
 the instigations, offices and appliances necessary for the good 
 and efficient government, a government moreover so novel and 
 untried as the one which we propose to institute, requires 
 more time than your committee has been able to devote to so 
 important a subject, for which reason we once more suggest 
 the creation of such a commission as our report recommends." 
 
 The readers will learn from the imperfect account of the 
 proceedings of the convention, how difficult a task presented 
 itself to their view. It is difficult to remodel old and time- 
 honored institutions into new forms, but is much more diffi- 
 cult to create something out of nothing, to condense vague 
 theories into compact and tangible forms. To increase the 
 difficulty, now prejudices entered their protest; now privileges 
 unfair and unjustifiable, but sanctioned by the rust of ages and 
 the deep rut they had worn into the highways of society, 
 uttered their wail, and appealed to the sympathy of the 
 convention. Whole days were spent in listening to such pro- 
 tests, and as many more to show the hollowness of the privi- 
 leges whose projected removal whirled up so much dust, but 
 finally the preamble of the committee was adopted, and Con- 
 gress petitioned to create the commission proposed. It had 
 remained in session beyond its usual time, expecting some 
 similar demand, and now passed in its closing session a bill 
 authorizing an election, whose purpose was the choosing of the 
 commissioners in question. A month later the commission 
 met in Patropolis, and worked assiduously in the good cause. 
 Yet it required fully three months to perfect their labors. We 
 
394 EITHER. OR. 
 
 have no time to give their new constitution in detail, but will 
 say, that it embodied the principles elucidated, giving many- 
 details, which we shall refer to in due season. 
 
 CHAPTER XXIV. 
 
 THE NEW DAY IN ALL ITS GLORY. 
 
 It is twelve years later. We have just returned from a 
 trip to Occidentia and will report what we saw and heard, 
 imagining, perhaps groundlessly, that our readers are anxious 
 to learn what has become of our friends particularly, and the 
 people of that great country generally. 
 
 We find Richard and his estimable consort in the old home, 
 surrounded by four beautiful, good and intelligent children. 
 The millions of our hero have melted away, and he depends 
 upou his labor for his support. He has filled several places of 
 trust and holds at present a responsible position in the inter- 
 nal revenue office of Plutopolis. He has not sought these 
 places, but the places have sought him, and he has filled them 
 with so much credit to himself and benefit to his fellow 
 citizens, that the people talk seriously of electing him to the 
 highest position in the gift of the nation, in spite of his pro- 
 testations. Mrs. Kean still lives with the Woods,' playing 
 kindergarten with the youngsters, and braving wonder and in- 
 dignation of Mr. Chronos. 
 
 Maxwell and Elinor live near by, also blessed by several 
 offsprings which share the love and solicitude ot Mrs. Kean 
 with the Woods'. Mrs. Cheatham abandoned the great man- 
 sion on Palace street on the death of Mr. Cheatham which oc- 
 curred about five years ago. He had lost the sight of his 
 remaining eye, and taken to excessive drinking to drown the 
 unpleasant memories of the past, and the reflections connected 
 therewith. In one of the drunken spells which had at last 
 become daily occurrences, he fell over the balustrade of a bal- 
 cony and dashed out his brains on the pavement below, un- 
 
EITHER, OR. 395 
 
 regretted and unmourned, a sad illustration of the vanity of a 
 success based upon greed, malice and selfishness. 
 
 General Runwell and Bertha prospered deservedly, the 
 General having recognized in season that true happiness is 
 coupled with honesty and simplicity, and that a greatness re- 
 sulting from usurpation and disregard of the rights of a free 
 people, is like a palace built on the crater of a volcano, or the 
 sword of Damocles suspended over the owner's head by a 
 thread. Professor Andersen lives with them, making expe- 
 riments for the little Runwells, and lecturing occasionally to 
 his big children, the people, in spite of his eighty years. He 
 says he is determined to become a centenarian. 
 
 Gottlieb and Sophie are still thriving, dispensing pure 
 pepper and other spices to their patrons, and aided by a num- 
 ber of little Grads, which deserve their patronyms, being 
 straight in body and soul. Jim Murphy still stirs the coal 
 under the boiler of Dennis Court and delights in telling the 
 young Pats of the neighborhood the story of the Tinker and 
 the trying scenes of the Crisis. 
 
 The Duncans still live in Lakopolis, Duncan superintend- 
 ing the gunshop given him in fee simple by his friend Dick. 
 He also stands high in the estimation of the people, who have 
 entrusted him repeatedly with the execution of important 
 public functions. 
 
 Now, as to the condition of the social and political con- 
 dition of Occidentia, we can do nothing better than accom- 
 pany Richard on a tour of inspection, which he undertook at 
 the request of the President and in behalf of a foreign com- 
 missioner, sent by his government to view the condition of a 
 country so highly prosperous as to attract the attention and 
 excite the envy and admiration of all civilized nations. He 
 brought credentials from his government to the President of 
 Occidentia, who thought he could do nothing better than 
 recommend him to the care of the man to whom this state of 
 prosperity was due, more truly due than to any other mortal. 
 The President, of course, had no authority to enforce any de- 
 mand upon the time and complaisance of our friend, and there- 
 
396 EITHER, OR. 
 
 fore clothed his commission in the form of a civil request, 
 knowing, well that Richard Woods would comply if his duties 
 would permit. He managed to disengage himself for a 
 moment or two, and the couple started on a tour so full of the 
 liveliest interest to the commissioner, that this individual fell 
 from one excitement into another, never really recovering his 
 equipoise until he returned to Plutopolis. We would like 
 very much to join them, but as deadheads are no longer 
 tolerated in Occidentia, we must confine ourselves to the 
 recording of such changes as illustrate most strikingly the 
 great changes the country has undergone. Let us begin 
 with Plutopolis. The commissioner, true to his duties as in- 
 vestigator, asked numerous questions, which Richard 
 answered promptly and satisfactorily, a circumstance greatly 
 facilitating our task, as we have only to chronicle their con- 
 versation to satisfy our readers. 
 
 "I see but very few banks," asked the commissioner — 
 whom we shall, call by his family name, Falk, for shortness — 
 "How do }'OU account for this singular phenomenon?" 
 
 "There is no need for more, as they are only used for de- 
 posits. . Our constitution does not exactly forbid interest, but 
 a creditor cannot collect over three per cent. In my opinion 
 the principle that money can earn money is a damnable one." 
 
 "And why, Mr. Woods? " the other asked, with consider- 
 able surprise. 
 
 "Because it is labor which earns monev, and labor alone 
 is therefore entitled to such compensation." 
 
 "That principle would reduce many a family to beg- 
 gery." 
 
 "You mean it would compel many an idler to work, in 
 other words to fullfill obligations he owes society. That is 
 undoubtedly the effect its adoption would have, and a very 
 salutary one it would certainly prove, not only to society, but 
 also and chiefly to the idlers themselves." 
 
 "But what do you do with all your idle capital? There 
 must be a perfect stagnation." 
 
 "It does not appear that way.. I suppose the reason is, 
 
EITHER,' OR. 397 
 
 that it has been invested in factories of every description. 
 Our people are so prosperous, you see, that they purchase 
 three times the quantity of goods of every description, thus 
 preventing a glut in the market and panics resulting there- 
 from." 
 
 "Yes, everything seems to work very smoothly, but don't 
 you meet with an occasional hitch?" 
 
 "Of course we do. Human nature is far from perfect, and 
 human institutions share this imperfection. We are experi- 
 menting, and when we discover a flaw in the machinery, we 
 are sincere enough to call it a flaw and to correct it. Several 
 amendments to our constitution have thus originated. ,Here 
 we are at the Custom House. ' Do you wish to inspect it? " 
 
 "No. I have a tolerably clear idea of the nature of such 
 places; still I would like to ask a question or two: You have 
 no longer a prohibitory tariff, have you?" 
 
 "We have not. Our people have grown in. intelligence, 
 which, in turn has made them more patriotic, inducing them 
 to patronize home industry in preference to that of foreign 
 nations." 
 
 "A very convenient patriotism," Falk replied with a 
 smile. "From what I see, your fabrics and manufactures are 
 without exception superior to those I saw in Europe. If this 
 were otherwise ; if your people could buy better goods at 
 cheaper prices abroad, do you think that their patriotism 
 would stand the test?" 
 
 "Probably not. In fact, it is my maxim, and, unless I 
 err, really the maxim of our institutions, to make rectitude 
 easy, and corruption hard. Measures based upon injustice or 
 unfairness are sure to fall sooner or later." 
 
 "Still you trade considerably with the Old World?" 
 
 "Of course we do. There are things which it can make 
 better and cheaper than we, and such things we purchase from 
 them, endeavoring to exchange them for products which we, 
 in turn, can make better and cheaper. Thus we buy tea from 
 China, coffee from the Tropics, silks from France, and leather 
 
398 EITHER.OR. 
 
 from Russia, managing like prudent housekeepers, to keep 
 the balance of trade pretty even—" 
 
 "I see. Well give me an Occidentian for smartness. He 
 beats the Yankee all hollow." 
 
 Richard laughed and acknowledged the compliment by a 
 bow. 
 
 "I know we are smart, that is, shrewd in driving a bargain, 
 hut we are not half as smart as we were ten years ago. In- 
 telligence has taken the place of our former smartness, and 
 that is well, for smartness is an animal trait peculiar to the fox 
 and opossom, both of them animals unworthy of imitation." 
 
 "Your schools, they say, are excellent." 
 
 "They are, and their excellence begins to tell. It is now 
 ten years since the frequeutation of schools to the end of 
 eighteen was made compulsory, and they are turning out a set 
 of youths of both sexes marked by greater intelligence and 
 knowledge, as well as greater physical strength." 
 
 "How do you make that out? I have always thought 
 that long and assiduous study would impair the body instead 
 of strengthening it." 
 
 "So it will, if injudiciously applied. With us the train- 
 ing of the mind and that of the body go hand in hand, that is 
 calisthenics and the gymnasium are coupled with every school 
 nor do we allow thejperiod of daily studv and recitation to ex- 
 ceed six hours. In addition to this, the children of both 
 sexes are compelled to bathe daily, and learn to swim, in 
 suitable seasons of course, and all these things combined, 
 secure to us the handsome, strong, healthy and intelligent 
 young people you meet at every step." 
 
 "I must confess that your young people are remarkable 
 for beauty. I haven't seen a single cripple, I verily believe." 
 
 At this moment they were passing by a large building 
 devoted to the manufactory of machinery. Falk gazed upon 
 the busy scene with great interest, and said : "Is it true that 
 your constitution forbids corporations of every kind ? " 
 
 "It is true." 
 
EITHER. OR. 399 
 
 "But how is this ? Are you not aware that such combina- 
 tions have produced all modern achievements ? " 
 
 "They have, and all modern evils and misery as well. 
 What is the object of such corporations ? The advancement 
 of our race ? He must be simple indeed, who attributes to 
 them such motive. Their object is to make money, and in 
 order to make money they must necessarily rob the workman 
 of a portion of his hire. These corporations have produced 
 millionaires on one side, and paupers on the other. We could 
 therefore, in justice to our laboring men, tolerate them no 
 longer." 
 
 "And do you not feel their loss ? Do your individual 
 efforts fill the void? " 
 
 "Our efforts are not all individualistic. Co-operation 
 has, in many instances, taken the place of corporations, and in 
 other instances the government, i. e., the nation, takes their 
 place." 
 
 "Co-operation instead of corporation. Isn't that whip- 
 ping the devil round the stump ? " 
 
 "Far from it, Mr. Falk. A corporation is a body politic, 
 an individual, differing from other individuals only in the 
 absence of a heart, making the creature the dangerous beast 
 it really is. A co-operation, on the other hand, is an assem- 
 blage of individuals who work jointly to increase their 
 strength, but are individually responsible for their actions. 
 They merely divide the result of their labor, while the co- 
 operation assumes not onl}- the management of the concern, 
 but all its profits." 
 
 "I see. And your government works. Are they not 
 open to corruption, Mr. Woods?" 
 
 "They are in a measure ; but I have discovered this axiom 
 in all my observations. It takes a corrupt people, to make a 
 corrupt government. I am happy and proud to say that our 
 government is as nearly pure as the imperfection of human 
 nature allows." 
 
 "It had not always that reputation, Mr. Woods." 
 
 "I know, but our new constitution has removed the cause 
 
400 EITHER, OR. 
 
 of and inducement to corruption, thereby removing corruption 
 itself. Our Congress no longer makes our laws, but merely 
 frames them leaving the decision to the people. This one 
 single feature has laid on its back the lobby, synonym for hell, 
 a place where all the vices flourished in perfection, a hothouse 
 where everything low, mean and despicable was bred and 
 nurtured. This is our courthouse, Mr. Falk." 
 
 "Quite a small building for such a large city." 
 "We find it ample. As I said before, our people are far 
 from perfect, and I would not wish you to form the idea that 
 I think them so. Still our statistics show that crime has 
 shrunk to a compass insignificant to its former extent. Thefts 
 for instance, have almost totally disappeared from the list." 
 
 "Strange ! I wish I could say the same thing for my 
 country. Can you not give me the receipt which has pro- 
 duced such a happy result ? " 
 
 "Yes, it is very simple. Here it is. Give everybody 
 plenty and remunerative employment, and 3-011 take away the 
 inducement to theft." 
 
 "There is something in that" Falk replied musingly. 
 "It contains the whole question in a nut-shell. My 
 mother used to tell me that her parents during their sojourn 
 in Europe, did not dare to leave the most minute article ex- 
 posed over night, without the certainty of its disappearance. 
 Again she lived among these very same people after they had 
 emigrated to this country, and, behold : Articles of value 
 could remain exposed without anv danger of annexation. 
 Now do you think that these people changed their character 
 with their country ? Such an assumption is too absurd, to be 
 entertained for a moment. The German proverb sa)^s : 
 'Opportunity makes thieves.' It ought to be amended into 
 'necessity makes thieves.' " 
 
 Richard and his friend frequently made use of the electric 
 cars traveling the city in every direction. 
 
 Falk marveled at their fine equipment, and at the cheap- 
 ness of the fare, which was only one cent for ever}- half-mile, and 
 
EITHER, OR. 401 
 
 Richard said in explanation : "The public is sovereign here, 
 and the best only is good enough for them. As to the fare, 
 the lines are owned by the public and charge just enough to 
 keep up the wear and tear, and pay the employees decent 
 wages. You will see the same feature during your rides on 
 our railways." 
 
 "They, too, are owned by the government, I believe?" 
 "Or the people, which here means the same thing." 
 "Did the government purchase them?" 
 "Yes, at their original cost, deducting, of course, the de- 
 preciation produced by time and 'usage. The government 
 bought them with bonds, running fifty years, and bearing one 
 per cent." 
 
 "Rather low interest, I should say. Did they not ob- 
 ject?" 
 
 "Not the rank and file of the stockholders, but the bosses 
 or kings, as we used to call them. The former in many in- 
 stances did not know what a dividend means, the bosses gen- 
 erally monopolizing the cream of the concern. It is therefore 
 natural that they yielded easily and with good grace." 
 "But the kings kicked, eh?" 
 "Viciously, but without hurting anybody." 
 "Did you use compulsory measures in such instances? " 
 "No, sir. The roads were given three months to accept 
 or reject the offer, and when this time of grace had expired, 
 the government commenced the construction of rival lines 
 with such vigor that the bosses cried for mercy. In such in- 
 stances they were forced to pay for the preparations I 
 alluded to." 
 
 "Good for them, or rather for so strong and sensible a 
 government." 
 
 In this way they completed the rounds of the city, and 
 then started for the interior. Falk was greatly impressed by 
 the safety, elegance and convenience of all the equipments 
 connected with the railway. He marveled when Richard told 
 him that the charge per mile for passengers amounted to only 
 
402 EITHER, OR. 
 
 one cent, and that in the far west, on long distances, there 
 was a reduction from this charge. 
 
 "I do not see how the -government can afford to run the 
 trains at that rate." 
 
 "It does not only afford it, but makes money. The travel 
 has not quadrupled since the introduction of the law rates, 
 for that would be underestimating it by far. I think I can 
 safely state that twenty people now travel for one in olden 
 times, swelling the earnings of the roads to a gigantic sum, 
 even in the face of the increased expenses. If I am not mis- 
 taken the government has already redeemed half the bonds 
 issued to the stockholders." 
 
 "And you say the roads are managed with increased 
 safety?" 
 
 "That is what I stated. You see, the forces are now 
 much greater, and as the rules of our civil cervice are invaria- 
 bly carried out, the men stand on their good behavior, being 
 sure of work as long as they live, or at least as long as they 
 are able, to say nothing of the severe penalties for any negli- 
 gence connected with loss of life or limb." 
 
 "Then your government does not pension its employees 
 in case of disablement or old age?" 
 
 "No, sir. But we have created several funds, managed 
 by the government, from which pensions are paid to the aged 
 or to widows, on payment of regular installments during the 
 years of strength and manhood." 
 
 "Ah, a kind of life insurance?" 
 
 "Yes, something similar, only the rates are much lower 
 and in conformity with equity, and safety." 
 
 "Please explain to me its leading features?" 
 
 "With pleasure, although you will hardly find anything 
 strange or startling about its provisions. In fact the only 
 thing startling about the thing is that we could so long let 
 political influence and favoritism taint our public offices and 
 their incumbents. I think you will find our civil service and 
 its provisions much like that of your own country. Let me 
 start with the graduation of our young people from school. I 
 
EITHER.OR. 403 
 
 say people, because you must uuderstand that our girls stand 
 the same chance in all such branches, adapted to their sex as 
 well as ours. You know that the curriculum of our common 
 schools ends with the eighteenth year. The abiturients, as 
 you call them in Germany I believe, are subjected to a very 
 rigid and thorough examination, and only those that pass it 
 creditably, are allowed to enter upon the specific course which 
 •qualifies them for the profession they have chosen for life. 
 Those that fail, form the hewers of wood, the handlers of the 
 pick and shovel, occupations creating no envy or discontent, 
 because they all had the same chances. When the students 
 have finished the specific course, they are subject to a second 
 'examination as severe, but fair and impartial as the first one, 
 and those that have withstood this second and last ordeal are 
 •entered upon the list of the representative branch they have 
 chosen, and are then employed in due rotation as vacancies 
 occur." 
 
 "Just as with us, only we sometimes make exceptions in 
 •cases of uncommon qualifications or aptness." 
 
 "So do we, but such cases are rare, and the favorite per- 
 son must be very capable indeed to justify such exception." 
 
 As they rolled through the densely settled country, Falk 
 expressed his surprise at its beauty as well as the high state 
 of cultivation manifest everywhere. 
 
 "I have been led to expect something very different. Our 
 farmers, in talking of your agriculture, generally turn up their 
 noses, talk of "Raubbau," and like the Pharisees of old, thank 
 the Lord, that they are not like you miserable sinners." 
 
 "They think of our former condition," replied Richard 
 •with a smile. "Ten years ago the farms were very large, 
 poorly tilled, and run down. Now things are very different. 
 I suppose you are aware that we do not own the land here in 
 severalty?" 
 
 "I heard so, and could never understand how such a 
 •change could be accomplished without a bloody revolution." 
 
 "It Was not so hard as you imagine. You must under- 
 stand that nine-tenths of all the lands were loaded with heavy 
 
4 o4 EITHER, OR. 
 
 mortgages, mortgages sometimes reaching the value of the 
 estate. Farmers thus situated really heralded the change as 
 a delivery." 
 
 "I see. And now, can they be disturbed in their posses- 
 sions ? " 
 
 "Not if they pay their rent which amounts to just two- 
 per cent of the appraised valuation of the land." 
 
 "Does that not constitute a heavy burden with their 
 taxes ? " 
 
 "It is the only tax they pay, and if they pay it, no power 
 in the land can dispossess them." 
 
 "And can they rent as much as they please? " 
 
 "They cannot. A commission of experts has investigated 
 the matter and fixed the amount of land one man can till 
 thoroughly and effectively, the law limiting the number of 
 acres to such ability. This amount differs in various sections, 
 depending greatly upon the quality of the soil and the use to 
 which it is put. In the vicinity of large cities a gardener can 
 till or cultivate perhaps no more than ten acres, while the 
 sheep herders of the desert requires a thousand. Here in 
 Plutonia, in Woodland, and most other eastern States, the 
 area has been limited to eighty acres, but families consisting- 
 of father and several grown up children, are favored as far as 
 practical by allowing their allotmeuts to be in a body. In 
 Goldland, where they raise choice fruit, twenty acres form the 
 limit, and so on." 
 
 "I understand, and the arrangement seems to be fair and 
 equitable. The results, at all events, seems beneficient, for 
 never before have I seen fields so promising as these." 
 
 "Yes, the change has been beneficial, and no one wants 
 the old conditions back." 
 
 "Not even the wealthy owners, thus stripped of all their 
 wealth ? It was pretty tough, you must confess, to be thus 
 deprived of time honored possessions by a decree or the stroke 
 of a pen." 
 
 "It was, perhaps hard, but not unjust. Remember, that 
 these lands had been secured by speculations, unfair foreclos- 
 
EITHER, OR. 405 
 
 tires, and many other means unfit to bear close inspection. 
 This act of forfeiture may therefore be justly termed a late 
 act of justice." 
 
 ''Well, we won't quarrel about that. You know we Euro- 
 peans are a little ticklish on this subject." 
 
 "But how do you manage with land covered by towns 
 and villages;"' 
 
 "In the same manner. No one is allowed to hold more 
 lots than he actually needs." 
 
 "And pays rent for them?" 
 
 "Exactly." 
 
 "Then there must be a great man}- vacant lots for which 
 there is no demand." 
 
 "You are mistaken. We encourage the building of 
 houses to be tenanted by the owner, and you would be amazed 
 to see the improvements traceable to this policy." 
 
 "But where do the poor get the means to build when in- 
 terest has been abolished, in other words, when money can no 
 longer be borrowed?" 
 
 "They get it from the government. There is a certain 
 board in every place whose duty it is to receive such applica- 
 tions, and determine the amount safely to be lent for or rather 
 on the improvement. You can hardly call it a loan either, 
 for the government or the people hold the property until paid 
 for." 
 
 "Then, supposing cases ot fire. Where is the security?'' 
 
 "The government issues such policies itself 
 
 "Ah! But what of life insurance?" 
 
 "Life insurance is not practiced half as much as in olden 
 times, as the people are more certain of employment, that is 
 of competent livelihood." 
 
 "All this is so novel to me, that I can hardly comprehend 
 it. And you find these innovations practicable?" 
 
 "Not only practicable, but highly salutory and beneficial. 
 You say yourself, you see traces of prosperity all over the 
 land. Why not be charitable, and attribute them to our new- 
 institutions? " 
 
406 EITHER, OR. 
 
 "I am inclined to do so, and fear you would make me a 
 convert if I remained here any length of time." 
 
 "You fear? Is a general prosperity so terrible a thing,, 
 then?" 
 
 "I beg your pardon. Fear was hardly the proper ex- 
 pression. It is rather bewilderment than fear I experience, 
 the bewilderment of a man who does not know whether he is- 
 awake or asleep, who does not know whether he sees reality 
 or a mere mirage. As I said more than once: I shall take 
 home food for years of thought. Nor do I doubt that the daj r 
 will come when I wonder that all this appears strange to me 
 and that our own condition was never considered normal. 
 But what is this ? I see high derricks and flames pro- 
 truding from iron pipes. Are we in the oil fields of Wood- 
 land?" 
 
 "Exactly." 
 
 "And who works these wells now, the government?" 
 
 "Even so. Our constitution declares all the earth and 
 the contents of its bowels are the common property of man,, 
 and must therefore be worked in the interest of all. The oil 
 is sold at cost, with only enough of a margin to pay the labor- 
 er fair wages and allow such repairs as time and use will oc- 
 casion." 
 
 "And you work your coal mines on the same prin- 
 ciple ?" 
 
 "Our coal mines, our gas wells, our beds of iron, copper,, 
 gold and silver." 
 
 "That must greatly cheapen the cost of living?" 
 
 "I should say so. I cannot state exactly what the reduc- 
 tion amounts to, but careful investigations induce me to be- 
 lieve that it is fully twice as cheap to live now as it was ten 
 years ago." 
 
 And on they went, from State to State, passing through 
 rich fields and blooming meadows, prosperity written on every 
 scene. 
 
 "There is little vacant land here, I notice," said Falk, as 
 they glided over the prairies of Lakonia. "I always thought 
 
EITHER, OR. 407 
 
 there were large desolate tracks here. In reality I have not 
 seen an eighty acre track without a house and desirable im- 
 provements." 
 
 "It was different years ago, I assure you. Then the 
 houses were the exceptions ; the waste, the rule. This State 
 especially was cursed with rich foreign syndicates owning 
 hundreds of thousands of acres in one body." 
 
 "How did you get rid of them? I should think their 
 dispossessments would have led to complications with foreign 
 powers?" 
 
 "Congress passed a law requiring everybody holding land 
 here, to become citizens. When these parties failed to com- 
 ply with its requirement, the land was sold at auction and 
 bought by the government, which paid for it in bonds, bear- 
 ing one per cent." 
 
 "And they accepted ? " 
 
 "What could they do? Countries don't go into war on 
 account of such trifles, to say nothing of the vanity of any 
 European government to think that it could whip us in our 
 own country. No, Mr. Falk, they made a virtue of necessity, 
 and accepted the offer made them in preference to losing all." 
 
 In this manner they discussed one point after another,. 
 Falk often differing with Richard in the legality of certaiu 
 measures, but universally acknowledging the happy effect 
 upon the people. 
 
 "Tell me, Mr. Woods," he said, as they were returning to 
 Plutopolis, "how did you manage in regard to the money 
 owned by your millionaires. Did you despoil them of that 
 also ? " 
 
 "No, Mr. Falk, we did not go to that extreme, but we 
 passed a law which will meet their case and make them 
 harmless." 
 
 "And this law ? " 
 
 "Provides, that no person can leave to his descendants 
 an ything excepting his personal effects." 
 
 "And his money? " 
 
 "Reverts to the common fund. I believe they made the 
 
408 EITHER, OR. 
 
 provision that the old and burdensome debts of the country, 
 contracted in the times of levity and recklessness, shall be 
 paid with such moneys. At all events our constitution pro- 
 vides that the equality of its people shall not be disturbed by 
 the privilege of stepping into dead men's shoes, and in my 
 estimation such a provision is eminently just, tair and wise. 
 But here we are home, Mr. Falk. With the hope and wish 
 that you enjoyed our trip, I bid you a cordial farewell." 
 
 We will imitate him by saying a cordial farewell to our 
 readers, trusting that we have not bored them too much, and 
 that the submittal of these thoughts and suggestions will lead 
 to happy results. 
 
 THE END. 
 
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