THE LIBRARY 
 
 OF 
 
 THE UNIVERSITY 
 OF CALIFORNIA 
 
 LOS ANGELES
 
 A N T H O N
 
 ANTHON 
 
 A NOVEL 
 
 JAMES DOR AN 
 
 SAN FRANCISCO 
 
 THE BANCROFT COMPANY, PUBLISHERS 
 1891
 
 COPYRIGHT, 1891 
 
 BY JANIES DORAN 
 
 All Rights Reserved
 
 is 
 
 ZANTHON 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 ^ MYSTERIOUS PERSON. 
 
 ORE -than half a century ago there lived a remarkable 
 peasant in one of the western countries of Europe cele 
 brated for the beauty of its physical features and mild climate. 
 The notoriety of this man had been acquired through a display 
 of knowledge very uncommon, if not actually unbecoming in a 
 person of such poor surroundings. 
 
 In an enlightened community he would have been recognized 
 as a man of superior mental attainment ; but with his neigh 
 bors, who were superstitious and uneducated, he was regarded 
 as being at least equal to one of the wonders of creation. Some 
 of these persons, indeed, believed he possessed superhuman 
 power, and not a few hinted darkly at the probability of his re 
 lationship with evil spirits. 
 
 The range of his knowledge was very extensive, although but 
 little could be done to prove its power, seeing how he was cir 
 cumscribed by ignorance, poverty and illiberal legislation. How 
 ever, there was one branch of science whose illustration came 
 naturally into his daily life, namely the application of the 
 properties of herbs as a relief to the distressed condition of 
 mankind. 
 
 (5) 
 
 862562
 
 6 ZANTHON 
 
 The fields were to him a book in which he saw vast wonders. 
 He was acquainted with the efficacy of foxglove, tansy, yel 
 low dock, hazel and a long list of other plants growing in the 
 neighborhood. 
 
 He knew that green weed, or Dyer's broom, was useful in 
 hydrophobia, oak bark in intermittent fever and hemlock in 
 cancer, applied externally. 
 
 The red oil extracted from the witches' herb recommended 
 by Dioscorides, a Greek physician, in the army of Rome and 
 by Galen, who served with the Emperor Aurelius, was known 
 to him. His researches went further still. He not only con 
 trolled the powers of the Spanish fly, but found those residing 
 in the bedbug, the cockroach and the common housefly. It was 
 said that when urged to action by the entreaties of a woman 
 weeping for the loss of her daughter, a girl twelve years of age, 
 that he restored her to life, although she was supposed to have 
 been dead at least an hour. He held to the belief that a cer 
 tain percentage of those who die could be restored to life if 
 medical science were advanced some degrees further than its 
 condition in his time. 
 
 As superstition was distributed around him to an alarming 
 extent, he learned to use it occasionally to cover his real opera 
 tions, instead of endeavoring to remove it altogether, a process 
 indeed beyond the capacity of his powers to achieve. Hence, 
 he was obliged to practice secretiveness in all transactions with 
 the people, so as to pander to their opinions, as well as to keep 
 the essence of knowledge to himself. On this account he was 
 reputed to be skilled in " black art " and to be able to use it 
 successfully as a weapon against witchcraft, which prevailed 
 largely in that country. 
 
 If a woman, for instance, aided by witches, succeeded in 
 drawing off the butter from the milk of her neighbor's cows 
 and many a fine roll of it was purloined in this manner he
 
 A MYSTERIOUS PERSON 7 
 
 could not only bring it back, but institute a safeguard that 
 would prevent a recurrence of such misfortune. 
 
 The subtile power invoked to do this appeared to be sub 
 ject to his wishes after he had written a sentence in a foreign 
 language on a sheet of paper and re^itten the same sentence 
 across the former writing, at right angles. The document 
 should then be folded in a triangular shape and placed under 
 the churn, where the milk designed to be saved from spolia 
 tion was deposited. It is singular, this was never known to 
 fail. 
 
 Children, who became sick from having been gazed upon by 
 a person with an evil eye, were restored to health after drink 
 ing of his decoction of roots, gathered from a rare plant, which 
 was said to have the power of keeping off fire from any house 
 on which it grew spontaneously. 
 
 A child whose humors were designedly congregated or forced 
 to tend toward the same point, so as to form a dangerous swell 
 ing, was always relieved by the cure of the nine irons ! This 
 consisted of a particular method of applying nine irons to the 
 affected part. It was supposed that iron possessed a peculiar 
 power over the spirits concerned in the affliction of the child, 
 which, when used, in combination with the charms under the 
 command of the operator, removed the influence of the tor 
 mentors and restored the patient to health. 
 
 If the time and place did not forbid a plebian to interfere in 
 the methods whereby prosperity might be brought to the peo 
 ple, his knowledge of agriculture could be utilized to advant 
 age. Knowing, however, how jealously the civil authorities 
 viewed the very mention of social progress, he gave no instruc 
 tion on the subject. 
 
 To the illiterate minds around him, what he did exhibit in 
 cluded mostly everything worth knowing ; but he went still 
 further into the details of real science and revealed the time
 
 8 ZANTHON 
 
 of the coming of eclipses, storms, high tides and other extraor 
 dinary phenomena. 
 
 In person, our peasant philosopher, whose name was Fairside 
 Marlband, was comely. He stood a little above the medium 
 height, having pale features exquisitely cut, possessing more of 
 a Grecian than a Roman type ; dark hair and eyes. Strongly 
 made in all parts of the body, yet capable of quickness in ac 
 tion. Calm ordinarily, but high-tempered when the require 
 ments of the occasion called it forth. Generous to friends and 
 foes. Fearless in danger. Resolute in the pursuit of good. A 
 man ! 
 
 The part of the country where we now find him was remote 
 from the civilization of cities and towns. It was situated 
 between a chain of low mountains on the east and the ocean 
 on the west; being about thirty miles in width. This irregular 
 plain was diversified by green hills and valleys, rivers, lakes 
 and woods. 
 
 With a good system of government the place could be made 
 an earthly paradise, so elaborately had nature distributed her 
 gifts through every portion of the domain; but the poverty of 
 the great bulk of the inhabitants detracted from the natural 
 advantages, by obliging them to give up all their attention to 
 the terrible struggle for existence. 
 
 While some localities supported the handsome residences of 
 the owners of the soil, other places were disfigured by the mis 
 erable hovels of the poor. 
 
 What prevailed there appeared to be a remnant of the old 
 feudal system, where the master was absolute ruler and the 
 tenant not only a dependent, but also a thorough slave. 
 
 Great wealth on the one hand and great poverty on the other. 
 
 There was a class of petty landlords, or middlemen, between 
 the great and small, as if specially destined to separate them. 
 These secondary rulers were speculators. They leased one or 
 two hundred acres of land each from the great landowners, di-
 
 A MYSTERIOUS PEESON 9 
 
 viding the tracts into small farms of five or six acres, which 
 they let to yearly tenants or tenants at will. The small farm 
 ers endeavored to procure from the soil all it could possibly 
 yield, with the least expenditure. The middleman watched 
 with the utmost vigilance every opportunity of increasing his 
 rents without actually destroying the lives of his tenants, 
 while the chief landed proprietor exacted at his annual settle 
 ment every dollar he could possibly force the petty landlord 
 to pay within business lines. 
 
 Thus the burden of raising the wealth derived from the en 
 tire district came upon the shoulders of the poor, without any 
 assistance from other sources, such as manufacturing indus 
 tries or commerce. 
 
 This state of things begot woful poverty and ignorance dark 
 as midnight. The inactivity of the place indeed might be said 
 to portend some terrible incursion from without, or a calamity 
 such as would shake the foundations of the earth, in order to 
 show the displeasure, as it were, of the unknown powers at the 
 unmitigating severity of the rich against the poor. 
 
 The difference existing between classes, viewed from a social 
 standpoint, was marked with careful distinctness. The aristo 
 cratic or upper class considered it a point of etiquette to ignore 
 the others so completely as to have no association with them 
 on any pretense whatsoever. 
 
 In harmony with these ideas the homes of the rich were sur 
 rounded by high walls of solid masonry, resembling a fortifica 
 tion. In some places these defensive works were twelve or four 
 teen feet high and five or six miles in circumference. The 
 entrance in each case was secured by means of a massive iron 
 gate bolted and locked. At one side of this gate stood the res 
 idence of the keeper, whose duty consisted in opening the same 
 whenever a member of the family wanted to pass through, then 
 rebolt and relock it as before, so as to exclude the people and 
 be always ready to repel an attack.
 
 10 ZANTHON 
 
 There was also in each enclosure a man armed with a shot 
 gun, who traversed the grounds daily to see that the place was 
 clear of intruders. 
 
 All business transactions with the people were executed for the 
 great men by agents and lackeys. The masters and their fam 
 ilies came out in close carriages ; and, except while visiting 
 persons of their own class, rarely left them until they returned. 
 Thus one might live a lifetime as a peasant and be unknown 
 to the master ; or, on the other hand, could be a resident within 
 the walls of the master's house without the peasantry knowing 
 anything concerning it. 
 
 It was a singular spectacle : A people whose interests were 
 so closely united as to depend on each other irrevocably, yet 
 as much apart personally as if divided by the ocean. All these 
 peculiarities were the results of a long period of hostility, which 
 was forever encouraged by the sameness of enmity preserved 
 on both sides. 
 
 In one of the congregation of huts, which necessity obliges 
 us to designate a village, inhabited by the very poorest of the 
 poor, in the district already mentioned, lived Fairside Marl- 
 band. 
 
 His house stood apart, however, from five or six others about 
 the distance of a gunshot and on the east side of a mountain 
 stream, the village proper being on the west side.' To reach his 
 dwelling the neighbors were obliged to cross the river on step 
 ping-stones, one of the primitive substitutes for a bridge then 
 in use. But this seemed no inconvenience, as the waters were 
 shallow and custom made the act free frc/m difficulty. 
 
 Notwithstanding its insignificance, the village had a name. 
 It was called Footford. Half buried at the base of a piece of 
 upland, a cloud of its own smoke sometimes settled above it, 
 completely obliterating all traces of its outline from view. 
 On such occasions a stranger was liable to stumble over the 
 tops of the houses before he became conscious of his danger.
 
 A MYSTERIOUS PERSON 11 
 
 It was as obscure and unimportant a spot as any other with a 
 name on the face of the earth. The dwellings were little 
 better than holes in the ground; without; windows or other 
 ordinary conveniences. Each house consisted for the most 
 part of four walls nine feet high built of cobblestones, inclosing 
 an apartment twenty by fifteen feet; an earthen floor and a 
 roof covered with thatch or straw. 
 
 It would be difficult to determine of what material the door 
 was composed, when there was one, so dark and unsightly did 
 it appear through age and exposure to rain and smoke. 
 
 In each of these hovels an entire family resided. The prin 
 cipal bed stood in one corner, close to the fire-place; and one 
 or more of the other corners contained the most serviceable 
 substitute for a couch procurable; a bundle of straw and an 
 old quilt. For additional furniture there were rude seats, a 
 long form taking the place of a table, and a few articles em 
 ployed for culinary purposes. 
 
 As a mark of distinction, one of the residents of Footford 
 had a house larger than the others; that is to say, there were 
 two apartments in it instead of one. This made the occupants 
 to be regarded in the light of persons enjoying an exalted 
 position, although in other respects they were as poor as their 
 neighbors. It may be easily conceived with this state of 
 wretchedness, but few visitors would be attracted to the place. 
 Indeed, the inhabitants had been peculiarly fortunate or un 
 fortunate on this head; for not even the petty landlord made 
 his appearance, excepting at rare intervals ; the tenants inva 
 riably carrying their rents to his residence when it became due. 
 
 In order to connect certain incidents in the past with the 
 time when our story opens, we must refer back about twenty 
 years to a special period, and describe the first appearance of 
 Marlband in the village where he now resided. 
 
 While Footford lay in the deepest silence and inactivity one 
 Sunday afternoon, 'in the beginning of summer, there came
 
 12 ZANTHON 
 
 over the upland above it, from a westerly direction, a stranger 
 with an unusually fair appearance. 
 
 He pau-ed a moment on the brow of the elevation to 
 examine the prospect before him. His comely features were 
 impressed with sadness, mingled with a kind of stern resolu 
 tion, whfch an ignorant man would be incapable of producing. 
 Although his clothing appeared to be of the same material 
 which peasants wore, yet on him it looked refined and magni 
 ficent. A good deal of this was due to his shapely limbs and 
 the style or cut of the clothing in question. A silk handker 
 chief of bright colors around his neck made the flashes of his 
 eye exceedingly attractive. 
 
 He was light of foot, too ; a quality not often seen associated 
 with men accustomed to labor. 
 
 After his glance had swept all points of the horizon as well 
 as intermediate places, he turned it on Footford. At sight of 
 the village, an expression of surprise escaped him, probably 
 on account of the unexpected appearance of misery or poverty 
 which it presented. Instead of turning in another direction, 
 however, he moved quickly towards the place, and presently 
 engaged in conversation with a man standing at the end of 
 one of the houses who had been observing his movements from 
 the time he first appeared on the hill. 
 
 The stranger introduced himself. He gave his name, Fair- 
 side Marlband, and intimated he had come to seek employ 
 ment. 
 
 As the season of haymaking was near at hand, where 
 laborers from remote districts wandered over the country, like 
 our tramps, but unlike them working one day here and an 
 other there for food, Marlband's representation was accepted 
 in good faith. 
 
 As a matter of course he was conducted into the house con 
 taining the two apartments; being, as before stated, the finest 
 in the village; and on that account the one best adapted for
 
 A MYSTERIOUS PERSON 13 
 
 the reception of visitors. Here he was kindly received by the 
 family residing in it. 
 
 The news of his arrival spread rapidly from house to house, 
 as if the hamlet had been provided with the most improved 
 system of telephone; and in a short time the entire population, 
 in all about forty souls, stood around him, utterly at a loss to 
 reconcile the beauty of such a man with the dull aspect of the 
 place. 
 
 Never was there such excitement in Footford! 
 
 Some of the women, questioning the person who saw him 
 when he arrived, inquired if he had not seen the stranger come 
 out of the hill, and not over it, as first reported. The man 
 replied, in effect, that if he were put to his oath he could not 
 determine which way he did come; for when first seen he, the 
 stranger, was above him on the upland, and might, for all he 
 knew to the contrary, have just landed there from the clouds. 
 This testimony was offered to support the marvelous nature of 
 the ideas ventilated by his companions. 
 
 After considerable consultation as to what could be done 
 towards giving him employment, it was determined he might 
 live for three days in the community, working for his food as 
 tramps were accustomed to do; and in the mean time he 
 would be provided with a bed in one of the corners of his host's 
 house. 
 
 Brief as was the period prescribed, it proved to be a time for 
 jubilee to the -simple people residing there. When the labors 
 of each day were concluded, and the evening meal disposed of, 
 Marlband made a display of some of his powers for the enter 
 tainment of his friends. Besides being a speaker, whose voice 
 was rich in melodious sounds and fascinating to young and 
 old, he sang very pleasantly, told stories of ghosts and fairies, 
 as well as of wonderful scenes in distant lands. To accom 
 modate him, while still further exhibiting his accomplish 
 ments, the door was taken off its hinges and placed upon the
 
 14 ZANTHON 
 
 earthen floor. Then the stranger with the gracefulness of a 
 rope-dancer, stepped lightly on it and danced a hornpipe 
 accompanied by extra touches of foot and limb never before 
 witnessed. 
 
 On the third evening amusements began over the upland in 
 the genial atmosphere. Marlband not only danced singly, but 
 instructed many of the young people to do likewise, which 
 caused universal enjoyment. When the time for his departure 
 arrived, it was seriously contemplated by a few of the younger 
 men to ask him to remain permanently in Footford. Indeed, 
 the two sons of the farmer in whose house he was sheltered 
 actually spoke to him on the subject. He received the propo 
 sition favorably, and added that after he had examined the 
 villages near the base of the mountain range, he would again 
 visit them. Three months later, when he came a second time, 
 he might have got anything he pleased to seek in the village, 
 so glad were the people to see him. 
 
 For some cause, not then known, he determined on making 
 Footford his headquarters, and paying visits periodically like 
 other tramps to distant localities, for the purpose of contribut 
 ing towards his support. 
 
 It was not long after this, however, until the secret attraction 
 which bound him. to the place became known. He was in love 
 with the only daughter of his host, a modest and stately girl 
 of twenty summers, whose good sense, in Marlband's estima 
 tion, was the most powerful qualification she possessed. Being 
 a practical man and fully alive to the seriousness of the step 
 contemplated, for at this time he was thirty years of ager; he 
 made a proposal of marriage to her. 
 
 His matrimonial overtures were accepted without cavil by 
 her friends ; and in due time the nuptials took place, in the 
 midst of a popular demonstration such as was never before 
 witnessed in the village ; for the powers of men and beasts 
 were employed on the occasion to make it a great success.
 
 A MYSTERIOUS PERSON 15 
 
 In our age and country we would be apt to regard the indi 
 vidual who subscribed to a contract of marriage without money 
 or means as unwise and showing few signs of the cleverness of 
 a responsible man ; but circumstances, it must be remem 
 bered, always alter cases. 
 
 To be a peasant, like those who resided in Footford, one must 
 marry and live in destitute ways a lifetime ; nor ever think of 
 uttering a complaint against so hard a fate. 
 
 When it became definitely settled that Marlband meant to be 
 come a permanent resident of the village, the decision was 
 hailed with the utmost delight by the entire community. It 
 was an indication that in his judgment, at least, the place pre 
 sented superior features to others which he must have seen in 
 his travels. They little imagined that he had selected it on 
 account of its obscurity. 
 
 The petty landlord was importuned in the stranger's behalf 
 for a strip of land which fortunately was available in the 
 neighborhood. Being situated on the other side of the river, 
 it was proposed to build his house in the village ; but he pre 
 ferred to have it erected on the property on account of the con 
 venience it would afford. The holding, as it was called, 
 consisted of five acres of good land, and about two acres adjoin 
 ing the river unfit for tillage, as it was composed principally of 
 gravel and sand left there by floods. 
 
 The residence was built just above high-water mark. Like 
 the others, it was constructed of stones gathered from several 
 sources in the vicinity. The interior of the walls was supplied 
 with mortar, the outside left unplastered. 
 
 The labor expended on it was given gratis. When all hands 
 went to work it was not long before the design became an 
 accomplished fact. Thus by assisting each other the necessity 
 for money in most cases was obviated. 
 
 As an advancement in architectural design, this last structure 
 was made to contain two apartments, one window in each
 
 16 ZANTHON 
 
 about twelve inches square, and a back door opposite the front 
 one. The wife's dower consisted of a few articles of furniture, 
 bedding, benches, a table and cooking utensils; but no money. 
 No one but the landlord received money from the people of 
 Footford. In fact, it was held to be of no other use than to 
 pay rent ; even the holy man, or conductor of religious cere 
 monies, living three miles distant, used to be paid in sheaves of 
 oats and bushels of potatoes. 
 
 It is wonderful how pecuniary difficulties induce the exercise 
 of genius. The peasants who assisted Marlband built their 
 own houses, manufactured cloth to suit their requirements, 
 raised all the produce essential to their wants, and appeared 
 to be as satisfied with life as rich people. 
 
 Besides the traveling laborers we have described, there were 
 other visitors at stated periods tinkers, tailors and cobblers 
 who lived a roving life and seemed to be happy. 
 
 In his new home Marlband became very popular. He re 
 ceived the people kindly on all occasions ; and finally it became 
 a custom to have his house filled with visitors almost every 
 night. 
 
 At these meetings there prevailed conversations such as 
 suited the intelligence of the visitors, singing and occasionally 
 dancing. Except when specially consulted, he did not volun 
 tarily give instruction. It could be seen that he purposely 
 avoided making any improvements in or around his house. 
 He seemed to fear, and indeed with good reasons, that any 
 changes in this direction would attract attention from without 
 and cause troub'le. Many a time did he resolve on executing 
 some well-planned scheme of cultivation, whose results would 
 indicate superior skill ; but as often did he desist from carry 
 ing them into effect, on reflecting how disastrous they might 
 prove to the interests of his family. 
 
 A man in the village, bolder than the rest, raised some 
 flowers and fragrant shrubs at Marlband's suggestions ; but as
 
 A MYSTERIOUS PERSON 17 
 
 the petty landlord on hearing of them sent messengers 
 demanding that these luxuries be forwarded to him forthwith, 
 the experiment was not repeated. 
 
 Besides amusements indoors, he instituted others equally 
 attractive, namely, a series of field sports. On the upland, 
 back of the village, the people collected together and practiced 
 various sports under his directions on holiday evenings and 
 frequently during the summer. This system diverted their 
 attention from the hardships of their lives, and was productive 
 of a vast amount of good. 
 
 On this account also Marlband's fame went abroad through 
 the villages of that whole section of country ; and he was fre 
 quently informed how powerful he could become if he under 
 took the organization of the men of the period into a party for 
 the purpose of recovering national independence, which had 
 been lost centuries before. Whenever the latter proposition 
 came up he always shook his head to signify his dissent from 
 it and allowed the subject to drop without comment. Neverthe 
 less, it could be seen on those occasions that he became inwardly 
 disturbed as if by the struggle of conflicting ideas which he 
 could not control. Nothing could move him from his purpose 
 of living a quiet life. Beyond the cultivation of his patch of 
 land, fishing occasionally in mountain streams, and hunting in 
 places not reserved for game, he would do nothing further, 
 excepting what resulted in immediate good to the people as 
 before stated. 
 
 Instead of popularity he really courted seclusion. In the 
 midst of the uproar of merriment he was known to wear an 
 expression of sadness on his countenance. Nay, he presided 
 at public feast*, such as they were, where drinking was freely 
 indulged by all parties, yet he was always sober, as if he meant 
 to be eternally on guard over the deep mystery of his earlier 
 
 years. 
 
 ZANTHON 2
 
 18 ZANTHON 
 
 During the time of his sojourn amid the rural scenes we 
 have been describing many changes occurred, such as are com 
 mon to human life in all places. A numerous family grew up 
 to him. There were deaths, births, marriages and emigration 
 of young people to other points. But the village of Footford 
 itself was about the same now as when Marlband first saw it 
 twenty years before. It was darker, to be sure; more decrepit, 
 and appeared as if it had sunk a couple of feet still further 
 into the ground. 
 
 The relations of his wife were among those affected by the 
 changes wrought by time. The father and mother were dead. 
 The elder of her brothers succeeded to the farm and was mar 
 ried, while-the other boy had left the country to seek his fort 
 une in places better qualified to yield one than at home. 
 
 Nothing in the memory of the people appeared so remarka* 
 ble as the persistent manner of Marlband's adhesion to the life 
 of a poor peasat, although endowed with intellectual gifts ca 
 pable of making him a useful member of any society. As a 
 matter of course the mystery surrounding him gave rise to 
 suppositions or conjectures of various kinds, which were fre 
 quently neutralized by his affability and kindness until this 
 year, when his demeanor exceeded all reasonable bounds and 
 obliged his neighbors to imagine he was afflicted with insanity. 
 
 In the spring of the year, at the time selected by us for the 
 opening of our story, Marlband had grown exceedingly mo 
 rose. This unfortunate symptom of trouble appeared in him 
 suddenly. It was about the middle of May, when physical na 
 ture decks herself in robes of loveliness. The seeds for the fall 
 crops were in the ground, and people had time to move around 
 leisurely a good deal. Contrary to custom, Marlband turned 
 away from them. He adopted a lofty air, a light step and 
 walked abroad with nature alone. He could be observed on 
 the highest peak of the hills in the midst of a storm, through 
 the depths of lonely valleys, in the solitude of woods and on
 
 A MYSTERIOUS PERSON 19 
 
 the banks of rivers looking into the distance as if he expected 
 to behold something wonderful approach ; or, in a meditative 
 mood, with his gaze fixed upon the ground. 
 
 Sometimes he gesticulated with his hands and called aloud 
 to imaginary beings ; nay, he was heard to laugh in several of 
 these situations as if an unseen spirit answered his voice by a 
 mirthful sally. 
 
 In the opinion of witnesses to some of these awful doings de 
 rangement had taken possession of his faculties. It was the 
 more distressing to contemplate because he who had heretofore 
 been a physician to others would now have none to prescribe 
 for himself. 
 
 If his conduct did not fully establish the presence in him of 
 insanity it indicated the coming of a crisis of some kind. No 
 doubt intricate problems had to be studied in this connection, 
 and, perhaps, when the conclusions were reached, they so 
 astounded the examiner as to bring him on the brink of mental 
 ruin. 
 
 Like a lion, who, after some extensive foray, remained at rest 
 a longer period than usual, again sallies forth with fierce en 
 ergy in quest of new adventures, so Marlband considered, no 
 doubt, he had had a sufficient amount of peaceful times at Foot- 
 ford to justify his preparing for a more exciting career, what 
 ever the opportunity might be which he supposed was now 
 about to present itself.
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 A REVELATION 
 
 r "PHE most remarkable object in the neighborhood of Marl- 
 * band's residence was the remains of an old fort. It 
 stood about one fourth of a mile east in the center of a cultivated 
 plain. The military features of this ancient stronghold had 
 been replaced by prominent green slopes and a corona of trees 
 making it very unlike an instrument of war. Indeed, the 
 peasantry were in total ignorance of its origin, and only knew 
 that it was reserved from spoliation because of its supposed 
 devotion to the uses of mysterious beings of the spirit world, 
 who held awful councils there at stated periods. 
 
 There were natural beauties attached to it also, very inviting. 
 Wild flowers and fragrant shrubs abounded there. It com 
 manded an extensive view of the surrounding country. The 
 voice of the cuckoo was heard coming from it in the early 
 spring; and the blackbird piped his clear, bold notes in the 
 summer from the tallest trees above its crest. It was a beauti 
 ful spot, such as might fascinate the most fastidious taste, and 
 Marlband was not slow to perceive its attractions. 
 
 With his altered condition came the additional intelligence 
 to his acquaintances that he now, more than ever, visited the 
 fort, especially at unseasonable times, in the gloom of the 
 evening, for instance, as if he were actually in consort with 
 the spirits who every one heretofore knew resided within its 
 sacred precincts. 
 
 (20)
 
 A REVELATION 21 
 
 Marlband, while he understood its true history, never 
 attempted to disabuse the minds of his neighbors of the pre 
 vailing belief regarding it; for he saw that this belief served a 
 purpose: it prevented ignorance laying violent hands on a 
 land-mark which helped to adorn the landscape. Then there 
 was another advantage also; he might now meditate within 
 the halo of its beauty continuously, without interruption. 
 Recently boys fearing to come near, watched him standing 
 between the trees in his favorite rendezvous, gazing intently 
 into the distance. He appeared, in their estimation, to be 
 like one amazed at the approach of a great cavalcade, so im 
 movable was his person and steadfast his look. Continuing 
 their observations, they could see him remain in such position 
 until the rich glow of the evening died out, leaving an impres 
 sion on the mind like that created by the appearance of a 
 celestial vision, and the moon appeared with the soft mellow 
 light peculiar to her when the atmosphere is calm. Then they 
 would see his shadow mingle with those of the trees, and 
 imagine there were other figures there flitting about, doubtless, 
 as they supposed, engaged in the performance of some hideous 
 dance. 
 
 These details exaggerated in conformity with that well- 
 known credence in the marvelous possessed by youth, increased 
 local superstition concerning him and the fears of his friends 
 lest they indicated the rapid approach of his dissolution. 
 
 Heretofore his wife made no effort to investigate his views 
 on abstruse subjects, not only on account of her inability to 
 comprehend their purport, but also because she was fully 
 engaged in the affairs of her humble home. Marlband had 
 instructed her in various useful industries, explained com 
 plications as they came into their every-day life, and gradually 
 induced her to adopt an improved method of speaking over the 
 one in common use ; if for no other causes than these, she felt 
 her situation superior to other women ; but in addition, when
 
 22 ZANTHON 
 
 the reflection of her husband's fame was spread around her, it 
 made her often giddy with pride. As an offset to this, how 
 ever, there were moments when the sunshine in her heart 
 became overshadowed by the darkness which eclipsed his 
 early life. No one ever heard him mention his parents, or 
 name the place of his birth. In former times she considered 
 this reticence trivial, notwithstanding the qualms it produced 
 in her secret thoughts. Now, when despondency, or, perhaps, 
 it would be more correct to say, the eccentricity of her hus 
 band became so conspicuous as to awaken general comment, 
 she resolved to examine into everything. She would question 
 him, no matter whether the answers involved intricate subjects 
 or not. 
 
 When the happiness of the whole family was at stake, she 
 must do her utmost to preserve it. She did not think as others 
 did, that Marlband was afflicted with any species of insanity. 
 It was her opinion his present trouble resulted from some act 
 performed previous to his coming to Footford; or if it were not 
 due to this, then to the memory of some one related to him. 
 Had she not perceived through all the years since their mar 
 riage that beneath his jovial appearance there lay some 
 deep-seated uneasiness he could not wholly conceal! 
 
 Fully intent on unraveling so much of the mysteries of the 
 past and present connected with him as might serve to quiet 
 her fears, she drew the corner of her apron over her head, one 
 evening, and proceeded to the old fort where Marlband had 
 gone but a short time before. 
 
 The sun's last rays were filling the spaces between the trees 
 with yellow light, the air was thick with perfume, and the 
 distant mountains appeared purple from base to summit as 
 husband and wife met in this sacred receptacle of nature. 
 
 Marlband divined her purpose, seeing the expression on her 
 pale features, and smiled good naturedly so as to show he would 
 not discourage her efforts to obtain information on the present
 
 A REVELATION 23 
 
 occasion. As both stood an instant gazing at the beauty of 
 the scene, they could hear various familiar sounds from the 
 plain; the lowing of cattle, the bleating of sheep, and occasion 
 ally the hoarse call of some peasant clearly distinguishable 
 above all others. 
 
 Presently Marlband began to speak. He said : 
 
 " I have felt recently, after the sun goes down, a peculiar 
 odor in the air as if a new principle had come into it." 
 
 " Is it this that has disturbed you so much ? " asked the 
 woman sharply. "A trifle of that kind ought not to bring you 
 into the eyes of the people as if there \vas something wrong 
 with your mind." 
 
 "The principle may not be trifling by any means," replied 
 the man, noticing only the scientific part of his wife's words 
 with the courtesy peculiar to a true scholar. 
 
 " I have been investigating it for some time," he continued, 
 "and what I first supposed it to be I have verified." 
 
 "Perhaps it is the perfume arising from the earth-apple. 
 There are large quantities of it here," said the woman. 
 
 The man resumed : 
 
 "It is very faint; indeed, not perceptible to the senses, 
 except at certain places where its development is promoted by 
 contact with other principles on the earth. See here ! " 
 
 He displayed the part of a plant he had plucked in one of 
 the fields on his way to the fort. 
 
 " Why this is the leaf of a potato-stalk ! " said the woman, 
 taking the proffered object. " It is soft and green." 
 
 The man took from his pocket a small instrument ; a 
 magnifying glass about the size of a ten cent piece. 
 
 "Look through this glass at the leaf," he said, "and tell me 
 what you see that does not naturally belong to it." 
 
 The woman bent down and examined it as directed. 
 
 " There are two dark-brown spots upon it; one at the center 
 and the other near the edge," she replied.
 
 24 ZANTHON 
 
 " If this leaf had been left on its stalk for two months more, 
 these spots would have grown so large as to cover at least one 
 third of its surface," continued the man. 
 
 " Well ? " said the wife. 
 
 " This reveals a fact more threatening to the welfare of the 
 people than if the sounds of war were heard upon the hills." 
 
 He spoke with prophetic earnestness. The woman in the 
 meantime smiled, thinking the derangement of her husband 
 would^ assert itself positively if he continued in this strain. 
 
 " Maybe they are fairy marks," she resumed. 
 
 "They are nature's impressions, surely, and the lessons they 
 teach never deceive," he replied. 
 
 " What do they signify ?" 
 
 "A scourge. A misfortune." 
 
 " What will it do ? " 
 
 " It will erase old land-marks, extinguish the fires on the 
 hearths of the poor, depopulate their villages, and destroy 
 human lives by the thousand." 
 
 The woman was visibly disturbed by these remarks. She 
 reflected that her husband's sayings heretofore were true, and 
 it did not appear to her now as if he would willfully speak 
 falsely. Besides, what did she know compared with him ? 
 
 She stood nearer to him while she continued : 
 
 " Is it a storm that you believe is coming ? " 
 
 " No." 
 
 "An earthquake ? " 
 
 "No." 
 
 "War?" 
 
 " No." 
 
 " What is it then ? " 
 
 " It will trouble your mind if I tell you. I hold it right 
 when a condition of peace is gained on earth we should not 
 remove it if possible. I have refrained from speaking of this
 
 A REVELATION 25 
 
 to you and the children in order to ward off the distress 
 arising from it to the last moment/' 
 
 " But it will come in any case ? " 
 
 " It will." 
 
 " Then I want to know what it is. It may be one thing as well 
 as another. I have been troubled about a different affair, believ 
 ing in my foolishness you were changing your ways on account 
 of something that happened before you came to Footford." 
 
 " Whatever happened then is secondary to the occurrences 
 about to come forth now. At least to you. My troubles are 
 my own. It would be unjust to burden you with them. There 
 fore I kept them to myself." 
 
 " Whatever they were I would be content lo bear them," said 
 the woman feelingly. 
 
 The man resumed : 
 
 "The spots on the leaf indicate that all plants of that kind 
 will be marked in a similar manner; because, as I have said, 
 the atmosphere above them is charged with a principle 
 designed to do this." 
 
 " I understand." 
 
 " The stalks will transmit the vicious substance to the 
 tubers beneath the soil." 
 
 " To the potatoes ? " 
 
 "Yes. The potatoes will be stricken as if by lightning. 
 The substance which has made them valuable and celebrated, 
 will be blackened so as to be unfit to eat. This condition 
 known as the blight, shall result in a great famine I " 
 
 The woman, now fully convinced of the truth of her hus 
 band's words, clasped her hands in an agony of despair. The 
 announcement was so sudden and different from the subjects 
 she had been brooding over, that her exclamation was heart 
 rending and spontaneous : 
 
 " Oh, God ! famine ! What must that be when even our 
 times of plenty are miserable ! " she said.
 
 26 ZANTHON 
 
 The man resumed sorrowfully : 
 
 "Ah ! it will be the night of a gloomy day. The end of a 
 sad beginning. There may be the semblance of a struggle for 
 life, only to make death come more swiftly. There does not 
 seem to be any hope in view; even such as the most degenerate 
 beings of the human race sometimes perceived. The evil will 
 not be confined to the poor. The terrors of the times will appal 
 the rich in the midst of their luxuries, for they then can 
 behold how nature may strike when once incited to operate 
 destructively, by the folly or mismanagement of mankind. It 
 may be the starting point, however, of a movement .calculated 
 to destroy the power of the aristocracy and give some liberty 
 to the people." 
 
 " Liberty will be no good to dead men," said the woman. 
 
 " Some will survive." 
 
 u How will it be with us ? " 
 
 " I cannot answer." 
 
 " Do you know ? " 
 
 "I do." 
 
 " Say it then. I have a right to learn the truth for the 
 children's sake if not for my own." 
 
 "We shall share the common lot." 
 
 " Must we all perish ? " asked the woman in a high tone of 
 grief. 
 
 " One may be saved ; perhaps two. I have been examining 
 by what means our boy Clare can escape death by famine; but 
 as yet I have not discovered it." 
 
 Clare was his favorite and the youngest of the family. 
 
 The woman began to weep silently. She had heard descrip 
 tions of a famine which visited the country on a former 
 occasion, and this sudden announcement of an impending one 
 smote her to the heart.
 
 A REVELATION 27 
 
 The tears of a good wife shed over misfortune are woful. In 
 the catalogue of phases of sorrow they are, perhaps, the most 
 bitter of all. 
 
 The state of the country would justify the coming of any 
 calamity. The people depended wholly on their crop of 
 potatoes for maintenance. The little grain that was raised 
 being intended for the payment of rent and other expenses. 
 Hence the readiness with which she understood the import of 
 her husband's words when he intimated that the blight had 
 attacked the potatoes. 
 
 " Why do you select Clare more than any of the others ? " 
 she asked. " Is not Orfa as good a boy ? " 
 
 Orfa was her favorite. 
 
 " Nature will make the selection," replied the man evas 
 ively. 
 
 " I chose Clare because intuition told me he was the most 
 likely one to live. Besides this, I love the boy. 1 ' 
 
 "We might move to another part of the country," resumed 
 the woman. 
 
 "The famine will prevail in all parts." 
 
 "There may be grain enough in this year's crop to carry 
 the people over the hard times." 
 
 " The amount of grain," returned the man, " will be insuffi 
 cient to yield support more than for a couple of months. Then 
 at least eight months must be afterwards provided for before 
 the return of a new crop." 
 
 " And then ? " asked the wife. 
 
 "And then," reiterated the man, "it may be as rotten and 
 deficient as this one. We might abandon the country alto 
 gether," he continued, "if we had means; yet even then 
 the dangers incurred on the way might prove as menacing to 
 the children as those we expect at home." 
 
 " I will never consent to leave the country," answered the 
 woman.
 
 28 ZANTHON 
 
 " If we have to suffer let it be here where I have been born. 
 The children would rather die than leave home, poor as it is." 
 
 "I shall do my best to meet the difficulties of the period," 
 said the husband. 
 
 " We have been unfortunate in living in a country where the 
 interests of the poor are considered the least of all; but in as 
 much as / have chosen the situation, we must now endeavor to 
 make the best of it without complaint." 
 
 ".You surely had good cause for sorrow, with the whole of 
 the troubles of the future joined to those of the present, with 
 out at all reckoning the past," said the wife. She continued 
 as if meditatively. "I might have known I'd go wrong when 
 I began to guess. Guessing is one thing and studying is 
 another." 
 
 "You may have been right, even in your wild conjectures," 
 returned the husband, as if desirous of relieving the painful- 
 ness of her reflections; but seriously too, for he thought of the 
 past in that instant. 
 
 The sun had set and the moon in company with the eve 
 ning star was shining over a beautiful prospect. 
 
 Husband and wife stood arm in arm gazing into the twilight 
 evidently fascinated by the scene, yet saddened to an unusual 
 extent. The solemn grandeur of approaching night but inten 
 sified the thoughts which their conversation had evoked and 
 the mind of each went forth in silence to mingle with the great 
 spirit of the hour. 
 
 It was a new birth into a mysterious realm that yet re 
 mained unfathomable. 
 
 The learning of the man and the ignorance of the woman 
 had ample space for diversion. Both recognized beauty, divin 
 ity and power. The rest was dark. 
 
 The man's ability, doubtless, penetrated further than the 
 simplicity of the woman, yet discovered little more beyond the 
 boundary separating the real from the ideal. The great prob-
 
 A EEVELATION 29 
 
 lems upon which nature was at. work were as mysterious 
 to him as they had been to her, whose understanding had had 
 - no conception of their existence. 
 
 Voices coming from the direction of their home suddenly 
 disturbed the reverie of Marlband and his wife. As if a thun 
 derbolt had broken the spell of enchantment surrounding 
 them, they were recalled to a full consciousness of their situa 
 tion, and both involuntarily exclaimed : " The children ! " 
 Playing in the vicinity of the cottage the children assembled 
 at the approach of night, and, after due consideration, agreed 
 to seek their parents at the old fort. Hand in hand they 
 went, skipping along the path, their merry prattle and laugh 
 ter reaching into the evening, as if designed to greet the agents 
 of nature present at that hour. 
 
 Father and mother forgot everything except the great bliss 
 awakened in their hearts at the approach of their loved ones. 
 
 When they descended the grassy slope of the fort and joined 
 hands with the young group they felt as if the happiness of 
 that moment was sufficient recompense for the trials of all 
 future time. 
 
 Marlband especially was cheerful, and the shadows which 
 had hung over him recently were temporarily dispelled by the 
 joy and innocence of youth come to entwine their arms around 
 him. 
 
 Thus united, the night shedding across their footsteps its 
 light and shade, and with the sweetness of love pervading their 
 minds-, the family returned home. 
 
 To counteract the unfounded rumors prevailing in Footford 
 in regard to her husband, as well as to prepare the inhabitants 
 for the dangers now near at hand, the wife dispatched messen 
 gers to the village requesting the most responsible persons in 
 it to visit her. As this was customary when questions of pub 
 lic importance came up for consideration, the people responded 
 in the usual manner.
 
 30 ZANTHON 
 
 When the principal facts were, stated, one old man, who was 
 deaf, inquired of the person nearest him : 
 
 " What does she say ? " 
 
 " She says the potatoes will be taken from us this year." 
 
 " What is going to come in their stead ? " 
 
 "Nothing." 
 
 " There must be something." 
 
 "Starvation." 
 
 '* Bad enough," laconically replied the deaf man, subsiding 
 into silence. 
 
 Notwithstanding their want of erudition these simple people 
 had their methods of studying causes and effects. Supersti 
 tion gave them a substitute for what science revealed to others. 
 
 Mrs. Marlband, instead of placing the scientific fact before 
 them as received from her husband, related a marvelous tale ; 
 for she knew full well they would not believe that a small 
 brown spot on the leaf of a potato stalk indicated the coming 
 of a wide-spread famine. When asked by what method her 
 husband had found that this awful visitant was approaching, 
 said, " he was present a few nights before at a great battle in 
 the fields, fought by the spirits from the land of the conquerors 
 and those belonging to their own. The object of the fight was 
 to determine whether or not the blight would come on the po 
 tatoes this year. The battle lasted the whole night, resulting 
 in the defeat of the guardians of their homes. They were scat 
 tered to all points like chaff before the wind. The sight," she 
 continued, " was awful. All the movements known to soldiers 
 were practiced. The only thing wanting was noise. The silence 
 was just the same as on other nights. The spirits appeared 
 like white figures. Our side beaten showed the potatoes 
 would go." 
 
 The, people believed this wonderful narrative. 
 
 When everybody present was pale with affright Marlband 
 laughed. It was his turn.
 
 A REVELATION 31 
 
 They thought on this account he could avert the impending 
 calamity. His brother-in-law said to him : " You can stop 
 it, master ? " 
 
 Marlband shook his head to signify his inability to perform 
 such a feat. 
 
 " Haven't we seen you do wonderful things," continued the 
 man. " You kept the badness of witches away from us ; you 
 stopped the evil eye from sending any more sickness to our 
 children. None of the 'good people' could carry off a child 
 and leave an idiot in its place while you were here. If an old 
 witch changed herself into a hare, so that she might run off in 
 rattling style, you could draw a line before her she would not 
 be able to pass, except she came back to her own form. Surely 
 you have power to keep the blight from coming on us." 
 
 It will be noticed in the above enumeration of Marlband's 
 exploits that not one really serviceable performance was men 
 tioned. His establishment of open air sports and sociability 
 seemed to have no value compared with the dull, unmeaning 
 sophistries entertained by superstitious minds. He had grown 
 tired of this persistent grovelling in darkness. While merri 
 ment was in order, superstition might be regarded as a phase 
 of it, but now in the face of danger its recognition was irksome 
 and unmanly. He chafed under the feeling engendered by 
 the words of his friend ; yet he was too gentle to offer him 
 harsh sentences in return. Nevertheless the occasion called 
 for bold language, such as he was not accustomed to deliver, 
 but which found ready utterance now. Everyone became at 
 tentive when he said : 
 
 " The play is over. What follows will test the strength of 
 every one of you, for it shall be a struggle of life and death. 
 
 We have had pleasant days even amid great poverty ; 
 when they return again, it will be to delight the children of 
 another generation. There is yet a little time left a month. 
 Enjoy yourselves while it lasts if you are able.
 
 32 ZANTHON 
 
 Look at the sunshine. Gather the wild flowers. Go meet 
 the breeze upon the hills, where its purity invigorates. 
 
 Listen to the voice of the stream. Let the stars twinkle 
 ahove your heads in the night. Say to them : ' Farewell ! 
 lovely gems of the all-pervading power 1 The eftd is near.' 
 
 J have already begun. 
 
 You wondered because I left you. 
 
 I was beckoned at. 
 
 The powers disclosed to me what was coming. Therefore 
 I stood up apart from all others. 
 
 I said, ' I am ready.' 
 
 I knew you wanted to play. I was willing you should ; 
 but I turned to look at a more stupendous spectacle. 
 
 I must fight the battle for my children. I shall be to 
 nature in the last extremity what she designed a guardian to 
 my offspring, who may be unable to protect themselves. 
 
 Now it may be seen why I have forsaken you. Like a 
 Bkirmisher I have been driven in on my main resources. 
 
 Cooperation has seductive phases. Friendship is worthy 
 of reciprocation, but in the hour of trial all are disregarded 
 in the interests of self. Nature deals separately with each 
 person. 
 
 Individual life means individual exertion. 
 
 Nature's action is forced upon her in the present instance 
 through the ignorance of man. Hence as a result he only will 
 suffer, or what pertains to him in the animal kingdom. 
 
 The powers at my command do well enough to amuse a 
 party sitting before the kitchen fire, or playing in the fields, 
 but compared with those of nature in her domain they are 
 nothing. 
 
 When she moves, opposition is of no avail. If you move 
 with her, she may save you ; but if you do not understand, you 
 must fall. The famine will have no mercy. Lay your plans 
 quickly for self-preservation. You must do more than pray ; act.
 
 A REVELATION 33 
 
 In your sufferings do not ask if there is a God ; for while 
 you were contented he was forgotten." 
 
 The terror inspired by Marlband's announcement silenced 
 every one. There was no response. When fear goes beyond 
 a certain point the power of speech is paralyzed. The mind 
 retreating to its secret center crouches beneath the awful presen 
 tation, and forgets the use of words. 
 
 However indistinct appeared the meaning of a portion of his 
 language, all who heard him knew the import of the sentence 
 spoken by his wife and corroborated by him. 
 
 "The potatoes will be taken from you this year." 
 
 A speech requiring five days for delivery could not signify 
 any more to them than this ; because it involved the loss of 
 their entire wealth ; nay, more it placed their lives in immi 
 nent danger, with the probability of no hope of escape. Draw 
 ing their outer garments closely around their persons, the 
 visitants hurried to their homes, to communicate the news to 
 others, and cogitate on it for their own satisfaction. 
 
 The prospect was the darkest ever known to them. 
 
 ZANTHON 3
 
 CHAPTEE III. 
 
 A SECRET POWER. 
 
 A GLANCE at the children of Marlband would enable an 
 observer to determine the secret power binding him to a 
 life of poverty, apart altogether from other causes. 
 
 No man with such a progeny could refuse them the full 
 exercise of his physical arid mental capacity, whether it endan 
 gered his life or not. It made but little difference if he had 
 been originally an aristocrat or peasant, a good citizen or a 
 criminal, a native or a foreigner, or a person intending to be 
 false to his surroundings. Whatever character suited him in 
 the past, any one of his country neighbors could assert posi 
 tively what he was now. A father loving his offspring without 
 reservation. A man bold in the defense of his household, 
 regardless of the strength or viciousness of its enemies. 
 
 Travel where he might, examine every feature of human life, 
 weigh wealth and title in the balance, and after all it was pro 
 bable he could not find on the face of the earth objects of such 
 value to him as those present in this poor cabin at Footford. 
 
 They loved him! Think of it! He who had seen the 
 heart's impulses, in the highest walks of society, made the 
 agents of deception. Who witnessed the betrayal of friendship, 
 the destruction of innocence, the guile of flattery, the baseless 
 instinct of covetousness, and thought there was no genuine 
 good associated with the life of man. 
 
 (34)
 
 A SECRET POWER 85 
 
 In the darkest hour, however, he beheld light. 
 
 Beings having the purity of Omnipotence, the fervor of a 
 divine principle, the beauty of celestial creatures, doted on him, 
 a poor tramp ! 
 
 Innocence reveled in his presence as if he were a god. 
 
 Purity shone around him like the lustre of a star. 
 
 No falsehood, no dissimulation, no mockery, no murmurs of 
 displeasure were there ; but the effulgence of attachment for 
 his individuality, glowing with the vigor of sunbeams. 
 
 Where he expected to meet misery centered in destitution he 
 found paradise ; so strange are the dispensations of nature. 
 
 Lips tinted deeply, as if with vermilion from heaven, kissed 
 him. Cheeks beautified by dimples, pressed against his rug 
 ged face. Tiny fingers sought to erase the wrinkles from his 
 brow. Dainty arine encircled his neck, while words fell upon 
 his ears like the sounds of distant music. 
 
 He would have attacked a mountain, with the view of re 
 moving it out of place, if directed to do so by one of these 
 children. 
 
 Storms could blow, threatening destruction to enterprise on 
 land or sea ; the political world might be shaken by strife ; 
 disaster follow disaster in social economy, but for him there 
 was reserved the love of angels. Whatever science exhibited 
 by way of instruction as to that which constituted the true des 
 tiny of mankind, it was evident to him now, the family circle 
 was the place of its execution. It was here where nature ex 
 pended her richest treasures, and here were congregated the 
 great gifts she meant to bestow worthy of enjoyment love, 
 truth, virtue, innocence and peace. 
 
 Seeking for happiness elsewhere was time wasted in a vis 
 ionary project, excepting, perhaps, with those few persons who 
 scaled the immense heights of knowledge through the genius 
 of intellectual power.
 
 36 ZANTHON 
 
 Look at Amby Marlband, the eldest daughter. She was more 
 like one descended from a line of kings, whose imperial hau 
 teur had become hereditary, than the child of a peasant. The 
 poor material of her clothing' only made her beauty more con 
 spicuous. The chiselling of the features was modeled after 
 her father, and the paleness relieved by tinting of the most ex-* 
 quisite delicacy. Her eyes were blue. Their steadiness in 
 repose was remarkable. They met the gaze of the people with 
 an expression of frankness both pleasing and decorative ; yet, 
 under excitement, there were extraordinary flashes of lustre 
 darting through the air around her from them as if she were a 
 luminous body. The eyelashes, rich in design, were of that 
 order usually given to beautiful women, copious in length and 
 weight. 
 
 Her hair was dark. It was exceedingly fine in quality, and 
 when loosened, extended almost to the groifnd. 
 
 There were dimples on her hands, and the touch of her fin 
 ger-tips would create an idea that in an extremity their appli 
 cation might heal the sick. 
 
 Now that she had reached womanhood, being nearly seven 
 teen years of age, her figure was tall, graceful in its movements 
 and flexible, a quality admirable in youth ; it bespeaks 
 strength for old age. 
 
 No description of parts, how minute soever it might be, could 
 give the true idea of her appearance. 
 
 It was like a statue sometimes suddenly encountered in a 
 multitude of others, along whose lines the genius of a master 
 could be traced. 
 
 May came next to Amby. Her features were of the Koman 
 type broad forehead, straight nose, large eyes, full cheeks 
 and slightly prominent chin. Her figure was erect, the should 
 ers being square, the breast well developed. She might be a 
 little above the medium height, perhaps, when full grown. 
 There would be a display of physical power associated with
 
 A SECEET POWER 37 
 
 her presence, evidently, and resolution attached to her charac 
 ter. Her hair was brown, but gradually darkening as she ad 
 vanced in years, and her eyes were brilliant exponents of that 
 color. Beyond the lips, when she smiled, could be discerned 
 . teeth of great regularity and whiteness. The more her powers 
 increased the less became the irritability of temper peculiar to 
 young persons. Indeed, she was as mild as the dawn of morn 
 ing in summer. Though her dress was made of printed calico, 
 without frill or flounce, this fact did not disturb the peace of 
 her soul. She did not know what was poverty, although bred 
 in its midst. According to custom she was not old enough to 
 have either hat or bonnet, but the sheen of her hair surpassed 
 every artificial adornment. Occasionally she wore shoes. At 
 other times these useful appendages were wrapped up in paper 
 and deposited for safe keeping in the family chest. 
 
 A selfish man feeling his inability to guide himself through 
 the world would be likely to fall in love with May ; for, seeing 
 her, he beheld beauty and power combined. 
 
 Many a miserable clown has in this way become a shining 
 light in society, sustained by the wisdom of his better half. 
 
 Valine followed May. In proportion to her age her figure 
 was more fragile. It was moulded in that special form so ad 
 mirable for ladies tall and elegant, possessing delicacy with 
 out weakness, and the power to command obedience without a 
 display of strength. 
 
 Evidently Valine's beauty, when her person became matured, 
 would surpass that of May, in the estimation of a large class 
 of people. Her habits, too, seemed directed by different in 
 stincts. Instead of calling forth splendor from chaos, as May 
 did by labor, she would simply grace the interior of a boudoir, 
 and personate a goddess by the majesty of her demeanor. She 
 was figure, grace and attitude combined. When she came to 
 be a woman the toss of her head would be looked to by open- 
 mouthed admirers as something without a parallel in nature,
 
 38 ZANTHON 
 
 outside the domain of woman. She would be a lovely brunette 
 if the fairness of her person did not set aside the illusion. If 
 she could not design she had the faculty of the arrangement 
 of designs as applied to household duties, and in this way was 
 beginning to render some assistance under the supervision of 
 her mother. Notwithstanding the admiration due these chil 
 dren, the boys, Orfa and Clare, were the favorites of the par 
 ents. In order to appropriate as much of the parental affec 
 tion as possible without disputing the good fortune of the boys 
 May became the self-constituted guardian of Clare's interests, 
 while Valine for the same reason was attached to Orfa. Amby 
 was neutral. Although there was nothing approaching antag 
 onism or a display of ill feeling on the part of either children 
 or parents, yet it was instinctively known that May and Clare 
 were nearer the father's heart, while Valine and Orfa were spe 
 cially beloved by the mother. 
 
 Orfa was about ten years of age. His character was artless, 
 exceedingly gentle, but in person he was weak. On this 
 account his mother devoted much attention to his wants, and 
 he repaid her with all the love at his command. He was a 
 fair boy, possessing no unsoundness but effeminacy approach 
 ing it. Time and care would make him strong, although he 
 might be immature at twenty-five. 
 
 Clare, the youngest, was also the greatest of all the others, 
 had there been a thousand of them. Strong and active, he 
 made himself the general favorite through the force of char 
 acteristics well known in human life on account of their charms 
 for the heart: courtesy, benevolence, fearlessness in dangers, 
 boldness in the defense of virtue, a sense of justice displayed 
 in all his transactions, and the preference to relieve the wants 
 of others instead of his own. Affability, gentleness, and truth 
 shone in his person like the brilliants in the diadem of a king. 
 
 Even the queen-like beauty of Amby, the beaming purity of
 
 A SECEET POWER 39 
 
 May, and the graceful delicacy of Valine paled before the 
 classic magnificence of Clare. 
 
 The features of this boy had the impression of nobility 
 stamped upon them. He bore a greater resemblance to a god, 
 such as the human imagination conceives than to animal man. 
 It would be fair to suppose nature designed him for trans 
 portation to another sphere without suffering death, on 
 account of the absence of those habits suggested or originated 
 by the propensities of the body, which tend to lower the 
 standard of an intellectual being, and the methods of doing 
 good which he pursued. 
 
 He was a wonderful boy. The calmness perceptible in him 
 was like the placidity of a lake, combining with its condition 
 a mysterious beauty incapable of analysis. 
 
 The tinting of his face was beautifully executed. Nature 
 displayed great power in her design and finish of the entire 
 head, neck, and shoulders. So, also, in the shape of his limbs. 
 There could not be detected a hair's breadth of divergence 
 from what might constitute a sculptor's perfect model in these 
 parts. His hands and feet were also admirably shaped. He 
 resembled Amby in the expression of his face; but May in the 
 color of his eyes and hair. 
 
 From indications discernible at this time it was concluded 
 he would attain a high degree of proficiency as a scholar and 
 philosopher if kept under the tutelage of his father. Already he 
 could read with ease and fluency, and was daily committing to 
 memory a vast number of technical terms connected with various 
 branches of knowledge. His father watched the boy's growth 
 with the most intense delight. He saw his own mind repro 
 duced in this child. Perhaps Clare would be his superior at 
 manhood. He must be made to avoid grinding want, how 
 ever; and for this purpose, as well as to be quits forever with 
 the whole train of disadvantages which surrounded him here.
 
 40 ZANTHON 
 
 he would send him into another country, where he could 
 acquire fame and fortune. 
 
 These were Marlband's calculations sometime before he 
 became possessed of his present knowledge of the future. 
 
 An unusual harmony bound the members of this family 
 together. The quarrels so prevalent among young people 
 were absent from their home; because the judicious watchful 
 ness of the father instituted methods of procedure for his 
 children that proved far more satisfactory in results than 
 broils. He took the necessary pains to instruct them. They 
 went deeper into details than the learning of preliminary rules. 
 They were taught to know great principles. When the peace, 
 which mutual respect and mutual love beget, became known, 
 they vied with each other for the purpose of promoting its 
 continual existence. Hence, this grand condition of nature 
 increased until the household bloomed in happiness like a 
 garden full of flowers. 
 
 The love nurtured there was awful. It would be good 
 enough for heaven! The Marlbands carried it through the 
 district, until it was felt like sunshine. Wherever one of 
 them entered there was concord. Their presence was a bene 
 diction. The family was like an institution for the promotion 
 of the general welfare; every one knew its character, and loved 
 it on account of its superior merits. 
 
 The loss of the Marlbands to Footford would be equivalent 
 to the suspension of light, so accustomed were the people to 
 the presence of their beauty and genial fellowship. 
 
 On account of the period, the place and the circumstances 
 surrounding them, the children were obliged to wear the 
 plainest clothing. For similar reasons they were afraid to 
 exercise their genius in the production of fancy work; except 
 ing articles that could be hidden easily when completed. 
 
 Amby could sketch landscape scenes, paint flowers or 
 portraits, and embroider.
 
 A SECRET POWER 41 
 
 May carved designs in wood or metal. If encouraged, her 
 taste might be cultivated to originate new designs in dress, 
 especially head-gear. 
 
 Valine would not excel in any accomplishment requiring 
 skill for its execution, but she would know enough to make 
 her services valuable. The whole field of art was very fairly 
 occupied by these young girls. The natural genius was there 
 without the privilege of exercise. A species of terror had been 
 suspended above the household with the understanding that it 
 should remain undisturbed. This practically instituted a 
 condition of slavery as complete as that which surrounds the 
 lower animals. 
 
 Nevertheless, the girls devoted much of their time to their 
 favorite work, in the second apartment of the house, called 
 " the room," where the family chest with all its mysterious 
 accessories stood, and where the hopes and fears of the little 
 circle were daily discussed. 
 
 The boys, for the most part, loved field sports. Clare was 
 positive, or the leader in action; Orfa passive, or the follower. 
 The younger boy designed expeditions which his brother 
 assisted to execute. With them there was no dearth of 
 amusements; for among other acquisitions, Glare was the 
 owner of three favorites whose association contributed largely 
 toward the pleasure of both himself and Orfa. 
 
 There was Fly, a sparrow, trained to live on a perch fixed 
 in the angle of the window. He was very tame, but proud and 
 noisy. Clare used to carry him into the garden among the 
 low bushes, where, after playing for an hour or more, the bird 
 returned with him to the house. 
 
 The favorite, however, which exhibited most attachment for 
 the boy was Tyro, a dog. This animal was not distinguished 
 on account of pedigree or nationality. Neither was he large or 
 small; nor admirable because of glossy hair or long ears. He 
 was not a rat dog, such as falls to the ownership of men whose
 
 42 ZANTHON 
 
 ideas seldom go higher than rat-catching. There was no 
 poodle in him; and it could not be said he was related to a 
 water-dog or a setter ; for he showed no desire whatever to fol 
 low the special characteristics of these species of canines; yet 
 with all these disadvantages Clare loved him, and as has been 
 remarked, it was evident he loved Clare. This mutual affec 
 tion puzzled the boy. He felt it grow so strong within him as 
 to equal, if it did not surpass, the feelings he entertained for 
 members of his family. 
 
 He was afraid to own to such weakness, lest it should be 
 accounted bad taste, or want of decent pride; yet it held its 
 place notwithstanding, not only without any effort at retention 
 on his part, but actually against his inclination. The attach 
 ment of Tyro never wavered for an instant. In cold or warm 
 weather, wanting food or with plenty; at home or abroad it was 
 all the same. The business of his life seemed to be devotion 
 to his young master. 
 
 It was probable he did not understand how much of the 
 boy's attention was engrossed by another play-fellow, a young 
 ass; else he might begin to realize how precarious must be 
 the mental condition of dog or man whose peace depends on 
 affections of the heart. 
 
 The ass was the gift of a farmer living at a distance. He 
 became a great favorite at once, seeing how meek and helpless 
 he appeared. He looked like a handsome fool. Clare called 
 him Rompy. He had not yet shed his first coat of hair, which 
 resembled wool and was quite thick on his back. The eyes, 
 eye-lashes, the tips of his nose and hoofs were black, the rest 
 of his body gray. The boys collected grass, growing along the 
 paths, for him and there was a temporary shed erected near 
 the house, by the father, for his convenience. Thus were the 
 children amused. 
 
 While the little which served the wants of the family was 
 forthcoming through Marlband's labors he was quite content,
 
 A SECRET POWER 43 
 
 seeing the reward his life in Footford attained. Now, however, 
 he was caught in the midst of his glory, by a power far beyond 
 his influence and threatened with destruction. 
 
 When he looked into the future at the aspect of the evils 
 approaching and then turned to behold his children blooming 
 in health and righteousness, he trembled as if the earth shook 
 beneath his feet. There- was going to be a conflict of powers. 
 Those beautiful gifts which had come to him from heaven 
 would be recalled, as if they were too valuable to remain 
 longer on earth. 
 
 The flowers of his planting must wither on their stalks, 
 prematurely and their remains be strewn around him without 
 being able to save, perhaps, one lovely leaf. 
 
 He had great philosophy on the one hand; but immense love 
 on the other. The greatness of the head was pitted against 
 the greatness of the heart. 
 
 If his offspring were not so charming it is probable the 
 reasonings of the cynic might predominate over the feelings 
 of the father; but with such loveliness and purity as sur 
 rounded him here, it was impossible to witness their sudden 
 removal by violence and continue to exist. 
 
 He should perish with them, like a pine stricken by light 
 ning, in the storm obscuring a beautiful day, when there had 
 been hopes entertained of a long career for it in the midst of its 
 stately branches. 
 
 No wonder he raved. Men in possession of a mere fraction 
 of this knowledge would go mad outright. It was no longer 
 surprising he rushed into the void to see if anything could be, 
 accidentally, encountered there with capacity to aid him in the 
 design of saving his children. 
 
 Now he might shout until the cliffs of the hills re-echoed his 
 voice, yet the people of Footford would no longer think his 
 conduct strange or censurable.
 
 44 ZANTHON 
 
 There was cause. What now became of his black art they 
 thought? 
 
 Nature advanced but one small indication of change such as 
 would be disastrous to the community in which he lived and 
 the whole line of imposture was annihilated. 
 
 Where was the power of the witches even? 
 
 Driven into the crevices of the rocks and to the hollows 
 beneath the mountains, so as to avoid encountering the dread 
 ful visitation whose presence was so near at hand. 
 
 Sophistry was silenced; genius appalled, merriment forced 
 to seek a hiding place somewhere out of reach of the family 
 circle and courage drawn to its utmost degree of tension. 
 
 What remained was the reality of misfortune. A place to 
 struggle with death, like the unfortunate travelers cast from a 
 sinking ship into the sea. 
 
 In the estimation of those who credited Marlband's 
 announcement, there was no hope; because there would be no 
 sustenance; but with him there yet remained the test of an 
 experiment. 
 
 Face to face with supreme difficulty, where nothing but 
 power could assist him, he might reach forward and touch 
 science. 
 
 What could science effect? 
 
 With proper conditions almost everything. 
 
 But without conditions? Nothing. 
 
 Science could not manufacture food except by the ordinary 
 processes where crude nature played the principal part. Now 
 she meant to insinuate some new movement into this depart 
 ment, which would alter the product and leave science, as 
 understood by men, wholly at a disadvantage. Besides science 
 does not, by any means, guarantee protection to animal life. 
 
 How could she aid him though? 
 
 Her powers were numerous and subtile, her dominion far 
 extended. He had examined her capacity; knew he could
 
 A SECRET POWER 45 
 
 perform wonderful transactions, if accorded facilities; but the 
 material was wanting. 
 
 He felt himself as powerless, nearly, as the most ignorant 
 man in Footford. To supply the wants of the body he must 
 work as others did. 
 
 He had ample experience on that point. Still he was not 
 satisfied, although determined to do his part in the ordinary 
 way. 
 
 Was there anything beyond science ? he asked himself. 
 
 Where ? 
 
 In that degree of nature the next above the sphere of man. 
 Superhuman. Perhaps there were immense powers in it; but 
 like these in an inferior place, they could not be utilized. 
 He had imagined, however, it was possible to enlist some of 
 them in his behalf. He was induced to pursue this train of 
 reflection by his practices, heretofore, while pandering to 
 superstitious minds. From the fable of superstition he im 
 agined there was something, to which he might come, the fact 
 of superhuman energy, or spirit power distinct from mind. 
 
 It was a plausible theory and one held by many worthy as 
 well as learned people. 
 
 As he reflected upon the possibility of its existence he grew 
 enthusiastic. Clasping his hands together, on one occasion, 
 he exclaimed : 
 
 "Oh! if I can call forth the hidden powers of the universe to 
 save these dear treasures of my house, I shall consider that 
 the destiny of man was shaped after a noble design, one 
 through which he may ascend from animal life to the ever 
 lasting potency of a god."
 
 CHAPTEK IV. 
 
 THE GREAT PROBLEM. 
 
 '"PHE world was before him resisting his efforts. He had 
 * been driven from one position to another, while contem 
 plating, the solution of a great problem how to save his 
 family in the coming struggle outside ordinary means. 
 
 The physical elements answered not his calls. He saw the 
 operation of universal law, as pursued by nature, never varying 
 from the direct course. Indeed he found nothing else but this 
 steadfast adhesion to uniform movement. He was confined 
 to a narrow sphere, among human beings where liberty dare 
 not be mentioned nor the semblance of prosperity made known. 
 The food supply was about to disappear. Death would stand 
 in grim horror before him, intent on slaying those whom he 
 loved, without mercy. 
 
 Debate how he would, Marlband came to the conclusion the 
 tangible world would afford him no relief, excepting such sub 
 stance, belonging to others, as might be gathered through the 
 country by persuasion or force. This brought him on a level 
 with the commonest man in Footford. 
 
 Nothing remained but intangibility, the unseen powers, dis 
 tinct from the great laws just referred to. 
 
 Were there such powers ? 
 
 If it were possible to discover their efficacy could he hope 
 to preserve the entire family through their operation ? 
 
 (46)
 
 THE GREAT PROBLEM 47 
 
 No. The history of their interference pointed to relief only; 
 but not the supplanting of established law. It was impossible 
 they could neutralize the force of nature exhibited in perma 
 nently fixed agents for any length of time, if at all. 
 
 The famine must carry off a large proportion of his friends 
 perhaps the whole of them ; but something might be made to 
 intervene for the purpose of saving one without showing any 
 deviation from natural order. 
 
 Hence he had concluded to concentrate all his researches on 
 this issue to save his son Clare, no matter how difficult it 
 might prove to be. 
 
 Clare must not die at this time. Before he witnessed such 
 catastrophe, he would, sword in hand, attack cattle on the hoof, 
 the property of the rich, within their domain walls, and 
 possess himself of the bleeding product of his foray to feed his 
 boy or die in the attempt. 
 
 However, he would continue his investigations. Having 
 read in an old work on metaphysics that " innocence in danger 
 calls forth a protecting voice from the depths of the unknown," 
 he resolved to give this so-called principle a practical test, 
 understanding it to mean that a protest would be made by an 
 invisible power, as a warning to assist deserving people who 
 chanced to be in danger of death by accident. 
 
 Taking his son with him one morning, he proceeded towards 
 the base of a spur of the mountain, ostensibly for the purpose 
 of fishing in a stream near it, celebrated for mountain trout, 
 but really to carry out what he had planned. 
 
 After they had cleared the cultivated land of the settlers, 
 they entered on a large flat moor skirting the base of the moun 
 tain. Here the father raised Clare upon his shoulders and 
 carried him until he was rested sufficiently to resume his walk 
 without suffering. 
 
 Before noon they reached the river ; but instead of remain 
 ing on its banks, they pushed onward in the direction of the
 
 48 ZANTHON 
 
 mountain's summit by a circuitous path. The ascent was 
 tedious, and the boy had to be assisted most part of the way. 
 The view from the summit, however, was exceedingly impos 
 ing, and Clare showed his appreciation of its merits by his 
 looks of wonder and admiration. Crossing the top of the 
 mountain a short distance they came to a perpendicular bluff, 
 the side of an immense precipice, where the ridge had been 
 rent asunder at some early period of the earth's history. 
 
 The chasm was for the most part surrounded by huge ledges 
 of jagged rock. It extended nearly as low as the base of the 
 mountain, and resembled a shaft of the bottomless pit. 
 
 So far as could be observed, there was no water in the basin- 
 like space below, an evidence that there were openings from it 
 to still lower ground ; but whenever accumulated mists 
 descended into its depths the situation was appalling. 
 
 There was a billet of wood lying across the peak, whose ends 
 were securely held by the solid rock; and there were other 
 signs indicating the presence at that place recently of some 
 person or persons. By means of this log they were enabled to 
 bend over and look into the chasm. 
 
 Clare, who never before looked upon anything so dreadful, 
 became uneasy; but to encourage him, as well as to excite his 
 interest, the father saio^.: " It is reported there are some strange 
 birds at the bottom of these cliffs, whose feathers are rare and 
 beautiful." 
 
 " I hope they will come out while we are here," replied the boy. 
 
 The father resumed : u They will not come out unless dis 
 turbed. I would give anything to know if they actually in 
 habit the place; because I would find an entrance below and 
 secure some of their eggs, if not the birds." 
 
 "We might throw stones from here," suggested Clare. 
 
 Although this was the proper course to pursue for the attain 
 ment of the desired end, if such were merely the bringing forth 
 of the birds, yet the father dissented.
 
 THE GEEAT PROBLEM 49 
 
 He continued : " We must find some one to go down over the 
 cliff." 
 
 " Who shall we find, father ? " 
 
 " You ! " answered the man. 
 
 The word was spoken so suddenly and with such emphasis 
 that Clare became speechless. The expression on his face was 
 pitiful, and it smote the father to the heart. 
 
 " You will be quite secure, my boy," he said. " See, the rope 
 is already in place and properly adjusted." 
 
 As he spoke he removed a quantity of heather lying within 
 a few feet of where they were seated, and revealed a large coil 
 of rope to the boy's gaze. One end was fastened to the log, 
 while the other held some pieces of rope secured together in 
 the form of an elongated net. Then the son knew it was his 
 father who had made the arrangement. 
 
 Feeling the necessity of showing resolution on the occasion, 
 the boy stood up and said : 
 
 " I am ready, father." 
 
 The man was evidently moved by the quiet resignation of 
 the boy. He held him in his arms while he gazed lovingly into 
 his face and finally kissed him. 
 
 " When the sun is on the meridian I shall lower you into the 
 abyss." 
 
 "Into the abyss, father ?" 
 
 " Into the abyss, my son. I have drawn the meridian line 
 for this spot before now, and the shadow from an upright 
 pointer will indicate it." 
 
 " Why do you wait for that time ? " 
 
 " It is more likely what I seek will respond while the power 
 of the sun is at its highest degree than at any other time. 
 Nature is then prolific of subtile emanations. I do not desire 
 the profound energy from darkness, such as is invoked at the 
 midnight hour, but that which proceeds from light. 
 
 ZANTHON 4
 
 50 ZANTHON. 
 
 " Must I go down the whole way?" asked Clare, not under 
 standing the last sentence. 
 
 " No. You will be suspended in mid air. When there shall 
 be no further motion downward, cast the stones. I will give 
 you into the space beneath, and listen for any disturbances 
 that may arise there." 
 
 " Do you mean of the birds ? " 
 
 " Of anything. Now, promise me. I am anxious to know 
 exactly the kind of noises you may hear." 
 
 l< I will tell you everything just as it takes place." 
 
 " Will you be afraid, my son ? " 
 
 " No, father, if you promise to be near the rope." 
 
 " I will be near it, my boy." 
 
 The time having come, the man, placing Clare securely in 
 the net, raised him with both hands and dropped him over the 
 cliff, allowing the rope to glide slowly along the smooth sur 
 face of the billet of wood. 
 
 When the rope was all out he bent over the precipice and lis 
 tened. The silence was almost painful. Then he arose and 
 glanced at the horizon. The distant landscape appeared su 
 perb. It was like a dream of a rich prospect where mortals 
 might enjoy happiness. Inspired by the beauty of the scene, 
 he seized a handful of earth and casting into the chasm, said : 
 " If in the depths of this solitude a spirit resides with sym 
 pathies for poor human life, come forth, I beseech you ! I 
 implore you ! as a sign that my innocent child, Clare, shall 
 not perish prematurely." 
 
 There was no answer. 
 
 " Then, laying hold of the rope with one hand and placing a 
 foot on the edge of the cliff, he allowed the rest of his body to 
 be suspended above his son. 
 
 Nature was still calm, as if nothing but the most delightful 
 amusements were transpiring in her presence. It was evident 
 she was smiling at his folly.
 
 THE GREAT PROBLEM 61 
 
 After relieving himself of this fearful situation, he began to 
 draw up the rope with the steadiness and regularity he dis 
 played during its descent. Finally Clare was brought in trem 
 bling and in tears. The father, without making any observa 
 tion, took him in his arms and encouraged him to sob on his 
 breast. 
 
 " I should not have asked so much of you, my sweet son," 
 he said at length. 
 
 u I cannot help crying, father. It was so lonely and my body 
 began to tremble, and I could not stop it." 
 
 " You will be well presently." 
 
 " There didn't any birds come out, either," continued 
 Clare. " I thought often I would fall, my hands shook so 
 much." 
 
 u Did you hear any sounds ? " 
 
 " I did." 
 
 " Ha ! " said the man, eagerly grasping at this faint indica 
 tion of the realization of his hopes. 
 
 " Was it a voice ?" 
 
 " It was like the quiet breathing of a large animal oh! ever 
 BO large ! " 
 
 " Then it was but the sighing of the wind in the void." 
 
 " I thought it to be what we hear in the woods when the 
 evening is calm." 
 
 " Aye ! the zephyr playing amid the boughs and leaves of 
 the trees." 
 
 " Again I imagined it was water running over a shallow bed 
 of gravel." 
 
 " Yes, the mountain hollows given voices by the moving at 
 mosphere." 
 
 " The whole place appeared as if trying to speak, but could 
 not." 
 
 ' Well said, my child. It was the mysterious meeting of 
 light and shade ; loneliness and vacuity ; gentle breezes and
 
 52 ZANTHON 
 
 granite walls, and nature the prime mover, holding each to the 
 performance of its duty." 
 
 *' If it could speak, father, what would it say ? " 
 
 " Ah ! my boy, that is beyond my knowledge." 
 
 " But what do you think it would say ? " 
 
 " I wait the end. I am but the medium of a power a cre 
 ation like other agents. I move; T change; I breathe; I speak, 
 but my language is not understood. I am beautiful and de 
 formed, merry or sad, as the impulses surrounding me impel 
 me to action or repose. I am a type of man." 
 
 Detaching a portion of the rope, he wound it into a portable 
 coil, threw it over his shoulder, and taking Clare by the hand, 
 began the homeward march. It appears he had. borrowed the 
 rope in sections from the farmers in the valley, and would re 
 turn it at intervals. 
 
 Cautioning his son to maintain silence in regard to the busi 
 ness just concluded, Marlband reflected philosophically on his 
 recent failure. , 
 
 All energy, he thought, is the result of established law. 
 There is no detached spirit with qualities similar to living per 
 sons. Life is the result of a combination of physical parts 
 producing it, as light emanates from luminous bodies, but can 
 not be sustained without them. The inferior gods were merely 
 names chosen to characterize powers of nature. They may 
 render assistance to man if employed lawfully, but not by mir 
 aculous means, such as he had sought to procure. 
 
 No doubt this, too, was the rule in respect to the Supreme 
 Power. How could erring man hope to change what the un 
 known had made imperishable through time ? Man must fol 
 low not presume to lead. His ideas are like the mists of a 
 mountain, a necessary adjunct of its condition under certain 
 circumstances, but of no perceptible value unless they coincide 
 with law.
 
 THE GREAT PROBLEM 63 
 
 If any concession would be accorded him at all, it must 
 come from the Supreme Power the Invisible. 
 
 How ? By prayer ? 
 
 No ; by demand ! Prayer, in the ordinary sense, was an ap 
 peal for mercy on account of transgressions against Omnipo 
 tence ; he had nothing of that kind on hand in the present 
 case. Clare was as guiltless as a being holding companionship 
 with the godhead. If the Father really existed in heaven, as 
 popularly believed, he would not deny justice and safety to his 
 son, or think it presumption in Marlband to expect it, no mat 
 ter how the petition was made. 
 
 Even if this belief was brought to adopt another name for 
 God, to be known as the ruling energy of the universe, still 
 the demand would be in place and liable to operate success 
 fully. 
 
 Clare was related to this energy and must be regarded lov 
 ingly by it, if its intelligence were anything like that of man 
 kind. 
 
 For several days after his visit to the mountain he fixed his 
 mind deeply and forcibly on this subject, as if he meant to 
 draw some response out of chaos. Curious as it may appear, 
 this action continued for some time gave promise of favorable 
 results. He began tohave strange dreams. 
 
 One night after wandering more than usual around the old 
 fort inhaling the fragrance of the wild flowers and pondering 
 over his favorite theme, he lay down to enjoy his accustomed 
 repose. 
 
 He was no sooner asleep, than he awoke to a vision surpass 
 ing in magnificence anything ever conceived by his mind. 
 
 He was alone at the entrance of a great plain extending 
 from the earth into the firmament by a gradual incline 
 upward. He found himself walking into this plain, as if 
 drawn by a secret power; and saw that its proportions in 
 creased in width until it involved an expanse as large as the
 
 54 ZANTHON 
 
 compass of the horizon. In fact its limits were without bounds, 
 so far as he could observe. . 
 
 On either side of him were avenues flanked by arcnes and 
 monuments of various colors and exquisite in design. There 
 were fountains of water, trees and shrubs whose leaves 
 appeared most beautifully tinted. The sheen of the archi 
 tectural work combined with the brilliant colors of the natural 
 growths prevailing there, produced a view whose grandeur was 
 beyond description. 
 
 The surface of the plain was divided into several sections in 
 different colors and felt exceedingly pleasant to the touch. 
 He heard sounds like the notes of high toned instruments, 
 away in places inaccessible to him, and a wonderful calmness 
 pervaded the place. 
 
 The light appeared uniform in intensity. It was sufficient, 
 without glare and permitted a view into the distance; whose 
 beauty fascinated the beholder as if he had been stricken by a 
 magic spell. 
 
 In this delightful region there were no inhabitants. Neither 
 did the trees contain birds nor the water fish nor the ground 
 insects. 
 . Animal life was not there in any shape. 
 
 Notwithstanding Marlband's delight' at beholding euch a 
 glorious spectacle the feeling became manifest that he was 
 accompanied by an individual. At first he could see nothing 
 of this person being only conscious instinctively, something 
 was there ; but gradually the semblance of a form appeared 
 beside him. It might have been his own shadow ; yet on 
 reflection he concluded this could not exist, as there was no 
 central point from which the light emanated, such as produces 
 shadows. 
 
 He found he was guided by this companion without obtru 
 sion or language and felt a kind of affection for it, like what is 
 experienced in the presence of a dear friend or a lover.
 
 THE GREAT PROBLEM 65 
 
 After reflection on the mysterious presence enabled him to 
 command sufficient power, he turned suddenly upon it, and 
 beheld what he supposed to be a tall man of comely aspect 
 near him, meditative and young. 
 
 This man with look fixed on the ground, advanced slowly to 
 the base of an eminence hard by, leant familiarly against it, 
 crossed one foot over the other and beckoned the man of earth 
 to a seat near him. 
 
 Marlband in accepting the invitation knew the time had 
 come to decide the fate of his boy. 
 
 He not only sat down with alacrity ; but began a conversa 
 tion on the subject nearest his heart. 
 
 " I desire," said he, "to make conditions with the Supreme 
 Power regarding the preservation of my son Clare." 
 
 " Why have you presumed to follow a course adopted if at 
 ail only by madmen ? " inquired his companion. 
 
 " I have but obeyed the impulses of my heart ; my reason 
 sanctioned the action and I felt myself, in this cause, guiltless. 
 My son is as much the work of the Supreme Power as the 
 worlds which revolve in space, and hence I consider it legiti 
 mate to approach with the design of saving him from prema 
 ture death." 
 
 " Have you considered how absurd it must be in ignorant 
 man to aspire to know the plans of the All-powerful ? " 
 
 " I have." 
 
 " How mad the being of earth, to ask a revision of laws 
 inscribed on the records of eternity through countless ages?" 
 
 " I did not look at the question in that way. It was not 
 contemplated in this connection to interfere with law." 
 
 " What do you exact for your son ? " 
 
 "Long life." 
 
 The stranger smiled, like one hearing some foolish platitude. 
 
 " Why do you not ask that the privilege be extended to all 
 your children ? " he said.
 
 56 ZANTHON 
 
 " I consider it would be demanding too much; and possibly 
 frustrate my design respecting Clare. Besides I wanted an 
 additional concession for him." 
 
 "Name it." 
 
 "Whosoever injures the boy by word or deed, shall be 
 brought to a speedy and terrible end." 
 
 The stranger remained motionless and silent, with his eyes 
 bent on the ground. After a considerable time spent in this 
 manner, he asked: 
 
 " You mean by death ? " 
 
 " I do." 
 
 " In the natural order of things it will come to every person." 
 
 "Yes, but my request would be for sudden death; violent 
 extirpation, before the circumstances attending the offense 
 against my son be forgotten." 
 
 ' ' The civil law will protect him." 
 
 " Oh no ! no ! no ! no ! " 
 
 " What difference would it make if an interval intervened 
 between the time the punishment was inflicted and the dis 
 solution of the party engaged in its perpetration ? " 
 
 " The criminal might exult in his iniquity and enjoy happi 
 ness, while my innocent child would suffer unjust torture un 
 able to assist himself." 
 
 " No criminal can be happy. The memory of crime is like 
 gall to the taste, it inflicts chastisement on the possessor of it. 
 The most trivial injustice committed by one person against 
 another will strike the memory of the offender with pain, even 
 after years have passed since it occurred." 
 
 " True, yet it would please me Well to have the boon asked 
 for, accorded my boy." 
 
 " Do you consider it just to inflict punishment greater than 
 the amount received ? " 
 
 " Yes." 
 
 "Why?"
 
 THE GREAT PROBLEM 57 
 
 "Because an unprovoked assault on a good citizen is the 
 highest crime known to man, if it terminate in death. In any 
 less degree than this, although not estimated as a capital 
 offense, yet the circumstances, such as the innocence of Clare, 
 the respect due to public order and kindred subjects, would 
 call for the punishment of death on the offender when he who 
 would inflict such punishment was identical with the Supreme 
 Power." 
 
 " It is almost impossible to concede what you ask, seeing 
 that nature fixes the degree of punishment for offenses against 
 her, from which she will not deviate." 
 
 " It is not impossible. There are intricate laws connected 
 with human life unknown to mankind. Death strikes persons 
 at all ages. It would not disturb law or surprise any one if 
 offenders fell in the streets or were carried off in a hurricane, 
 which is sometimes the fate of innocent persons." 
 
 " In order to attain this end you must guarantee certain 
 conditions on behalf of your son ; and remember, we shall 
 amend your original proposition by striking out ' word ' and 
 confine ourselves to deeds of assault. If the offense against 
 Clare be words only, it shall not be punished with death." 
 
 " I will guarantee anything for him I can." 
 
 " He must be just." 
 
 " He shall." 
 
 " And innocent." 
 
 "Yes." 
 
 " He will render assistance to others in need of the common 
 necessaries of life." 
 
 " Be it so." 
 
 " Instruct him to defend the helpless, so as to procure them 
 a full measure of justice." 
 
 " It shall be done." 
 
 " He must walk with nature in her beautiful ways and drink 
 deeply of her mysteries."
 
 58 ZANTHON 
 
 MI am already leading him to do this." 
 
 " Do not inform him of this meeting or of the questions dis 
 cussed thereat." 
 
 " No." 
 
 " It is understood he will not be told of any superhuman aid 
 enlisted for his protection during life other than such as all 
 persons well learned confide in." 
 
 " The requirement shall be observed." 
 
 " You will make no provision for his future comfort on ac 
 count of the knowledge here obtained, excepting such arrange 
 ments as you would have instituted without it." 
 
 " Very well." 
 
 "With scarcely enough clothes to cover him. or food to allay 
 his hunger, he shall be allowed to drift on the world, without 
 protection or friendship or love or warning voice or companion 
 ship or hope of any place that would hide him from the evils 
 of a barbarous age." 
 
 Marlband clasping his hands together bowed his head before 
 the stranger, overcome with grief. After an interval of some 
 minutes he answered : 
 
 " It cannot be avoided ; but this is very hard." 
 
 " He will assume a new name," continued his companion. 
 
 " On what grounds ? " 
 
 " Because having been granted a renewal of his term of 
 existence, he becomes a new individual. As a member of your 
 family he would have ceased to exist." 
 
 " What shall he be called ? " 
 
 "Zanthon." 
 
 " This only ? " 
 
 " Zanthon." 
 
 " No trace of my family name, old and renowned as it is ? " 
 
 '' No. You cannot reasonably complain on this account, 
 seeing how persistently you have labored to set the example. 
 You were the first to erase it."
 
 THE GEEAT PEOBLEM 59 
 
 N, 
 
 " I remember too well the circumstances. Then, I presume, 
 it will die out altogether ? " 
 
 " Yes." 
 
 " Is there anything else you would impose ? " 
 
 " Some of the incidents of his life, after parting with you 
 may be mentioned. He will have several narrow escapes from 
 death. He will be deceived by persons in the guise of friends. 
 Betrayed into the power of his enemies. Disappointments 
 shall pursue him to the end of his life. He must endure 
 hunger, thirst, and exposure to inclement weather. Cruelty 
 shall be perpetrated upon him. He will be despised, envied, 
 and false accusations preferred against him. No wife or child 
 shall exist to contribute to his happiness. He shall stand like 
 a lone pine on a plain, whose companions of the forest have 
 been blasted by the storm ! " 
 
 Marlband fell upon his knees, exclaiming : 
 
 " Mercy I Mercy for Clare ! Mercy for Zanthon ! " 
 
 Then extending his arms in a supplicating manner, he con 
 tinued : 
 
 " Oh, thou ! who in the depth of infinitude, soarest on wings 
 of golden light, companion of eternal power, behold one kneel 
 ing to thee in behalf of innocence and helplessness. Thou 
 supreme glory beaming with surpassing loveliness, above the 
 domes of unknown worlds. Father, ruler of eternity, Almighty 
 One, imperishable energy, manifest through material and 
 space ; absorbing all time, controlling all power, and having 
 thy habitation in eternity, spare my son. Mitigate these ter 
 rible afflictions I " 
 
 The stranger replied : 
 
 "It is but the common fate of mankind, excepting a few of 
 the visitations. The genius of nature will be taxed to recon 
 cile with law whatever is granted your son. Hence the 
 necessity of strange features in his history."
 
 60 ZANTHON 
 
 "Will there be any privilege given to lessen the burden of 
 his sorrow, and enable him to enjoy existence to some extent ?" 
 said Marlband, regaining his seat. 
 
 " Through the difficulties . indicated he shall reach com 
 petence. Nature shall give him fame in return for his com 
 panionship. Temperate habits will result in purity of thought 
 and peace shall finally surmount his troubles." 
 
 " I am content," said the father. 
 
 "Are we now agreed as to the terms of the contract on each 
 side?" 
 
 " I believe so." 
 
 "You understand the reasons why some of the conditions, 
 apparently harsh, are necessary to be observed ? " 
 
 " Yes." 
 
 " Then all the privileges requested for the boy shall be con 
 ceded ; and the powers shall know of the compact, so as to 
 keep inviolate forever the agreement here enacted." 
 
 Marlband felt the business of the hour concluded, yet was 
 anxious to understand the character of the place where this 
 important interview had transpired. Attempting to speak on 
 the subject, he was seized with a slight dizziness, obliging him 
 to lean against the back of his seat. Then a mist crept slowly 
 over his eyes obscuring the view before him. His strange 
 companion disappeared. Drowsiness oppressed his feelings, 
 and finally he slept. 
 
 When he awoke, the sun was rising over the mountains and 
 forcing his rays through the chinks of the old door of his cot 
 tage ; the birds were singing in the fields, and the children 
 chatting through the apartment while preparing to begin the 
 labors of the day. Notwithstanding the visionary nature of 
 his experience during the night, Marlband entertained the 
 belief that the great problem was solved.
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 FAMINE. 
 
 ' I ^HE people of Footford had not long to wait for the verifi- 
 * cation of Marlband's predictions. Those who doubted 
 them in the first instance became somewhat alarmed on observ 
 ing the large spots on the leaves and stems of the potato plants 
 at the time promised. A few weeks afterwards the season had 
 come to begin gathering the products of the year. The genial 
 harvest, the period of abundance, when even the poorest 'of the 
 poor became conscious how delightful the world appears to per 
 sons having plenty to eat. 
 
 Alas for human expectancy. Instead of full measures on 
 this occasion the people who sought for them returned home 
 empty-handed. The potatoes were all rotten in the ground ! 
 What they had heard their neighbor say was true to the letter. 
 
 When the facts became fully known ; when people began to 
 realize the condition of their families, there arose a wail or 
 lamentation in the land such as was never before heard. It 
 was the cry of women, who, in their frantic distress, rushed 
 out on the highways and gave vent to their sorrow there, as if 
 to awaken the mysterious powers of the universe to action in 
 their behalf. This added terror to 'the general consternation. 
 
 For a short time the immediate distress of the very poorest 
 people was relieved by their neighbors. After this they left 
 their houses never to return. Those who remained did so only 
 
 (61)
 
 62 ZANTHON 
 
 to follow the example of the others, when their means of sub 
 sistence had been expended. A number of farmers had small 
 quantities of oats and barley intended originally to be sold to 
 pay rent, but this year were retained for their own support. 
 
 All payments were stopped, charity disappeared and friend 
 ship even became extinct under the necessity of providing for 
 self. 
 
 The open country, the public - roads and the towns were 
 thronged with destitute families seeking food to preserve life. 
 As the year advanced the number increased. Every resource 
 imaginable or available was examined by them. Cattle were 
 slaughtered in the fields ; domestic fowls fell one after another 
 to satisfy human demands. Hogs and even horses were de 
 voured by their owners. 
 
 Children could be seen digging for roots and gathering vari 
 ous kinds of leaves, which they carried home and cooked for 
 food. . On the coast the seaweed thrown in by the tide was 
 eagerly sought, and such portions of it as could be used eaten. 
 
 Some of the middlemen, who were growing large quantities 
 of turnips for their horses and cattle, sold the crop to the poor 
 at maturity as a substitute for potatoes. 
 
 Suddenly an announcement was made that numbers of the 
 people were dying. Those w r ho could afford to satisfy curiosity 
 at such a trying time found the dead in several places unburied; 
 on the tops of the hills, in ravines, along the roads, as well as 
 in deserted houses. 
 
 Nature was shocked to the heart at the spectacle. 
 
 It would be offensive to laugh, even in private, lest the void 
 sorrowing for this portion of mankind should smite the trans 
 gressor with a death stroke. 
 
 Disease in many forms appeared. Its vigor became terrible, 
 for the victim never escaped. All the noble qualities peculiar 
 to man in the pursuit of good became dormant. He fell in the 
 course of a few months from the happiness of an intellectual
 
 FAMINE 63 
 
 being to the irresponsibility of a savage. The face of physical 
 nature appeared in awe of some immense power operating in 
 its presence, furious with the conditions imposed on it, to de 
 stroy innocence, while the guilty remained untouched. 
 
 Oh, it would be only for a season. When the angel of Death 
 ceased his present mission there would be a day of retribution 
 appointed for the nobles. Aye, it was probable their total extir 
 pation would be determined and agreed to. A system so obnox 
 ious to nature could not last long, especially if productive of 
 such dire disaster as witnessed here. 
 
 Fairside Marlband and his family were among the first to 
 feel the effects of the famine. Having no grain on his land, 
 the failure of the potatoes left nothing but a few garden vege 
 tables. Taking into account what friendly acquaintances gave 
 them, by the end of October their entire means were exhausted. 
 
 Then, indeed, did this mysterious man rise to the dignity of 
 a hero by the extraordinary labors performed in behalf of his 
 family. 
 
 Although the season was growing cold and rain fell in con 
 siderable quantities, every morning witnessed his departure in 
 search of provision. If he did not return until near the close 
 of the day, it was understood by his wife and children he had 
 traveled many miles on that occasion. He never came home 
 without bringing something. There were no questions asked as 
 to his methods of procedure ; it was satisfactory to all parties 
 when the food appeared, no matter how procured. After the 
 sources of his supplies for some distance around Footford were 
 exhausted, he extended the circuit. Then he penetrated to the 
 town, distant about ten miles, where large numbers of people 
 congregated, attracted by the rumor that some form of relief 
 was being adopted for them. 
 
 Aid from distant countries would come, no doubt, and did 
 at a later period, but the flower of the people would be laid in 
 the dust before it could be utilized to save them. The mer-
 
 64 ZANTHON 
 
 chants and some of the aristocracy, however, instituted pro 
 ceedings for giving immediate relief. This consisted of soup 
 made of corn meal, Avater and salt. 
 
 In the history of the world there could not, perhaps, be 
 found a more reprehensible preparation for the nourishment of 
 mankind. Had the meal been issued singly it could have been 
 made into bread or mush and relished by the consumers ; but 
 soup of this consistence, color and flavor was an abomination. 
 However, there were no remonstrances offered or complaints 
 heard. Weighed in the balance of human excellence the de 
 visers of this scheme were far beneath the unfortunate recipi 
 ents. The narrow-heartedness shown in this instance was such 
 as to make a person ashamed of being related in any way to 
 the miserable creatures. Notwithstanding its deficiencies Marl- 
 band had some difficulty in procuring a share of the so-called 
 relief. After making use of it for several days almost all the 
 members of his family sickened, obliging him to explore other 
 districts in order to vary his supplies. 
 
 These daily marches enabled him to witness woful scenes. 
 Desolation appeared to be increasing everywhere. Footford was 
 wholly abandoned early in the season. For miles around no 
 one remained but his family. It was as if they lived in the 
 center of a wilderness, 
 
 He often saw persons fall by the wayside, yet was afraid to 
 render assistance, lest an accident should detain him from 
 reaching home when expected. 
 
 Children endeavoring to bury their parents, without coffin or 
 shroud ; women carrying children on their backs and the dead 
 in their arms ; men digging graves in front of their doors, 
 might be seen frequently over the face of the country. On ac 
 count of constant exposure to scenes of this nature, as well as 
 to inclemency of weather, he felt the savage rise in his heart. 
 From solicitations he merged into demands. When he entered 
 a house, if there was food, the occupants were obliged to give
 
 FAMINE 65 
 
 him part of it before he would leave. If the people were dying 
 he carried off all without scruple. When he found none but 
 dead folks he gutted the house like a fiend. He broke into 
 chests and cupboards, battered down doors or bored through 
 the roof without hesitation. 
 
 His wife said to him one day : " What will we do in the 
 depth of winter ? You cannot make such long journeys then 
 in the snow and rain as you do now. You are getting weak 
 already." 
 
 " Aye, the winter," said the man, reflectively. " The winter 
 will surely test all my strength ; and it is already at the door." 
 
 This was about the end of November. The changes wrought 
 in the family since the beginning of the famine were very per 
 ceptible. 
 
 Marlband was bent on account of over exertion. His face 
 was thin and hard like carved wood. While there could yet 
 be seen a penetrating look in his eyes they had sunk deeply in 
 their sockets, showing great mental disquietude. The hair per 
 mitted to grow over his face and head in the utmost disorder, 
 gave him a frightful appearance, especially as his pale features 
 glistened like one risen from the dead. No one could recognize 
 him any longer by his voice. It was weak and frequently husky 
 from emotion. 
 
 His clothes hung in tatters around him ; the shoes on his feet 
 were ground to the uppers, and an old misshapen piece of felt 
 which had once been a hat covered his head. The wife exhib 
 ited a kind of wild look, a picture of nervous excitement called 
 forth by actual suffering and fear of impending danger: Per 
 haps the circumstance which pained her most was her inability 
 to assist her husband other than remaining in doors to watch 
 the children. The food did not agree with her, and a continua 
 tion of her present surroundings would produce some trouble, 
 ending fatally, no doubt. 
 
 ZANTHON 5
 
 66 ZANTHON 
 
 Amby had become pale and thin, but her brilliant beauty 
 remained. She kept herself busy at some trifling work, speak 
 ing very little. May showed great vitality. She worked fear 
 lessly through the house, spoke loud and laughed sometimes to 
 encourage the others. 
 
 Valine began to fail soon. The beauty which distinguished 
 her previously was gradually disappearing. The rosy lips as 
 sumed a bluish tint ; the lustre of the eyes became dull and 
 the face sharp. Her movements through the house were quietly 
 performed, and she often sang to h'erself. Orfa lay abed. He 
 had been sick since partaking freely of the soup brought from 
 the town, as already noticed. The father controlled the trouble 
 by giving him some potions which he prepared from certain 
 astringent roots, yet it was thought advisable to keep the boy 
 in bed, as he appeared quite weak. 
 
 Clare was grave and at times sad, but strong as usual. His 
 age did not permit him to think so deeply as the others of his 
 situation, and he required but little food, even during times of 
 plenty. 
 
 May and he helped each other. They went frequently into 
 the fields, and when alone laughed with as much zest as of old. 
 
 Clare, however, had been grievously troubled by the loss of 
 some of his favorites. 
 
 During the spring Fly, the sparrow, left the house, and, as 
 sociating himself with a strange bird in the garden, began the 
 consti uctioii of a rest in the identical hawthorn bush from 
 which he was originally taken. The boy, complaining to his 
 father, intimated he would prefer to see Fly alone. The man 
 replied : " He is going to build a nest, and needs assistance, 
 which accounts for the presence of the other bird." About 
 midsummer Fly had congregated around him a number of 
 young sparrows. He seemed to be more attached to them than 
 to his old friend who took such care of him formerly in the 
 house. One morning he was seen rousing up the whole col-
 
 FAMINE 67 
 
 ony, like a captain marshalling his men for an expedition, and 
 taking the lead, flew across the open country, followed by the 
 others. This was the last seen of him. 
 
 Fly's desertion, however, was trivial compared with a later 
 misfortune the death of Tyro. 
 
 This event occurred, no doubt, on account of dire want. 
 When food became so scarce that each individual was given a 
 quantity proportionate to age, and that, for the most part, short 
 allowance was the distinguishing characteristic of the meals, 
 poor Tyro could not be included as one in the division. Nev 
 ertheless Clare voluntarily gave him some of his share, until 
 cautioned by his father that such action should be discontin 
 ued as a matter of necessity. 
 
 The dog actually seemed to understand the nature of the dis 
 tress, for he frequently howled outside the door at night and 
 absented himself during a portion of the day, as if seeking 
 food elsewhere. 
 
 One morning he was found dead under Clare's sleeping- 
 place, curled up on a straw mat which had been made for him 
 during happier times. 
 
 Among the children it was a day of great mourning, and at 
 May's suggestion a grave was prepared for him in a corner of 
 the garden, where he was buried. 
 
 After Clare's grief had subsided he said to May : 
 
 " I will plant a tree over him next year." / 
 
 Not knowing the changes liable to occur in the mean time, 
 his sister answered : 
 
 "We will remember him." 
 
 " What kind of a tree will we plant ? '' continued the boy. 
 
 " Hawthorn, I think, would be the best," she said. 
 
 u Like the one that Fly lived in ? " 
 
 " Yes. In the spring it has white blossoms that give a sweet 
 perfume." 
 
 " Do you think Tyro would like that ? "
 
 63 ZANTHON 
 
 " If he knew it, he would. This fragrant air above his grave 
 is the highest tribute you could pay to his memory." 
 
 " They're all gone now but Rompy," resumed the boy, "but 
 he will stay with us, because he can get plenty to eat." 
 
 " We must not part with Rompy," said May, " he will soon 
 be able to carry you on his back." 
 
 " Oh, you may be sure I will keep him. Rompy wilj be with 
 us forever." 
 
 While the attention of the younger children was directed in 
 the manner just described, Marlband suddenly encountered a 
 difficulty more terrible than famine. Whatever strength and 
 ingenuity remained unexhausted in him were roused to their 
 utmost capacity by an appalling circumstance. 
 
 Amby, his daughter, left the house one morning to meet a 
 party of acquaintances moving out of the country, and did not 
 return. 
 
 The mountain road coming through the district in a south 
 eastern direction passed near the old fort on the eastern side at 
 a short distance from Marlband's residence, and running north 
 west joined the King's highway, or main road, which lead 
 north to the principal shipping point on the coast. 
 
 At the time mentioned groups of people were constantly 
 passing along these roads, most of them on their way to foreign 
 countries. There were others, however, intent on plunder, and 
 it was not an unusual occurrence to witness a well-appointed 
 party of the aristocratic factions dash along the route as a va 
 riety to their entertainment. 
 
 Marlband heard of the event on his return from the day's 
 expedition ; for, as the distance to the mountain road, where 
 Amby was to intercept the friends, could be but a few minutes' 
 walk, the mother noticed her daughter's absence in the early 
 part of the day and dispatched messengers to search for her. 
 As these returned without finding any trace of the missing 
 girl, the mother became alarmed, but could do nothing until
 
 FAMINE 69 
 
 the arrival of her husband. Although it was now winter, and 
 the fatigue of the journey just completed pressed him to seek 
 rest, yet the man determined to search for Amby during the 
 night. 
 
 Expostulations offered by his wife were heard in vain. While 
 his pulse quickened and his breath came quick and short, he 
 sought for weapons in a cavity behind one of the beams sup 
 porting the roof of the house. These consisted of a bludgeon 
 and knife. They were formidable instruments of offense or 
 defense, especially the long steel blade held in place by a heavy 
 spring. 
 
 Both had been prepared at leisure and furnished with every 
 thing necessary to their complete usefulness. He had no defi 
 nite idea as to whether or not he would be obliged to use them, 
 but if an encounter did take place, woe to the enemy giving 
 him battle ! With these he rushed into the night, his hair be 
 ing lifted by the wind in awful aspect ; his headlong speed 
 making him appear like some creature of another world. 
 
 The night darkened upon his passage through it until its 
 murky depths resembled those of caverns beneath a mountain, 
 as if it meant to hide him from the face of the peaceful 
 firmament. It was calculated before leaving home he could 
 overtake the party Amby had gone to see, at a camping-place, 
 or village, on the highway, about sixteen miles distant, where 
 they would stop for the night. 
 
 In this estimate he was correct ; for long before dawn he 
 halted in the village where they slept. 
 
 There was nothing gained, however, by his precipitous 
 march. Amby was not there. 
 
 The party had seen her on the mountain road, near the fort, 
 where they spoke to her and had their leave-taking, she turn 
 ing, as they understood, to go home. 
 
 On his return he examined carefully every place in and 
 around the fort, assuming if she had been murdered he might
 
 70 ZANTHON 
 
 find her body ; but nothing was seen which could give the 
 least trace of her condition or the causes of her disappear 
 ance. 
 
 From explorations in the country he penetrated to the town. 
 Here he wandered through the streets, searching now for his 
 daughter as well as for provisions. Through the lanes and by 
 ways ; into remote corners and public places of resort ; at the 
 doors of private residences, he was seen gliding like a troubled 
 spirit incapable of relief. 
 
 Whatever interest might have been excited in the public 
 mind for him in prosperous times, no one paid any attention 
 to his case at present. 
 
 Where hundreds were falling daily into a worse predicament, 
 it was not likely he would be made the object of special pro 
 tection by those who had enough to do keeping famine from 
 their own doors. Besides Marlband looked more like an 
 insane man than one in possession of his reason. The story 
 told by him regarding the loss of his daughter might be merely 
 a presentation of his disordered fancy. Hence, there were some 
 who laughed derisively at it, as a fabrication to excite sympa 
 thy in his own behalf. Such tales were heard almost every 
 day. The world sometimes turns on a noble spirit, striking it 
 in its ignorance without mercy. 
 
 Marlband felt the blow, as if a heavy rock had fallen on him 
 It made him exclaim in the bitterness of grief and rage : " Oh, 
 humanity, thou art unworthy of an apostrophe uttered even in 
 thy dispraise ! " 
 
 No rebuff, however acutely it might have been felt, prevented 
 the continuation of his inquiries. His words were limited to 
 two sentences in the presence of strangers : 
 
 " Give me food ; I want my daughter." 
 
 Once a woman, leading a boy by the hand, asked him in a 
 sympathizing manner : 
 
 " What was your daughter like, poor man ? "
 
 FAMINE 71 
 
 "Like?" he answered, wildly, while grasping his hair 
 with both hands, he whined, in the manner of a sick child. 
 Then, recollecting the purport of the question, replied 
 calmly : 
 
 " Hast thou seen the sun in the glory of the summer solstice, 
 when he puts forth the supreme brightness of his vigor to 
 adorn the heavens and excite the a'dmiration of all living 
 creatures ? How absolute is his grandeur, freshened with 
 ruddy health and beaming alone, immeasurably above all com 
 petitors. 
 
 Such was Amby. 
 
 Hast thou beheld the evening, robed in refined beauty, 
 standing calmly and with pensive mood in view of the Infinite? 
 Sweet as a dream of heaven ; the idol of pure minds ; chaste 
 as the companion of God ; clear, like the crystal waters of a 
 fabulous fountain ? 
 
 That resembled my daughter. 
 
 Hast thou heard of the beings beyond the stars, whose 
 breath resembles the perfume of flowers with eyes of fasci 
 nating light and lips aglow in the tints of the rose ? 
 
 My child was like unto them." 
 
 The woman turned away, not knowing how to reply, and the 
 boy asked her : 
 
 " What does he mean, mother ? " 
 
 " Hush ! He is mad. No one but a madman would talk in 
 that way," said the woman. 
 
 The loss of Amby was the first great indication to Marlband 
 that a power greater than his own had begun the work of his 
 destruction. It was like meeting a barrier he could not pass, 
 because insurmountable. 
 
 Knowledge of occult science, ingenuity, courage and perse 
 verance were of no avail in this case. His progress was 
 checked when hope had induced him to believe he might be 
 able to work his way through the evil of the times.
 
 72 
 
 ZANTHON 
 
 He was stunned. An invisible hand struck him in the dark 
 ness, and he staggered from its effects. 
 
 A few more of such calamitous strokes, aimed at him with 
 like precision, would bring him down to earth, never to rise 
 
 The other members of the family were fearfully stricken by 
 the misfortune so unaccountable in its occurrence. It made 
 them tremble, because its work was so complete as not to admit 
 of the least interference. 
 
 They could do nothing to defend themselves.
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 CELEBRATING A FESTIVAL. 
 
 '"INHERE was a climax of destitution in the home of Marl- 
 * band on Christmas eve. 
 
 PH the outside, the snow lay thick and heavy over the 
 ground obliterating familiar pathways, leveling uneven places, 
 and blocking the public roads. The sky was obscured by an 
 opaque mass of it, which in its disintegration would add to the 
 quantity already fallen. 
 
 Sounds indicative of movement were heard no more. Even 
 the stream hard by, so garrulous heretofore, became frozen and 
 its voice hushed into silence. It seemed to have felt the 
 incessant prattle before sustained, to be obtrusive and harsh 
 at this time, when Death was solemnly extending his wings 
 above the doomed earth with the intention, apparently,. of 
 sealing up human life in eternal slumber. No doubt it was 
 satisfied to participate in the general desolation. 
 
 Within, the family had waited until evening for the coming 
 home of the father. There had been no food tasted or eaten 
 by any one of them since yesterday ; and the fact that Orfa 
 was yet in poor health added pair? to their bewilderment. 
 
 Besides, it was well remember sd, Christmas would come 
 to-morrow : the festival distinguished for liberality towards 
 the poor ; a time of happiness for young and old. The period 
 when every one was permitted to enjoy a full measure of legiti- 
 
 (78)
 
 74 ZANTHON 
 
 mate pleasure without criticism. Apart from its supposed 
 spiritual advantages, it ushered in on this account large 
 supplies of the most delicious viands the season could afford. 
 What would it bring now ? Something to be remembered, no 
 doubt. As the day approached its close, the father was seen 
 returning home. May, Valine, and Clare ran to meet him, 
 regardless of the snow coming in contact with their bare feet. 
 Custom made such contact endurable. 
 
 Marlband extended his hands to grasp those of his children. 
 In their joy at meeting him, they did not notice, poor creatures, 
 that he had not the accustomed supply of provisions. They 
 were blind to the fact that for the first time during the year 
 he was coming to them without a particle of food ! 
 
 He had visited a place from which he had expected to have 
 taken a supply, but was disappointed. Moreover, his strength 
 was not now so good as it used to be, making it impossible to 
 do more on that occasion. Any day, beyond the present, might 
 witness the appearance of his incapacity for further travel. 
 
 On entering the house, the wife perceived at once the true 
 state of affairs. She drew forward a seat into which he fell 
 rather than sat, while the children gathered eagerly around 
 him, smiling in their wretchedness, thus giving some cheer to 
 his disturbed mind. Neither husband nor wife seemed dis 
 posed to talk. They had reached a period when the mind 
 turns in upon itself, from a disgust or terror of external things. 
 In this situation it is extraordinary how rn^ch information is 
 obtained by intuition. 
 
 Without saying so, the husband knew his wife unde^blood 
 all about his want of success, while she, on her part, believed 
 his mind fully alive to the pity she re-ally felt for him. 
 
 The children, however, would not remain silent. 
 
 May, who was standing close to the man's shoulder, 
 said : 
 
 ." I could go out with you every day, father, to help you."
 
 CELEBRATING A FESTIVAL 75 
 
 Both parents turned suddenly to look at the girl, but neither 
 of them spoke. May continued : 
 
 " I feel strong, and you are getting weak." 
 
 " It is your spirit, my child, the desire to do good. What 
 ever you could have accomplished at an earlier date, it would 
 be now impossible to attain on account of winter." 
 
 " If you tell me where to go. and how to get what you bring 
 home, I would venture out alone." 
 
 " Ah, my brave girl," said the father, struck with the 
 remarkable persistence of his daughter, " You do not know 
 the dangers attending such a course." 
 
 " Then tell me father." 
 
 " The people have fled from the district ; you would be 
 obliged to travel a long distance to reach points sparsely 
 inhabited, with no certainty of procuring anything of what 
 you sought. There are bands of desperate men on the high 
 ways it would be unsafe to meet, and altogether the difficulties 
 are too numerous and obstinate to be overcome." . 
 
 The mother raised her head and remarked quietly : 
 
 "May is strong yet, and could go into the town to work." 
 
 " She could be a servant girl," said Orfa. 
 
 " She might wash dishes in a kitchen," spoke out Valine. 
 
 The father turned to Clare : 
 
 " What shall we do with May, my boy ? " 
 
 u Keep May at home, father," answered Clare gravely, and 
 he continued : " May must not part with me. If she goes, I 
 go with her." 
 
 May approached the boy and put her arms around him, 
 while the man offered commendatory words in his praise by 
 saying : 
 
 " Good, my boy, you are worthy of my esteem and gratitude." 
 
 The mother, however, urged the original proposition ; and 
 she added : 
 
 " Something must be done soon."
 
 76 ZANTHON 
 
 " The girl could earn no more than her own support," said the 
 man, "even supposing that work was available. It would be 
 one less to supply here, to be sure ; but I am not willing to 
 show any disposition of getting rid of her. She is too young 
 for rough treatment." 
 
 " I might go before the doors of the rich and ask them to 
 relieve us,'* said May. 
 
 This observation brought Marlband to his feet as if a shell 
 had burst behind him, while his haggard countenance betrayed 
 the depths of his emotion. 
 
 "Oh, spare my soul this supreme anguish!" he cried 
 piteously. ' ' Alone amid the dark shadows of desolation have 
 I wandered without murmur to provide you food and conceal 
 your helplessness from the world's criticism. The depths of 
 misery into which we have fallen are shocking. The prospect 
 of future deliverance uncertain, as well as the hope of ever 
 again regaining the happiness of former times, poor as they 
 were ; but I have been proud of you notwithstanding. It was 
 a delight to me to know I was rendering you efficient services. 
 I have had my full measure of reward while thinking of your 
 love. Now that I have been brought to the brink of the grave, 
 I am ^fet happy, conscious of your presence in my home. 
 When I calculated on your innocence it was no vain specula 
 tion. You are spotless, like the sheen of the moon upon the 
 waters that beautifies the night. If I were king of the earth, 
 and sought a genuine recompense for the noblest gift at my 
 command, I could not find one more beautiful and satisfactory 
 than your disinterested love. Remain near me with it, and I 
 shall fight the evil of the day joyfully until I fall. 
 
 I would account it a dishonor for a child of mine to beg 
 before the presence of any one. 
 
 The rich do not affiliate with the poor. There are men in 
 their ranks who would not scruple to bribe their way to the 
 overthrow of virtue. Gentility is no guarantee against degen-
 
 CELEBRATING A FESTIVAL 77 
 
 eracy acquired by excess and crime. Nobility is meaningless ; 
 because it is not exclusively noble, where it is represented to 
 be, and sometimes not at all. 
 
 Some among the rich will give back to the people a part of what 
 they have taken from them, under an unjust system of social 
 economy ; and many, really generous, will give what they can 
 spare. I harbor no enmity against them ; but I should tremble 
 were you to appear in their presence unprotected. It would 
 not be a question of beggary then. Whatever pity you might 
 excite in the breasts of the few, it would be virtue passing in 
 review before the sensuality of the many. Physical weakness 
 at the mercy of strength. Beauty in the clutches of deformity. 
 Innocence confronted by baseness. Poverty derided by wealth. 
 
 I could not permit your subjection to such a severe and un 
 equal trial. I would not have your purity upbraid me with its 
 fall in exchange for the government of the world. 
 
 If you go back to the Divine Principle at this time let it be 
 with the same unsullied nature which distinguished .your 
 coming. 
 
 You do not know the immense value of virtue such as you 
 possess. A tiny flower plucked from the embrace of the snow 
 can make you happy ; but if once subject to the wiles of opu 
 lent desire the wealth of the universe could not accomplish it. 
 You might pray with head bowed to earth and gather solace 
 from the exercise ; now you can raise your face with confidence 
 to the dome of heaven, and reaching beyond the clouds, seek 
 the presence of God. 
 
 Be content. 
 
 The cruelty and baseness of the world shall not yet be per 
 mitted to interfere with the freedom of your soul in its main 
 tenance of purity." 
 
 The children surrounded the father while he was speaking. 
 The mother stared at the fire, evidently with no intention of 
 making any comment on the harangue of her husband.
 
 78 ZANTHON 
 
 May, who understood the force of what he had said, would 
 have offered excuses for having caused him so much distress, 
 but was interrupted by Orfa, who, reclining in an easy seat spe 
 cially prepared for him, changed the subject abruptly. '* I 
 would like to have some soup to-morrow, father, for Christmas, " 
 he said. 
 
 One would suppose that, owing to existing circumstances, the 
 man was likely to return a harsh reply to this unreasonable 
 demand ; but Marlband was equal to the emergency. His an 
 swer was prompt and kindly spoken. 
 
 " You shall have soup, Orfa." 
 
 " Not the soup from the town, but meat soup," resumed the 
 boy. * 
 
 " I understand." 
 
 " Fine, fresh soup, boiled at home." 
 
 "Genuine, high-flavored soup, such as we used to have for 
 merly." 
 
 " I would like pieces of dumpling boiled with some of the 
 soup, father." 
 
 " Your suggestion shall be entertained and acted on." 
 
 Then Clare took hold of his arm and continued in the same 
 strain : 
 
 " I will want dough to make horses and cows." 
 
 " It will be forthcoming, my son." 
 
 11 May will make lots of things for me." 
 
 " Very good." 
 
 " She will bake them on the griddle." 
 
 " The griddle will do its duty as in former years." 
 
 It is surprising how much cheer may be communicated by 
 one person to others on mere promises. The man was further 
 questioned. Valine said : 
 
 u We are fasting all day, father, dear. I am quite hungry 
 and weak." 
 
 " I pity you, child ; I have done my best."
 
 CELEBEATING A FESTIVAL 79 
 
 " It is so long, so very long to fast that way." 
 
 " Great feasts are preceded by great fasts, Valine." 
 
 "Why, father?" 
 
 " Doubtless to make them more desirable and therefore more 
 interesting. When the appetite is sharp the feast will be kindly 
 relished." 
 
 " Will we have a feast to-morrow ? " 
 
 "Yes." 
 
 "Can we have anything at all to-night ?" 
 
 " Yes ; sleep." 
 
 " To eat ? " 
 
 " Rest." 
 
 " Or drink ? " 
 
 " In the depths of oblivion, where anxiety is dissolved and 
 the nectar of forgetfulness dissipates all pain." 
 
 The children having been quieted, the father turned to the 
 open door. The gloom was increasing. A cold wind precipi 
 tated itself over the face of the country, its direction being 
 indicated by the snowflakes, which again began to fall. There 
 would be sufficient light, however, for pedestrians, owing to the 
 white covering on the ground. 
 
 If the man's promises were to be kept, he must add a night's 
 journey to his travels of the day, and they were considerable. 
 
 As he looked and meditated there was a red glare in his eyes 
 that made him appear terribly wretched, as if he were on the 
 eve of execution. 
 
 The thoughts which careered through his mind in that dread 
 hour will never be known. 
 
 His mental suffering, apart from bodily ailments, could 
 not even be imagined ; yet he stood boldly against adversity 
 like the massive rock on the promontory's head which bares its 
 breast to the lash of the ocean waves in defense of its beloved 
 home.
 
 80 ZANTHON 
 
 He would carry out one part, at least of the programme 
 the voluntary sacrifice of his life while protecting those whom 
 he loved. 
 
 The wife, having looked up to ascertain what her husband 
 intended doing, he beckoned her to a conference at the door. 
 In this position the passage was blocked by their bodies, while 
 their heads protruded into the atmosphere without. 
 
 Their voices could only be heard indistinctly, and the nature 
 of their conversation for some time remained unknown to the 
 party within the house. 
 
 After the main portion of the question, whatever it was, had 
 been settled the mother was heard to say : 
 
 "The like of this I never knew before," alluding to the series 
 of propositions advanced by the husband. 
 
 "There is no reason why it should be so very objectionable 
 or distasteful," said the man. 
 
 " Grass being the common food of the greater number of do 
 mestic animals, the flesh cannot be other than sweet-flavored." 
 
 " It goes to my heart and my conscience," said the woman, 
 with strong emphasis on the latter word, " on account of the 
 poor, homeless thing." 
 
 " Aye, and the boy," said the father. 
 
 " Well, I suppose we must try it, as we have nothing else," 
 continued the woman. 
 
 " Yes," returned the man. 
 
 " It will carry us over four or five days, at least, and by that 
 time I will have collected other material/' 
 
 Thus ended the mysterious conference, as both parents, with 
 downcast looks, withdrew into the house. 
 
 When Clare arose next morning he found the whole house 
 hold astir in preparation for a feast. The mother was engaged 
 in making cakes. May had already procured a quantity of 
 dough, from which she was fashioning figures of birds and 
 beasts. The griddle was beside the fire, fitted up for baking.
 
 CELEBRATING A FESTIVAL 81 
 
 The large iron pot stood near it, clean and half filled with wa 
 ter, ready to receive some delicious morsel before being placed 
 over the fire. There was a dish of onions, evidently intended 
 for flavoring soup, and altogether it looked like Christmas^ 
 when taken in connection with the holiday cleanliness and 
 smiling faces of most of the family. 
 
 Seeing all these indications of a return to old times, the boy 
 was delighted. After the family partook of a light breakfast, 
 the business of the day proceeded briskly and systematically. 
 Clare watched his father intently. There was a reserve about 
 him which appeared remarkable, like a person resting after 
 having had a fierce encounter with a terrible power. His 
 face was pale and thin and his head inclined to fall- upon his 
 breast. 
 
 When the time arrived for placing the boiler in position, the 
 father whisked from behind the door what appeared to be a 
 leg of venison, conveying it into the receptacle mentioned, 
 together with some detached pieces, intended, no doubt, to 
 enrich the soup. 
 
 The details of preparation kept every one busy until the 
 family, at length, sat down to dinner. 
 
 It was evident Marlband employed all his powers to make 
 the most of the present festival. That he had calculated 
 beforehand on its demands, and in consequence reserved cer 
 tain supplies for it, such as flour and onions, there could be 
 no doubt. 
 
 It was strange, none of the children inquired where the meat 
 had been procured, notwithstanding the fact that no trace of 
 it or expectation appeared yesterday. 
 
 At the head of the festive-board the father listened atten 
 tively to every sentence spoken by each person present, and 
 gave replies in the kindest words he could select. Moreover, 
 he directed the conversation into pleasant channels, and even 
 went the length of propounding jokes, in order to carry his 
 
 ZANTHON 6
 
 S2 ZANTHON 
 
 plan of celebrating Christmas to the highest point of enjoy 
 ment. 
 
 The present was the last feast they would partake of 
 together ; and the knowledge of this fact seemed to emphasize 
 his movements and his words. 
 
 How eagerly he scanned the features of his children ! as if 
 he could see in them the history of the future, and their pre 
 mature death. While physical strength was less than formerly, 
 his penetrating perception multiplied. His laugh had become 
 a cackle, a stranger would be shocked to hear. 
 
 When the feasting was finished, and the family sat in a semi 
 circle around the fire on the hearth all appeared to be happy ; 
 and the night was far advanced before any one showed a dis 
 position to retire to rest. 
 
 Long after the others had gone to sleep, however, Marlband 
 paced quietly over the floor of the apartment engaged in 
 solemn meditation. On one occasion he opened the door, 
 cautiously ; and looked into the gloom. With his face raised 
 to the sky trying to penetrate the darkness, and his hands 
 grasping the upper part of the door-frame, he cried out : 
 
 "Oh God! Oh God! Oh God ! " 
 
 He did not mean to charge the Supreme Power with the 
 hardships of the times ; but to pour out the burden of his spirit 
 into the home of the unknown. 
 
 On the following day two scenes of trouble became manifest 
 to him. Clare and May reported that Rompy could not be 
 found anywhere ; and three of the family became sick ; the 
 mother, Valine, and Orfa. 
 
 As no person was observed near the place where Rompy had 
 been kept, the children were at a loss to understand how he 
 could have been stolen ; but the father explained that the 
 animal had gone away of his own accord to a distant part of 
 the country, like the people of the village, and would not 
 return.
 
 CELEBR'ATING A FESTIVAL 83 
 
 Clare was so much astonished at the recital of this proceed 
 ing that his grief did not appear so great as it otherwise would 
 and the matter rested there. May, however, privately men 
 tioned her suspicions to h$r mother in regard to the fate of 
 Rompy, and was told they were well founded ; but was cau 
 tioned to preserve silence on the subject. The fact was he had 
 been slaughtered to make a Christmas feast ! 
 
 The sudden appearance of sickness was undoubtedly due to 
 the free use of fresh meat by those who had previously an 
 insufficient amount of food. The character of the complaint 
 also, dysentery, made it exceedingly dangerous. With it life 
 has but a short lease. In the present instance, it was true to 
 its reputation. By the time the old year was preparing to 
 depart, Mrs. Marlband expired, and Orfa followed a few days 
 later. 
 
 Although in need of all the strength at his command for the 
 purpose of attending the wants of those still living, yet the 
 man did not neglect to deposit the remains of the dead in the 
 burial place designed for them. Whatever opinions he had 
 entertained, heretofore, on the subject, were willingly set aside 
 in deference to the wishes of his wife. As he had begun so 
 would he end, faithful to the expectations of the persons 
 depending on his genius and labors. 
 
 In lieu of a coffin he wrapped each body in cloth, and when 
 the twilight of evening began to appear, carried it on his 
 shoulder to the cemetery, distant about two miles. On these 
 occasions Clare accompanied him, while May remained at 
 home watching her sister. 
 
 Thus the old and the new year met. Thus the dead and 
 the living parted ; one to rest, the other to struggle with events 
 as heretofore.
 
 CHAPTER VH. 
 THE STORM KING MAKES WAY. 
 
 T 7"ALINE'S condition did not improve. Notwithstanding 
 * the united efforts of the other members of the family 
 directed toward her comfort and convalescence she grew 
 weaker daily. She could no longer move in bed without 
 assistance, though there appeared to be no pain associated 
 with her weakness. It was a gradual cessation of the action 
 of the physical powers. 
 
 Her breathing resembled the quiet motion of the west wind 
 among summer leaves. 
 
 About a week after the death of Orfa, the father was sitting 
 near the bedside where Valine lay. May and Clare were also 
 present. 
 
 It was morning, but the man was not going out on this 
 occasion, for latterly he made but two trips to town per week. 
 Besides, the atmosphere was disturbed by a storm. 
 
 Immense clouds swept across the heavens, and the wind 
 roared continuously as if it were announcing the destruction 
 of all created things. 
 
 Valine appeared uneasy, though not on account of suffering, 
 so much as showing the prevalence of a change. Her fingers, 
 which were outside the bed-covering, began to move nervously. 
 A livelier appearance superseded the languor of the eyes. 
 
 There was a faint smile on the ' attenuated face ; and she 
 began a conversation, surprising even to the father, by its sud 
 denness and depth of thought. 
 
 (84)
 
 THE STORM KING MAKES WAY 85 
 
 " Is the wind coming from heaven, father ? " 
 
 " No, my child ; it is only the atmosphere immediately 
 above the earth, which is in motion." 
 
 " I would like to look up into the blue sky above the storm." 
 
 " You will soon be able to do so." 
 
 " Now, father, wow," she replied with emphasis. 
 
 "Why now, Valine?" 
 
 " I don't know. I feel the liking for it. I wish I could see 
 it soon." 
 
 As no one made any reply to these remarks, she resumed : 
 
 " Tell me about heaven, won't you ? " 
 
 " It has been called the home beyond the clouds," replied 
 the man calmly. 
 
 " But you know everything, father. Tell me what is in 
 heaven ? " 
 
 At first Marlband did not possess a sufficient amount of 
 enthusiasm in the subject to give a glowing picture of the 
 place, to which the sick child's mind was wandering ; but 
 seeing how earnestly she appealed to him, at this, the last 
 interview, perhaps, he would ever have with her, the deep 
 affections of his heart began to move and his intellect to grasp 
 the ideas necessary for the occasion. He answered : 
 
 " Heaven is where all true happiness will be realized, or it 
 is a blank. The most beautiful scenes imaginable will meet 
 your view. You shall walk in lovely gardens and breathe an 
 atmosphere charged with delicious perfume. Lakes and rivers 
 of crystal waters, multitudes of singing birds in the sky and 
 other delightful sources of enjoyment may be encountered- 
 Above all, the inhabitants will be agreeable." 
 
 " Are there houses? " 
 
 " Aye, indeed ; castles, having walls adorned with precious 
 ornaments, reflecting the glory of eternal light." 
 
 " Will mother be there to meet me ? " 
 
 "Yes, darling."
 
 86 ZA.NTHON 
 
 "What shall she have for me ? " 
 
 " Flowers, my child, gathered on the shores of the beautiful 
 islands abounding in the ocean of eternity." 
 
 " How will I appear ? " 
 
 " You will be clothed in beauty, and your face shall be pur^e 
 as the stars in the night. There will be a garland on your head 
 such as angels wear, and you shall wander over regions full of 
 grandeur and delight forever." 
 
 " Ah, but we cannot be happy unless you be with us." 
 
 " Amid such exquisite beauty ? " 
 
 "Yes." 
 
 " But you will see God there face to face. His appearance 
 would attract all love." 
 
 " Oh, but we want you as well. Let God go along with the 
 others ; you come with us." 
 
 " I may be there in a little while, my child." 
 
 " And May and Clare ? " 
 
 "Yes." 
 
 " Is it true, father, that we shall all meet again ?" 
 
 " Let us hope it is." 
 
 " Oh, but you must say it is. If you say it, then it will be 
 true." 
 
 The man hesitated. The confidence reposed in him by the 
 child made a powerful appeal to his conscience in favor of 
 truth, such as he had endeavored at all times to teach ; yet he 
 could not answer the question directly, because it went beyond 
 the sphere of men's knowledge. His belief, too, might not 
 agree with Valine's aspirations on the subject. Nevertheless, 
 his reply showed how carefully he watched the expression of 
 her hopes, so as to prevent any contrary opinion from interfer 
 ing with them during the last hours of her life. He answered : 
 
 " We shall all meet again." 
 
 " Oh, I'll be so glad when I see you coming, never to paii 
 any more."
 
 THE STORM KING MAKES WAY 87 
 
 " Never to part." 
 
 There was a lull in the storm without at intervals, indicating 
 the approach of its termination. Some rain had fallen, and 
 the thick masses of clouds which had obscured the heavens 
 were drifting past or breaking up into thinner layers, if not 
 wholly dissipated. Suddenly a gleam of sunshine penetrated 
 through the clouds in that part of the firmament observable 
 through the doorway by those within the house, and a beauti 
 ful spectacle appeared. The opening in the clouds widened 
 until it became like a huge chasm, through which the blue sky 
 was seen. The sun's rays came through this chasm, flooding 
 the cottage with golden light. 
 
 From the zenith to the horizon, especially on one side, the 
 clouds assumed the appearance of a human form: A man with 
 a crown on his head, his long hair and beard in wild disorder, 
 his garments swept back furiously by the tempest and his face 
 apparently agitated by some internal commotion. 
 
 The head and shoulders stood well in the breach, as if he 
 disputed to the last the present action of the power under 
 which he was obliged to move slowly away. His head, too, 
 was turned, with the face partially towards the interior heavens 
 and the intent stare in that direction showed there was some 
 object of surpassing beauty and authority attracting his gaze. 
 All this was seen by the persons sitting near the sick bed, as 
 ivell as by Valine. The father, pointing with his finger toward 
 the place, said : 
 
 " See I The storm king makes way to afford you an oppor 
 tunity of beholding the sky." 
 
 This incident seemed to give her great satisfaction. " 
 
 She smiled while looking long and wistfully into the heavenly 
 prospect. Then she called to her father : 
 
 " Lift me up ! Lift me up ! Hold me, father, dear ; hold 
 me I"
 
 88 ZANTHON 
 
 In an instant the man had her in his arms with her face 
 against his. 
 
 There was a slight trembling of the entire frame, a little 
 sigh heard coming from the snow-white breast. 
 
 The rigidity of the spasm-like attack relapsed and the spirit 
 of Valine was gone into the gorgeous avenue she so much ad 
 mired but a few minutes before ! 
 
 The father laid her gently on the couch and buried his face 
 in the coverlet, giving full vent to his tears. May and Glare 
 wept silently, with averted faces and remote from each other, 
 the better to indulge their grief. The greater part of the day 
 was spent by the three sorrowing relatives decorating and pre 
 paring the remains, like the others, for burial. Before any 
 changes incident to death set in, the corpse acquired a pecul 
 iarly peaceful appearance. The hands, especially, seemed in 
 these few hours to have become extremely beautiful, as if the 
 dread destroyer Death hac^. added some extra touches of loveli 
 ness, unknown to other powers, on the day he claimed her as 
 his own. 
 
 When the time came to proceed with the burial, it was no 
 ticed, with alarm, that the man was unable to raise the bur 
 den, though extremely light. 
 
 May approached, and, taking him gently by the arm, led 
 him away from the position he then occupied, saying : 
 
 " I will carry it, father." 
 
 "I cannot account for this feebleness," answered the man, 
 in a whining tone of voice which indicated great mental dis 
 tress. 
 
 "The shook produced by this child's death has evidently 
 struck home and paralyzed a portion of my strength. 
 
 " Oh, what shall I do ? What shall I do, May ? May, my 
 child ; May, my darling, what phall I do ? " 
 
 Thus, in the most piteous language, he appealed to her.
 
 THE STORM KING MAKES WAY 89 
 
 She put her arras round his neck, kissed him and answered 
 in that steady, deliberate manner peculiar to brave persons in 
 times of great danger : 
 
 " I will take your place, father dear. You must rest and 
 recover yourself." 
 
 "Aye ; but the food for our support," said the man wildly. 
 
 "What shall we do for food ? " 
 
 " I will provide food," she answered. 
 
 " You shall remain at home in future. I will take the road." 
 
 " Oh, May ! May ! May ! " cried the man. <f It will kill you. 
 I was hoping you might be left with me and Clare ; but this 
 necessity will cause your death, my sweet child." 
 
 Still with her arms round his neck, without a tear in her 
 eyes or a contraction on any part of her beautiful face, she 
 replied : 
 
 " I have nothing to fear in death. If I be of service to you 
 and Clare, at the time when you need help most, I am willing 
 to meet death in any shape. Now, calm yourself, and I wiJl 
 carry Valine to the grave." 
 
 He was silent. A great voice had spoken. Like as if he 
 heard the sounds of the trumpet designed to awaken the dead, 
 his spirit recognized the majesty of the command. Her words 
 in his hearing were like the action of nature on the angry 
 waves of a troubled sea, when the wind becomes still j and the 
 dark waters go to rest on its bosom. 
 
 It now became evident, May's physical and mental powers 
 must be employed in the fight for existence, so long main 
 tained by her father. She did not shrink from this ordeal. 
 Young and naturally energetic, the labors imposed on her by 
 necessity would be executed with the utmost cheerfulness. 
 Indeed, as has been seen, she was hitherto obliged to restrain 
 her desires to assist her friends, on account of the opposition 
 of her parent. Now, the deprivation of his strength left the 
 field wholly in her possession. She felt herself to be the last
 
 90 ZANTHON 
 
 remaining prop of the household, and like a true heroine came 
 boldly forward to sustain that character. 
 
 On the present occasion, after instructing her father to 
 remain at home, she raised the burden on her shoulders and 
 led the way over the well-known path to the mountain road 
 previously mentioned, and thence to the cemetery, followed by 
 Clare. The boy carried a spade to assist in making a shallow 
 grave. 
 
 While the children were absent, Marlband had time to 
 reflect on this new phase of his misfortunes. The terrors 
 inspired by i't came unexpectedly. 
 
 To live in the full operation of his senses yet powerless to 
 defend himself. To die by slow torture, witnessing the 
 destruction of those whom he loved, seemed to him more ter 
 rible than death. 
 
 During the journey to and from the cemetery, as well as 
 while engaged in covering the remains of Valine with soft 
 mould, in her little grave, May spoke continuously of her 
 father. All their exertions now must be directed towards his 
 relief and recovery. He had worked so constantly for them, 
 she and her brother must do everything they could to show 
 how much they appreciated his assiduity and affection. 
 
 On the following morning, in the pale light of the dawn. May 
 was up making preparation for her first expedition. The 
 greatness of the responsibility suddenly thrust upon her, 
 almost paralyzed her powers. She knew she would rally from 
 this temporary oppression ; because labor had no terrors for 
 her ; yet the cold reality of unknown circumstances liable to be 
 met at every turn, making failure possible in so many different 
 aspects, that she frequently trembled while reflecting on the 
 details. 
 
 About her neck she wore a small silk handkerchief, the only 
 article with the semblance of value in her possession. Her 
 dress was as plain in its make as in its material ; the skirt being
 
 THE STORM KING MAKES WAY 91 
 
 without flounce or extra work of any kind ; the body close 
 fitting, with a few narrow pleats down the breast, confined by 
 a band round the waist. 
 
 From the box she took the shoes and stockings, so carefully 
 preserved heretofore, to be worn henceforth permanently. 
 
 Her hair yet fell over her shoulders in thick glossy tresses, 
 but they would be concealed from view by an old shawl left 
 by her mother, which she would wear to protect herself from 
 cold and rain while traveling. 
 
 For the next hour she busied herself about the house, pre 
 paring what little was there for breakfast, and conversing 
 cheerily with her father and brother. 
 
 The man did not attempt to leave his bed ; but observed 
 with keen interest every movement made by his daughter. 
 
 Whea the time came for her departure ; when with pale 
 face she bent over to kiss him, he could no longer refrain from 
 giving expression to his thoughts. ^ 
 
 " Oh, May, don't leave me." he cried. " Don't go ; don't 
 go ! Remember Amby's fate. Some foul plot or murderous 
 hand may deprive me of you, the rarest jewel of them all." 
 
 She had resolved evidently to overcome his affectionate 
 appeal ; for there was no response to his words. May merely 
 drew the shawl closer around her head and hurriedly dis 
 appeared through the doorway. 
 
 Clare sat down beside the bed and awaited the passing away 
 of his father's emotional attack. He witnessed what few per 
 sons care to behold a man's grief. 
 
 His sister had instructed him how he should act. 
 
 He must not give way to any sorrow ; but to keep near his 
 father, and speak to him when he was ready. 
 
 He should be bold like a man ; because she would depend 
 on him to do lots of things for their father while she was 
 absent. In the mean time he might look for her return in the 
 evening.
 
 92 ZANTHON 
 
 For the first time in his life Clare felt the necessity of exer 
 cising mental power to combat such of his surroundings as 
 threatened mischief. By complying strictly with May's 
 wishes, he felt a kind of satisfaction in having done something 
 towards the general good. He induced the man to take the 
 recumbent position, adjusted his hair, spoke to him in a brave 
 manner, and otherwise intelligently made efforts to allay his 
 sufferings. 
 
 The father submitted to the boy's endeavor to soothe him 
 without uttering a word ; probably believing that the least 
 movement might dissolve the charm of the youth's solicitude, 
 so grateful to his senses. 
 
 Thus like two children, father and son comforted each other, 
 while revolving in their minds the deep-laid sorrow of May's 
 departure, concerning which none wished yet to speak. 
 
 After leaving the house, May crossed the river and pursued 
 a trail leading westward to the highroad. 
 
 She carried a tin can in her hand for soup, and a ticket in 
 her pocket, authorizing its issue to the bearer. This instru 
 ment, the ticket, had been given to her father as a compliment 
 by some secret friend ; for be it remembered, every destitute 
 person did not obtain relief. 
 
 Notwithstanding the depressing circumstances attending her 
 journey, May began to feel more light-hearted as the route lead 
 her into a diversity of scenery far superior to that surrounding 
 her home. The road coming from the coast after traversing 
 the cultivated land of the peasantry, stretched into the valley 
 of a large river flowing to the sea. This valley contained rich 
 and beautiful land, owned by numbers of the aristocracy : 
 and, seen from a distance, resembled a vast garden. 
 
 Before reaching this view, however, she was entertained by 
 the varying scenery flanking the highway, while there yet 
 remained two miles to be traveled. When tired with so long 
 a walk she fain would have rested .by the wayside, it instinct-
 
 THE STOEM KING MAKES WAY 93 
 
 ively occurred to her that the inequality in the road immedi 
 ately in front was the last she would meet before gaining a 
 view of her destination. In this she was correct. 
 
 As she approached the summit of the ridge, one could see 
 her eye kindle in anticipation of beholding some ideal picture 
 of landscape. A few more minutes brought her face to face 
 with the reality. 
 
 She halted. The old shawl fell on her shoulders, her arms 
 by her sides. A brisk wind blowing from the southwest lifted 
 her beautiful hair as if to exhibit its sheen to the sun. Her 
 eyes were illuminated with an unusual lustre, and her cheeks 
 tinged with the flush of health and beauty. 
 
 What she saw surpassed her wildest dream of fancy. She 
 was alone with nature in one of her amiable moods. The 
 genial face of her great mother was smiling at her. It was 
 spirit meeting spirit. Purity greeting purity. 
 
 Poor as she was, the grandeur of her innocence ; the supreme 
 delicacy of her loveliness, beaming in the face of the sun with 
 more effulgence than a star, had no equal in the valley, taking 
 into account all the rich objects it displayed. To the right, 
 midway in the view, stood a castle, whose gray towers and 
 castellated walls appeared in bold contrast with the surround 
 ing verdure. It was situated on the left bank of the river. 
 Still further northward in the course of the stream a second 
 structure could be discerned, apparently more magnificent 
 than the first, in the center of clusters of evergreen trees and 
 spacious pastures. 
 
 It looked like the palace of a king. The material compos 
 ing the exterior walls was a blue stone. Some of these 
 employed in the construction of the abutments, pilasters, 
 balcony, colonades, and decorative work around the windows, 
 were highly polished. The pinnacles piercing the air above 
 it, resembled a warrior's crown ; and as the reflected light 
 came shimmering from the entire outline, an observer could
 
 94 ZANTHON 
 
 not, at first, determine whether it belonged to the earth or to 
 the heavens. 
 
 Further westward and northward the land was wooded ; but 
 having extensive openings, where rich grass was cultivated for 
 the feeding of cattle. 
 
 In the head of the valley, to the south, the town referred to 
 by the father was situated. It was known by the name of 
 Kindleton. At this distance it had a very attractive appear 
 ance. The blue slates covering the houses, the spires of the 
 churches, the diversity of the public buildings, the substantial 
 and cleanly character of the whole place ; as diyested of 
 smoke by the breeze, it stood out in relief, made May's heart 
 palpitate and her mind to wonder at the strangeness of the 
 scene. 
 
 In her enthusiasm she turned and looked around where she 
 stood, with a vague expectation of seeing her father and brother 
 there sharing her enjoyment ; but perceiving the certainty of 
 their absence, she renewed her observation in the former 
 direction. 
 
 u How happy the people must be who are living in these 
 beautiful places," she thought. 
 
 Why was there such a vast difference between them and 
 her poor folks ? Her father was not a bad man. Surely her 
 brother and the children, now dead, were worthy of a better 
 fate. Who was so good as Amby and her deceased mother ? 
 Why was it she could not understand all the circumstances 
 which made her surroundings at home so terrible ? 
 
 Who was responsible for the cruelty perpetrated on the poor? 
 It could not be God. It must be man. Standing here -on a 
 clear eminence, with extreme luxury on the one hand and ex 
 treme destitution on the other, her sensitive nature was shocked 
 at the contrast. Even while fascinated by the glory of the pict 
 ure in the distance, large tears rolled down her cheeks and her 
 bosom rose and fell like an ocean wave.
 
 THE STORM KING MAKES WAY 95 
 
 Ac the reflection came uppermost in her mind that the loved 
 ones at home depended on her exertions in their present dis 
 tress, she brushed the tears from her eyes, replaced the shawl 
 over her head and walked sturdily forward. 
 
 The road led to the river, and thence along its right bank to 
 the town. Near the point where the two first approached each 
 other she could observe the castle very plainly on the opposite 
 side, and to the left a smaller valley with a smaller river at 
 right angles to the larger one, into which it emptied its waters. 
 After crossing this stream by means of an ancient bridge of 
 many arches the signs of town lifer began to appear. 
 
 People could be seen moving about ; wagons were driven 
 over the roads and carriages drawn by fat horses dashed along. 
 
 The river divided the town into two parts, connected by two 
 bridges about five hundred yards apart. 
 
 The inhabitants seemed to be eternally crossing and recross- 
 ing these bridges. At the center of the upper bridge, in a niche 
 of the wall designed to contain an iron plate with the builder's 
 name, as also the year in which it had been completed, sat an 
 old blind woman crying out for alms. This cry could be heard 
 sharp and clear amid the din of other noises, and seemed to 
 May like the wail of a distressed spirit in the gulf over which 
 happy ones soar in eternity. The streets were narrow and 
 irregular, often winding in a semicircular manner, but the cen 
 ter of the town was composed, for the most part, of three-story 
 stone structures containing handsome stores. 
 
 The place was full of people, evidently strangers, as most of 
 them wandered listlessly about in search of something they 
 seemed unable to procure. 
 
 They were beggars. 
 
 Distressed humanity in almost all forms known since the 
 creation of the first man might be seen here. Blind men led 
 by dogs ; cripples, idiots, deranged persons, the maimed ; the 
 chronic drunkard, penniless and clothed in tatters ; peddlers
 
 96 ZANTHON 
 
 without packs and tinkers without a budget ; large families sur 
 rounding parents standing motionless in the etreets, not knowing 
 what to do. There was no difficulty in finding the soup yard, 
 as May's destination was called. Women could be heard speak 
 ing of it as they moved in that direction, and the girl availed 
 herself of the opportunity of joining a group of these without 
 appearing to be obtrusive. 
 
 The entrance was gained over an inclined plane downward, 
 a fit introduction to the gloomy abode beyond. A large build 
 ing flanked the yard on one side, the rest being surrounded by 
 a high wall. The structure was dark colored, as if it had 
 passed through a fire and had not since been retouched. In the 
 first story were the kitchens and offices employed in the prepar 
 ation of the relief for the poor ; and above, the storerooms, 
 containing the material from which it was made. When May 
 approached the principal kitchen two well-dressed men were 
 standing at the door, on the inside. They were members of the 
 Relief Committee, whose duty it was to examine applicants and 
 preserve order. 
 
 One of these men extended his hand for May's ticket, and, 
 glancing at it, said to his companion : 
 
 " This family was not in the district, but the man was given 
 
 relief on account of " here his voice became so low as to be 
 
 inaudible to all excepting the person addressed. The speaker 
 continued : 
 
 " The new movement is the best, in my opinion. The people 
 should be made to work for what they get. We will set them 
 to work. They should not be fed in idleness." 
 
 To which his companion replied : 
 
 " What they get is scarcely worth working for. It is doing 
 no more than keeping body and soul together ; besides, most of 
 the creatures have not strength to do anything." 
 
 " Pooh I Nonsense. You are too chicken-hearted. Think
 
 THE STORM KING MAKES WA.Y 97 
 
 of feeding a whole countryside in idleness, when the labor of 
 these persons could be turned to some account." 
 
 " How would you employ it ? " 
 
 "How would I employ it ? I'd employ it in cutting down 
 the heights on our public roads." 
 
 The humane man, who had spoken in defense of the poor, 
 having no further remarks to make, the first speaker con 
 tinued : 
 
 " Look at this case. See what a strong girl is here turned 
 beggar. How much better it would be if she went to work." 
 
 Several persons turned to look at May, as well as the men of 
 the committee, and the poor child felt, as she drew the old 
 shawl closer around her head, as if she had been guilty of 
 some heinous offense. 
 
 " Come here, my good girl," said the man. " Why don't you 
 work ? " 
 
 " We do not know where to get work, sir," 'answered May. 
 " My father is sick, my brother is too young and I would work 
 for them if I could find any to do." 
 
 " Where are the rest of the family ? " 
 
 "Dead, sir." 
 
 The man moved uneasily about at this reply, but the 
 idea with which he was infatuated overcame the natural 
 impulses of his heart, and he returned to his inhumanity. 
 He continued : 
 
 " Tell your father no more relief will be given in this way. 
 We have determined to make people work in future. If he is 
 not able to labor on his own account, he must provide a substi 
 tute. You, for instance, might work for him." 
 
 " Yes, indeed, sir ; I will be very glad to do so." 
 
 " Tell him we believe we are doing him a great service when 
 ve permit this to allow his house to draw a man's allowance 
 of relief when you perform the work." 
 
 " Where will it be, sir ? " asked the girl, timidly. 
 
 ZANTHON 7
 
 98 
 
 " On the public road, within about three miles of your 
 father's residence. There is a hill in that neighborhood that 
 must be cut down and the gravel removed to other parts of the 
 highway." 
 
 " The public road, sir ! " repeated May, with eyes glistening 
 in tears. 
 
 " Yes ; don't you understand ? " resumed the man, passion 
 ately. " So prepare yourself to wheel a barrow, or handle a 
 shovel, or pickaxe without growling." 
 
 May bowed her head in silence ; and, having been provided 
 with what she had journeyed so far to procure, turned from the 
 place into the town, and from thence retraced her steps home 
 ward, revolving in her mind if this new movement would be 
 beneficial or detrimental to the interests of those whom she 
 loved. 
 
 There are beings in the human family who abhor beauty. 
 Their minds are subject to a vicious principle, impelling them 
 to wound, if they cannot destroy it, whenever or wherever en 
 countered. The man here mentioned was of that class. He 
 felt a kind of devilish satisfaction in having hurt the feelings 
 of May ; beautiful waif, wandering without protection and in 
 experienced in the craft peculiar to human life ! 
 
 We bury him here, writing above his tomb the epitaph best 
 suited to his case : 
 
 " He was hideous."
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 THE LAST PROP IS REMOVED. 
 
 f ONG before May left the highroad by the path leading to 
 -* ' her home, Clare ascended a hedge about midway and 
 kept watch for her coming. 
 
 Anxiously he looked into the distance. There was nothing 
 but desolation visible. At length he saw, a great way off, 
 something that looked like the stump of a tree, gray from age. 
 It was upright and apparently motionless. After concluding 
 that this object was stationary, he directed his vision to another 
 point ; but as he came quickly back to the original figure he 
 observed it had shifted its position. 
 
 He sat down and watched its further progress. 
 
 The distance between it and the ruins of some houses, in 
 the neighborhood, was very perceptibly increasing. 
 
 It was a moving body. A person coming this way. 
 
 A few minutes more brought the figure into full view and 
 the truth flashed upon his mind that it was his sister. 
 
 He stood up and bounded forward, crying in his exultation, 
 " May ! May ! " 
 
 The girl allowed the shawl to fall over her shoulders, as she 
 met her brother with smiling face. 
 
 " We thought you would never come, you were so long away," 
 said Clare. " I stopped with my father a great while. Then 
 I asked him if I could come to meet you, and he said yes." 
 
 (99)
 
 100 ZANTHON 
 
 " How is he? " inquired the girl, as hand in hand they walked 
 in the direction of home. 
 
 "Better, I think. He was sleeping part of the time. I kept 
 near him in the morning, as you told me, until he got very 
 quiet." 
 
 " Did he ask for anything ? " 
 
 " Yes ; water." 
 
 " Were you in the house all day ? " 
 
 "I was ; but I went outside often to look for you." 
 
 " What did father say when you left ? " 
 
 " He said: ' Bring May home with you.' " 
 
 "Ah, poor father ! " 
 
 ' ' What did you see in the town, May ? " 
 
 " Lots of things. Fine houses and shops, and a golden sheep 
 hung outside one of them." 
 
 "Hung by the neck?" 
 
 " No ; but by a belt round the body. It was over the door, 
 and I asked a woman why it was up there. After looking at 
 it she said she did not know, if it were not a sign that they 
 sold cloth made from wool on the inside. 
 
 u Then I saw a whole lot of soldiers guarding wagons full of 
 sacks of meal. They were bringing it from a ship to the stores ; 
 and it had to be guarded,' or the people would carry it off by 
 force." 
 
 " I suppose they were hungry ? " 
 
 ' ' Yes. A great many people were there who had nothing 
 to eat." 
 
 " Did you hear bells ? * 
 
 " I did. There was a man going through the streets ringing 
 a bell in his hand. He was saying something to the people ; 
 but I could not understand him. I heard a very large bell 
 ring about the middle of the day. Oh, it had a beautiful 
 sound." 
 
 " What was it like ? "
 
 THE LAST PROP IS REMOVED 101 
 
 " The bell ? " 
 
 " No ; the sound." 
 
 " lake loud thunder coming out of a fiddle." 
 
 " Did you see fine ladies ? " 
 
 " Yes, indeed ; some of them in the shops dressed in their 
 silks, and ribbons round their necks." 
 
 " Had they gold rings ? " 
 
 " Lots of them. Besides necklaces, bracelets, side-combs, 
 ivory skewers stuck in through their hair ; bands, bows, braid, 
 collars and cuffs made of lace ; frills down the breast, where 
 some dresses were open ; flounces, feathers in their hats ; 
 gloves, gold chains, and little boots." 
 
 " Oh, aren't they fine ! " 
 
 " Every one I saw had her dress tight-fitting round the 
 waist to make it look thin." 
 
 " Why have they that fashion ? " 
 
 " I don't know." 
 
 " I wish you could be like one of them, May." 
 
 "Ah, my brother, I will never be rich enough to be a lady.'" 
 
 When the children reached home, the lather was dressed 
 and sitting near the fire-place. In giving him an account of 
 the day's proceedings, the daughter was minute as to detail. 
 When she delivered the message sent to him by the member of 
 the relief committee, an expression of wonder mingled with 
 ferocity appeared on his face. 
 
 " They expect you to work upon the roads ? " he said. 
 
 " Yes, father." 
 
 " Like a horse ? " 
 
 " Like a man." 
 
 " With a barrow ? " 
 
 " With a shovel." 
 
 " Through rain and wind ? " 
 
 "At all times." 
 
 " Bareheaded arid barefooted ? "
 
 102 ZANTHON 
 
 "Any way." 
 
 " Exposed to the rude jests of every passing boor ? " 
 
 " Yes, father." 
 
 "The wretches! The inhuman monsters ; with less feeling 
 than the beasts of the forest ; their cruel heartedness ought to 
 be enough to strike them dead," said the man. 
 
 " Father, I am willing to work. It is good." 
 
 " Yes, child ; but with due consideration for time, place, and 
 circumstances. Work should be so distributed as to suit the 
 capabilities and surroundings of each worker. To require you 
 or any female to perform manual labor on the public high 
 ways, is an outrage on the human race ; and none but ignorant 
 half savage men would exact such obligation. Oh, had I the 
 strength which recently left me, I would " 
 
 "You would not, father," said May, hastily interrupting 
 him. " You are too good to hurt anybody, and the persons 
 spoken of do not know better." 
 
 " Patience has its boundaries, my child. Ignorance cannot 
 at all times be permitted to carry high-handed brutality above 
 the privileges accorded human beings, even those who are poor. 
 The common feeling in us all revolts against barbarous cus 
 toms, especially cruelty. If this should be carried -too far it 
 would be lawful to stop it by retaliative measures aided by 
 one's own hands." 
 
 " We cannot do anything," resumed the girl. 
 
 " No. We have long submitted and must further submit to 
 the arrogance of men in power," returned the man, as he bent 
 over the few coals on the hearth in deep meditation. 
 
 As a matter of necessity the original proposition was finally 
 agreed to. May went to work on the public road at the place 
 formerly indicated. 
 
 The equipment of the girl was rough. She wore an old coat 
 belonging to her father over her dresa. About her head she 
 fastened a thick handkerchief, after the manner of Indian
 
 THE LAST PROP IS REMOVED 103 
 
 women here. Her hands were encased in gloves made by her 
 self from a piece of sheepskin, and her new shoes would pro 
 tect her feet, while exhibiting their own powers of endurance. 
 
 The new regulations regarding the distribution of relief to 
 the poor were an improvement on the old method, with the ex 
 ception of such as obliged females to work on the roads already 
 mentioned. There was an allowance of money given each la 
 borer instead of soup. 
 
 This permitted the introduction of variety in food and really 
 a larger supply. Thus, twenty cents per day, the wages given, 
 small as it was, would purchase meal and buttermilk, supple 
 mented occasionally by salt fish or liver, heart, tripe and other 
 cheap provisions. For a few cents a bag of " seeds " could be 
 procured, consisting of the husks of oats, which, when im 
 mersed in water for about twelve hours and strained, yielded a 
 thick fluid, often substituted for milk ; or boiled, when it be 
 came a very greatful preparation, known by the .celebrated 
 name of flummery. 
 
 While the prospect began to brighten in the home of Marl- 
 band as a consequence of the return to better times, the exer 
 tions required of May were enormous. She walked a distance 
 of three miles to her work and returned the same day after its 
 completion. 
 
 Besides cooking and other household duties, the man needed 
 attention, which his daughter gave him willingly, regardless of 
 its inconvenience. Thus, she arose before dawn and was busy 
 far into the night. 
 
 It would be impossible for human life to continue under such 
 fearful hardships as this young girl was forced to endure ! 
 
 About the end of March it appeared to her mind she, too, 
 must die. This conviction aggravated her sufferings. 
 
 Although no particular disease presented itself in her case, 
 there was general debility. In this condition some vital part 
 may be attacked at any moment.
 
 104 ZANTHON 
 
 Her face became thin and pale and her eyes hollow. 
 
 She seemed to shrink inwardly from the rotundity of former 
 days. The voice, so musical heretofore in the ears of her 
 friends, fell to a whisper. 
 
 Clare found her silently weeping frequently at this time, and 
 was greatly disturbed in consequence. Seeing her one evening 
 coming home in this distressed condition, he insisted in his own 
 way in knowing the cause of her grief. 
 
 " May, sister dear, tell me what is troubling you ? Just now, 
 before we go home, tell me," he said. 
 
 " I don't know. I can hardly say what." 
 
 " Yes, you can. It must be known to you very well." 
 
 "Oh, it is hard to think that after coming so near being 
 happy we should still have to part." 
 
 " We are not going to part, my sister." 
 
 " We must, Clare. You will be alone soon." 
 
 " Oh, don't speak in that way. I cannot bear to hear you 
 talk so. Where are you going ? " 
 
 " Where the others have gone, my brother." 
 
 After some silence and reflection the boy resumed : 
 
 '' Why do you think you will die ? " 
 
 "I am getting weaker every day, and a constant pain has 
 settled over my heart on account of our troubles." 
 
 " Are the people good to you where you work ? " 
 
 " Oh, yes ; good enough. There are some there a great deal 
 worse off than I am ; women working and having babies on 
 their backs, and young girls little more than children." 
 
 "If we could go away, May you and I to some place 
 where you would not be troubled, would you like it ? " 
 
 " Ever so much." 
 
 " Why can't we go, then ? Father could come after us in 
 time."
 
 THE LAST PKOP IS REMOVED 105 
 
 " Ah, where shall we go, my brother ? Strangers would not 
 care for us. We might starve on the way, and never find a 
 place such as you are thinking of." 
 
 Finding the difficulties which surrounded them so hard to 
 overcome, Clare's cheerful disposition gave place to fear, and 
 for the first time, perhaps, he discovered the shadow of the 
 future stealing upon himself menacingly. He resumed : 
 
 " What will become of me if you die and my father dies ? " 
 
 " Perhaps father will not die." 
 
 " But if he did, what would I do ?" 
 
 The girl was at a loss to know how to answer this question. 
 However, she said : 
 
 " Somebody might take you to another home." 
 
 " Ah, but I would not like any other home. I do not love 
 strange people. They would scold me." 
 
 "Ask my father. He will tell you everything." 
 
 On this understanding brother and sister returned to the 
 house. The helplessness of Marlband did not prevent him 
 prosecuting a close observation of the declining health of his 
 daughter. He knew she was encumbered with too great a bur 
 den ; that her life would be sacrificed to affection for him and 
 her brother and he was trying to find in the depths of phil 
 osophy enough fortitude to withstand a catastrophe now almost 
 impossible to avert. 
 
 Day after day he looked with the utmost concern in her 
 wasted face and at the attenuated figure which came so lovingly 
 near him ; nay, started involuntarily at the sound of her voice, 
 so marked was the change from what it used to be in former 
 times. 
 
 Hard labor is a terrible agent, when used on the fibers of a 
 tender body, such as May possessed, and the transformation 
 in her appearance was soon effected. 
 
 One day, about this time, Clare, who had been outside in 
 the vicinity of the house, came rushing in to tell his father
 
 106 ZANTHON 
 
 that he could see at a great distance on the plain some irregu 
 lar figure moving, he thought, in their direction. As the man 
 could not get up without assistance, he remained seated where 
 he had been placed in the morning. 
 
 " It is not a person, father. It is more like a piece of tim 
 ber, but moving," said the boy. 
 
 "Perhaps it is a raven, with his wings extended, soaring 
 cautiously above the land, expecting to find prey," remarked 
 the man. 
 
 " No. It is larger than the raven ; and it don't look as if it 
 had wings." 
 
 " It is a beast, doubtless, moved by some instinct to come 
 this way." 
 
 " I would not think that, either. I know the beasts." 
 
 "Go again, my son, and bring me tidings of its further 
 motion." 
 
 The boy having gone out to continue his observations, 
 returned immediately with a report : 
 
 " It is nearer to us now, father. I can see two men carrying 
 something on their shoulders." 
 
 " Ha ! " exclaimed the man with a start and a cry. " They 
 cannot be coming here. They are going in another direction ; 
 towards the mountains, for instance." 
 
 Thus he endeavored to persuade himself into a belief 
 contrary to facts. He would not dare admit the truth to 
 which his inward thoughts pointed ; but tried in the last 
 moments, even, to suppress the inevitable. 
 
 "You will find they have turned into the mountain road," 
 he continued. 
 
 Clare returning from without once more, held up his hand 
 as if to signify that all discussion should end j and he said 
 in a suppressed voice : 
 
 " They are here."
 
 THE LAST PROP IS REMOVED 107 
 
 Marlband by a great effort arose to the upright position, 
 trembling and with a fearful aspect. 
 
 In the next minute a dark shadow was thrown in the door 
 way and two men appeared bearing some object on their 
 shoulders. Pushing forward to the center of the apartment, 
 without delay they deposited their burden on the floor ; then 
 stood up silently and began to wipe the sweat from their fore 
 heads. 
 
 Clare hurried to one end of it, and snatching therefrom an 
 old handkerchief by which it was encompassed, revealed the 
 beautiful face of May cold and fixed in death ! 
 
 Half distracted with grief, he went out the door crying aloud, 
 while the father knelt down beside the body undoing the 
 fastenings which had bound it to a plank, and otherwise com 
 posing its parts, saying : 
 
 "My beautiful child ! My heroic daughter I You have died, 
 my darling, in trying to save us." 
 
 Unable to say more, he bent his head, covered his face with 
 his hands and wept long and bitterly. 
 
 The men left the house immediately ; but before finally 
 quitting the place, they told Clare that the girl had fallen at 
 her work on the road, and died in a few minutes thereafter. 
 
 The overseer or superintendent had said her death was 
 caused by disease of the heart, and he sent them to take the 
 body home, knowing where the family lived. 
 
 They must hurry back, they said, according to instructions ; 
 so they departed precipitately. 
 
 The lamentations of father and son were continued through 
 out the day for the loss of their last and dearest friend. 
 
 They covered the couch with the remnant of clothing avail 
 able, placing the body upon it and decorated it as best they 
 could. At night, a couple of candles, preserved since last year 
 were lighted, and everything around the remains carefully 
 composed, out of respect for the departed.
 
 108 ZANTHON 
 
 Then the man and the boy drew their seats near the side of 
 the bed to watch what remained of their beloved May during 
 the lone hours of the night. 
 
 To pacify his son, the father said : 
 
 " She has only succumbed to the demand of nature, and 
 through this means gained eternal rest. She was too good to 
 live." 
 
 " She was too good to die," replied Clare quickly, and with 
 such earnestness as surprised the man. 
 
 " Her exertions in our behalf were such as to entitle her to 
 the name of heroine. Under other circumstances, if permitted 
 to live, she would undoubtedly have become great I " continued 
 Marlband. 
 
 " She was so ready to work for us," resumed the boy. All 
 unselfishly, too, guided by her love and noble nature." 
 
 " It always pleased her to know we loved her in return." 
 
 " Yes , it was the only reward we could give." 
 
 Some hours before daybreak, the father recommending Clare 
 to retire to rest in the room, remained alone in the presence of 
 the dead, and with his own reflections. 
 
 The cheerful appearance he was accustomed to assume in 
 presence of his son died away quickly and an expression 
 altogether beyond the control of the will, but like a reflection 
 from the grave, took possession of his features. 
 
 Since our last summary of his condition, he had grown more 
 decrepit. The disease, whatever it consisted in, was evidently 
 progressing towards a fatal end. His speech, as well as his 
 physical parts, was rapidly failing. An observer of a few 
 weeks ago would no longer recognize him as the same 
 individual. It would be correct to say he was dying ; yet he 
 pressed his hands perpendicularly on his seat, as if to test their 
 strength ; indicating there was something else he would like 
 to perform before resigning the great struggle.
 
 THE LAST PROP IS REMOVED 109 
 
 The candles burned out ; but were not replaced by others, 
 for the reason, there were none available. 
 
 The man did not move from his seat ; or seem to notice that 
 total darkness surrounded him. He knew the body of his 
 child was near him in one place ; and he could hear the 
 breathing of his son in the other. He was satisfied, so far as 
 satisfaction was possible under the circumstances then present. 
 
 He did not sleep. He thought ; and his reflections were the 
 most profound of any period in his memory ; for he saw life 
 and death on either side in their most dreadful terrors. 
 
 Oh, how acutely his mind penetrated through the unfathom 
 able depth, searching for the solution of abstruse problems, 
 which, however, evaded his efforts. He was not afraid ; 
 because he understood what nature demanded of him : to die 
 without uttering a complaint against the Supreme Power. 
 
 Then through the interstices of the door, he could see the 
 thick darkness of the night grow pale. The whole aspect of 
 the atmosphere was assuming a new condition, as if some 
 master hand was at work impelling the trivial powers before it 
 for the purpose of inaugurating a great phenomenon : the 
 illumination of a world. 
 
 A few minutes afterward he became convinced the dawn had 
 come. Roused by some internal force, he arose with difficulty 
 and moving to the door gazed toward that part of the eastern 
 sky where the morning sun would appear. 
 
 Notwithstanding the absence of listeners, he said in a plaint 
 ive voice, as if desirous of relieving his mind from the oppres 
 sion with which it was burdened : 
 
 " Oh, Dawn ! thou lovely visitant from heavenly spheres, 
 how like the spirit of my departed child thou art. 
 
 Fashioned in beauty. Bedecked with robes of brightness. 
 The effulgence of purity on thy brow. 
 
 The glory of virtue guiding thy footsteps.
 
 110 ZANTHON 
 
 " Darkness flees before thee, leaving a world to rejoice in thy 
 presence. 
 
 Thou divine essence. Herald of Eternity. Mystery of the 
 universe. Sweetness made manifest through the vision. 
 Deputy of God. Imperial crown of Day. 
 
 Pursuing and pursued. The stars controlled by night 
 before thee ; the sun ruling the day behind. 
 
 Like the impenetrable future on the one hand and the 
 clearness of the past on the other ; or Evil leading humanity by 
 the forelock, followed meekly by Good. 
 
 Animated nature welcomes thee. Like a trumpet blast thy 
 approach commands attention. 
 
 Midway between extremes thy flight is preserved from 
 interference. Thy passage is in peace. Freedom has been 
 given as a part of thy inheritance. 
 
 Soaring above the material world, godlike, incapable of 
 destruction by its agents, thine eye may behold with equal 
 complaisancy the billows of the stormy ocean roll in unbridled 
 fury and the peaceful landscape decorated with verdure and the 
 dwellings of men. 
 
 Farewell ! The time for parting is at hand. 
 
 We shall never meet again." 
 
 He withdrew from the door with a shiver and resumed his 
 seat. Soon after this Clare appeared and instructed by the 
 father began the preparation of the morning meal. The 
 source from which their supplies had been furnished having 
 terminated with the death of May and only so much left as 
 would meet their wants one day more, they appeared to have 
 reached a time when it might be predicted their destruction 
 was inevitable. Nevertheless, the boy performed the work 
 cheerfully communicating with the man at every new require 
 ment and endeavoring to assuage his sorrow. 
 
 As the day advanced May's burial became the chief subject 
 of consideration. On account of his inability to carry the
 
 THE LAST PROP IS REMOVED 111 
 
 remains to the cemetery, or indeed to any distance, the father 
 finally determined to deposit them in the house. This plan 
 could be successfully executed by making the grave in the floor 
 which was composed of soft clay and might be easily pene 
 trated. 
 
 Clare was strong enough with some assistance from the man 
 to make the small excavation needed. 
 
 They began the work soon. The completion of the grave 
 brought them to another difficulty ; how to remove the body to 
 its last resting-place without undue disturbance. Here the 
 ingenuity of the man served instead of his strength. By means 
 of a rope thrown over one of the cross-beams of the roof they 
 were enabled to raise and lower it as they desired. 
 
 Supporting himself by a staff the man stood by the side of 
 the grave while the boy appeared at the end of it mourning. 
 
 While his breathing became difficult and the trembling of 
 his voice betokened fearful agony, Marlband prayed aloud, 
 in solemn tones, thus : 
 
 " Oh, Power, whom the world knows as God, if the spirit 
 from this child has sought thy presence, in thy peculiar 
 abode make it happy. 
 
 Her innocence resembled sunshine ; and, therefore, capa 
 ble with thee of adorning the mysterious depths of the 
 universe. 
 
 Her beauty was richer than the diadem of a king. 
 
 She can vie with angels in thy heaven and look upon thy 
 face knowing no guile. 
 
 To the ear her voice was like the sweet sounds of a 
 harp. 
 
 Among mortals she was divine. They carried a memory 
 of her in their hearts like an impression of thy glory. It 
 reminded them the earth was not wholly destitute of good, or 
 the human race of rectitude."
 
 112 ZANTHON 
 
 At a motion made by the man Clare began to fill the grave. 
 The boy worked hard until his task was completed. Then 
 father and son sat down to rest in the midst of desolation. 
 
 During the past few months such articles as could be dis 
 posed of were carried away from the house by the man and 
 sold. % 
 
 The clothing was expended in wrapping the remains of the 
 dead and the old furniture employed to light the fires. Little 
 now remained of anything. 
 
 After they gazed upon the bare walls and waited in silence a 
 few minutes, their eyes met. Clare's look meant inquiry while 
 the father's was one out of which all hope had fled. It 
 appeared plain to the boy the calm demeanor of the man 
 indicated his inability to attempt any further struggle. How 
 ever he would speak : 
 
 " To-morrow there will be nothing here father." 
 
 "Nothing." 
 
 " There won't be much to eat, I mean." 
 
 " Nothing to eat.'' 
 
 " We will have to get something to live." 
 
 The father did not answer ; but looked wildly around the 
 apartment. 
 
 The boy continued. 
 
 " Maybe a kind man would come with a basket full of pro 
 visions to relieve us." 
 
 " Oh, no ! no ! " said the man suddenly and with such sar 
 castic force as frightened his son. 
 
 * Do not suppose that my boy. It is the last event to occur 
 out of all others possible. Such issue accords very well with 
 the theme of a nursery story ; but the realities of life surround 
 us here." 
 
 " What will we do, father ? " 
 
 "I will instruct you, presently. Let us take a little rest." 
 
 " You think provisions will come to us."
 
 THE LAST PROP IS REMOVED 113 
 
 " I believe we may find some for to-morrow." 
 
 The boy began, to smile. 
 
 "You are a great man, you never give up," said he. 
 
 When the time required for rest had expired, Marlband signi 
 fied to the boy he wanted assistance to rise from his seat. Clare 
 procured his staff and rendered him aid as far as he was able 
 on the occasion. The work just completed had been exceed 
 ingly tedious and consumed the entire day in its execution. 
 
 Even now, as the man arose, the sun had set and the twi 
 light was beginning to change into darkness. As he stood 
 motionless gazing through the doorway his appearance was 
 appalling. Extending his hand to the boy with the intention 
 of leading him forth, he said in a sepulchral voice : 
 
 " Come ! " 
 
 Clare did not understand this. He approached him lovingly 
 and looked into his face, fearing he might have become insane. 
 
 The man repeated : 
 
 "Come!" 
 
 " Are you going to leave the house ? " the boy asked. 
 
 " We will be on the way, presently." 
 
 " To-morrow, father, we can go wherever you desire." 
 
 " To-morrow is designed for other work, my son." 
 
 " We will not find any place to rest so good as here." 
 
 " Where rest is eternal it must be better." 
 
 " The darkness may overtake us on the way." 
 
 " It will be friendly, my boy." 
 
 " The wind coming down from the mountain will blow se 
 verely against us." 
 
 "Aye, but its sounds shall be like the voices of our compan 
 ions, reminding us of their love." 
 
 " We may meet robbers." 
 
 " In that case we shall hope for some advantage ; for as we 
 have nothing to. lose, our absolute destitution may procure us 
 relief, even from them." 
 
 ZANTHON 8
 
 114 ZANTHON 
 
 " But the house, my father ; the house, who will take care of 
 it?" 
 
 " It needs no further watching. At best it was but a tomb 
 for the living. It is now a tomb for the dead." 
 
 Clare realizing they were about to quit the place forever, 
 became greatly agitated. One by one the safe-guards which 
 formerly surrounded him had fallen. Every day, recently, 
 came burdened with some new menace. Now, his dwelling 
 place must be abandoned for some cause unknown .to him. 
 These terrors were forcing him to think seriously on problems 
 of life, which older heads than his were unable to solve. They 
 would make him a man before he quitted boyhood. 
 
 Thinking, in his simplicity, the father did not fully appre 
 ciate his surroundings, he exclaimed : 
 
 " We are at home, father. You have not forgotten that this 
 is our home, where we loved each other so much ? " 
 
 " The world at large has a variety of situations from which 
 to choose a suitable substitute. You may reach a good home 
 in the future," said Marlband. 
 
 " Oh, but this one, my father ! this one is where I wish to 
 live," said the boy passionately, while he sobbed aloud, and 
 laid hold of the man with both hands as if to detain him. He 
 continued : 
 
 No other home can ever be the equal of, this. Kindness 
 was always here. The grand house I saw one time frowned at 
 me, while the stones, even, of our old dwelling have a kindly 
 look, as if they all knew us. My heart was bound up in every 
 thing belonging to this sacred place. Young as I am, must I 
 surrender what all others enjoy, home and friends ? If we go, 
 tell me I can come back to it again. Tell me I can, father 
 dear ! I want to come back. I love the old walls, the roof 
 the fire place, the floor, where May used to be with me and 
 you, my good, noble father ! Oh, don't go. Remain with me 
 here always.
 
 THE LAST PROP IS REMOVED 115 
 
 We two can yet be happy. 
 
 I will work for you. 
 
 My love shall never be wanting. 
 
 What need we care about strange people, when the happi 
 ness of the whole world is with ourselves. Stay. Content 
 yourself. Am I not fond of your company ? " 
 
 The man, unable to speak from emotion, bent forward and 
 kissed the child. 
 
 Such awful depths of feeling displayed in this appeal aston 
 ished him. His heart felt as if it had been pierced by a lance. 
 He would have fallen to the ground if he had not summoned 
 all his powers to save himself. 
 
 The inevitable was before him. Taking the boy by the hand 
 in a gentle manner, he moved slowly toward the door, and the 
 two passed out together.
 
 CHAPTEK IX 
 
 BORN AGAIN. 
 
 A FTER emerging from the house, the progress of father and 
 *^ son became exceedingly slow on account of the man's 
 extreme debility. The direction taken by them was east. 
 Clare at first imagined the intention of his guide contemplated 
 an entrance to one or other of the favorite nooks of the garden, 
 but he soon perceived all available places in the vicinity were 
 left behind unnoticed. 
 
 Striking into the path leading along the river, their move 
 ment would be scarcely perceptible to an observer at a distance 
 so little headway did they make. Indeed the boy frequently 
 thought his father would fall in his tracks never to rise ; but 
 he rendered all the assistance he could by supporting him on 
 one side, while observing that the staff aided the other. Dark 
 ness had closed around them when they came abreast of the 
 old fort, looking like a sad witness of their helplessness in the 
 gloom of the night. 
 
 Would they pass this too ? 
 
 No. The man turned toward the old familiar place, well 
 known to have been his favorite rendezvous, and his spirit 
 seemed to revive at the spectacle, for he sprang a little livelier 
 than before so that their accelerated march soon brought them 
 to the sloping ground of the ancient landmark. 
 
 (116)
 
 BORN AGAIN 117 
 
 On the man's account they rested a little before attempting 
 the ascent. In the mean time Marlband began a conversation 
 of a serious nature ; he said : 
 
 " Clare, my son, will you listen like a man to my instruc 
 tions ? " 
 
 " Like a man, father ? " 
 
 " I mean, you will be required to have courage and accept 
 what is- now going to transpire without being unduly dis 
 turbed ? '' 
 
 " I will try all I can." 
 
 "The time has come when I must speak unreservedly con 
 cerning your future, and of other subjects it will be well for 
 you to know." 
 
 " I will hear every word, father." 
 
 " We are going to enter the fort to-night ; not only the por 
 tion already known to us, but a part beneath the mound you 
 have not yet seen." 
 
 " Is it down into the earth ? " 
 
 "It is. I' shall lead the way. Will you be afraid ?" 
 
 " I will go any place with you, father." 
 
 " That is well, my boy. Come." 
 
 What had not been previously known was now revealed ; the 
 fort had certain subterranean passages or apartments beneath 
 it, with which the man had evidently been long acquainted, 
 and into whose shades he now proposed to retreat. 
 
 These apartments were, no doubt, the storerooms employed 
 by those who originally manned the works. 
 
 After entering the space enclosed by the breastwork, Marl- 
 band lead the way to a point where portions of a large rock 
 protruded from the side of the ditch. 
 
 This rock had not escaped notice heretofore. Every person 
 visiting the place saw it ; but supposed it to be an ordinary 
 boulder, such as could be discerned lying around in other
 
 118 ZANTHON 
 
 places; or the outcropping of a ledge whose dimensions extended 
 perhaps far into the earth. 
 
 There were some shrubs growing in front, as if designed to 
 conceal the rock from view, with sufficient space between, 
 however, to allow the passage of any one desiring access to the 
 base of it. 
 
 Here there was an aperture so adroitly choked by long grass 
 as to almost escape recognition. 
 
 Even when disclosed to observation, it would be thought a 
 hollow, formerly made by some animal for a temporary sleep 
 ing-place. 
 
 It was in reality the passage to the underground apartments 
 above mentioned, against the opening to which the rock had 
 been rolled in imitation of an ancient custom. It was a stone 
 door. // - 
 
 Marlband on first discovering the boulder knew its purport, 
 and made the entrance beneath it as now existing. 
 
 On the present occasion, arriving at the place, he dropped 
 on his knees, pushed the grass aside, and began to creep in. 
 As the passage descended an inclined plane he had less diffi 
 culty in gaining an entrance than we might suppose, owing 
 to his condition. 
 
 The boy followed without trouble. When they met on the 
 inside there was total darkness. 
 
 The act having been premeditated, certain provision had 
 been made to meet emergencies. 
 
 Thus from a crevice in the wall the man took an old tin 
 box containing pieces of candles and a roll of match-paper. 
 With the back of a jack-knife he struck sparks from a stone 
 on a piece of the paper, and by this means procured a light. 
 
 He then gave all the articles here mentioned to the boy, so 
 as to be used again when necessary. 
 
 The compartment now occupied by them was a mere passage 
 or hall-way about six feet wide, and not over seven feet high.
 
 BORN AGAIN 119 
 
 It extended lengthways, however, fifteen or sixteen feet. 
 There was no plastering on the walls. The floor consisted of 
 earth. 
 
 Facing the main entrance, at the other end of the passage 
 was a square doorway just large enough to admit the move 
 ment of an adult through it without inconvenience. 
 
 The man bent down and crawled through this second aper 
 ture followed by the boy, and without stopping passed two 
 other such openings in succession. 
 
 The last room entered was circular and covered above by a 
 huge slab of rock or slate. It was the termination of the 
 system of rooms in this section of the fort, whatever they were 
 originally designed to hold. 
 
 One object in the circular chamber attracted attention ; a 
 broad bench of stones, shaped like an ottoman, standing grim 
 and lonely near the wall on the left-hand side of the entrance. 
 The man now thoroughly exhausted turned to this bench and 
 sank heavily down upon its cold irregular surface. After a 
 little while he improved his position by extending himself to 
 his full length, as if he were on a couch designed for resting 
 or sleeping, crying after a great sigh : 
 
 " Aye, this will do." 
 
 From the time of leaving the house up to this moment his 
 sufferings must have been terrible ; for his efforts were exer 
 cised with the consciousness of being the last he would make 
 on earth. He doubted if he could reach this point ; but now 
 that his desire was attained he wore a more placid expres 
 sion on his countenance than heretofore, and allowed the long 
 pent up groans to escape from him unchecked. 
 
 He did not speak for some minutes ; but breathed hard, as 
 if unusually excited and weak. 
 
 Clare, with the light in his hand, stood looking at him wist 
 fully, unable to render any assistance or determine what was 
 best to be done under the circumstances. The man's agitation
 
 120 ZANTHON 
 
 having subsided, he directed the boy to proceed to the second 
 chamber and examine its contents. On reaching it, Clare 
 found nothing but an old box with a movable lid, which, when 
 pushed aside, showed that provisions had been stored therein 
 sometime previously. 
 
 The boy was reminded of Christmas eve and of the problem 
 presented to his mind on that occasion ; how it was possible 
 for his father to have procured the meal which supplied their 
 wants the following day, in so short a time. This chamber 
 was evidently his father's storeroom, and no doubt it would 
 have been more liberally provided with provisions for the 
 present emergency if the suddenness of the man's disability 
 had not prevented him from renewing the former supply. 
 However, there was one small package left, containing about 
 two pounds of meal, well secured in a cloth covering. 
 
 This ingredient the boy found to be in good condition as he 
 ripped the head of the sack open and began to eat. 
 
 When he returned to the chamber where his father lay> 
 reporting the extent of his discovery, he wanted him also to 
 partake of food. The man replied : 
 
 " I need no more. I am going to die." 
 
 Feeling the gravity of the situation, the boy seated himself 
 on the bench beside his father, setting the light against the 
 wall and the other articles on the floor. Instinctively the man 
 took hold of his son's hand. 
 
 The rush of feeling to his heart on account of this action 
 gave him renewed animation, and he began to speak. He said 
 in a weak voice : 
 
 " When I am dead leave this place immediately by the way 
 we entered." 
 
 " I will do so, father." 
 
 " My body should be left extended on this bench without 
 interference. I selected this chamber to be my tomb, knowing
 
 BORN AGAIN 121 
 
 the difficulties which must attend my burial if none but you 
 remained alive ; and hence I have buried n^self. 
 
 When you regain the outside, close the passage-way some 
 what ; and returning by the house take the path leading to 
 the highroad. You know the highroad, Clare ? " 
 
 "I do." 
 
 " When you gain the high road turn to the left in the direc 
 tion of the south, and travel until you arrive at the town of 
 Kindleton." 
 
 " Yes." 
 
 " Reaching that place there may be but little difficulty in 
 procuring assistance as a large number of persons reside there, 
 and some of them doubtless will pity you." 
 
 <; I would like to get story books from them if they bring me 
 home." 
 
 " You must work hereafter for what you get." 
 
 " I'll do all I can." 
 
 " They may force you beyond reasonable limits ; but learn 
 to avoid as much cruelty as possible until you become a man." 
 
 "If they touch me I'll run. away from them. I would go 
 with a drover and help him to drive his cattle. I can crack a 
 whip now ; besides, I like it." 
 
 The man's eyes sought the face of his son through the dim 
 light of the chamber, as if he meant to smile at his boldness 
 and. simplicity, remarking : 
 
 " Ah, my boy, few can escape the tyranny of human power." 
 
 After a little time, he resumed : 
 
 " I implore you to observe every requirement here laid down 
 for your future guidance. I beseech you to remember what I 
 announce in your presence for the last time. Will you prom 
 ise me ? " 
 
 "Yes, father. Nothing shall be forgotten. You may rely 
 on it."
 
 122 ZANTHON 
 
 " Bear in mind then, your name must be changed from its 
 present form to another, you have not yet heard, with the view 
 of severing all relationship between your future life and my 
 family. This is done so as not to embarrass your freedom in 
 the pursuit of a career wholly your own. It is thought best, 
 also, because going forth from this cave you shall be as one 
 newly born." 
 
 " I do not know the good of it. I would prefer to keep my 
 old name; but your wishes, father, shall be obeyed." 
 
 " From this time forward you shall be known by the name 
 of Zanthon." 
 
 " Is that all, father ; Zanthon ? " 
 
 " No more. When asked by strangers how you have been 
 called, answer Zanthon." 
 
 " I understand. They will be told my name is Zanthon and 
 no more." 
 
 " Just so. The history of this period and of our family as 
 you knew it, must be concealed from every one." 
 
 " I won't tell anything." 
 
 " You may deny with perfect propriety my name, because I 
 was the father of your first life*; but the father of your second 
 life is invisible." 
 
 Zanthon not understanding this sentence remained silent, 
 and the man continued : 
 
 " Say you do not know the name of your parents, because 
 they died when you were young. This will be true for the 
 reason that Marlband is really not my name." 
 
 Zanthon looked bewildered, hearing this, thinking his father 
 was beginning to lose his mental powers. 
 
 The man continued : 
 
 " My father's family was rich. We held estates in a distant 
 part of this country. Indeed, he was 'a chieftain among the 
 people and noted for his daring plans and exploits, exercised 
 in the cause of political liberty, which he believed could be
 
 BOKN AGAIN 123 
 
 established here. In other words, he favored the overthrow of 
 the present rule held by a foreign government, and the institu 
 tion of one by ourselves. Let me say further : He was the 
 great chief Merraloon." 
 
 " He was perfectly right," said Zanthon, gravely. 
 
 " Wars and petty quarrels have been the ruin of thousands," 
 continued Marlband. 
 
 " The action of your grandfather was just, but opposing a 
 power greater than the one espoused by him, he fell beneath it 
 without hope of mercy. During the troubles that disturbed 
 the country then, he lost everything. The estate was confis 
 cated. My father died in prison. Two brothers, the only 
 ones, left the country and died in exile, and I, wandering in 
 disguise lest I should be seized as a rebel, without hope or 
 ambition, came to Footford as a peasant, and settled here 
 unknown and forgotten. My history is the history of hundreds ' 
 of other men who have been so unfortunate as to be concerned 
 in great political movements resulting in defeat. There is no 
 time now to tell you the incidents of my early life ; nor would 
 it be wise to do so. in any case ; because they were enacted 
 amid pleasures and home comforts which might excite your 
 feelings unduly, seeing how far their equivalents are now 
 beyond your reach, in your present destitute condition. I 
 must rather direct your mind to other considerations. 
 
 Your conduct among the people wherever you reside shall 
 be guided principally by two principles or virtues, namely 
 honesty and truth. You do not know what these are ? " 
 
 " I do. Not to take what belongs to another person, and to 
 tell no lies." 
 
 " Say to me that these shall never be forgotten by you, my 
 son." 
 
 " Rest satisfied, father, I shall ever remember to keep them 
 in practice."
 
 124 ZANTHON 
 
 " Education without these is almost worthless ; but alone, 
 even, they are capable of raising an individual to a high place 
 in the estimation of the rest of mankind. They will lead you 
 into prosperous ways, and ultimately gain independence." 
 
 " I won't let any one tempt me to do a thing else." 
 
 " Assist those persons who may be suffering for want of bread 
 as we have been, when you can." 
 
 " Yes, surely." 
 
 " Render justice to all, irrespective of country, creed or race." 
 
 " I shall do so." 
 
 " Sympathize with the people." 
 
 " Very well." 
 
 " Teach the ignorant their duties to themselves, at least, to 
 conceal their views as much as possible, so that their weakness 
 may not be detected." 
 
 " How can I do all this, father ? " 
 
 " When you come to be a man and acquire knowledge, the 
 impulse to perform good shall inspire you with new methods 
 of procedure in the interests of humanity at large. Do not 
 forget yourself, however. Learn to live properly. 
 
 Be temperate in eating and drinking. 
 
 Walk with nature through beautiful places." 
 
 "When I am a man," said Zanthon, suddenly, "I would 
 like to punish the enemies of my grandfather if I could find 
 them." 
 
 " His immediate enemies are all dead. The power, however, 
 which sustained them is still in existence. It would be useless 
 to attempt its overthrow. You would fall like him," said Marl- 
 band. 
 
 During the delivery of his exhortation the man frequently 
 hesitated and towards the end his voice died away to a whisper 
 so that the boy was obliged to bend down close to his face for 
 the purpose of listening. As Zanthon was exceedingly wearied 
 on account of the exertions recently encountered, when the
 
 BORN AGAIN 125 
 
 man ceased speaking he nestled by his side placing his head 
 against him as if he were a pillow and in this position fell into 
 a deep sleep. 
 
 Shortly afterward the light dropped from the wall and was 
 extinguished. Then the silence and the darkness reigned 
 supreme within the cave. 
 
 The boy's rest was temporary ; but the sleep of the man was 
 eternal. 
 
 With one hand lovingly over the boy's neck the father as if 
 yielding to the awful stillness of the place gave a sigh and 
 expired. 
 
 Many hours passed before the loneliness of this dismal abode 
 was disturbed. 
 
 The breathing of the boy alone remained to indicate that all 
 life was not extinct. 
 
 Sleeping the usual length of time in addition to the amount 
 expended in speaking to his father, Zanthon's awaking occurred 
 about the afternoon of the day following his entrance to the 
 cave. 
 
 Although the darkness was terrible he soon became conscious 
 of his situation. 
 
 A feeling of chilliness pervaded his body and the recollection 
 of incidents lately transpiring in his presence was very vivid. 
 
 After repeated attempts, he at length succeeded in striking 
 a light which he fastened near the couch against the wall. Then 
 he bent over his father. Placing his hands on the man's cheeks 
 so as to have a full view of his face he called to him. 
 
 " Speak again father 1 Speak to me. I am listening. I will 
 hear every word. Zanthon is my name." 
 
 As the cold rigor peculiar to dead bodies was beginning to 
 assert itself over the remains of Marlband, Zanthon became 
 terrorized by the conviction that his father was dead. The 
 motionless aspect of the body also confirmed this belief and 
 the physical signs prevailing with it ; the eyes being fixed and
 
 126 ZANTHON 
 
 staring and the mouth open. The expression on the counte 
 nance was one of wonder, as if the man when dying had beheld 
 some extraordinary vision. 
 
 The boy then broke into wild lamentation, feeling how help 
 less he had become. 
 
 " Oh, father you have not gone from me ? You would not 
 leave me here alone ? What will I do without you ? 
 
 Oh, God, you have not left me anything ! " 
 
 This last sentence was uttered out of the depths of his heart 
 as if he protested against the spoliation of all he held dear 
 on earth by the Supreme Power from whom he expected more 
 clemency. 
 
 Remembering the instructions of his father he began after a 
 little while to adjust the parts of the body so as to let them 
 rest in proper position. 
 
 The arms by the side ; the head with the face upward ; the 
 eyes and mouth closed and the feet adjoining each other 
 stretched to the full extent. 
 
 On examining his resources he found the lights available 
 would be expended in about three or four hours and the balance 
 of provision in the little sack might afford him but two scanty 
 meals. 
 
 He felt no desire to eat. His attention being directed to the 
 future for now indeed he must provide for himself. Therefore 
 he carefully recalled all that had been said to him before he 
 shaped his course on the present occasion. 
 
 There was no elaborate plan developed, you may be sure. 
 He would remain until the candles had been expended, then 
 depart. 
 
 Notwithstanding the terrors which his mind evoked he clung 
 to the custom of watching the dead before the changes incident 
 to that condition appeared ; as well as for the reason that he 
 loved his father.
 
 BORN AGAIN 127 
 
 Even when his solitary vigil came to a close he arose from 
 the bench where he had been seated with a sigh, and new fears 
 thinking if what he was now going to tempt would not prove as 
 dreadful as the place he was leaving. 
 
 Taking a last look at the body with the light in his hand, he 
 hurried through the first aperture neglecting to carry with him 
 anything in the apartment, even the food, as burdensome. 
 
 From this he proceeded easily until he reached the last 
 opening. Satisfied it was the one leading to the outer world he 
 dashed the light against the ground and began the exit, having 
 been in all about twenty-six hours beneath the earth or until 
 the beginning of the second night. 
 
 If a person could have been in view of the mouth of the 
 cave on the occasion here mentioned^ at first a minute dis 
 turbance could be detected at that point by the protrusion of a 
 little hand, the tips of the fingers delicately clutching at the 
 earth or moving nimbly in the air. Then another hand acting 
 as its fellow. Following these a round head with short hair j 
 and finally the well-shaped frame of Zanthon assuming the 
 upright position and advancing to the center of the fort into 
 the world and into the night. 
 
 Into the world and into the night with their unfathomable 
 depths, mysterious laws, aspects and exactions now almost 
 wholly unintelligible to him ; yet the very obscurity in 
 which they were enveloped seemed to lure him into the 
 expectation of reaching great things : a future of his own 
 creation where sunshine and happiness alone should pre 
 vail. 
 
 Into the world and into the night where vice lies in wait 
 for innocence to attempt the overthrow of its purity and 
 thereby destroy the fair field bequeathed by nature for its 
 existence. Where ignorance assails intelligence and stupidity 
 is ever seeking the acquisition of power for the purpose of 
 attaining its selfish and corrupt ends. Where imbecility
 
 128 ZANTHON 
 
 traduces the .fame won by the honest laborer and attempts 
 to despoil him of his just rewards. 
 
 Into the world and into the night to view the shadows left 
 by disappointments and the gleams of light by success, each 
 stimulating human life into renewed exertion toward the per 
 petration of eternal movement. To behold the good worker 
 often falter beneath a burden of accumulated cares and the 
 evil disposed individual make a false show of happiness over 
 the possession of ill-gotten wealth. 
 
 Into the world and into the night to solve the problem of the 
 unknown by the discovery of experience. 
 
 Either to assist in the lighting up of the obscure paths pur 
 sued by illiterate humanity with knowledge or follow the 
 boisterous highway of vulgarity and lawlessness. To attempt 
 the diffusion of truth and wisdom fearlessly through the ranks 
 of mankind or walk the path of life like a dumb animal, an 
 unworthy possessor of human genius. To be the instrument 
 of making the moral existence of the human race harmonize 
 with that which is regulated by instinctive power through 
 other fields of nature's domain, or waste all endowments in 
 criminal felly and useless dissipation. 
 
 Into the world and into the night, for better, for worse ; 
 intending to accept whatever might be given him wisely, in a 
 spirit of thankfulness, rejecting everything he was instructed 
 to avoid. Determined to select if possible the course leading 
 to peace and prosperity that the somber appearances of the two 
 great agents whose society he was now about to seek might, in 
 future, be relieved by hope, joy, love and competence.
 
 CHAPTEK X. 
 
 THE NIGHT. 
 
 TT was starlight. 
 
 The change from the awful darkness out of which he 
 had come, to the .appearance exhibited by the heavens startled 
 Zanthon into mute wonder. He stood motionless looking into 
 the depths of the firmament, fascinated by its immensity and 
 splendor. 
 
 It seemed to him like the face of God glorious and im 
 penetrable. Almost instantaneously this superb display of 
 nature operated to relieve his distressed feelings. His soul 
 was drawn into space as if by a magnet. It floated on silvery 
 light amid the brilliants of the universe. It inhaled the 
 beatitude of the Infinite. There existed an affinity between 
 it and the glory peculiar to the stars. 
 
 Like one relieved suddenly from pain by a skillful physician, 
 his thoughts soared above grief into the realms of the night. 
 
 There was friendship for him in the beauty prevailing there. 
 
 In the past, his observations of the dome of the heavens 
 were cursory ; because his mind had been engaged with per 
 sonal interests relating to home and friends ; now circum 
 stances carried him face to face with it, forcing him to a 
 minute inspection of what it contained, without a thought for 
 other things. 
 
 Awe suppressed all considerations to enable the spirit of the 
 boy to embrace the spirit of the Deity. 
 
 ZANTHON 9 
 
 (129)
 
 130 ZANTHON 
 
 
 
 Sparkling in different modes and holding forth various 
 degrees of illumination the stars were out in myriads. 
 
 Illimitable space appeared crowded to excess with them. 
 
 The twinkling of the dog star alone was sufficient to absorb 
 the attention of the whole human race and decorate the plain 
 above the horizon. Its force had some resemblance to the rest 
 less energy of a cataract. 
 
 The accumulated beauty of the earth could not surpass the 
 grandeur with which it was endowed. 
 
 In the zenith the well-known accumulation of pale light 
 attracted notice for an instant. 
 
 Orion, the Great Bear, Taurus, Cassiopeia, and the Pleiades 
 were conspicuous. 
 
 Although restlessness characterized the scene, there were no 
 noises. The silence was profound. Indeed, this appeared the 
 more strange when taken in connection with the movements 
 perceptible. 
 
 Zanthon felt a vague expectation of hearing a crash or the 
 thunders produced by colliding worlds ; nay, he listened as if 
 a voice from the depths of this immense region were about to 
 speak words of encouragement to him. He was disappointed. 
 However much his mind yearned to hear mysterious sounds, 
 nothing transpired to meet his expectations, but the presence 
 of unvarying splendor sealed in eternal silence. 
 
 He turned to the earth, gazing through the gloom in the 
 direction of the village. The barking of dogs, so familiar to 
 his ears in times gone by, was no longer to be heard. 
 
 Were they all dead ? 
 
 This question recurred to him, notwithstanding the fact that 
 he was well aware Footford had been abandoned by man and 
 beast, yet some hope remained that representatives of the 
 canine race from other parts would make their presence known 
 by the usual method peculiar to them. No murmur of voices 
 arose from the hamlet where his kind companions used to
 
 THE NIGHT 131 
 
 dwell, whose hilarity displayed itself oftentimes even in the 
 night. The stupendous quiet above pervaded all below irre 
 sistibly ; and the Supreme Power stood forth to vindicate 
 itself. It alone was there. Last year the concerns of mankind, 
 such as those seen near his home, impressed Zanthon with a 
 belief in the vastness of human capacity compared with dull 
 material, or even invisible force ; now there was nothing left 
 of what he had admired. His father's greatness with the rest 
 fell so quickly as to annihilate further belief in the power of 
 man. Their feeble resistance seemed to have no more influ 
 ence with nature than flies struggling in a tempest. 
 
 A trifling change in the atmosphere stole in upon them un- 
 perceived from the domain of the unknown and laid them all 
 in the dust ! 
 
 How easy it would be to destroy the whole human race. 
 
 With this thought came the speculation as to the numbers 
 of those who perished during the famine. 
 
 Perhaps he, Zanthon, only remained. The evidence of his 
 senses pointed to the total obliteration of mankind as well as 
 the great bulk of the inferior animals. His father could not 
 assert truly whether people at a distance survived or not. 
 
 How wonderful appeared the reality of which he was now 
 conscious ; every one had been obliged to leave the village or 
 die. Zanthon, however, felt no other inconvenience during the 
 period of hardship than grief at the loss of his friends. 
 
 Why should he be singled out from among the rest ? 
 
 What merits had he above his brother or sisters ? 
 
 Surely, no superior power would be concerned with the pre 
 servation of his insignificance in preference to tho goodness of 
 his father or the strength of all the men of Footford ? A weak 
 boy, a bee in its flight might easily overthrow, or the shadow 
 of a tree discomfit ? 
 
 Yet, although the solution of these questions was incompre 
 hensible, the fact could not be denied that he lived, feeling
 
 132 - ZANTHON 
 
 the serene breath of the night on his cheeks and the vision of 
 a material omnipotence before him. 
 
 This presentation must have been prearranged without his 
 sanction or knowledge. 
 
 What was the object in making him so destitute if there was 
 any desire to have him continue to live ; or had he been brought 
 here merely to die in a manner different from others, so as to 
 conform to the law of variety ? 
 
 No friends or money, knowledge, strength, hat. shoes, or 
 gloves ; nothing but the semblance of a coarse tunic and pants 
 reaching a little below his knees to cover him. This was not 
 the worst, however. 
 
 Heretofore his relations supplied him with food, now he must 
 procure it by his own exertions. There was none left or pros 
 pect as to where or how it could be obtained. 
 
 He was at the mercy of the void ; but the void gloried only 
 in silence. If he lived with it he must work. 
 
 Should the darkness call forth a carnivorous bird to attack 
 him, he had no implement available by which it could be 
 repelled. 
 
 An escape from death appeared an impossibility. 
 
 Should he, therefore, return into the cavern, and taking his 
 place beside the remains of his father, await dissolution ? 
 
 No. Life and death are incompatible. It would be too 
 shocking to resign the one for the other, until forced to accept 
 the change, by the suspension of the powers of animation. To 
 judge by his own feelings, he did not believe it true, as asserted 
 by a prominent author, that people abhorred death on account 
 of the dread uncertainty of the life beyond the grave. 
 
 It was the horrors attending the act of dying which made it 
 so terrible to the imagination. 
 
 The negative ' answer given to the promptings of his mind 
 composed the turning point of his career. 
 
 The breath of Spring came up from the surrounding plain.
 
 THE NIGHT' 133 
 
 He felt it invigorating his person and soothing his thoughts in 
 a wonderful manner. In the trees, too, he could hear it like 
 the whispers of friends designed to welcome him to their home. 
 
 Sweet as the kiss of a maiden, the fragrant air played with 
 his sense of feeling. It seemed an embodiment of purity acd 
 loveliness. All then had not disappeared. 
 
 Nature was left ; and she seemed as kindly now as ever. 
 
 Oh, he would on account of this first meeting, love her hence 
 forth, knowing how absolute are her laws, and astonishing the 
 beauty her features display through the varying seasons of the 
 year. 
 
 Standing erect with more courage than heretofore displayed, 
 he thought of the instructions of his father respecting the town. 
 It would be a fearful journey to make in the darkness of the 
 night, and over a route unknown to him. 
 
 Whatever terrors the loneliness of his present situation in 
 spired, the movement through a series of shadows, strange and 
 bewildering, if not exceedingly dangerous, appeared an appall 
 ing ordeal, sufficient to intimidate the bravest spirit imagina 
 ble. Yet it must be attempted and endured. 
 
 While deliberating here, it was possible an attack might be 
 made upon him with as much evil intention of destruction as 
 any he could encounter elsewhere. Therefore the decision came 
 promptly ; he would hasten to the town. After arranging the 
 long grass and placing some stones in the aperture before the 
 cave, he crossed the prominence of the fort, and struck boldly 
 into the path leading to his old home. 
 
 As he passed, every familiar object was recognized ; but 
 the grief at his heart prevented him from speaking the words 
 of farewell which he otherwise would have addressed to these 
 inanimate relics of happier times. 
 
 Silently, and with some show of caution, he entered the 
 ground on which the old house stood. His movements on this 
 occasion resembled the stealthy march of a youth to the sacred
 
 134 ZANTHON 
 
 resort of a companion with the intention of witnessing how 
 events occurred there as in his absence. Perhaps, too, he 
 expected to meet a living being in or near the domicile never 
 before tenantless. 
 
 Seeing no evidence of life he approached, and placing his 
 hands against the stones of the wall nearest him, assured him 
 self of the reality of the scene. Yes, it was the house ; for the 
 stones were the same he well remembered feeling formerly, 
 whose irregularities and positions had become as familiar to 
 him as the faces of his friends. The door was open ; but the 
 darkness within could not be penetrated, nor the awful silence 
 described. Passing noiselessly into the garden, he seated him 
 self in the summer house, associated with so many pleasing 
 recollections of his past life. It consisted merely of a bower 
 among the trees nearest his home, specially appropriated for 
 his amusement ; where also he was permitted to train plants 
 and flowers. 
 
 Here the pent up fountains of his sorrow gave way, and he 
 burst into tears. His weeping was woeful. As no one now 
 appeared to restrain or soothe him, he wept passionately and 
 grievously. It seemed a relief he suffered no interruption ; 
 not even an echo arose to mock his grief. The outline of the 
 house could be discerned through the starlight. Nothing he 
 had ever seen appeared so desolate. Every line of its external 
 figure portrayed in the manner peculiar to it, how absolutely 
 it shared in the general calamity. 
 
 No doubt this tendency toward extreme distress appeared 
 when it became the tomb of May. 
 
 It would be sacrilege on the part of nature to institute a 
 cheerful 'aspect above the remains of his beautiful sister. 
 
 The roof drooped like the shoulders of a decrepit person 
 abandoned on the highway ; and the shadows surrounding the 
 entire structure were dyed deeper, immeasurably, than the 
 darkness of the night, as well as being far more mysterious.
 
 THE NIGHT 135 
 
 To behold this inanimate object assume the garb of mourner 
 pointed one of the most bitter thoughts that keenly directed 
 its way to his heart. Nor would the poor thing accept consol 
 ation. Its glory had departed and it was doomed to become a 
 ruin. One by one the friends he had lost appeared to his mental 
 vision, as if soliciting a portion of his lamentations. Every inci 
 dent of recent years was reviewed ; every joy loudly deplored. 
 
 " Oh, why did they all disappear so soon after I loved them ? " 
 he said. " Why am I left so lonely ? The loss I have suffered 
 can never be repaired. The powers of heaven, even, will not 
 be able to fill Ihe void in my heart. 
 
 If there had been one spared, if it were only a beast, my 
 abandonment would not appear so cruel ; but this total separ 
 ation from every object around which my fond desires clung is 
 terrific ! " 
 
 Looking from where he sat he could see by the position of 
 " Charles Wain " that the night was not far advanced, yet the 
 necessity of moving forward came forcibly to his mind. 
 
 Recrossing the space in front of the house, he walked list 
 lessly over the piece of common adjoining the river, formerly 
 the scene of many a pleasant encounter with companions now 
 irrecoverable. At the point where the stepping stones began, 
 he halted a few moments desirous of viewing for the last time 
 what remained to be seen of past associations. 
 
 Everything seemed to assume a sadness in harmony with his 
 feelings as if his departure were fully understood. The branches 
 of the trees were waving him farewell, the water murmuring 
 adieu and the breeze sighing for the forlorn condition of the 
 boy traveler. 
 
 They were the instruments of the power which recognized 
 him as the greatest work among them and hence one to whom 
 deference should be paid, in this, if in no other way. 
 
 With his hands clasped above his head, the better to support 
 it, perhaps, while making a most minute inspection of all that
 
 136 ZANTHON 
 
 lay before him, Zanthon, after a little while wheeled around, 
 dropped his hands by his sides and resolutely crossed the river 
 to begin the world in reality. 
 
 On account of familiarity with places adjoining the path or 
 trail which he now pursued the journey over the first mile did 
 not appear unusually distressing, notwithstanding the fact, that 
 there were several stiles to cross, as well as ruts and steep 
 ascents. 
 
 When, however, the second mile was entered and he began 
 to penetrate a place which even in daytime he regarded with 
 dread, it may be easily understood how his courage commenced 
 to fail and his limbs to tremble feeling the extent of his 
 exposure to the full fury of whatever might arise to assail 
 him. 
 
 The route entered, suddenly, a straight stretch of moor 
 land where it partook of the character of a country road. 
 There was a black ditch on each side of it and the land 
 itself was black and devoid of any but the poorest vege 
 tation. 
 
 The gloom of the night on this lonely waste appeared fear 
 ful. It seemed to deepen into a shade which language was 
 unable to characterize or vision penetrate. At certains points 
 where excavations had been made and the surface water 
 accumulated in stagnant pools, the appearances presented 
 were like dismal craters of volcanic passages opening into the 
 bottomless pit. 
 
 While the extreme depression under which he labored began 
 to give place to a more courageous feeling as he proceeded 
 without molestation ; yet he kept his eyes on the dark banks 
 and frequently glanced on either side and in front of him as 
 far as possible. 
 
 He never looked behind. The imagination pictured such 
 awful scenes in the space just passed that he dared not look to 
 ascertain if they were real.
 
 THE NIGHT 137 
 
 Ghosts and goblins were at liberty to desport themselves 
 behind him as much as they pleased, but so long as they 
 remained invisible he could well afford to travel. 
 
 When the path struck, once more, into green upland and he 
 reviewed, mentally, the dangerous way traversed, he shuddered 
 at his temerity and wondered how he ever succeeded in over 
 coming the perils with which he seemed to have been threat 
 ened by the semblance of courage exhibited on the occasion. 
 
 After making two or three short curves he came in sight of 
 something attractive ; a level strip of land distinguishable in 
 the darkness by its light color. It came in a straight line from 
 the north and stretched far away toward the south. Clouds of 
 dust careered upon it, like squadrons of horsemen or the whirl 
 of rich men's equipages. 
 
 While he did not at first recollect what this could be, he bent 
 to the march with additional speed. 
 
 As he advanced at a rapid pace the truth broke upon him ; 
 and he suddenly found himself on the center of the high road, 
 his mind raised to such a point of enthusiasm as almost to 
 compel him to shout in exultation. 
 
 This was the identical highway so often referred to by his 
 father ; the one pursued by May on a memorable occasion still 
 fresh in his memory, and now available for him in his transit 
 from desolation to unknown scenes of fortune. 
 
 The contrast between the narrow way he had left and this 
 broad road with its trim earthen fences on either side, its sur 
 face suitable for easy travel and vast proportions sweeping from ' 
 one indefinite point towards another equally obscure, appeared 
 so great that he halted for some time to admire it. 
 
 Even the wind seemed to enjoy its uninterrupted course as 
 it drove half madly, half mirthfully, over the surface ; jostling 
 legions of small pebbles in its wake and raising the dust into 
 the face of the night as if intent on blinding it to the wanton 
 folly it was practicing.
 
 133 ZANTIION 
 
 Zanthon followed the direction taken by the wind as it 
 corresponded with the one he had been instructed to pursue. 
 He experienced great satisfaction on account of the superior 
 appointments of the new route though his watchfulness con 
 tinued as before, -his fears being only partially lessened. 
 
 When the dust came rushing after him his imagination 
 heard voices accompanying it, and noises as if people were 
 struggling for room in order to expedite their passage to the 
 city. For this reason he frequently ran to the roadside to 
 avoid being run over. Nothing, however, appeared to disturb 
 him in that manner, but the cloud passed on carrying its voices 
 to the front until all were lost in the distance. 
 
 " Oh, the town must be a great place," said he, " when even 
 the wind and the dust are in such haste to reach it." 
 
 The nodding of the trees adjacent to the highway often 
 startled him ; and the appearance of houses, deserted like his 
 own, whose dismantled walls and open doors were frightful to 
 behold. 
 
 After walking a couple of hours he began to experience 
 fatigue. His feet pained him, a heavy weight seemed to be 
 pressing his shoulders and discomfort felt generally all over 
 his body. 
 
 Distress of this kind in a like degree never before assailed 
 him. Young as he was, the reason came uppermost in his 
 mind ; his father's care and May's love were proof against 
 everything tending to disturb his comfort. Now, however, he 
 was defenseless. The fight must be made henceforth by him 
 self. 
 
 In view of conforming to the new condition of things, he" 
 was putting forth all his strength with the result of being 
 crippled by the severity of the march. 
 
 Fatigue was supplemented by hunger and thirst. There was 
 an internal weakness making itself felt, threatening his life 
 at one fell blow, caused evidently by an empty stomach. Thirst*
 
 THE NIGHT 139 
 
 too, was fully developed owing to the character of the road and 
 a feverish condition of his body. 
 
 When these misfortunes accumulated he fell into a slow pace 
 such as is characteristic of lagging ; nay, he began occasion 
 ally to totter off the direct course like one afflicted with 
 dizziness. 
 
 Oh, how eagerly he scanned each portion of the way as he 
 dragged his weary limbs forward. 
 
 The broad sameness of its features was frightful. The only 
 thing it seemed most desirous of accomplishing consisted in 
 pushing itself forward, precipitately, without change. 
 
 Headlong into the darkness it went, never stopping for an 
 instant ; showing no break in its clearly cut lines ; no contraction 
 from the rule and compass width possessed where it was first 
 seen ; no changes of color or consistency, neither turning to 
 the right nor left, it looked like the highway best adapted to 
 carry the traveler over the entire earth. 
 
 Would it ever end ? 
 
 About this time a section of the road was encountered 
 bounded by high walls and a grove of firs. 
 
 These would have enhanced the vfew if seen in daylight, 
 whereas they were menacing at night. 
 
 Zanthon supposed if he moved under one or other of the 
 boundaries mentioned a ghastly head might come up from the 
 other side and look down at him. The weird sounds heard 
 through the trees also favored the entertainment of dreadful 
 thoughts ; but he kept well in the center of the highway, as 
 being most secure. 
 
 The persistent determination to push forward did not imply 
 that he was gifted with an iron will or possessed grit far beyond 
 boys of his age. On the contrary, he was tender hearted, 
 tinctured with the deep superstitions of the times, and although 
 remarkably healthy, soft limbed on account of the care bestowed 
 on his youth, and immunity from manual labor. It meant
 
 140 ZANTHON 
 
 obedience to the wishes of his father. The time had come, 
 however, when he asked himself : 
 
 " Must I fall and die here ? " 
 
 And, again, aloud : 
 
 <k Oh, father, where are you ? Will you come to me ? Will 
 you help me ? " 
 
 The night listened ; it answered nothing. The boy con 
 tinued : 
 
 " Oh, if I could be with you, May. To be near you. Oh, 
 God ! oh, God ! " 
 
 He was about to stop, probably with the intention of yield 
 ing to necessity and falling on the ground, but an elevation in 
 the road before him induced the desire to overcome this last 
 obstruction, and then give up all as lost. 
 
 If he were going to die let it be where the wind would catch 
 his last breath and bear it away above the trees and the hills 
 to the new home where his friends resided. Thus sweetly con 
 templating the mystery of the future, he slowly ascended the 
 bluff. 
 
 It was the place where May first beheld the town and the 
 grandeur of the adjacent valley. Coming to the top of the 
 inclined plane, Zanthon perceived a marked change. The 
 walls and the wood terminated here, the road bent over a 
 descending grade, and a noise came up from the valley like 
 that of falling water. 
 
 Looking through the pale light prevailing, he saw a star on 
 the horizon. 
 
 Hold ! was it a star ? 
 
 A luminous body, evidently ; situated near the earth, and of 
 a red color ; a planet, as its light was steady. Mars only, his 
 father said, appeared to the naked eye like this. He had fre 
 quently seen Mars, but his color never appeared so dull as 
 the one before him.
 
 THE NIGHT 141 
 
 Suddenly the physical signs of reverie on his face disappeared, 
 a peculiar light was kindled in his eyes, he smiled faintly, and 
 extending his arms in front of him he cried aloud : 
 
 " It is a light ; there are people yet in the world. I will be 
 saved." 
 
 Continuing his observations, other lights appeared, until five 
 or six were visible. Questioning himself no longer as a foolish 
 boy, but as one who must learn the truth, he concluded that 
 these signs were the lights in some of the houses of the town? 
 to which he was journeying ; and he would enter it probably 
 in another hour. 
 
 These reflections revived his drooping spirit once more ; nay, 
 turning them gradually into a hopeful channel wherein the 
 ideal presented bright pictures of success in the future, he 
 resumed his march, after a little rest, considerably relieved 
 from anguish. 
 
 The approach to the town appeared strangely interesting. 
 If there were deep shadows, the mind of Zanthon invested 
 them with imaginary beauty or exemption from terrors such 
 as surrounded scenes in less favored places. 
 
 Presently the river came in view, moving in harmony with 
 all that was perceptible in the night. 
 
 Like the road it emerged out of the unknown on one side 
 and disappeared into it at the other. The first bridge crossing 
 the mountain stream excited his curiosity, and a short distance 
 further ahead the houses of the suburbs loomed up in silence. 
 
 The direct route lay along the right bank of the river. 
 Zanthon pursued this line, notwithstanding that the high 
 buildings of the city stood immediately to his right, and that 
 the first of the two bridges invited him over it by its broad 
 passage-way. It was too risky, he thought, to tempt the lone 
 liness of such a situation where the ingenuity of man and the 
 ingenuity of nature met with such immense results as were 
 here displayed.
 
 142 ZANTHON 
 
 He had but finished reflecting on this question, when some 
 thing on the left of the road excited his wonder. 
 
 A sombre looking building of vast proportions, such as went 
 far beyond the reach of his calculations. He never beheld 
 anything so terribly grand as this pile ; judging by the outline 
 beside him. It stood in the embrace of the night like a moun 
 tain. The suddenness of its appearance, too, tended to increase 
 the awe with which it was regarded. 
 
 Compared with the refined darkness in the shadow of his 
 old home, that which prevailed in the indentations of this 
 structure was almost immeasurable. 
 
 ' Spread out to the consistency of ordinary gloom it might 
 possibly be equal to night itself. It would at all events inten 
 sify the darkness. The tower, being the part nearest him, 
 went clearly into the sky and even above this, far as he could 
 see, was a spire whose tapering end was lost in the heavens. 
 
 Were they gods or men who dared build such wonderful 
 things in the home of night and before the face of day, as if 
 they meant to rival the hand of Omnipotence ? 
 
 Eastward from the tower the structure tended. 
 
 There were several entrances, all closed ; but the one in the 
 tower had not been completed, and was secured by rough lum 
 ber for the time being. 
 
 Approaching this point, Zanthon peered through the chinks 
 of the woodwork and could see the interior of the edifice, or 
 rather the darkness in it. 
 
 A solitary light appeared at the upper end, faintly gleaming 
 as if it had been turned down to its lowest burning capacity. 
 
 There was a fascination attached to all these appearances 
 which could not be described. It overshadowed him, in its 
 turn, like the beauty of the night, though in a less degree, for 
 he knew what he now beheld had been reared by men. 
 
 He determined to penetrate as far as the light, at least, 
 seeing an aperture evidently in use by the workmen, against
 
 THE NIGHT 143 
 
 which a slab of wood had been laid. This temporary obstruc 
 tion Zanthon pulled back and entered the tower, closing the 
 passage after him. 
 
 The place was dark, though the tall windows at the sides 
 could be distinguished, and the rows of white pillars rising 
 from the floor to the roof. 
 
 He imagined hearing something breathe like what he had 
 listened to while suspended over the chasm in the mountains. 
 
 On this account he concluded the edifice was of vast propor 
 tions. 
 
 Beneath his feet he felt the floor hard and smooth. Passing 
 on between two lines of pillars he encountered a railing. Within 
 this railing were seats. 
 
 These he judged to be for the accommodation of the people. 
 The building was their church. 
 
 The rail divided the rich from the poor. 
 
 How easily knowledge came to him now, seeing he had been 
 forced to reason in order to obtain it. 
 
 He saw it all. 
 
 The rich sat down and the poor stood up, or knelt on the 
 hard floor when it became customary to do so. Even on the 
 way to heaven there appeared broad lines of distinction insti 
 tuted by gold. 
 
 Crossing the fence, as it might be called, he soon reached 
 the neighborhood of the light. It came from a large lamp sus 
 pended a great way from the ceiling. While standing here an 
 instant, he saw a second enclosure with a passage invitingly 
 open through which he passed. Everything within this space 
 was of the richest kind. Soft carpets covered the floors ; crim 
 son cloth lined the seats. There was a throne on the right side 
 surrounded by purple hangings. Beautiful pictures decorated 
 the walls. There were statues on various elevated places, and 
 the air was fragrant with delicious odors. Ah, this place would 
 answer very well for heaven if his friends were with him.
 
 144 ZANTHON 
 
 He thought, indeed, nothing could exceed the grandeur now 
 in view, even only partially seen. 
 
 About half a dozen steps lead upward to a raised platform, 
 and above this an altar had been constructed. It was com 
 posed of polished marble and glistened in the light like moon 
 beams on the water. 
 
 Lost in admiration of these wonderful works of art, he grew 
 exceedingly weary, sinking heavily on the steps in a recumbent 
 position, unable to proceed further. Indeed this seemed to be 
 the end. 
 
 Reclining his head on the upper step, the remainder of his 
 body being adjusted so as to favor repose, he closed his eyes, 
 and in a few minutes was asleep. 
 
 The wayfarer had gone to rest. 
 
 The darkness without and the gloom within would be no 
 more disturbed. The night had encompassed and finally over 
 powered him, true to its accustomed duty. Then it proceeded 
 alone sadly and silently.
 
 CHAPTEE XI. 
 
 THE MAGNATE OF DAWNFORD CASTLE. 
 
 ' I 'HE country where Zanthon was born had been conquered 
 -*" by an alien race many years previously. 
 
 It was customary in those days for one people to invade the 
 territory of another, and appropriate its resources toward their 
 own aggrandizement. 
 
 Instigated by what adventurers used to call the glory of con 
 quest, every phase of barbarity became an instrument in their 
 hands for the suppression of the power commanded by their 
 opponents. 
 
 Years were spent in wars. Those who killed the greatest 
 number of their fellow beings were accounted the most distin 
 guished men. Robbery stood on a par with bravery. 
 
 Injustice supplanted virtue. 
 
 When the conquerors began to frame rules for the govern 
 ment of those whom they had defeated, the equity of pagan 
 Rome would not be tolerated in their code. 
 
 They would suit their conveniences and wishes in this as in 
 other matters, on the general principle of doing with their own 
 what they considered best to advance their interests. Hence 
 the law founded on these views became synonymous with 
 cruelty and pillage. 
 
 There was no law for the natives other than tyrannical 
 enactments. 
 
 ZANTHON 10 ( 145 )
 
 140 ZANTHON 
 
 In the preceding chapters it was seen how poverty and igno 
 rance had brought them on a level with the lowest type of 
 slavery. How the pride a citizen entertains for the fact of his 
 being more or less concerned in upholding the government of 
 his country, and enjoying in consequence the privileges of cit 
 izenship, had wholly disappeared, and the weakness and super 
 stition arising from wretchedness and irresponsibility remained, 
 showing how far a brave and intelligent people may, under 
 adverse circumstances, descend in the scale of animal life. 
 
 It was wonderful, however, to witness the encouragement 
 given the dominant party, notwithstanding the arrogance and 
 injustice attached to its jurisdiction. The professors of the 
 faith growing up side by side with imperial Rome preached to 
 the unfortunate people here, submission to the ruling dynasty, 
 quoting the words of one of their learned comrades as proof of 
 its importance ; that all secular power came as ordinances 
 from God, and whosoever resisted them incurred not only the 
 penalties on earth due to such crimes, but forfeited spiritual 
 happiness forever. 
 
 The philosophy of the times proved impotent against this 
 doctrine. Believing it true that the Supreme God had dele 
 gated men on earth to instruct their brethren on the subject of 
 political rights, the people resigned every aspiration to freedom 
 and endeavored to reconcile themselves to the yoke of their 
 oppressors. 
 
 There were periods, however, when some of their leaders 
 roused them into rebellion goaded into such acts by the vilest 
 kind of usage. On such occasions it was easy to recognize the 
 winning party by the number and discipline of its troops, the 
 character of the resources, and generally the strength of the 
 entire power in operation, which the conquerors had always 
 ^available. 
 
 Large numbers of the conquered people became gradually in 
 favor of permanent peace. As means were afforded them by
 
 THE MAGNATE OF DAWNFORD CASTLE 147 
 
 which they could acquire independence in exchange for their 
 adhesion to the established rules called law, they were as bold 
 in the assumption of caste as the strangers. Many of them 
 were given titles and estates ; while others rose to wealth by 
 the forces of their ingenuity and business qualifications. 
 
 To attain any degree of the eminence here indicated as be 
 longing to the rich foreigners, talent as well as treachery to the 
 native race was essential. There appeared to be an eternal 
 struggle in progress on the part of those seeking the distinction 
 named, to reach the object of their ambition ; and afterwards, 
 when success had crowned their efforts, they seemed forever at 
 variance with good breeding by their imitation of the manners 
 of the alien aristocracy. To be reckoned within the circle of 
 the upper classes was the end of all their exertions. 
 
 The valley running parallel to the district where Ma riband 
 used to live was merely one of several, selected for the homes of 
 the spurious magnates referred to. Similar localities might be 
 found in every section of the country at large, forming a 
 remarkable spectacle by the richness of their equipments, com 
 pared with the black plains and hills occupied by the peasantry. 
 
 The castle seen by May Marlband on her journey to the 
 town had been erected about fifty years previous to that time 
 by a man named Pinton Rigrasp. During his boyhood he 
 came into notice as a herder of cattle belonging to a great 
 landowner living in the neighborhood, whose estate covered all 
 the western bank of the river from the town to the sea. a dis 
 tance of more than seven miles. 
 
 Rigrasp proved very efficient in the discharge of his duties, 
 and in the course of time was interested with others of greater 
 importance until finally he succeeded to the management of 
 the entire estate. 
 
 Fortune courted him. Ambition extended his designs. 
 
 He conceived the idea of penetrating the ranks of the aristoc 
 racy and of founding a family which would ultimately succeed
 
 148 ZANTHON 
 
 to titles as well as to all the privileges accorded persons in such 
 exalted position. 
 
 Before the death of his master he purchased from him two 
 hundred acres of land on the south end of the estate situated 
 about two miles from the town of Kindleton, where he proposed 
 to build his residence. 
 
 From other persons in need of hard cash he secured the 
 property of which Footford was the capital, already mentioned 
 as being portioned off to middlemen. This yielded him a large 
 income yearly. 
 
 When the surprise caused by these acquisitions began to 
 subside in the minds of his acquaintances, he astonished them 
 still further, by the character of the structure designed to be 
 his home, whose stately walls assumed the dimensions and 
 appearance of a castle. 
 
 It was built near the bank of the river at the confluence of 
 the mountain stream already mentioned and the larger* water 
 course. 
 
 A garden lay on the south side, a wood on the north. 
 
 The road to the town skirted the western boundary ; and 
 from the gate in the wall at this point to the front of the castle 
 an avenue extended, lined with poplars and shrubs of rare 
 quality. Every device known to Rigrasp and his employes 
 in the decoration of grounds, became subservient to his designs. 
 
 The glade, the grotto, the sloping esplanade, an open park, 
 woods, shrubberies, flower knots, mammoth trees, hills, valleys, 
 and a great number of other attractive features appeared in 
 appropriate places, besides a beautiful promenade by the wind 
 ing river, where during summer evenings the glory of paradise 
 could be realized, so exquisite did everything appear in heaven 
 and on earth. 
 
 The eastern view stretched over two cascades, several hand 
 some villas, a mill, with a country of hill and dale terminating 
 in a mountain range.
 
 THE MAGNATE OF DAWNFORD CASTLE 149 
 
 From the fact of the sun shining with peculiar force, and 
 sending a glow before it in this direction in the morning, when 
 not overshadowed by clouds, the man named his residence 
 Dawnford Castle. 
 
 His wife, like himself, had been an attache of rich folk ; a 
 scullery girl ; and was reckoned an old maid at the time of 
 her marriage to Rigrasp. 
 
 There were four children born to them, three boys and one 
 girl ; two before and two after becoming occupants of the castle. 
 
 The plans of the father for the elevation of his children to 
 high stations were on as colossal a scale as those which marked 
 his speculations in land and cattle. A work on the peerage 
 stood over the mantelpiece in. the library, to which he fre 
 quently referred, with the view of studying how he might reach 
 relationship by marriage with one or other of the families men 
 tioned in it. 
 
 Heraldry also claimed his attention. The marriage of one 
 of his sons to a lady having a title would authorize the mount 
 ing of a coat of arms above the castle door, on the panels of his 
 carriage and on his plate. The massive silver and gold ware 
 available for table furniture in a vault of the castle equaled the 
 finest in the land ; but it had not yet a single crest upon it. 
 He would give, he thought, the weight of his daughter in gold 
 if he could secure for her a penniless, disreputable husband 
 with a title. 
 
 Zerlin, the heir, at an early age had been sent to school to 
 the French capital, it being considered the most distinguished 
 city in the world for fashion. Coming home a young man with 
 some knowledge of French which, however, nobody could under 
 stand, a professor was employed to superintend his studies. 
 
 After much time and money had been expended on his edu 
 cation, the father by some process of mental measurement, 
 known only to himself, ascertained that, in regard to scholar 
 ship, Zerlin was a failure.
 
 150 ZANTHON 
 
 It was then he realized for the first time how ambition may 
 be checked if based on expectations of superior capacity in 
 persons. It surprised him to find the difference existing be 
 tween dumb brutes and intelligent beings as factors of success. 
 
 In the management of the one class he had always been 
 successful, while the other defeated his efforts notwithstanding 
 the means at his command. The rules by which he had been 
 guided in former times proved useless in his new sphere. 
 
 He conceived, however, the idea that the cause of this was 
 the viciousness in the nature of mankind, and not his own want 
 of knowledge. 
 
 His son promised to be all he desired in other respects. 
 
 Pride supplanted deficiencies and qualifications in him. The 
 language, manner, carriage, expression and purposes attached 
 to his everyday life were deeply impregnated with it. Indeed 
 this characteristic of human vanity appeared to be the most 
 prominent feature of his life. 
 
 He changed his dress three times a day. The morning suit 
 was fashioned after the one worn by the most distinguished 
 European prince of the period. The wardrobe standing near 
 his bedroom appeared the facsimile of that which belonged to 
 the last of the Bourbon kings. . 
 
 There were fifty horses in the stables ready for his accom 
 modation. He could, if he chose, cross the entire country in 
 his own stage far ahead of any competitor public or private. 
 The vassals appointed to wait upon him, if mustered, would 
 fill a company of infantry. There was a yacht he owned on 
 the seacoast capable of carrying himself and his friends even 
 to distant countries. 
 
 All this pleased old Rigrasp. It would attract the attention 
 of the nobles, and ultimately achieve the getting of the coveted 
 titles he labored so much to acquire. 
 
 When time summed up his affairs, however, there was not 
 much solace in the result.
 
 THE MAGNATE OF DAWNFORD CASTLE 151 
 
 The best that could be done for Zerlin appeared to be to have 
 him married to a distant relative of a great commoner, then 
 prominent as a politician. The lady possessed neither riches 
 nor title ; but it was expected some portion of the halo of fame 
 surrounding the chief would reach her op. the ground of kin 
 ship. 
 
 Those who understand the ways of politicians need not be 
 told how easily Zerlin's wife or himself could have monopolized 
 the entire circle with their friend's consent if enough money to 
 make the purchase was forthcoming. 
 
 The other sons of Rigrasp died on reaching manhood on 
 account of intemperate habits. When all these disappoint 
 ments and misfortunes had well nigh brought the founder of 
 Dawnford Castle to the brink of the grave the final blow came 
 from a direction least expected. Instead of a prince coming 
 with a great retinue to espouse his daughter, she deserted her 
 home of her own accord and married a peddler who escaped 
 with her to another country. This so shocked the old folks 
 that both died suddenly within a few days after they realized 
 the facts of the case. 
 
 Zerlin became in this manner sole heir to all the property. 
 Feeling the extent of the obligation due his father, he asked 
 him before his death what he could do in the future in execu 
 tion of any special desire he might have now, or if there was 
 anything he wished performed. 
 
 The old man did not answer immediately. He reflected no 
 doubt on the way his plans had been frustrated heretofore and 
 did not feel justified in recommending a renewal of them antici 
 pating like results. 
 
 It was not thought his hesitancy arose from a charitable 
 disposition, for outside the members of his own family he aided 
 no one during life, in a direct manner. 
 
 At the hour of death, however, some great changes have 
 been wrought in the minds of men. After turning his head
 
 152 ZAKTHON 
 
 on the pillow several times and attempting to speak yet afraid 
 of touching a subject which might prove distasteful to his son, 
 he at length said timidly : 
 
 ' You might take care of the Boggletons ! " 
 
 Zerlin believing his father afflicted with hallucinations pecu 
 liar to some of those about to die nodded his head so as to calm 
 h ; m by his consent, but he had no more i$ea of what he. meant 
 than if he never had heard the words just spoken. It was the 
 first time the father mentioned the name in his hearing. So 
 convinced was the son of the truth of the original thought 
 respecting his father's condition that he made no inquiry in 
 regard to the subject referred to ; and on the other hand the 
 old man supposing Zerlin had had information from other 
 sources, said no more on the subject. 
 
 After the death and interment of father and mother when 
 time brought again the resumption of ordinary living at Dawn- 
 ford Castle, Zerlin reflected frequently on his father's words. 
 
 He did not like the name to begin with. It would no doubt 
 assail his pride and perhaps hold him up to ridicule before the 
 eyes of the world. 
 
 With a sinister smile on his face one day he asked his wife 
 if she knew Boggleton ; but the question seemed so strangely 
 constructed and having no conception of its intent or to whom 
 it referred she shook her head negatively, elevated her eye 
 brows to indicate the hollowness of her mind on the subject 
 and said : 
 
 " No." 
 
 In this extremity of doubt, Zerlin bethought him of a man 
 employed in his service likely to possess the knowledge he 
 sought. This was Antony Firfag, the ferryman. 
 
 As Zerlin frequently desired access to the opposite side of the 
 river without the necessity of going to town so as to cross by 
 one of the bridges, he established a ferry for his own use. 
 Under the castle wall there was a small pier, immediately in
 
 THE MAGNATE OF DA.WNFORD CASTLE 153 
 
 front of the garden gate at the side of which a boat could be 
 safely moored and on the eastern bank where the entrance of 
 the mountain's stream caused an angle of calm water to pre 
 vail, was another pier where the boat usually lay. Above this 
 on the public road Antony resided with a maiden sister in a 
 small cottage. The key of the garden gate had a whistle 
 attached to it which , when blown, brought Antony over the 
 river with the boat if, as was frequently the case, he was not 
 already on the grounds or in the kitchen enjoying a sumptous 
 repast. 
 
 Antony did not exhibit largeness of frame or muscular 
 development. On the contrary he appeared even less than the 
 medium size ; but in conversation he was so boastful of his 
 exploits as to make strong men afraid of him. He had a per 
 ceptible limp in his right leg, the result no doubt of early 
 inflammation of the hip joint. His features were thin and 
 hard ; but comic and pompous looking ; kept in place as they 
 were by a high shirt collar. When, with well designed motions 
 of the upper part of his body, the better to lessen the conspicu- 
 ousness of his limp, he appeared in public wearing a cast off 
 coat of his master, it was not uncommon to consider him by 
 mistake an aristocrat ! 
 
 To Zerlin, however, he was a great toady. Whenever they 
 met, the vassal never neglected pulling his hat off how much 
 soever the hair of his head might be disturbed by the condition 
 of the weather, to prove how he respected and honored the 
 master. 
 
 Whatever the magnate of Dawnford Castle thought of 
 Antony's sycophancy, he found him faithful in the discharge 
 of his duties, besides being an immense source of information 
 on current subjects. 
 
 Antony never spent a day at school. What he learned he 
 found on the outside. Indeed so well posted did he become in 
 the ways of mankind, that he was able to laugh at the igno-
 
 154 ZANTHON 
 
 ranee of the schoolmaster who was supposed to be in possession 
 of all knowledge. Opportunity did a great deal to produce 
 this result. He stood on the line dividing the two great classes 
 then existing in the country with the privilege of seeing each 
 of them in the pursuit of the business of life. One day among 
 the cabins of the poor ; the next in the mansions of the rich 
 witnessing alternately the trials incident to poverty and the 
 scandals created by excess. 
 
 He was equally learned in the intrigues of fashionable men, 
 the dialogues held in back parlors, the incidents of the last hunt, 
 as with the prices of produce in the markets, the demand for 
 stock at fairs, the rumors prevailing in town and the sentiments 
 held by the country people. 
 
 Being conveniently situated on the public road he obtained 
 the privilege of buying country produce for merchants in the 
 town, especially grain for the mill near him. This extended 
 his acquaintance through all the places accessible to the high 
 way and enabled him to increase his knowledge. Nor did his 
 usefulness end here. He knew the several species of fish in the 
 river, the periods of their coming, the length of their visits and 
 when they would depart. He claimed to be acquainted even 
 with their instincts. At times when fish were scarce he used 
 to surprise his master by bringing to the castle a pair of trout 
 every morning for his breakfast. 
 
 When Zerlin accidentally thought of Antony being capable 
 of solving the Boggleton difficulty, the impression gained 
 strength with time. Proud men are not given much to 
 reflection ; indeed they seek to avoid it as often as possible ; 
 and hence their passionate desire for society where their vanity 
 is exhibited to advantage as they believe ; but Zerlin could not 
 avoid thinking of his vassal's knowledge as shown on several 
 previous occasions. 
 
 Meeting him one day in the garden he determined on intro 
 ducing the subject before they parted.
 
 THE MAGNATE OF DAWNFORD CASTLE 155 
 
 The master was a well-shaped man standing about five feet 
 nine inches in height, ruddy complexion, gray eyes and light 
 hair ; but the expression most noticeable on his countenance 
 was that of a fool. He was ridiculously attached to a pom 
 pous bearing. The method he pursued in carrying his cane 
 under the left arm with the right hand crossed to hold it in 
 front, gave a proud feature to his person it would be difficult to 
 imitate. 
 
 Antony with hat in hand, his finest efforts displayed to 
 cover the deficiency of his nether limb walked .after his mas 
 ter who moved slowly through the garden as if intent on exam 
 ining the shrubs and flowers abounding there. 
 
 Notwithstanding their long acquaintance and relationship 
 the language of the proud man was harsh. 
 
 " Firfag, what news from town ? " he asked. 
 
 " The mail coach broke down within a mile of the postoffice ; 
 the town crier is dead ; Slipson the merchant failed and grain 
 is rising, your honor." 
 
 " ' Pon my honor that's quite a bundle of news, Firfag. 
 When did all this occur ? " 
 
 " Yesterday, your honor ; and on the back of it there's a 
 rumor that young Colonel Roulay, the old man's son, your 
 honor, is going to build an addition to the great house below 
 the boundary wall on the bank of the river that will throw your 
 castle in the shade out and out." 
 
 Zerlin made no reply to this remark ; but laughed deri 
 sively. 
 
 On account of the habit of keeping his head fixed one 
 way in his body as if unable to turn it, the effort to laugh 
 was peculiarly distressing and Firfag was frequently shocked 
 by the awful contortions and spasmodic groans accompanying 
 it. 
 
 Although the master used no words it could be seen he was 
 in a towering passion for he suddenly drew his cane from
 
 156 ZANTHON 
 
 beneath his arm and began cutting off the heads of the flowers 
 in bloom before him. 
 
 Roulay was the owner of the adjoining estate, from whose 
 father the grounds on which Dawnford Castle was built, had 
 been purchased and Zerlin, the upstart, believed it obligatory 
 with him to nurse an hereditary feud which should keep them 
 apart. 
 
 It was the fashion in those days and may be yet. 
 
 In a few minutes he changed the subject. 
 
 " Is there anything new in the river, Firfag ? " he resumed. 
 
 " Lots of trout, your honor. I will bring in a pair to-morrow. 
 I needn't go far neither to find them ; they're lying under the 
 wall now." 
 
 " Ah, how is it you catch them in pairs, Firfag ? " 
 
 " That's the way they go, your honor ; just like people some 
 times. When I pull one out of the water the other expects it 
 to return and will wait, so that when I drop on to him he's 
 there." 
 
 "Quite singular, quite singular, 'pon my honor," said 
 Zerlin. 
 
 " As for why there's two together," continued Firfag, " one 
 is fish and the other is mate, your honor ! " 
 
 The master could not refrain from smiling at this witticism 
 of the vassal ; and shaking his head in approval, said good- 
 humoredly. 
 
 " I declare, Firfag, you're quite a pleasant fellow, quite so." 
 
 Now that the great man was again in a good mood Antony 
 would have pursued his pleasantries further ; but the master 
 had come to the exact moment that suited him in regard to 
 another vexed question. 
 
 While the smile yet lingered on his features, he asked 
 abruptly, like a person in doubt of the character of the 
 answer : 
 
 " Have you heard of the Boggleton's lately, Firfag ? "
 
 THE MAGNATE OF DAWNFORD CASTLE 157 
 
 Although Antony twisted on the gravel walk as if he had 
 been punched in the ribs with the butt end of a rifle, he recov 
 ered himself in an instant and replied promptly : 
 
 " Yes, your honor." 
 
 There was silence before the next question came. With 
 Zerlin the main point was settled ; Firfag knew the Boggletons; 
 while on the other hand, Antony felt he was being carried over 
 ticklish ground. This mention of the Boggletons involved an 
 entire volume. It pointed to a theme he disliked the most in 
 the world ; for during the time of his giving an account of it 
 he might earn the displeasure of his master whose pride would 
 probably take offence. Hence he was thrown on his wits' ends, 
 as it were ; and. required all his caution awakened for the pres 
 ent occasion. Zerlin resumed : 
 
 " Do I know them, Firfag ? " 
 
 " Not in the least, your honor. No more nor I know how to 
 fly in the air or count the stars." 
 
 " They are not related to me, are they ? " 
 
 " Pooh, no your honor." 
 
 " Who are they related to then ? " 
 
 " Who ? " repeated Antony not knowing what reply to give. 
 
 " Yes' sirrah ; don't you hear me ? " 
 
 " The man that was related to them, your honor, is dead." 
 
 " What was he in life, Firfag ? " 
 
 " Your father, the old master, God be good to him," answered 
 Antony in a solemn voice. 
 
 Zerlin seeing a rustic seat hard by, moved towards it and sat 
 down, while Antony following stood before him, like a school 
 boy under examination. 
 
 The master continued : - 
 
 " Tell me all you know Firfag about the Boggletons and I 
 warn you to have no more quibbling." 
 
 Thus admonished Antony prepared to render the information 
 desired. As he straightened himself to his full height, he wore
 
 158 ZANTHON 
 
 something of a theatrical air. His face possessed a gloss like 
 that overspreading an unpolished copper kettle and he turned 
 his head slightly to one side, as if to appear wise. 
 
 The short hair above and the white collar beneath his coun 
 tenance gave him a sinister look ; although in reality, it might 
 indicate only capacity for humor ; so carefully does nature try 
 to conceal genius behind the contour of a clown.
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 THE SETTLEMENT OF A VEXED QUESTION. 
 
 u r ~PHE old master, your honor," said Firfag, "never let it 
 
 -* be known to anyone, he had relations, until pretty well 
 
 on to his death. His heart was set on his own children ; and 
 
 them as he thought would shame 'em to keep at a dishtance. 
 
 Well, one day, and a cold day it was, between halloweve and 
 Martinmass, your father, your honor, sent for me and says he ; 
 ' Firfag,' says he, ' What is it, your honor ? ' says I. 
 
 ' Bring out Bully Ponsonby and the Colonel ' says he ' for I 
 want you to come with me on an arrand.' 
 
 He was a great judge of stock, your honor, and the best 
 horses were all called names so we could know 'em. 
 
 In less nor fifteen minutes we were in the saddle ; the mas 
 ter on Ponsonby and I on the Colonel. 
 
 We took the cross cattling road going west of the town ; 
 and never pulled in a rein until we had made twenty-seven 
 mile. There was a cabin on the side of the road where we 
 stopped. 
 
 The master went in while I attended to the horses on the 
 outside. When they were comfortable, and I began to wait to 
 see him come out, he called me. 
 
 He was as pale in the face as if a ghost met him. 
 
 We went in. There was a woman lying on a poor bed in 
 the corner, and a couple of women and a little boy standing 
 
 (169)
 
 160 ZANTHON 
 
 near it. The master went up beside the bed, and the woman 
 said to him : 
 
 ' I never asked anything from you, nor went to your place, 
 but now when I am going to die, I wish you to look after 
 these children, because they will have neither father nor 
 mother.' 
 
 The master said kindly like : 
 
 'There will be something done for them.' 
 
 Then he gave her money and we came away. When the 
 wind got under us once more on the road home, we fell into 
 discourse. 
 
 'Firfag' says he to me, 'Firfag, let nobpdy know of this 
 transaction. That woman in the bed is a sister of mine ; but 
 because she married poor and had a houseful of children, I 
 could not recognize her." 
 
 ' You could, your honor, but you wouldn't/ says I, making 
 bold with him. 
 
 ' Ah, Firfag,' says he again, ' they'd destroy the pride of 
 my children. We would be laughed at. My boys must blush 
 with shame in society when people saw their poor relations. 
 How could I do it ? ' 
 
 ' And what is the name of the father of the family ? ' says I. 
 
 ' Boggleton,' says he." 
 
 Zerlin moved uneasily in his seat and groaned audibly, not 
 withstanding his efforts to appear unconcerned. . Firfag con 
 tinued : 
 
 " Boggleton used to be a poor laborer. He left five children 
 after him when he died and a wife. From the day the master 
 and I went to see them until nigh on to a year I was busy 
 going round looking for places for them ; for their mother died 
 a couple of days after we were there. I got places in the town 
 for the girls, four of 'em, and I left the boy with a farmer who 
 knew his people. Three of the girls married in the course of 
 time."
 
 SETTLEMENT OF A VEXED QUESTION 161 
 
 " How many of the family are now left unprovided for ? " 
 asked Zerlin. somewhat relieved by the supposition that the 
 majority at least was out of danger. 
 
 " The whole of 'em, your honor. They're all to the fore yet," 
 replied Firfag. " The married ones are widows. Whether the 
 husbands died of hardship or went into the army I could not 
 find out. The girls didn't know themselves. One is here and 
 the other is there working for a living, the women I mean. 
 They are good workers in a house. Nobody can say anything 
 against their character. But, you're honor, they're great talkers 
 clattering the whole time, not loud or in anger, but nicely 
 gauged betwixt a high and a low key. They are homely to 
 look at. 
 
 The way I got friends for them first was, I paid the mas 
 ter's money to people to take them on trial and let them work 
 their own salvation after. 
 
 It done well. 
 
 Now, they always wear black out of respect for the dead, 
 but howsomever the color makes them -respectable, arid be 
 tween you and me, your honor, they hold to it, I'm thinking, 
 on that account." 
 
 "Then these people are my ," said Zerlin, hesitatingly. 
 
 " Yes, your honor, they're your " remarked Firfag, careful 
 
 not to go beyond the words of his master, neither party wishing 
 to pronounce the word "cousins." After a short silence, the 
 proud man resumed : 
 
 " Do you think we could find employment for them within 
 the castle, Firfag ? for I am disposed to remove them from 
 among the people on account of their history ; singular, 'pon 
 my honor ; as well as that I desire to aid them being,the friends 
 of my father." 
 
 " The friends of your father, of course, and of nobody else" 
 answered the vassal, with emphasis on the last word. He con 
 tinued : 
 
 ZANTHON 11
 
 162 Z ANT HOST 
 
 " Your honor knows best what to do. There is lots of work 
 for 'em. / think they will do better for your honor and her 
 ladyship than the cold strangers." 
 
 " How would we place them, Firfag ? " 
 
 " Mrs, Rinser could take the keys," replied Antony, meaning 
 the position of housekeeper. In aristocratic homes, and indeed in 
 hundreds of others with enough wealth to enable the proprietor 
 to assume lofty airs, the duties of housekeeper devolve upon an 
 employe, the lady owner being relieved from every detail of 
 duty excepting command. 
 
 The housekeeper carries bunches of keys capable of admit 
 ting her to every room in the house, and her apartments resem 
 ble the office of an adjutant general where orders are received 
 and delivered. Firfag resumed : 
 
 ''Mrs. Rinser is the oldest. Then there is Mrs. Aloes, Mrs. 
 Tuberfoot and Miss Mussy. Her ladyship and the house 
 keeper, Mrs. Rinser, will find places for them." 
 
 " What can we do for the boy ? " 
 
 " Oh, him. I don't know, your honor. He's now close on to 
 twenty years of age, and he hasn't any cutting in him yet." 
 
 "What do you mean by cutting, Firfag? 'Pon my honor, 
 you're a siagular fellow ; quite so." 
 
 " I mean sharpness, your honor. He's working in the coun 
 try, and I'm blessed if I know whether he got any schooling or 
 not. If he was made to read and write, your honor could get 
 a government appointment for him." 
 
 " Ah, yes, Firfag ; yes, that would do. We might grind him 
 for it, or cram him," said Zerlin, emphatically. 
 
 As Antony did not understand how much violence these 
 terms used by his master involved, he refrained from making 
 any affirmation approving them, but wisely resorted to a sen 
 tence long known to be capable of covering a great deal of 
 ambiguity without committing one's self to any side of a ques 
 tion :
 
 SETTLEMENT OF A VEXED QUESTION 163 
 
 " Your honor knows best." 
 
 " What is his name ? " 
 
 "Ham, your honor ; Ham Boggleton." 
 
 " Well, then," said Zerlin, rising from his seat and slashing 
 at the flowers near him as he resumed a slow walk through the 
 garden : " You see these people and arrange with them about 
 coining here. I will speak to her ladyship on the subject, and 
 I am sure she will agree with me, as you do, that we can make 
 provision for them without its being either radically wrong, or 
 hurtful in any way to us or our children." 
 
 These were the preliminary steps taken for the introduction 
 of the Boggleton family into Dawnford Castle. Asa matter of 
 fact, the women proved - valuable adjuncts to the household. 
 They were assiduous in the performance of their duties ; watch 
 ful of the interests of their employers, and good natured. No 
 doubt they talked a great deal in that soft, motherly way that 
 a certain class of women possess ; but this habit made them 
 greater favorites with their acquaintances than if they were 
 more reticent. 
 
 Ham Boggleton, their brother, resembled them in his sympa 
 thetic nature, but appeared to be wanting in intellectual capac 
 ity. He was boyish looking on account of his smooth face ; 
 above the medium height, and his figure 011 the whole, very 
 well shaped. His hands and feet were large. There was noth 
 ing delicate or refined in his appearance, yet it possessed sin 
 gular attractiveness probably on account of the amount of 
 human nature seen associated with its various habits as already 
 mentioned. 
 
 He laughed a great deal. In this condition others laughed 
 with him ; for the broad face broken up into good-natured 
 furrows excited mirth. It was irresistible. The hair grew 
 thick and heavy on his head being a dark color. The texture 
 of the complexion would be pronounced swarthy, overspread 
 with a greasy softness resembling leather. His eyes were small,
 
 164 ZANTHON 
 
 having a swinish cast when under excitement. The nose large 
 and flattened towards the end. Lips thick, covering a huge 
 mouth. 
 
 There was considerable care bestowed upon his general make 
 up after becoming a resident of the castle. 
 
 It was customary in those days with young aristocrats to 
 have the hair cut close at the back and sides of the head leav 
 ing the top of it well covered with fiber of medium length, so 
 as to permit its parting in the center or elsewhere as well as to 
 favor the suspicion that the individual possessed a long head, 
 like Pericles. 
 
 Ham's cranium was treated in this manner. 
 
 As every one in the place had come to the conclusion that 
 he was to have a government appointment, it became absolutely 
 necessary to start with this physical feature even though it was 
 merely artificial. 
 
 In addition to this he was taught to strut. Strange as it may 
 appear, he acquired that accomplishment with little difficulty. 
 Then he carried for the most part, a light coat on his arm, 
 wore kid gloves, to lessen the size of his hands and a plug hat. 
 His figure being straight it looked remarkable at a distance, 
 bedecked with the fashion of the times. In spite of all these 
 agents of pride, however, a portion of his good nature remained 
 with him, which tended towards his popularity with the ordi 
 nary people. This induced Firfag to mention on one occasion 
 that " Master Ham, your honor, would make a fine member.'' 
 
 To which Zerlin replied : 
 
 " Ah, 'pon my honor, I suppose so, Firfag. I do really." 
 
 As neither party indicated the kind of membership spoken 
 of, we presume it referred to the assembly of the representatives 
 of the people designed to enact laws for the country. 
 
 Besides external appearance it was thought advisable to give 
 him some intellectual polish. On this account a schoolmaster
 
 SETTLEMENT OF A VEXED QUESTION 165 
 
 was employed to come daily to the castle for the purpose of 
 instructing him. 
 
 After a tuition of six months Zerlin made inquiry in regard 
 to his progress : 
 
 "Was he learning rapidly ? " 
 
 " No, sir," answered the teacher, " I cannot say he is." 
 
 " What is he learning, schoolmaster ? " 
 
 " Not much of anything, sir." 
 
 " Why don't you teach him ? Is not this what you have 
 been employed to come here for ? " said Zerlin with some heat. 
 
 "I do my best, your honor," replied the teacher meekly, 
 '* but his intellect resists my efforts. In other words he will 
 not take it or take to it. 
 
 "Do you mean he is obstinate and willfully opposes instruc 
 tion ? " 
 
 " No. The intellectual power is wanting in him. We can 
 not cultivate what is not there." 
 
 " Ton my honor, this is most singular, most singular indeed," 
 said Zerlin. 
 
 The teacher continued : 
 
 " We have come to a standstill in arithmetic. It is impos 
 sible to proceed. I have been trying several methods of 
 instructing him in the preliminary tables, the multiplication, 
 subtraction and addition tables ; yet all to no purpose. He will 
 pronounce the words after me ; but in a little while they 
 become lost to his memory. Even the simplest forms, such as 
 a child or parrot might be capable of repeating, seem beyond 
 his capacity. I tried similarity of sounds, as in this manner : 
 six and ten are six ten, sixteen ; seven and ten are seven ten, 
 seventeen ; eight and ten are eight ten, eighteen ; but when 
 asked how much seven and ten amounts to he becomes puzzled 
 and does not know." 
 
 At this report Zerlin became stupefied with amazement and 
 a deep blush suffused his features. The teacher resumed :
 
 166 ZANTHON 
 
 "In reading we are yet with words of one syllable and 
 writing in pothooks and hangers ! " 
 
 As Zerlin feared to question the obscure meaning involved in 
 this last accomplishment, lest it might reveal a state of ineffi 
 ciency lower than anticipated, or such as would shock his feel 
 ings he wisely preserved silence while the teacher proceeded : 
 
 " I deliver short lectures on grammar, geography and history 
 each day on the supposition that by keeping the facts before 
 his mind constantly, he may become familiar with them. As 
 a method of teaching, lectures rank high. I am afraid, your 
 honor, we shall never reach geometry. It was my intention on 
 taking up this subject to make him a great reasoner. I imag 
 ined I saw under his physical development a talent for reason, 
 whereas he is wholly destitute of it." 
 
 "Perhaps," remarked Zerlin, "it might be well on this 
 account to change our intention about his future position. If 
 he fails in civil service, he would be good enough for the church. 
 How is he on theology ? " 
 
 " I have not neglected the subject," replied the teacher. 
 " We have been at it almost every dav. I began with the ten 
 commandments. We are still hammering away at the first 
 one." 
 
 " Cannot repeat the first commandment yet ? " 
 
 " No sir ; not if it were to save his soul for all eternity." 
 
 Zerlin groaned like one afflicted with spasmodic contraction 
 of the umbilicus, exclaiming : 
 
 " Ton my honor, the most singular case I ever knew. It is 
 really so ; quite." Addressing the teacher he said : 
 
 ." Is there any remedy, schoolmaster, for this state of 
 things ? " 
 
 "Oh, yes ; application. Time may bring some improve 
 ment. He will need the services of a tutor for years." 
 
 As this suggestion pointed toward the only thing left unac 
 complished in the settlement of the Boggleton family, Zerlin
 
 SETTLEMENT OF A VEXED QUESTION 167 
 
 yielded to its importance and engaged a teacher perma 
 nently. 
 
 During the following years while Ham was struggling to 
 master the preliminary rules of learning, time wrought its 
 usual quota of changes. The heir of Roulay estate erected his 
 addition to the grand manor house north of the castle. Zerlin's 
 wife died ; his children, two boys, were sent to Paris to school ; 
 and the magnate of Dawnford Castle exhibited in his own per 
 son the signs of decay. His eyes grew dull and his hair gray. 
 The stiffness of his neck was kept up by a greater amount of 
 exertion than formerly and his hands trembled on account of 
 the loss of power. He drank deeply after dinner, which brought 
 into prominence, during sobriety, the idiotic expression on his 
 countenance, implanted there by pride. He never gained a 
 title excepting such sobriquets given him by the country peo 
 ple as would be far from flattering to his vanity had he known 
 them. The only institution which flourished with the roll of 
 years, within the boundar} r of his jurisdiction, was the Boggle- 
 tons. Time did not seem to touch them. They fed lustily ; 
 worked, clattered and laughed all day and in sleep snored 
 until the light glass of their bedroom windows shook as in a 
 thunder storm ! They bloomed like dahlias in the fall when 
 other flowers were shriveled on their stalks. 
 
 It was at this time the famine came. 
 
 Zerlin, to avoid additional trouble, determined to join his 
 sons at Paris for a couple of years, or until the advent of bet 
 ter times. His law agent living in the town would attend to 
 the financial affairs of the estate, and the Boggletons, with a 
 few others, remain in possession of the castle as heretofore 
 during his absence. 
 
 There was one subject that pressed itself forward at this 
 time more than any other, demanding recognition ; namely, 
 Ham Boggleton's government appointment. Now.that he had 
 grown to manhood, being fully twenty-five years of age, it was
 
 168 ZANTHON 
 
 thought to be time to launch him on the ocean of life in his 
 own boat. No doubt his learning was very limited ; he could 
 write his name or a short letter when necessary., If not trust 
 ing himself to read the page of a book before others, he was 
 sure, on his own part, to be competent to acquire the meaning 
 of it as well as the best. Readers of this class are as numerous 
 as blackberries in summer. Mathematics were abandoned 
 altogether as being too crude and vulgar. His society polish? 
 however, appeared excellent. His nods of assent, the gait 
 assumed by him, in which a light spring on each foot played 
 an important part ; the padding of his coat over the shoulders ; 
 the ring on his finger ; the platitudes heard in his speech, used 
 to flatter or conciliate his acquaintances ; were all considered 
 appendages of a good fellow. In imitation of his cousin and 
 the aristocracy, he frequently used such expressions as " The 
 deuce " and " Ton my honor." Why not give him station or 
 title, so as to support such commendable practices and display? 
 Would it be advisable to see to this business now or wait until 
 his return ? While revolving the question in his mind, Zerlin 
 encountered Firfag, to whom he expressed his intention of 
 going abroad, as it was ca]led, laying particular stress on the 
 subject relating to Boggleton. Antony replied : 
 
 " The appintment is good, your honor, but there's something 
 else far better nor it." 
 
 "Ah, what is that, Firfag ? " 
 
 " Marriage, your honor." 
 
 " Ton my honor, that is singular, Firfag. I did not seriously 
 think of this point before. There were reasons. Would he 
 desire the marriage state, think you ? " 
 
 " Marry him anyhow, your honor, whether he likes it or not. 
 It's the best. cure in the world for a greenhorn or a swindler. 
 It makes 'em buckle down or knuckle "down to the work of the 
 world. It's a safe crib to hold a fool ; not that master Ham 
 is either one or the other ; far from it, your honor.''
 
 SETTLEMENT OF A VEXED QUESTION 169 
 
 "I thought, Firfag, there would be some difficulty in finding 
 a lady to accept him on account of ah, the light nature of his 
 intelligence." 
 
 " Pooh, your honor, that's an advantage to him. Wimmen 
 don't like smart men, except they be very smart. No one 
 pleases 'em better nor a fool. You know the kind of man I 
 mean, your honor ; a big soft fellow that will laugh and play 
 with them, and carry things around and allow the chairs to be 
 piled on top of him on the middle of the floor, and whine like 
 a dog, and know nothing." 
 
 " 'Pon my honor, that is singular, Firfag singular taste, 
 indeed ; quite so." 
 
 u Didn't I see the finest lady in all the land run away with 
 a worthless scamp and leave her husband, a beautiful man 
 behind her. Didn't Molly Toherson, a born lady, your honor, 
 the daughter of old Toherson, marry a cripple, when she could 
 get the best men in the world to wait on her ! Oh, the wim- 
 men is queer things, your honor ; queer things. 
 
 Then they like clever men, because every one of 'em has a 
 soft spot on his head that makes him foolish. There aint no 
 mistake, your honor ; it's a fact. The soft spot is on the 
 inside." 
 
 11 On the brain, Firfag ? " 
 
 " In the brain, your honor. Lamed men do very well up to 
 a certain pint ; but after that they fall over the line like the 
 beam of a scale made too heavy at one end." 
 
 "This is perfectly astonishing, Firfag. 'Pon my honor, I 
 never heard anything so singular ; and doubtless quite true ; 
 quite true. Too much at one end ; reasonable." 
 
 " Yes, your honor. I wouldn't be one of 'em for anything. 
 They give money to people as don't deserve it. They help bad 
 men in jails and out of jails. They would even go before a 
 mob and stop it from hurting a fallen woman. They don't 
 salute the clergy on the street. They talk about the poor being
 
 170 ZANTHON 
 
 as good as the rich, and they fall in love on the first moment 
 with the wimmen." 
 
 " You are quite well posted in these matters, Firfag." 
 
 "And, your honor, let me tell you what's more about them ; 
 when they kiss, they kiss like the very mischief ! " 
 
 " How singular that is, Firfag. Can you account for it ? " 
 
 " Not in the least, your honor." 
 
 " Now, what style of lady would suit my father's relative, 
 Boggleton, think you, Firfag ? " 
 
 "A country winch, your honor, would be the safest for him. 
 If he had an estate for himself he might be looking after a 
 lady ; but when he has to work for a livin' there's nothing 
 better nor the one that will help him along. A country winch 
 as knows how to count and cast up the numbers, could keep 
 the books for him. More nor that, she might take some of the 
 laugh out of your father's relation, your honor. She'd be bold 
 to sit down on him if he did n't keep to his work.'-' 
 
 " Quite right, quite right, Firfag. We might get him a 
 situation on the strength of his wife's learning." 
 
 " Yes, your honor, he could walk about orderin' things, and 
 she'd do the writin'." 
 
 " How may we find such a person ?" 
 
 " We must go match-making, your honor." 
 
 " Ah, match-making, Firfag ! " How am I to understand 
 you ? " 
 
 " It is the common run of the country, your honor." 
 
 " It is singular. I know absolutely nothing about common 
 people." 
 
 '" More power to your honor for it. Well, it is this way. 
 When' a country man wants to get a husband for his daughter, 
 he goes to a market or a fair ; and coming to meet people from 
 other places they go together, in the coorse of the evening, into 
 a .public house to drink. So well, so good, your honor. Then
 
 SETTLEMENT OF A VEXED QUESTION 171 
 
 they begin discoorsing on the weather and the craps until they 
 come, in the long run, to marriage. 
 
 Them as has a son says to the man with the daughter : 
 
 ' Will we make a match between them ? ' If he says.' Yis,' 
 they say: ' What will you give with your daughter ? ' 
 
 ' She'll have two cows and a calf to get ; a feather-bed, a 
 churn, a washtub, and a frying-pan.' 
 
 The young man, your honor, may have nothing but the 
 good-will of a few acres of land. If the old people agree, the 
 couple is brought together and married. Now, your father's 
 relation, your honor, must get some one to go matchmaking 
 for him as knows how ; because he don't know the way to find 
 a wife for himself." 
 
 " Ton my honor, I think you are right, Firfag ; I do, really." 
 
 " It could be done nicely, while your honor is abroad, with 
 out people bein' the wiser." 
 
 " That is so, Firfag ; that is so." 
 
 " I'm a great hand at the business, your honor. I'd do my 
 best to get a good match for him. Many and many's the night 
 I spent at it. I married more old bachelors and stale maids 
 in my time than any man this side of the mountain ; or beyond 
 it for the matter of that." 
 
 " No doubt, Firfag, no doubt ; but, on the other hand, if my 
 father's relative ah Boggleton, fancied a lady on his own 
 account, that you could not get in the way you mention, what 
 would you do ? " 
 
 After a little reflection the man answered : 
 
 " Carry her off by force, of course. It's the common run of 
 the country, your honor." 
 
 " Really ? That is singular. Does not the law take 
 cognizance of it as violence ? " 
 
 " No, your honor. The law aint asked to do nothing. The 
 people put up with it sooner nor look for law. When a woman
 
 172 ZANTHON 
 
 is taken off in that way, it's for love and not with bad inten 
 tion towards her that it's done." 
 
 " I presume this peculiar custom only prevails among the 
 peasantry ? " 
 
 " It's all over, your honor, the same way. It was thought so 
 good a thing, that the grand folks tried it, and took to it 
 natural like." 
 
 "Is there no redress for the party aggrieved? Is there a 
 remedy ? " 
 
 " Follow 'em, your honor, and if strong enough fight 'em. 
 Pitch into 'em. Have war." 
 
 "Ah, singular remedy, indeed, Firfag ; quite usual, however, 
 to fight. Came down to us. Animal propensity." 
 
 As the foregoing dialogue tended in a great measure to 
 awaken in Zerlin's mind ideas looking towards the marriage of 
 Ham Boggleton, he took occasion to inform Mrs. Rinser that 
 it would please him well if, in the natural order of things, a 
 partner were provided for her brother while awaiting his 
 appointment. He the more readily favored the arrangement, 
 because, if the marriage took place while he was in Paris, there 
 would be a great deal of trouble avoided, and he would not be 
 forced to speak congratulatory phrases in the ears of his 
 father's relative ; a thing he abhorred doing. 
 
 When all his views had been communicated to his several 
 dependents, he departed for the French capital leaving the 
 castle in charge of the Boggletons. 
 
 This important event took place late in the fall of the year 
 in which the famine made its entrance to the country. 
 
 While starvation brought hundreds to premature graves, the 
 Boggletons, secure within the castle walls, enjoyed the good 
 things of the earth in abundance. 
 
 Merriment took a daily round among them. The bright 
 fire in the back parlor was surrounded by cheerful faces. The 
 old story and the new story were heard alternately ; and Fir-
 
 SETTLEMENT OF A VEXED QUESTION 173 
 
 fag often boasted of his wonderful exploits for the entertain 
 ment of the company. There were no daily newspapers in the 
 place in those days ; and news that tended to frighten timid 
 people was suppressed. Hence the Boggletons wallowed in 
 jovial times. 
 
 They had struck it rich 1
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 AN IMPORTANT CONFERENCE. 
 
 A S Mrs. Rinser knew that Antony Firfag had the con- 
 -**- fidence of the master of Dawnford Castle regarding Ham 
 Boggleton's intended settlement in marriage, she invited him 
 to appear in the back parlor one morning to consider this 
 important subject. Antony's reputation as an outside man 
 had raised him in her estimation to the dignity of a plenipoten 
 tiary, capable of deciding any cause by the variety of his 
 information. Now, that great responsibilities devolved upon 
 her, she having the entire management of the internal affairs 
 of the castle, it appeared fitting that this interview should take 
 the shape of a business transaction wherein her dignity should 
 also become conspicuous. 
 
 Therefore the morning had been selected for this reason, as 
 well as because she desired to avoid any interference with the 
 evening hours, which were usually devoted to relaxation, after 
 the labors of the day, by the members of the household. 
 
 While no definite understanding had yet been reached as to 
 her brother's engagement with any lady, the preliminary 
 negotiations looking towards that end should be kept as secret 
 as possible. At this ea*rly date, none but the heads of depart 
 ments, as it were, should participate in the transaction. 
 
 Mrs. Rinser stood about the medium height. Her body, 
 although not corpulent in the true sense of the word, yet was 
 fleshy ; the waist being thick arid short, the shoulders round, 
 
 (174)
 
 AN IMPORTANT CONFERENCE 175 
 
 and her arms to her elbows would be considered comfortably 
 large. Her age could not be determined on account of false 
 hair which she wore in the fashion of the times ; a fine speci 
 men of a dark brown color. Behind this she wore a tidy cap 
 of black lace or similar material trimmed with a little border 
 at each side and stray sprigs of artificial flowers on other parts 
 of it. Her dress was plain and black. No prominence of the 
 breast or expression of the countenance appeared, to give her 
 a character of boldness. Whatever might be judged as mas 
 culine in her person, dissolved into gentleness, or a womanly 
 nature well suited to her position. Of course, the Boggleton 
 face was there, characterized by broadness of feature and 
 sleepiness of tone, flabby after youthful years. The eyes large 
 and expressionless, the mouth capacious, never wanting a 
 tooth, as if designed to gormandize without stirtt. The nose 
 proportioned to the other parts, but flattened somewhat at the 
 extremity, as if a smoothing iron or a jack plane had been run 
 over it for the purpose of giving it a finishing touch. 
 
 She had no fairy tread, such as female denizens of castles in 
 ancient times were represented as possessing ; but a ponder 
 ous footstep that made the soft leather of her slippers creak as 
 if an elephant were in them. It was remarkable how stead 
 fastly she devoted her energies to the business of her position ; 
 rarely, if ever, losing any time in idleness. Her voice might 
 be heard in some part of the structure at all hours of the day 
 and far into the night, with a modulating roll not by any 
 means displeasing to the ear, giving directions regarding the 
 preservation of furniture, sanitary rules, and such other acts 
 as became necessary in so important an establishment as 
 Dawnford Castle. She was not given much to the use of com 
 plimentary phrases ; and on this account began her discourse 
 instantaneously with such persons as had occasion to converse 
 with her. 
 
 When Antony entered the apartment at the time appointed, 
 she was turning over some odds and ends in one of the drawers
 
 176 ZANTHON 
 
 of the sideboard, a kind of bureau peculiar to parlors in Europe. 
 
 " Of course, Antony, no one will be the wiser of what we say 
 here," she said, surprising her visitor with the belief that it 
 was a continuation and not the beginning of a dialogue he 
 heard. She continued : 
 
 " Ham is young, has great expectations, and will be recog 
 nized in the highest society. His father often said, before he 
 died, he was bound to come to something. Indeed, it was my 
 own belief, even if he never came to the Castle. Poor fellow, 
 the best natured boy in the world, is shy. I often said to Mrs 
 Aloes I thought he had not enough of push in him ; but he'll 
 mend, Antony ; he is sure to do well hereafter." 
 
 "Mrs. Rinser," replied Antony, confining himself to the first 
 part of her introductory remarks, lest he should be lost among 
 the intricacies of what followed, " the face of clay won't hear 
 from me except you say it yourself. I can keep a sacret better 
 nor " 
 
 " Yes, Antony," she said, interrupting, supposing, no doubt, 
 all he could say on the subject was plain to her, " I told Mrs. 
 Aloes I knew positively Ham would marry of his own accord 
 without any compulsion. It was not likely,indeed,he would spend 
 his life single. The Boggletons were not in love with single 
 ness, although Miss Mussy is so ; and what they got by mar 
 riage is nothing to brag of. Ham will be one of the finest men 
 in the country by and by. Ho says, and I think so myself, if 
 he gets any one it ought to be a person pleasing to his mind. 
 No matter about that, if he took my advice he'd venture to look 
 out for a lady with her silks and her satins around her. There's 
 enough of them in the country wanting husbands, the Lord 
 knows, but he isn't in favor of the idea. I told him he was as 
 good himself as the best of them ; nor does he doubt it in the 
 least. Why should he ? " 
 
 Antony, well knowing the style of his contemporary dip 
 lomat, made no effort to assume the leadership. Skilled as 
 he was in the several powers of human nature, he had, figura-
 
 AN IMPORTANT CONFERENCE 377 
 
 lively, thrown up the sponge long ago in favor of Mrs. Rinser. 
 She was too quick for him. 
 
 Before he could find a word to gpeak, she was capable of 
 uttering a sentence. While drawing his breath in order to 
 stimulate him for a fresh effort, she ran off in rattling phrases 
 into a new subject with the ease of a professional orator. Wis 
 dom could do nothing here, where its sayings were smothered 
 at inception without ceremony. 
 
 She may have imagined, perhaps, that Antony's want of 
 speech in her presence originated on account of his being fas 
 cinated by her superiority, whereas he was only dumfounded. 
 
 On the present occasion, however, he found himself possessed 
 of an unusual amount of strength and hardihood, impelling 
 him to the performance of desperate efforts toward the gaining 
 of a fair standard of character as a far-seeing man. He formed 
 a laudable estimate of his own importance and imagined his 
 acquaintances should share it. His recent conversation with 
 Zerlin on the subject of match-making had awakened such 
 proud recollections of past achievements, that he determined 
 on staking the issues of the day with Mrs. Rinser on his knowl 
 edge and experience in that line. Full of this idea before the 
 meeting took place, he was discomfited, however, by a volley 
 of her words on the very threshold of the apartment where he 
 had hoped to win additional fame. 
 
 Still, he would be patient. Diplomacy owed its greatest suc 
 cesses to this simple remedy. Would he wait until she had 
 expended the heft of her language, and afford him, during the 
 interval of rest, sufficient time to collect and deliver his 
 thoughts in some reasonable shape ? No. The absurdity cf 
 this course became apparent when he reflected that her vocab 
 ulary was inexhaustible. He must rather adapt himself to the 
 occasion by the use of short sentences when possible, until 
 chance enabled him to deliver a stunning broadside of logical 
 facts that would drive her into confusion, if not wholly sub 
 dued by it. Hence, holding his head a little to one side, as if 
 
 ZANTHON 12
 
 173 ZANTHON 
 
 intent on listening, he prepared himself to give his assent to 
 her words as a preliminary step toward the accomplishment of 
 his design. Mrs. Rinser continued : 
 
 " Yes ; ahd, as I said to Mrs. Tuberfoot, it isn't the means 
 so much as the man ; nor is it the man so much as the means. 
 Some like one and some the other. 
 
 What's the difference ? Ham will have means as well as 
 being a man. I should think he'd be fit company for the fin 
 est lady in the country. Of course he isn't beautiful. Beauty 
 does not go for much. I never did like it. There is always 
 something wrong with beautiful people. Take a handsome 
 girl, for instance, and she cannot wash, wring, dry and iron a 
 tubful of clothes in a day, nor make her own dresses any more 
 than I could." 
 
 Antony believing he saw an opening here, said : 
 
 "Look at that." 
 
 " They're impudent as well ; thinking, of course, they are 
 better than other people. I never could see it. If the rain 
 falls on a homely person, nothing is said ; whereas, if a good- 
 looking woman slides into a river and gets her skirts moist 
 ened, the whole town-land is roused by it. The men especially 
 are always making fools of themselves by running after the 
 handsome ones." 
 
 "Look at that" repeated Antony, with a sharp rattle in his 
 throat, as if he had had a galvanic battery turned on to him. 
 
 " I always found it the best way not to take any notice of 
 these things," continued Mrs. Rinser, " for I did not know how 
 soon they might come to my own door. I always like to be 
 prepared for emergencies ; and in the present case I may not 
 be mistaken. I do not imagine whether she will be handsome 
 or ordinary ; I mean Ham's wife. I suppose a person inclin 
 ing a leetle to the handsome side would, after all, be best ; but 
 for the matter of that, he's as likely to go and make as great 
 a fool of himself as the rest, by selecting the biggest beauty he 
 can find. Oh, you needn't talk, Antony. I know it. It's the
 
 AN IMPORTANT CONFERENCE 179 
 
 way men have. Not but that she might be a good enough lady. 
 There is no denying what may be there. Of course we'll do 
 something to keep them together until he gets his appoint 
 ment." 
 
 " Where is she ? " inquired Antony, with a resolute intention 
 of turning the conversation into a practical channel. 
 
 "Oh, the Lord knows. As I said to Mrs. Aloes " 
 
 "Will we have to find one for him ?" said the man, desper 
 ately. 
 
 " Of course. We must find her" 
 
 " Wouldn't any one do ? " pursued Antony, feeling he had at 
 length come near to a diplomatic equality with his companion 
 on the pending question, and was anxious to press for honors. 
 
 " Any one ? " repeated Mrs. Rinser, elevating her eyebrows, 
 while she looked with such severity at the man, as to make 
 him imagine a section of the apartment was being carried off 
 by a whirlwind. Nevertheless he was not slow to perceive he 
 had accidently scored a point ; for he must now give an 
 explanation of what was meant in his last sentence thus 
 affording him a chance of elucidating his favorite system of 
 uniting people in marriage. He said : 
 
 " I ask your pardon Mrs. Rinser for them words. I was 
 bothered about something else the time they were said. I was 
 thinkin' if we went to the market and go match-making for 
 Master""Ham, there could be a nice tidy girl found for him like 
 what the master thought might be handy. When I said any 
 one, it was in my mind to say some one, that would please all 
 parties 6f coorse. I " 
 
 " Yes. To be sure Antony. Of course, I would have no 
 objection to matcl -making so long as it is the custom of the 
 country ; although I have no reason to be in love with it ; 
 for that's the way Rinser and I were brought together. It 
 didn't turn out the best ; but that's not here nor there. As I 
 said to my uncle, the old master, when he went to see me, an 
 empty house is better than a bad tenant. Ham don't like
 
 180 ZANTHON 
 
 the way it's carried on. He wants to look around for himself. 
 Indeed he has been looking round already, to some advantage, 
 as he thinks. He may bring in a lady here any day, before 
 we know whether we are standing on our feet or otherwise. 
 Mrs. Aloes is thunderstruck about it ; and no wonder ; for she 
 thought Ham would remain single, at least until his sisters 
 were provided for." 
 
 Antony being unprepared for this announcement, twisted his 
 little head over his collar several times, in a vain endeavor 
 to appear composed. Accompanying a hysterical laugh he 
 said : 
 
 " Oh, Mrs. Rinser that beats all I ever heard. To go match 
 making alone without a sinner knowing anything about it, is 
 more nor the master himself would do." 
 
 Mrs. Rinser who was seated about the distance of four feet 
 from her guest raised a roll of paper she had in her hand to 
 the horizontal position and pointing it at Antony continued : 
 
 " That is not the worst, let me tell you. I'd be reconciled if 
 it went only that length. Not that he went match-making ; 
 far from it. Of course he's his own master and can do what 
 ever he likes. 
 
 I think the rest of us would bear up against what was com 
 ing if he took some other way than the one he has. 
 
 However there is nobody to blame but himself. As I said 
 to Mrs. Tuberfoot : ' where a person's bed is made, there they 
 must lie.' You do not know Antony, but it is true. Ham's 
 in love ! " 
 
 " Thunder and 'ounds ! " exclaimed Firfag, straightening 
 himself in his chair, as if he had been shot in the breast by 
 means of the implement in the lady's hand, 
 
 You don't tell me ? " 
 
 " Indeed he is ; to his neck and ears in it. I never heard of 
 the like. If he was only a boy it would be the less matter, 
 but a grown man such as he is, with a fine prospect before him ; 
 and waiting for a government appointment besides, it deprives
 
 AN IMPORTANT CONFERENCE 181 
 
 us of all patience to think of it. Of course, poor fellow, it may 
 not be his fault, such things come without being sent for some 
 times. A person does not know how soon he may meet mis 
 fortune himself, so that he ought not to be too severe on 
 others." 
 
 " An how did he take it, ma'am ? " inquired Antony, avoid 
 ing any comment on the last insinuation of Mrs. Rinser ; for 
 he saw in it a desire on her part to defend her brother's course 
 notwithstanding the apparent disapproval observable in her 
 remarks. 
 
 " We don't know. I suppose when his mind was bent on 
 foolishness. He saw her one day he was out hunting ; and by 
 the same token you were with him ; and from that moment up 
 to this he's not himself. To be sure gentlemen must hunt 
 whatever is in the field ; nor would I blame Ham for the pas 
 time, if he would only remember how much we have doted on 
 him ; and not give us the cold shoulder altogether. 
 
 No doubt she will turn out to be some useless doll of a 
 thing with light hair and small hands ; delicate as a bird, not 
 able to go down on her knees and scour the kitchen floor nor 
 cut as much grass with a reaping hook as would fodder a cow 
 let alone a dozen of them." 
 
 Fearing least she'imagined he was cognizant of the fact just 
 mentioned, or concerned in urging Ham to it previously, Antony 
 hastened to unburden his feelings on the subject. He began 
 to think it certain now, there might be dreadful things in store 
 for him, at this conference. It was possible Mrs. Rinser while 
 making some terrible revelation, would inadvertently drive him 
 into speechless wonder and thus expose him to ridicule. This 
 last cut, so to speak, which she made, implying he had been 
 more or less concerned as an accessory to her brother's conduct 
 came so close to him that he actually raked his thin jaw 
 with the tips of his fingers, as if some sharp instrument had 
 grazed the skin ; emitting at the same time a groan audible 
 enough to be heard by her. He said :
 
 182 ZANTHON 
 
 " May I be as stiff as the paper in your hand there, before I 
 leave this, if I ever heard tale or tidings of it. 
 
 Wasn't I bent on match-making for him myself ; and the 
 master thought the same. 
 
 There's not a family in the country good or bad but I know. 
 I could find a wife for him sooner nor any other man this side 
 of the mountain." 
 
 Mrs. Rinser resumed : 
 
 " It is not all finished yet, Antony. He only saw the girl. 
 
 There will have to be something like a match made up for 
 them. You can do a great deal. Indeed, we do not know 
 what way to take. Of course, he must be encouraged. It 
 would not be right to go between him and what he likes. As 
 it has happened in this way we must be content to stand by it 
 and not against it. Maybe it would turn out the best thing 
 ever happened to him, if not the worst. As I said to Mrs. 
 Aloes, when we draw from the lottery of life we may find some 
 thing we did not bargain for, or a prize." 
 
 " In what side of the country is she living ? " asked Antony. 
 
 " I believe it is somewhere on the estate, in the eastern side. 
 Of course they will be poor people. I forgot, when I told you 
 I did not know where she was, I heard of the place, and may 
 think of it yet. Yes, to be sure, I recollect. It is called Foot- 
 ford." 
 
 Antony on hearing this statement, slapped his knee with 
 his open hand, intending to create as great a sound as possible, 
 exclaiming : 
 
 " I have her, Mrs. Rinser ; I have her ! " 
 
 " Isn't that nice," replied the lady. " Ham will be so glad 
 to have found a person who will assist him and knows the girl 
 he is in love with. You can clear up all the difficulties, and 
 arrange with him about everything. I always thought you 
 were very valuable, Antony ; and I did not disguise it from 
 others either. Not that it becomes me at this time of life to 
 praise any man, much less mention it."
 
 AN IMPOKTANT CONFERENCE 183 
 
 This unexpected thrust, from a quarter not previously 
 known, like the fire of a masked battery, brought a peculiar 
 light into Antony's eyes. His lips essayed to speak ; but 
 could not ; presumably on account of being tongue-tied for the 
 moment ; and he moved his head several times from shoulder 
 to shoulder in that jaunty style adopted by persons who, hav 
 ing received a great compliment, cannot give expression to 
 their feelings in words. When he spoke he touched lightly on 
 his own merits, without forgetting the matter in hand. 
 
 " Oh, there's not much left of me now, Mrs. Rinser ; but it 
 wasn't easy to get my likes one time. I'm obliged for your 
 good opinion and hope it won't be lost. If I'm greatly reduced 
 from what I was, I can follow the hounds yet with the best of 
 them ; aye, and sit up of a night match-making without taking 
 a feather out of me. I ain't all bones neither, Mrs. Rinser. nor 
 broken-winded like a horse turned out to die. Howsomever 
 that is not the pint. The girl as I think master Ham likes is 
 nice enough to be a lady in any place in the world." 
 
 " Oh, of course. How else could it be ? He wouldn't select 
 any other kind ; poor foolish boy. The Boggletons must go 
 after handsome people ; to be sure, and why not. They must 
 air themselves before beauty, if you please ; as if the sun 
 shines only for good-looking jades. Nothing else will do. No 
 doubt, if she comes here, we'll all have to wait on her ; and 
 after that she might think we were not good enough to be in 
 the same room where she was. I don't know what possessed 
 us. We had the same idea exactly. Handsome men were the 
 kind we wanted. We thought we'd be in paradise if our hus 
 bands had small noses and thin lips. You would imagine 
 Rinser could walk on eggs without breaking them, so light of 
 foot was he. I found afterwards he was light-fingered as well. 
 He got into the clutches of the law on that account and never 
 escaped. But you should have seen his thin waist and long 
 neck. I thought him very beautiful.
 
 184 ZANTHOX 
 
 Aloes was a hackler by trade and Tuberfoot a peddler, both 
 of them given to roving. 
 
 What need I talk. If there were ninety-nine Boggletons 
 instead of five, not one of them would have sense enough to 
 look for a plain person like himself. 
 
 It's fate or infatuation, or something worse than either, I 
 think." 
 
 " Look at that," said Antony, retreating to his first position ; 
 but perceiving that sad memories had been instrumental in 
 calling a halt in Mrs. Rinser's language for a few seconds, he 
 continued : 
 
 * " I'm in doubts if we can make a match there, Mrs. Rinser. 
 The father is a strange kind of man. He's proud and lamed. 
 They say he's wonderful. That he cures what he lays his 
 hands on ; and stops the witches from taking the butter with 
 them. I know the family. We were over the ground several 
 times. They're in distress now ; an' he passes a most every 
 day searching for something to eat. He has a terrible look in 
 his eye, I can tell you. I wouldn't want to be the person to 
 . speak with him about it. He'd as lief fasten me to the road 
 like a mile-stone, as anything else, maybe ; or turn me into a 
 hare." 
 
 Mr. Rinser was non-committal on questions of superstition. 
 She was too practical to lean very closely to visionary views* 
 yet ignorant enough to be influenced by the stories of her 
 acquaintances relating to the marvelous. On the present 
 occasion her interest was arrested on account of her brother. 
 The strangeness of his taste in choosing the daughter of a 
 necromancer for the person described by Antony could be 
 nothing else far exceeded in foolishness the mistake of select 
 ing a person on the score of beauty. She imagined the climax 
 had been reached by the Boggletons long ago, whereas this last 
 movement on the part of one of the clan threatened to eclipse 
 the entire history of the family by its astounding nature. Yet
 
 AN IMPORTANT CONFERENCE 185 
 
 Antony's remarks portending failure to secure whatever Ham 
 desired seemed to claim her first care. She resumed : 
 
 " I should think they would be glad for one of them to be 
 raised out of poverty. They cannot pretend to be genteel, I'm 
 sure, living in rags, nor proud 011 nothing. What is the name, 
 Antony ? " 
 
 "Marlband," replied Firfag. "Her name is Amby." 
 
 " Marlband, Marlband," repeated Mrs. Rinser, meditatively. 
 " I wonder if they're related to the Marlbands of Greenplains 
 or Fishport ? I have an idea that they're friends of ours on 
 the father's side ; very distant and far removed, of course, but 
 relatives, for all that. The Boggletons, poor as they appeared, 
 happened well in matches. They married into purty good 
 families ; and some of them got the upperhand where one 
 would not expect." 
 
 " These Marlbands is different," said Antony. 
 
 It wouldn't be so bad if there was nothing to be said about 
 them but poverty and larnin'. We could stand them well 
 enough ; but there's more nor that, Mrs. Rinser." 
 
 " Oh, I'll engage there is. Where there is one thing there is 
 always another. It's his luck\ It would be useless to take 
 pains to avoid things like that ; for us anyway. They'll come 
 in spite of all. To think that Ham would involve himself 
 with such a family ! " 
 
 Antony perceived that fear of some terrible revelation had 
 the effect of neutralizing the volubility of Mrs. Rinser's tongue. 
 Had he any important concessions to demand as a diplomatist, 
 the weakening of his associate indicated the time at hand for 
 making them. He saw his power, and was too badly schooled 
 in etiquette or gallantry to resist a malicious desire to astonish 
 her into complete silence, if possible. Bending forward, after 
 having looked hastily around the room, as if in fear, he 
 said : 
 
 " It's thought he's a rebel, Mrs. Rinser ! " 
 
 "A rebel, Antony ? the Lord bless us } " she said.
 
 183 Z ANTE ON 
 
 " Yes, ma'am. He'd no more give his child to any one 
 inside these walls than drown her in the river." 
 
 Mrs. Rinser clasped her hands together as if about to offer 
 a supplication before the throne of the Infinite, while her lips 
 moved inarticulately. The desire to speak was there, but 
 probably some contraction ot the throat due to excitement, 
 would not permit the use of language. 
 
 Antony, far from being discomposed by this exhibition, 
 seemed rather to enjoy it, as he continued in the same strain : 
 
 " He didn't do anything of late, an' what he done before, 
 nobody knows. The people in his neighborhood like him ; 
 an' I heard said in private, he could raise the whole country 
 side in rebellion, with one word. There was lots of night-work 
 there, I can tell you, before the hard times ; but now the men 
 is scattered from one place to another, if not dead. Oh, he 
 was that without doubt. More betoken it isn't known where 
 he came from. He was a stroller when he went to Footford 
 without head or tail to his business." 
 
 Mrs. Rinser's discomfiture was only temporary. The shock 
 occasioned by unexpected news of a disturbing nature passed 
 away from her breast like the recoil of a bullet on a parapet. 
 The Boggleton theories of life which she rigidly adhered to, 
 supported her. These were to make light of difficulties ; regard 
 not the interests of others in any transaction, and attempt the 
 performance of the impossible even for self and the family. 
 Hence, the mention of Marlband's opposition to the suit of her 
 brother, instead of causing her to think of failure in that 
 direction, rather impelled her towards an opposite course, 
 regardless altogether of the supposed objectionable character 
 of the family to which the young lady belonged. 
 
 " Yes, Actony ; but what will Ham do ? It cannot be 
 expected he will suffer disappointment simply on account of 
 these poor people. It would be too bad, you know. We will 
 not be able to do anything with him if he is refused. Indeed, 
 Antony, he must not be refused. I will insist that you man-
 
 AN IMPORTANT CONFERENCE 187 
 
 age it so as to have the match perfected."* We'll put up with 
 her whatever she is, on his account, the hussy ; after all it will 
 be his business, not ours. Don't tell me you cannot do it. It 
 will be the best thing ever happened to her, at all events. 
 Exchanging a life of poverty for one of good living. Oh, Ham 
 will not suffer refusal ; nor will I. Do not think of the like, 
 Antony. Of course, it is to be regretted that things took the 
 turn they did in his case ; but what's the good of unhappiness? 
 As I said to Mrs. Tuberfoot, what cannot be avoided must be 
 met and make the best you can of a bad market. When there 
 is no butter eat your bread dry." 
 
 As Antony's head moved instinctively on hearing this 
 remark, as if he were examining the prospect for buttered 
 bread or the dry commodity, as the case might be, Mrs. Rinser 
 always on the alert to interpret physical signs, opened the side 
 board cupboard and spread out on a card-table in front of her 
 guest a luncheon of choice viands, flanked by a bottle of brown 
 stout. The smile overspreading Antony's features on hearing 
 the pop made by the cork when extracted by Mrs. Rinser, far 
 exceeded in richness what might be inspired by the strains of 
 distant music or the roar of a waterfall. This movement on 
 the lady's part did not prevent her from talking. She per 
 ceived by the man's silence the field was all her own ; and 
 like a wheel freed from all obstruction spun away with a fierce 
 velocity in harmony with the power intended to produce the 
 motion. 
 
 Firfag was conquered. After the appearance of the victuals 
 he made no further sign ; but while indulging the desires of a 
 sharp appetite, meditated profoundly on the danger attending 
 this new enterprise in which he must take a leading part. 
 Even as he raised the last draught of the stout to his lips and 
 turned up his eyes to look at the bottom of the tumbler, a groan 
 escaped him, caused by a sudden thought that any interfer 
 ence with the rebel's daughter would finally lead to his utter 
 destruction.
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 A MYSTERY CLEARED UP. 
 
 A. NTONY Firfag's experience in match-making, extensive 
 * no doubt as it had been, never presented any case so 
 intricate as this one of Ham Boggleton's. 
 
 Indeed, to his mind it appeared an impossibility. He knew 
 too well the character of the enmity existing between the upper 
 and lower classes of the people to judge otherwise. If Marl- 
 band had been an ordinary peasant, a compromise could 
 readily be effected ; but on the contrary, he was suspected of 
 being a person not only capable of leading others to revolution, 
 but a dictator of principles as well. It would be idle to 
 approach him on the subject. Besides, Ham's genealogical 
 antecedents, as well as the low standard of his mental capac 
 ity, were not such as would endure close examination. If 
 both parties belonged to the same class the difficulties pertain 
 ing to dower might be easily overcome by the addition of a 
 few calves or an article of furniture ; whereas in the present 
 case, no offers, however valuable, would be tolerated. 
 
 The adjustment of the business went immeasurably beyond 
 Antony's ideas. He felt incapable of making any movement 
 towards a 'successful issue in it; and hence his despondency 
 caused him to regret he ever acknowledged being a match 
 maker. 
 
 Mrs. Rinser viewing it through the narrow light of selfish 
 ness, insisted in placing the responsibility on his shoulders ; 
 and her brother, destitute of mental strength as he was, looked 
 
 (183)
 
 A MYSTERY CLEARED UP 189 
 
 also to him for what he considered relief in this the greatest 
 emergency of his life. 
 
 Under these circumstances, the cares of the world, supple- 
 monted by such a terrible requirement, pressed with extraor 
 dinary pertinacity on his mind, until he began to imagine 
 he would desert the country altogether, if some other locality 
 favorable to his wants were available. He had asked for time 
 to consider the subject, in order, if possible, to arrive at a sat 
 isfactory method of procedure ; but on coming to the actual 
 details, bewilderment seized him. There was an alternative, 
 however, capable of solving the difficulty : carry her off by 
 force, or delude her with some false representation until she 
 consented to accompany them. 
 
 The fearful nature of the times would prevent investigation, 
 or other retaliatory consequences, from following as a result of 
 the outrage. Compared with starvation, the action he pro 
 posed dwindled into insignificance. No one would be con 
 cerned about it, in the face of greater troubles ; as also because 
 such things frequently happened. To carry Amby Marlband 
 from destitution to opulence, even should any dissatisfaction 
 be exhibited by her on that account, must be reckoned com 
 mendable instead of censurable. On the other hand, the 
 family was not likely to remain together ; and if she survived 
 the ravages of the famine her future portion would probably 
 be some menial position in a scullery or an attendant to a 
 whimsical old woman. 
 
 Of course, he must avoid meeting the father. He had an 
 idea if Marlband detected him while in the execution of the 
 project or afterwards, his sudden and ignoble death was sure 
 to follow. Even the castle might be in danger ; for with such 
 power at his command, as the man was reported to possess, 
 nothing would be safe against his vengeance. 
 
 The more he reflected on the feasibility of his plan, consid 
 ered as a whole, the better it appeared to him. Mrs. Rinser 
 need not be informed that a resort to force was contemplated ;
 
 190 ZANTHON 
 
 nor would it really occur ; for he had been an adept at falsifica 
 tion in the past and intended to adopt it as an aid on this occa 
 sion. She might be employed to act with them as one bound 
 on performing a mission of mercy. Good and evil came so 
 near each other on this ground as to cause the line dividing 
 fhem to be imperceptible. Ham Boggleton, however, must be 
 made to take a full share of the responsibility, and consequently 
 initiated into the details of the part he must play in the trans 
 action. Antony sought him soon after he had determined on 
 the course to pursue in order to complete the arrangements for 
 the abduction of Amby Marlband. 
 
 It was the first time a serious question came up for discus 
 sion between Firfag and Boggleton, and considering the char 
 acter each possessed for reasoning, it is fair to conclude there 
 were terrible efforts made to promulgate sound opinions on the 
 occasion. 
 
 Antony found Ham in the drawing-room of the Castle, an 
 apartment forty feet square, furnished in the most gorgeous 
 manner, and decorated with rare works of art. As he ap. 
 proached, hat in hand, the jocular gait he sometimes assumed 
 became conspicuous, and the light through the front windows 
 glistened on his pate in a remarkable manner. Boggleton see 
 ing him, broke into a laugh. He said : 
 
 " The deuce take me, Firfag, if I'm not glad to see you. You 
 look so much like a stage character in a comedy as to compel 
 a fellow to be merry at your expense." 
 
 "I'm obliged to you, Master Ham, for that same. Your 
 honor is improvin' in the larnin' considerable. More be token, 
 as you have come the upper hand on us nicely, when we all 
 expected to make a match for you." 
 
 " Oh, that's it, is it ? The deuce. Take a seat, Firfag. She's 
 a stunner, I can tell you, and no mistake." 
 
 " That's the talk, your honor. Troth you said it there. I 
 know her myself this long time." 
 
 " Then you can post me on all about her."
 
 A MYSTERY CLEAEED UP 191 
 
 " Yes, your honor, an' all not about her as well." 
 
 " And what may that be, Firfag ? " 
 
 u If her father ever gets a grip of you, your honor, he'll grind 
 your bones as fine as the dust on the rim of a cart wheel." 
 
 " The deuce. We must be careful to avoid that extremity. 
 As a father-in-law he would not be a success, Firfag. How 
 about a love letter ? Do you think sending a deuced strong 
 one to be advisable ? " 
 
 "No better nor a latitat. They'd be frightened a'most to 
 death with it, your honor. It's not the way that coortin' is 
 done in the country. They'd think it was a process. More 
 over, the letter carrier would be in danger of his life." 
 
 Firfag here stated briefly the history of Marlband as related 
 to Mrs. Kinser, and also intimated how he proposed to over 
 come the difficulties in the way of carrying Ham's intended 
 bride to the castle. 
 
 Boggleton was delighted. 
 
 He arose from his seat laughing, and danced around Antony 
 like an inferior spirit in the presence of an infernal god. On 
 resuming his seat the dialogue was renewed. Firfag said : 
 
 " Did you ever speak to her, your honor ? " 
 
 " No, old fellow. What occasion was there if I love her ? " 
 
 Antony put up his hand to his head as if intending to catch 
 something, no doubt the difficulty arising in his mind on ac 
 count of his companion's last remark, but as a matter of course 
 not being able to reach it, continued : 
 
 " She don't know you from a crow, your honor ? " 
 
 " The deuce take me if I think so." 
 
 " We'll have a terrible time with her, to reconcile her to your 
 honor. Maybe she wouldn't take you, no how." 
 
 This view of the case appeared to make Ham grave. It was 
 only for an instant, however, as he resumed good-humoredly : 
 
 " Don't frighten a fellow in that way, Firftig. I can wait 
 until she gives her consent, if it was to be all my life." 
 
 " That's the wisest thing I ever heard you say," said Antony.
 
 192 ZANTHON 
 
 "Treat her in a respectable manner, an' if you have a chance 
 at all, it will come then." 
 
 After this conversation some of the details of the plan not 
 already related were communicated. The time of the party 
 leaving home that Amby was to meet on the mountain road 
 became known to Firfag. Every circumstance pertaining to 
 the place and opportunity was noted with the accuracy of a 
 chronometer. Marlband would be absent as usual from home, 
 but to make sure of this a confederate would be stationed at a 
 proper place for the purpose of making the necessary observa 
 tion. 
 
 A carriage containing Mrs. Rinser and a mounted party some 
 distance behind it were to be the constituent parts of the de 
 tachment, with Antony commanding. He would wear h's red 
 swallow-tail coat, black velvet cap, green breeches and top 
 boots, and to all appearance make it understood he and his 
 friends had been examining the country for the purpose of 
 selecting ground for the next hunt. 
 
 The day of Amby Marlband's abduction was favorable for 
 such a scheme. The principal fact in the transaction was stu 
 diously concealed from all persons with the exception of Mrs. 
 Rinser and Ham Boggleton. Other denizens of the place were 
 informed the carriage was going out for the purpose of convey 
 ing to the castle a young girl left wholly destitute by the fam 
 ine, whom Mrs. Rinser had consented to protect and educate. 
 
 Mrs. Aloes, Mrs. Tuberfoot and Miss Mussy were instructed 
 to accord her a flattering reception, and surround her with that 
 delightful concordance of sympathetic voices for which the Bog 
 gleton tongue was so remarkable. 
 
 The start occurred before daybreak. Knowing how tedious 
 it would be to get Mrs. Rinser away from the business to which 
 she was so much devoted, Antony suggested that Ham accom 
 pany her through the halls of the castle to hasten matters ; at 
 the same time to post a servant behind the principal entrance, 
 so that when she stepped out it was to bo -.loscd, and by this
 
 A MYSTERY CLEAEED UP 103 
 
 method shut off further parley. Boggleton approved of any 
 thing with a spice of humor in it, and readily consented to act 
 as required. When everything was in readiness, and Mrs. 
 Klnser still lingered, Ham said : 
 
 "Come, Allie, come ; our people are all waiting." 
 
 Mrs. Rinser continued, addressing Mrs. Aloes, who would be 
 in charge during her absence : 
 
 "And the bacon left of the last year's cure, hanging in the 
 storeroom back of the kitchen, is what will be used first. 
 Give it to the cook in time to be steeped in water and thoroughly 
 cleaned. Instead of cabbage I wish you would have a dish 
 of sprouts cooked. The young thing might like the taste of 
 .them better than the other. Of course, the chickens killed 
 yesterday will be skewered to-day. Mind that girl when she's 
 doing it. Stand over her. The last ones she did were not 
 puffed snough in the breast to please me, and the giblets were 
 broken in the draw. Don't let her put the beef in until the 
 water is boiling. You will have cauliflower, my dear. Mind 
 the celery for the sauce and the milk for the stewed turnips." 
 
 Ham taking Mrs. Rinser gently by the arm urged her for 
 ward about six paces, but as she was closely pursued by the 
 other woman, felt no inconvenience on that account. She 
 resumed : 
 
 "The lilac room next to Mussy's is the one we'll give to 
 Miss Amby. Take out the sheets early so that they may be 
 thoroughly aired ; and before putting them on smooth them 
 with your hand, so as to find out if the airing has been suffi 
 cient. I remember several persons taken sick after lying in 
 damp sheets ; there was Major Brindler who died a'most on 
 account of it. To be sure, some said he drank too much ; but 
 I always laid it to the sheets. Well, as I was saying, the pink 
 lined curtains that used to belong to my lady's bed will be put 
 on ; and the rose water in the right-hand drawer of the bureau 
 should be laid beside the dressing table. Let all the windows 
 stand open the whole day. 'Tis well enough to talk about 
 
 ZANTHON 13
 
 194 ZANTHON 
 
 warm rooms ; but I like air. Have the girl "go over every bit 
 of the room for dust and cobwebs." 
 
 " For goodness' sake, Allie, hurry up .or we'll be late," urged 
 Ham. " You take a deuce of a time to talk on these matters." 
 
 Mrs. Rinser moved slowly forward, and continued : 
 
 "And now that I think of it, the night-caps and the other 
 things may want overhauling. Put the seamstress to work at 
 once and get her all the help you can. Of course, we'll have 
 to fit dresses when Amby comes. We must see the size of her 
 body first. Yes, and before I forget it again, save some of the 
 buttermilk until it gets thoroughly sour ; we'll want it for the 
 bread. If the ranger brings in any rabbits have them skinned 
 and skewered and put in cold water ; they can be cooked 
 to-morrow. He said he could get us a couple of hares at odd 
 times. If one comes make soup. It can be served in the 
 brown tureen with the white ladle. The fish-knife 
 
 "Allie, I can't stand any more of this ; the deuce take me if 
 I ever felt so bad on account of the business in hand. For the 
 sake of all the Boggletons, dead and alive, will you come? " said 
 Ham . 
 
 This earnest appeal had the effect only of causing the lady 
 to glance forward, as if calculating the distance' to be yet over 
 come, while she resumed : 
 
 " The fish-knife can be on the table without having fish. It 
 will only show the implements for all the courses are there, if 
 wanted. Of course there will be no criticism from strangers." 
 
 Being now at the front entrance, Ham made a motion to 
 Mrs. Aloes to step back, and taking Mrs. Rinser by the arm 
 passed quickly through the door, which was closed suddenly 
 behind them according to pre-arrangement. Mrs. Rinser, how 
 ever, had not finished. 
 
 "And, Aloes, the fire irons " she said, but perceiving her 
 sister had disappeared, placed her hands together resignedly 
 while she turned a volley on Ham : 
 
 " One must say something on an occasion of this kind. You
 
 A MYSTERY CLEARED UP 195 
 
 men are always hasty about things ; and it does you no good. 
 As I said to Mrs. Tuberfoot, a hasty pudding was the only 
 dish I ever knew to give satisfaction with anybody in a hurry. 
 I had something on my mind to say to Aloes just now, if this 
 door was not closed." 
 
 "Firfag," said Ham, "won't you assist Mrs. Rinser into the 
 carriage ? " 
 
 Antony who had been a silent witness of the scene since the 
 party reached the porch, stepped forward with all the gallantry 
 of an old courtier and offered his arm, while Boggleton held 
 the other side ; lest she should by any chance be diverted from 
 their present purpose. Ham attended to the opening and 
 closing of the carriage-door, determined now to carry matters 
 with a high hand, and giving the order to the coachman to 
 proceed, turned away just as he heard sounds from the inside, 
 as of one delivering a stump speech on a political platform. 
 
 The mounted party followed ; and long before the inhabi 
 tants of the town began the business of the day the entire 
 cavalcade had dashed through the streets and joined the road 
 eastward in the direction of the mountain. 
 
 At the time Amby Marlband met her acquaintances, the 
 immigrants, for the purpose of saying good-bye, Firfag's party 
 was completely under cover. Indeed, the caution exercised by 
 the man would have done credit to a military genius of any 
 rank. Wrapping a light overcoat around him to conceal the 
 gaudy colors of his dress, Antony stood at a convenient point 
 waiting the decisive moment. At last it came. Amby having 
 parted with her friends, was returning slowly towards the end 
 of the path leading through the fields to her home when Fir- 
 fag appeared before her. Touching his cap, he said hurriedly: 
 
 "Your father, Miss, met with an accident on the road near 
 the town, and he wants to see you on the spot. A good lady 
 who saw him fall is here to take you in her carriage. We 
 cannot wait an instant. He may be dead if you do not 
 hurry."
 
 196 ZANTHON 
 
 Then he waved his hand and the vehicle came forward at 
 full speed. 
 
 The girl knowing her father to be weak and liable to be 
 incapacitated for further labor on account of the nature of his 
 exertions, believed the report instantly. ' She grew wild with 
 grief. She looked in the direction of her home in order to 
 communicate with some one there ; but as none of them were 
 in view, she concluded to go at once with the party so as to 
 show how promptly her energies were made to respond when 
 called to perform services for her father. It would not make 
 much difference as she would return in a few hours. Hence, 
 when the carriage door was opened she unhesitatingly stepped 
 into it, while Fftfag securing the panel in the usual way, 
 ordered it to move forward. Then retreating to the squad on 
 horseback, mounted his steed and lead the party into the road 
 at a pace calculated to keep the carriage in sight. He said to 
 Ham in a low voice : 
 
 " The bird is caught, your honor." 
 
 To which the other replied : 
 
 " Firfag, you're the deuce of a fine fellow. Clever. The 
 deuce take me if this isn't the boldest thing I ever did see. No 
 disturbance either. I'll reward you, Firfag, you may be sure 
 when I get the appointment." 
 
 While they continued to converse on subjects most agreeable 
 to them, Mrs. Rinser proceeded to quiet Amby's fears as best 
 she could. In the first place, she surprised that young lady 
 by showing she knew her. This had the effect also of giving 
 Amby confidence in her companion. 
 
 ' ' You are Miss Amby Marlband we heard so much about. 
 My name is Mrs. Rinser, my dear ; and I have three sisters, 
 Mrs. Aloes, Mrs. Tuberfo'ot and Miss Mussy. We wished ever 
 so much to see you. Indeed, you are really a beautiful girl. 
 Of course the Boggletons never had the like. Before we were 
 married they used to call us the Boggletons, Miss Amby."
 
 A MYSTERY CLEAEED UP 197 
 
 " Is my father much hurt ? " the girl ventured to ask through 
 her tears. 
 
 Mrs. Rinser having been told previously by Antony the 
 nature of the deception he was about to exercise on the inno 
 cent mind of the girl was prepared for the question. She re 
 plied with some hesitation : 
 
 ' ' Well, now, that you speak about it, I do not think he is. 
 It is nothing new, however, for one to suffer in these hard times. 
 We should be always ready to meet with accidents, they are so 
 numerous. Look at the accident that occurred to me shortly 
 after I was married ; my husband was taken away by force and 
 I never saw him afterwards. It was the will of God. Oh, I 
 am resigned, you may be sure. Don't cry so. You will come 
 with me where I live, and I will give you everything you 
 desire." 
 
 "I must return with my father," Amby said abruptly. "I 
 do not care for anything." 
 
 " Yes, my dear ; of course, when you are rested. Consider 
 we are your friends. Indeed, as I said to Antony Firfag, I 
 believed we were related to the Marlbands almost to a cer 
 tainty. My sisters are the kindest creatures in the world, don't 
 you know." t 
 
 " Did you see my father, ma'am ? " asked Amby. 
 
 "I thought I did, my dear." 
 
 " Was he wounded or weak from traveling ? " 
 
 " Now that you remind me, I think it was a strong weakness 
 he took. Perhaps disease of the heart, so many die of it. Our 
 doctor used to say affections of the heart were very destructive." 
 
 " Do you think we will find him in time to afford relief ? " 
 
 " Let us hope for the best. If not I'll send a messenger to 
 bring us news about his condition. No doubt they have carried 
 him somewhere by this time. Don't be in a hurry, my dear, 
 your father will be found at the proper time." 
 
 Besides the vague answers here recorded, Mrs. Rinser avoided 
 anv mention of her brother. She felt instinctively it would be
 
 198 ZANTHON 
 
 out of place, as well as perhaps cause additional uneasiness to 
 Ainby. 
 
 The carriage was drawn with all speed to its destination. 
 Before coming to the town, Mrs. Rinser drew down the curtains 
 on the windows so as to hide the view from her companion ; 
 and sitting near her, continued to speak in the most affection 
 ate manner possible. Thus the journey was accomplished 
 without notice. It was not until they entered the avenue lead 
 ing to the front of the castle when Mrs. Rinser pointed towards 
 the attractive features of the grounds, that Amby first began to 
 suspect deceit. She was seized with an unaccountable fear and 
 began again to cry bitterly. 
 
 When arrived at the entrance the carriage was dismissed, 
 and they stood a few minutes before the door to await Antony's 
 arrival, as Mrs. Rinser said he would have news of Marlband. 
 
 Soon after he made his appearance and began his report. 
 
 "Your father, Miss Amby," he said, touching his cap, "will 
 not be able to come out for a couple of days. He is not far 
 from here. The people carried him to a neighbor's house. He 
 just fell on the road, and couldn't walk no more." 
 
 " Oh, sir, did you tell him about me, and how I came to see 
 him ? " said Amby. 
 
 '' That I did, Miss, every word of it Moreover I said you 
 was mighty uneasy about him." 
 
 " Oh, what did he say, sir ? Did he not send a message to 
 me?" 
 
 " Then indeed he did. He said, Miss, to stay with the friends 
 that brought you here, until he came for you himself." 
 
 Amby felt disappointed on hearing this message. It bore 
 little resemblance to any one her father would dictate, yet it 
 was possible to be his on account of the altered conditions 
 which surrounded him on the present occasion. No amount of 
 representation, however, true or false could appease her grief. 
 Before any one suspected the nature of her movements she fell 
 on her knees before Firfag, and burst into a passionate appeal
 
 A MYSTERY CLEARED UP 199 
 
 for pity. Her hair had fallen over her shoulders, the lovely 
 mass being disturbed picturesquely by the passing breeze, while 
 her arms were extended to their full length as if the attitude 
 was intended to touch the hardened nature of the man. She 
 said : 
 
 "Oh, tell me where to find my father. He \dll come home 
 with me. No sickness or injury could keep him in a strange 
 place when I appear in his presence. I have a power of which 
 you know nothing, but perceptible to his mind. I can exercise 
 it in his welfare. If he were dying it would stay the hand of 
 death until he had acquired time to send by me a message to 
 his home. Will you not understand how nature invests some 
 persons with the charm of strength in times of need ? My 
 father has a loving heart. His soul will gain additional power 
 if I but touch him. The essence of his being is different from 
 that of other men, sweeter, more gentle ; like the dawn above 
 the darkness, or the sparkling fountain beside a stagnant pool. 
 Oh, pity me. I am unworthy of your friendship. See the 
 signs of poverty that are here. My garments consist of the 
 poorest material ; my cheeks are pale with anxiety and hollow 
 from want. Surely one so lowly in station and appearance can 
 be of no value to you who are so rich in worldly possessions. 
 If you knew how bitterly they will grieve at home for my 
 absence, you would let me return to them. Are you not human, 
 endowed with kindly feelings for others, and sensible of their 
 needs ? 
 
 Perhaps riches have altered your nature ? I heard-trange 
 rumors of this kind ; but did not believe them. I must go. I 
 will make inquiry. Some of the people, poor as myself, may 
 direct me." 
 
 Amby arose and ran along the avenue toward the gate, sob 
 bing. Mrs. Rinser, very much disturbed by this unexpected 
 scene, followed her. 
 
 During the time the poor girl had been kneeling Ham Bog- 
 gleton approached and stood silently behind Firfag ; who on
 
 200 ZANTHON 
 
 his part was stricken dumb with remorse. The two men were 
 intensely mortified, unable to communicate their thoughts to 
 each other and fled from the place without making any attempt 
 to soothe her, leaving this business in charge of the woman. 
 As Mrs. Binser knew the custom prevailing in regard to the 
 preservation of the grounds, their security from trespassers, 
 she did not make any noise or undue haste to overtake Amby. 
 The gate was closed as securely as that of a fort during a siege. 
 Above the iron bars was an arch of stone rising many feet and 
 constituting a part of the boundary wall. 
 
 When Mrs. Einser arrived near this point, she found Amby 
 at the base of the wall, insensible ; as if she had fallen after 
 struggling vainly to get out. Lifting her in her strong arms 
 she returned once more in the direction of the castle ; being 
 joined in the meantime by her sisters who had come to render 
 all the assistance in their power. 
 
 Then ensued a clattering of tongues, such as may be heard 
 sometimes among a flock of sparrows while discussing a great 
 bird question in the garden bushes, modulated of course to the 
 tone of thje Boggleton organs. 
 
 Before this introductory extravaganza terminated the party 
 passed through the grand entrance of the castle, the door closed 
 behind them, with a ponderous sound and Amby was caged.
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 LIVING IN HOPE. 
 
 '""PHE Boggletons appeased Amby's fears by false promises. 
 * It is wonderful how much solace may be administered to 
 the human heart by lying. If the deception can be supported 
 during life the persons thus deluded may enjoy temporary hap 
 piness with as much pleasure as if it were the soundest truth. 
 Some delusions are supposed to be true ; others known to be 
 false. 
 
 Only a very small fraction of mankind live according to 
 principles acquired by themselves in the pursuit of knowledge. 
 
 Firfag's species of misrepresentation was very common in 
 the times of which we write. Its disuse or rather the disfavor 
 by which such criminal proceedings are now regarded indicates 
 an improvement in that direction. 
 
 No crime, perhaps, appears so cruel as that which is inflicted 
 on the innocent and helpless. 
 
 When you defame or betray a good man, an innocent maid 
 en or a virtuous wife, you strike directly at the heart of nature : 
 the love of God, and earn such chastisement thereby as shall 
 embitter your life as long as you live. 
 
 There were mitigating circumstances in the case of Amby 
 Marlband as already mentioned. The Boggletons believed 
 their action in the matter meritorious. They did not perceive 
 how the sensibilities of the girl were outraged. While they 
 considered it a lucky incident in the career of a young lady to 
 be transported from a mean cottage to a castle and accorded all 
 
 (201)
 
 202 ZANTHON 
 
 the privileges to the highborn, Amby, on the other hand felt 
 nothing could compensate her for the loss of her friends, poor 
 as they were. Yet the kind words spoken in her hearing by 
 women who appeared to be good and well meaning, had had a 
 beneficial effect, in allaying excessive grief. There were other 
 agents, too, operating favorably on her distressed mind. 
 
 The bedroom designed for her use with its requisite arrange 
 ments and decorations demanded immediate recognition. She 
 felt pleased with it ; because though rich, like her own mind it 
 was tempered by good taste and chaste associations. When she 
 slept, the air was pure through the medium of a good system 
 of ventilation and hence she recognized a sweetness of feeling 
 on awaking quite new to her ; but exceedingly charming. A 
 delightful fragrance also pervaded the place, arising no doubt 
 from the grounds surrounding the castle. 
 
 Miss Mussy Boggleton entered Amby's room about seven 
 o'clock ; so as to prepare her for breakfast and be her compan 
 ion. Mussy did not possess a frame as strong as the other 
 Boggletons, yet lacking little of their disposition to be agree 
 able. She was about the medium height ; a little fairer than 
 her sisters, had a short instead of a family nose and was near 
 sighted. In dialogue she could keep pace with the most dis 
 tinguished of the crowd. To Amby, she was very attentive ; 
 chatting good-humoredly on various subjects until her com 
 panion felt quite cheerful by the time they were ready to 
 descend to the apartment where breakfast awaited them. 
 
 The main stairway of the first floor was a grand passage nine 
 feet wide, the balustrade being composed of marble. The hall 
 into which it led resembled a museum and conservatory on 
 account of the variety of its decorations. Even the lofty ceil 
 ing possessed charming features. The parlor where breakfast 
 was served bore relationship in form and dimensions to the 
 drawing-room previously mentioned. The tables, chairs, bu 
 reaus and other movable articles were designs executed from 
 the richest mahogany, ebony, rosewood and other rare species
 
 LIVING IN HOPE 203 
 
 of wood. The brilliant polish on all the furniture was main 
 tained by manual labor under the directions of Mrs. Rinser. 
 
 While awaiting a few moments to examine the prospect before 
 them the breakfast bell rang, and presently Mrs. Rinser, Mrs. 
 Aloes, Mrs. Tuberfoot and Ham Boggleton appeared on the 
 scene. Each of the women came and kissed Amby on the 
 cheek, greeting her very affectionately. Then Mrs. Rinser in 
 troduced Ham. 
 
 " Miss Marlband this is our brother Ham Boggleton : Ham, 
 Miss Amby Marlband." She continued addressing Amby : 
 
 " You need not mind him my dear, he is little better than a 
 cowboy, amusing himself at hunting, fishing and concocting 
 some plan for mischief with Antony Firfag. Although I must 
 say of him that he is good-natured." Boggleton had arranged 
 in his mind a short speech to be delivered after his introduction 
 to Amby. Something above the commonplaces, about the 
 weather and the crops ; but this unexpected language from his 
 sister choked off all utterance. He was thrown into confusion. 
 His mouth opened mechanically as if to speak but failed to 
 produce the necessary sounds and he retired to a seat blushing 
 like a school-girl. 
 
 Mrs. Rinser sat at the head of the table, the east end of 
 which was so reckoned, having Amby on her right and then 
 Miss Mussy ; while Mrs. Aloes and Mrs. Tuberfoot were seated 
 on the left. Ham sat at the other end facing Mrs. Rinser. 
 Everything was delicately arranged, so as to make it as pleasant 
 as possible for their beautiful guest. 
 
 Mrs. Aloes and Mrs. Tuberfoot were tall women; dark com 
 plexion, high cheek bones, prominent eyebrows and lank 
 cheeks. Knowing how necessary it was to permit the appear 
 ances in the castle to impress themselves favorable on Amby's 
 mind, but little was said at the breakfast table. Mrs. Rinser 
 went over a few remarks in a low voice about the quality of 
 the food and the relationship existing between the Marlbands 
 and the Boggletons. As the tone of her voice indicated her
 
 204 ZANTHON 
 
 engagement with some special subject about which she seemed 
 very particular, the others remained as silent as Boggletons 
 ever did under any circumstances. 
 
 It was understood that Firfag had made arrangements to 
 report the condition of Marlband periodically ; thus giving the 
 daughter an opportunity of acting according to his instruc 
 tions. Pending Antony's arrival, which was expected about 
 noon, Miss Mussy conducted Amby through the castle on a 
 tour of examination or inspection. It proved very delightful 
 to her. Then for the first time she saw how wealth and art 
 contributed to the comforts of the rich. The walls of the rooms 
 were tinted in various colors, and handsomely bordered by gilt 
 fresco work; the windows hung with curtains in several shades 
 of the richest patterns. Pictures from Rome and Paris were 
 suspended amid the beauty of artistic painting. The carpets 
 resembled a picture gallery where the artists of the world were 
 contending for superiority. The marble mantel-pieces gave the 
 apartments a classic air peculiarly attractive. There was a 
 timepiece in the arbor of Zerlin's bedroom that formerly be 
 longed to a pope. The interior works of course had been 
 renewed. 
 
 Everywhere at intervals of space appeared some article with 
 a history apart altogether from its individual beauty. 
 
 From the windows the glow of the sun and the sheen of the 
 landscape might be seen dancing side by side. 
 
 While there appeared a lessening of Amby's sorrow as a 
 consequence of the magnificence here exhibited, still her grief 
 was very poignant, when the memory of her friends came sud 
 denly to her mind. 
 
 Indeed, it would be true to say, some pangs were intensified 
 when she reflected on the awful contrast existing between the 
 castle and her former home. 
 
 When Firfag made his report she was weeping afresh, and 
 could not be consoled.
 
 LIVING IN HOPE 205 
 
 He brought news of fearful times. A weekly newspaper 
 among other things, corroborated his statement in this respect. 
 Amby read the accounts of the destitution prevailing in the 
 country in it, and became convinced of its certainty. Inquir 
 ing for her father, Antony said he had returned home ; which 
 indeed was true; but before leaving directed that she should 
 be told to remain in the, castle during the winter, and that he 
 would come for her in the spring. Resignation to her present 
 position was the only course she could now pursue properly; 
 so after a few days she tried to be cheerful and enter into the 
 plans of the Boggletons in regard to dress, music, and other 
 accomplishments intended for her. 
 
 It is remarkable how efficacious fine clothing is in creating 
 self-esteem. Some persons live for this alone, without regard 
 ing other equally fascinating acquisitions. 
 
 Amby was proud in her new dress. With the appearance of 
 sadness on her countenance there was intermingled a lofty air 
 as of one who felt capable of moving naturally through exalted 
 stations. The well-fitting garments created a buoyancy of 
 person sufficient to overthrow grief for a short period at least. 
 
 Cheerfulness is the rule of life, intended by nature for indi 
 viduals; sorrow being the exception. 
 
 Ham was delighted with her appearance. 
 
 He said to Mrs. Rinser : 
 
 " She'd be good enough for the doge of Venice or the king of 
 Botany Bay. I'm afraid to speak to her, do you know it ? 
 Whenever I try, I feel as if Antony Firfag had caught me by 
 the throat and shut off my wind. It's deuced queer." 
 
 "Well," returned his sister, "wait until you're better 
 acquainted. You are only a boy yet. If you want the ladies 
 to think anything of you, show courage. Be like a man. Who 
 knows what your thoughts are ? How could you expect her 
 to come and say: ' Ham Boggleton, I'm dead in Idve with you, 
 my boy.' She won't say it. It would be too much against 
 the grain of a woman."
 
 206 ZANTHON 
 
 
 
 As time advanced, Ham learned to pay attention to Amby. 
 When she and Miss Mussy went into the fields or the garden, 
 he usually followed with a basket for flowers, or carried some 
 of their wraps in chilly weather. Then he would amuse them 
 by mimicing other people; and became so expert at it that 
 they laughed for hours almost every day. 
 
 This improved condition in Miss Marlband's mental bereave 
 ment was viewed with great satisfaction by the Boggletons. 
 They all liked her, not only on account of her beauty, but 
 because of her amiable ways. They loved her dearly ; and by 
 that mysterious process of nature which brings reciprocal feel 
 ings to the hearts of those who are beloved, Amby felt a regard 
 for these people springing up in her breast whose influence she 
 could not resist. Thus the winter months passed. 
 
 With the firet signs of spring she renewed her solicitude for 
 her friends. Bolder now than when she first came to the castle 
 she insisted on having a messenger sent to her home to ascer 
 tain the condition of her relatives. It was agreed that Antony 
 Firfag would make a special trip on the occasion when pleasant 
 weather appeared, and give a full account of what he saw. 
 
 The inclement weather and the danger attending persons 
 traveling in the neighborhood prevented him from knowing 
 how they subsisted recently. As a matter of fact Antony dare 
 not approach Marl-band. He saw him betimes looking wildly 
 about as if in search of something. On these occasions Firfag 
 became afflicted with an awful fear. He would retreat under 
 cover with the greatest dispatch, as if bullets were flying in the 
 air. His conscience made him tremble. The day appointed 
 to receive his^report he was as pale as a ghost. 
 
 The mental strain produced as a consequence of his false tes 
 timony in the present case, inflicted terrible punishment on 
 him. 
 
 He seemed to be sick. 
 
 On appearing at the door of the drawing-room where the Bog 
 gletons and Amby were assembled to listen to the news he
 
 LIVING IN HOPE 207 
 
 brought, everybody was shocked. Mrs. Rlnser and Ham di 
 vined the cause of the change perceptible in him, the others 
 imagined it was due to travel or age. 
 
 Amby arose and came near where he stood. She resembled 
 a beam of sunshine admitted suddenly into darkness. There 
 was a refinement in all her movements that made the Boggle- 
 tons look hideous. Antony placed his hand on the back of a 
 chair to support himself, for the superb demeanor of Marl- 
 band's daughter increased instead of diminished his distress. 
 
 In a sweet voice, whose plaintiveness sent, a pang to his heart 
 as if it had been pierced by a dagger, she questioned him : 
 
 "You crossed the river, Antony ? " 
 
 " That I did, Miss." 
 
 " The house was just on the other side." 
 
 "Yes, indeed." 
 
 <k No doubt it appeared poor in your sight." 
 
 " Very poor, Miss." 
 
 " Of course my father was glad to see you ? " 
 
 " Well, yes, Miss ; that is, no, he wasn't either." 
 
 Mrs. Rinser turned a sharp look on Antony, as if to inquire 
 how he come to give such a blundering answer, while exclama 
 tions from the others assured him his words were critically 
 noted. Recovering himself somewhat, he continued : 
 
 " He was, that is your father, Miss, put about about some 
 thing or other." 
 
 " Were they all well ? " 
 
 " Hem ! There was trouble somewhere, Miss." 
 
 " Oh, I can readily see how it is with them ; they are dying 
 or dead, while I am here in opulence, callous hearted and 
 proud. I will not endure this any longer." 
 
 The Boggletons rose to their feet as if lightning had struck 
 the windows of the apartment. The women surrounded Amby 
 for the purpose of pacifying her while Ham spoke to Antony in 
 an undertone of voice so as not to be heard. 
 
 Antony muttered in reply :
 
 208 ZANTHON 
 
 "I'm doin' the best I can, your honor. I don't know what 
 in the world to say, I'm so befoundered." 
 
 Amby resumed : 
 
 " And the village, Antony ? " 
 
 " The village, Miss ? the village ? the village," he repeated, 
 unable to say more, for it appeared his mind began to lose its 
 power of recollection. 
 
 " Why the deuce don't you answer the lady, Firfag ? " said 
 Ham. " What has come over you ? " 
 
 " The village was there ? " continued Amby. 
 
 " The village was there, Miss," he replied. 
 
 " My father sent a message with you to me ? n 
 , " He said, Miss, not to stir out of here until he came for you 
 himself." 
 
 " Always the same. It is impossible, unnatural man, to con 
 vince me further of this. These are not my father's words. I 
 know his heart. If he knew I was here he would break through 
 your boundary wall in one hour to come to me. Do not at 
 tempt to represent his noble nature. You debase it and expose 
 your own treachery ! 
 
 I am the object of some plot. Let it be continued if you will, 
 but release me so I may see my friends. The treasures of this 
 castle are nothing compared with the beauty of my brothers 
 and sisters. Their voices are sweeter to me than all the music 
 of the world. I would rather have my brother Clare's cheek 
 against mine for a minute than the amusements witnessed here 
 for years. Will no one help me ? You Mr. Boggleton ? Will 
 you not render me some assistance to reach my friends ? " 
 
 This was the* first time Amby made direct appeal to Ham. 
 He felt the importance of it at once, and his manner became 
 grave. Indeed he was deeply affected by her words. His 
 better nature predominated over every consideration as coming 
 near her he said : 
 
 " Whatever you wish, Miss Amby. I shall perform."
 
 LIVING IN HOPE 209 
 
 " I want to go home. I must see my people before they are 
 all dead." 
 
 " Very well, Miss Amby. I will have preparations made for 
 your journey and examine the country myself to find out if it 
 be safe to travel ; so be content a little while longer," said 
 Ham. 
 
 The women looked up ii wonder at the boldness displayed 
 by Boggleton. 
 
 Finding he had created a sensation among them, he assumed 
 an air of command, for his blood was up. He continued : 
 
 "Firfag, wait for me in the garden, I will be there pres 
 ently." 
 
 And as Antony retired, he said to Mrs. Rinser : 
 
 " I will insist on this lady going wherever she has a mind 
 to. We can have the carriage and you to come with us. 
 
 Miss Amby, don't be afraid, I'll see to things. I would do 
 more for you than anybody I know of. I'll do anything to 
 please you. I cannot find words to tell all that is in my 
 heart, but I am sure I'd be content to work for you during 
 my life." 
 
 Amby did not anticipate this speech. Ham Boggleton's 
 manner had pleased her because it was amusing ; but a thought 
 of loving him never entered her mind. Hearing how emphati 
 cally he declared his intention of serving her, she blushed and 
 thanked him in a few kind words. 
 
 Ham repaired to the garden for the purpose of talking over 
 the subject with Firfag. He seriously contemplated taking 
 Amby home if he could perceive how a reconciliation with 
 Marlband might be effected. 
 
 "What did you really see, Firfag?" he said. "You made 
 a deuced mess of it before the women. I thought at first you 
 had eaten a strong dose of garlic, or had been tippling in the 
 public houses." 
 
 " I'm old, your honor. I couldn't find in my heart, bad as 
 I am, the way to go on, telling lies to Miss Amby, a;i' she so 
 ZANTHON 14
 
 210 ZANTHON 
 
 fine as she is. The Lord forgive me for what I have already 
 done. I'll never get a sight of heaven if I don't own up and 
 ask her to pray for me. 
 
 My heart is sore, your honor. I'm broke all to pieces. I'd 
 rather be dead nor suffer in this way." 
 
 " What did you see in Footford ? " 
 
 " I didn't go at all, your honor. There's nothing to be seen 
 in that place any more. I heard all the news the people 
 brought when they left it. Her father, your honor, wasn't on 
 the road this long time. I think he is dead as well as the rest 
 of them. The wife and children died first ; then the old man. 
 That's what the people say, your honor." 
 
 Boggleton turned pale on hearing this news. His love for 
 Amby carried the hardships of her family near his heart, and 
 he felt as if the case was his own. 
 
 This was the time when all had terminated with the Marl- 
 bands ; when the father died in the cave, and Zanthon made 
 his celebrated journey through the night to the town unper- 
 ceived by any one. 
 
 Seeing the necessity of attending to this business himself, 
 Ham, dismissing Firfag, proceeded to the stables, called for 
 one of the best horses, and mounting him, rode down the 
 avenue on his way to Footford, determined to find on his own 
 account what the condition of society was in that precinct. 
 
 In the castle, Mrs. Rinser and her sisters endeavored to 
 console Amby. Mrs. Rinser said : 
 
 " You surprise me, Miss Amby, to take on so, and we so kind 
 to you. If we were not related it would be the less matter. 
 My dear, the country is in an awful state. To be sure, you 
 have a proper regard for your family. Why shouldn't you ? 
 We all have ; but one must save one's self. Is it not better to 
 remain here until the times mend than go where you will be 
 burdensome to others ? If some of your friends die, it is only 
 fhe fate we all shall meet. You could not save them, do your 
 best or worst."
 
 LIVING IN HOPE 211 
 
 "And Rinser," said Mrs. Aloes, " remind the dear sweet lady 
 how fond we are of her. Miss Mussy is never tired of saying 
 something in her praise. As to me and Tuberfoot, we could 
 kiss the ground she walks on." 
 
 u We couldn't get along without you now, my dear," remarked 
 Mrs. Tuberfoot to Amby. 
 
 I'm sure since you came to us we enjoyed more pleasure 
 than ever before. Nobody can tell what it is to have a beauti 
 ful creature near 'em until she is there. Then they see. You 
 have grown into our hearts, my dear. It will be a dark day to 
 'us when you leave." 
 
 " Your kindness has made me love you," replied Amby. 
 " Ingratitude is no part of my nature. I would willingly work 
 as a menial in your service just to receive your words of 
 encouragement ; but the feelings of my heart demand another 
 course. I must devote my first thoughts to my kindred ; 
 especially as they need my sympathy." 
 
 " Miss Amby is right," said Miss Mussy. " She is always 
 true in what she says. I glory in her. I hope she will let me 
 go and help her to take care of her people. I'd love them, every 
 one, on her account." 
 
 Thus the sisters condoled and reasoned among themselves 
 regarding their guest during their brother's absence. 
 
 In the mean time Ham made an inspection of the country 
 in the vicinity of Footford. What he saw changed his mirth 
 to sadness. He did not leave the place until he knew the con 
 dition of Amby's home ; then while returning a close observer 
 could perceive he had grown older by years than his appear 
 ance indicated at his coming. 
 
 The lines of his face were drawn away from the position 
 usually occupied by them. 
 
 Experience made him reflect ; for face to face with desola 
 tion, his powers were whipped into their utmost capacity of 
 thought. There was no one in Footford with whom he could 
 communicate by oral language. .
 
 212 ZANTHON 
 
 He was at a loss to know how to act on his return to the 
 castle. If he disclosed the whole truth. Arnby would not only 
 be shocked, but insist on visiting the place to see the remains 
 of her old home in any case. Besides, he felt it would be 
 impossible to give a description of it in her presence. His 
 account might be discredited. His delineating power was not 
 of the first class, and attempting anything of the kind would 
 expose him to ridicule. 
 
 It was best he thought to remain silent about all the details; 
 but say the people had deserted the village. Amby might be 
 accompanied by Mrs. Rinser, Miss Mussy and himself as if out, 
 for a pleasant drive. Reaching the mountain road, the party 
 could easily gain the house by the path from the fort, and after 
 she had seen its condition, she must return with them as a 
 matter of necessity. 
 
 Having finally determined how to proceed, he rode rapidly 
 in the direction of home.
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 HOME AGAIN. 
 
 A MBY Marlband recognized a gloom pervade the household 
 ** after Ham's return, which she ascribed to her contem 
 plated departure ; for there was no doubt of the genuineness 
 of the good wishes of the Boggletons in her regard. In reality,, 
 however, it was due to the disclosures made to Mrs. Rinser, 
 and by her to her sisters, respecting the desolation prevailing 
 in the country as witnessed by Ham. 
 
 She did not understand why her efforts were not seconded 
 with enthusiasm while collecting a few trifles designed as 
 presents for those at home, such as might show the character 
 of the place where she had resided since leaving them. 
 
 Of course, there was acquiescence to this on Mrs. Rinser's 
 part, but with certain features wanting in it indicating some 
 trouble approaching whose character that lady did not think 
 prudent to divulge. 
 
 These signs carried fear of some new danger or misfortune 
 to Amby's heart, causing her to exhibit a degree of nervous 
 action appalling to those who witnessed it. She was gay, yet 
 apparently aware of an impending trouble. The depressing 
 influences operating in the case forced themselves at intervals 
 before her mind ; but anticipating a joyous meeting at home, 
 her spirits invariably rose above them. Thus it might be 
 observed her voice assumed several tones beyond its usual 
 compass as if forced to do so by extraordinary feelings. Her 
 loquacity appeared remarkable to those who had invariably 
 witnessed her timidity and reserve. The power of her imagina- 
 
 (213)
 
 214 ZANTHON 
 
 tion seemed to break through the difficulties attending ordinary 
 speech and glow amid a torrent of words such as her father 
 often used. 
 
 Her companions were astonished at her conduct, not being 
 well schooled in the phases of nature. They began to regard 
 her as some superior being whose brilliant speech silenced 
 their noisy prattle, lest the contrast should expose them to the 
 ridicule of their own minds. The fine display of intelligence 
 on Amby's part was new to them. They stood in awe of it as 
 one would in the presence of a great waterfall or a snow-capped 
 mountain. Previously it never entered their minds she pos 
 sessed such attainments. 
 
 At the front entrance before taking a seat in the carriage, 
 the sunbeams greeted her as if she were their queen. There 
 was a halo of purified light around her, caused by the glow of 
 her beauty in contrast with the splendor of day. Her head 
 glistened as if the luminosity emanated from it without exter 
 nal aid. 
 
 The folds of her dress seemed to possess a refined appear 
 ance, leading to the conclusion, that the material of which they 
 were composed assumed a portion of the majesty of the indi 
 vidual ; out of respect for her. 
 
 Ham imagined there was no lady in the world possessed of 
 such exquisite charms. In conducting her to the carriage he 
 was afraid to speak fearing the irregularity of his speech might 
 dispel the free exercise of her spirit which the occasion called 
 forth and deprive him of a sensation whose peculiar sweetness 
 he had not felt before. As the party journeyed along the ave 
 nue en route to Footford she continued to speak without inter 
 ruption, she said : 
 
 " Oh ! I have had a dream of home like the view of a dis 
 tant landscape glowing in the colors of spring. May was lead 
 ing the others through the fields and woods. I saw our home 
 too, but it appeared to be lonely as if they had neglected it 
 while enjoying the pleasures peculiar to the place. Several
 
 HOME AGAIN 215 
 
 times they looked back expecting some one. I could not help 
 thinking it was I they sought. I believe they imagined it 
 time I should go home. What does this vision of their happi 
 ness signify ? It cannot be real. Perhaps they have been 
 relieved unexpectedly by unknown friends ? 
 
 You will see Mrs. Rinser how beautiful they are. Like the 
 glory of heaven in the summer. 
 
 And mild ! Oh ! the evening in the Autumn when the winds 
 have ceased to blow and the purity of God is in the sky is not 
 more serene. Why you could not help feeling happy in their 
 presence. How could my mind possess peace away from 
 them ? As well might you expect day without a sun. Here 
 with you we have poverty ; there we had wealth. 
 
 I cannot think of other subjects ; because their voices are ring 
 ing in my ears and their bright features ever present before me." 
 
 In this strain did she speak as they proceeded. 
 
 The carriage coming along the identical way it pursued on 
 the occasion of her being kidnapped, she did not see the changes 
 which had taken place in the village ; for the mountain road, 
 as will be remembered was some distance east of it. The fort 
 being the first object worthy of note coming into view stimu 
 lated her to renew her observations : 
 
 u I imagine the fort has grown diminutive. In other days 
 I used to think it the finest exhibition of nature, which it was 
 possible to behold anywhere. Now it is insignificant. The 
 land around it is poor ; and to me looks as if it shared in this 
 poverty. The trees are stunted things compared with their 
 condition in former times. 
 
 I wonder what has produced these features in it ? Perhaps 
 it was always so ; but it is I who am changed. Now we will 
 take this path to the house. I shall walk first ; for I want to 
 see them at a distance. Miss Mussy ; Mrs. Rinser then, and 
 Mr. Bogglelon. 
 
 The river has lost its musical tones methinks. The banks 
 appear to have come closer together than formerly ; perhaps
 
 216 ZANTHON ' 
 
 because they are in sympathy for the departure of its glory. 
 The serpentine course wears a melancholy appearance, like one 
 whose days are numbered. A little more change and it would 
 be altogether obliterated. Oh ! how I loved this brook. Its 
 sweetness came imperceptibly to me like a dream in the night. 
 In my youth it was a friend faithful and true, like the star to 
 the evening. It spoke a language I understood ; for my spirit 
 was soothed by it and finally 1 delighted in its tones. I 
 remember its voice as of an echo from the depths of Time, 
 designed to comfort me. Coming from a mountain home, at 
 an unknown distance, it seemed ever anxious to tell of its 
 journey through picturesque valleys and beautiful hills. 
 
 There is a stillness in the perspective appalling to my senses. 
 Is it the doom of the end which has appeared or a sign that 
 the country shall be no more inhabited ? Not a sound is 
 heard. There must be death among the people where nature 
 has been awed into silence in this manner. 
 
 No one playing ; no one in sight. Hurry after me ! My 
 heart will break if this dreadful suspense continue. I am 
 wild with some unaccountable fear." 
 
 As they approached the house, the appearance of desolation 
 became more perceptible. Amby hurried on. She grew 
 demonstrative and occasionally uttered half stifled cries. It 
 was dreadful to witnels her precipitate flight aggravated by 
 exhibitions of terror and despair. 
 
 Nothing could attract the attention of those present, while 
 her magnificent figure appeared to view, disturbed by the most 
 intense emotions known to the human mind. 
 
 The Boggletons never saw anything so strange. 
 
 The silence too, lent a solemnity to the occasion which 
 impressed their spirits with fear such as was entirely new to 
 them. They began to realize what real sorrow meant. 
 
 Coming near the house Amby cried in a high tone : 
 
 " Father I have, come back ! 
 
 Father 1 May 1 Clare I
 
 HOME AGAIN 217 
 
 Will no one answer me ? 
 
 Where are you ? " 
 
 The effects of emotion stopped her. She grasped her throat 
 with her fingers, to relieve the choking sensation which threat 
 ened to strangle her. Then she stood at the door immovable, 
 like a statue and gazed in amazement on all that remained of 
 the home of her childhood. The silence of her terrified soul 
 only reflected the silence within. 
 
 She did not speak or weep or move. Intelligent thoughts 
 were suspended. She could not reason or understand, as if her 
 senses had been paralyzed. 
 
 As her friends came to the front door she moved to the 
 interior, gazing listlessly at everything in view. 
 
 These few moments wrought great changes in her features. 
 
 Paleness overspread them. 
 
 They became elongated and haggard : and what was worse 
 she could not weep. The intensity of her grief, or perhaps the 
 shock of it, dried the fountains of her tears. 
 
 After a little while she began to speak, at first slowly and 
 solemnly, then in a passionate manner ; the awful occasion 
 preventing the Boggletons from uttering a word. 
 
 " No one to meet me ! Poor dears you are all dead ! I am 
 alone, I was not worthy to die with the rest. As if I were an 
 outcast or one on whom vengeance should be inflicted without 
 mercy. 
 
 Homeless now, indeed. No love to greet me such as this 
 pitiable house once sheltered. 
 
 What is there left in the world worth having ? 
 
 The face of nature will no longer smile for me because all 
 that were dear to my heart have departed never to return. 
 
 My brothers and sisters were like children of the sky, 
 designed to be objects of love and contribute immeasurably 
 to my happiness. It may be in harmony with such a plan, 
 that they have merely returned to the place from whence they 
 came.
 
 213 ZANTHON 
 
 Oh ! will no friend of my youth look on my desolate soul 
 and pity me ? 
 
 My senses refuse to be appeased by external agents. 
 
 What have I done to Providence ? Sinned, perhaps, un 
 knowingly : If such were guilt would it entail dire punish 
 ment like this ? 
 
 Oh 1 no. God is more considerate. Have my simple ways 
 fomented the envy of inferior spirits, so as to cause them to 
 operate against me ; or has some wish of my friends saved me 
 from the fate of those I loved only to inherit a more dreadful 
 
 one ? 
 
 n 
 
 It is impossible to know. All is inexplicable, mystery and 
 suffering. 
 
 I will become mad. 
 
 I, too, can die without regret. Let me pray for death : 
 
 Oh ! thou imperishable Power, thou infinite Force, Superior 
 Glory ; Impenetrable Essence, Master, Creator, God, strike, I 
 am ready ! Where hast thou hidden my friends ? I must reach 
 them even through the portals of death. 
 
 I will be content to suffer the most dreadful torments if per 
 mitted to look upon them once again. 
 
 I am not afraid of the unknown, in the dark recesses of 
 eternity. 
 
 I have the courage of innocence, the power which shall ulti 
 mately procure peace. 
 
 For the love of my heart which thou hast made pure, take 
 me to the eternal home, where those I seek reside. 
 
 For the subserviency of my intelligence, which I offer thee, 
 strike the vital forces of my being ! 
 
 Oh, how foolish I am to suppose I could enlist the will of the 
 Great Power in my favor. 
 
 Nothing answers, as if the void had become deserted of its 
 operating spirit ; or else that I am too insignificant to move it 
 to action in my behalf.
 
 HOME AGAIN 219 
 
 The power of the invisible will not recognize my petition ; 
 because, perhaps I do not know how to present it. 
 
 Oh ! the misery of being deserted is frightful. 
 
 The consciousness of abandonment is like a threat of some 
 dreadful death ; like a precipitate plunge into the bottomless 
 pit where no hope ever comes. 
 
 The fineness of my garments but intensify the awful feelings 
 of my soul. Even the light of day glorious as it is, exposes 
 my destitution and wounds me. 
 
 I often imagined I possessed gentleness sufficient to move 
 the pity of other beings in my behalf. 
 
 Perhaps my waywardness has displeased Omnipotence ? 
 
 I am not proud ; or willingly offensive. I can be submissive 
 too, for submissiveness is productive of great advantages. 
 
 Let me pray again, it seems to be so much a woman's part. 
 I have loved the beauty of thy face, Lord ! in the glow of the 
 summer ; and the sweetness of the evening made me feel the 
 presence of thy exquisite benevolence. 
 
 I have listened for thy footsteps on the glistening sea ; and 
 saw the mystery of thy design in its immensity. 
 
 Thou dost bend thyself to the flower from the wings of the 
 storm : thou givest shelter to the forlorn bird. 
 
 The night hears thee and is silent ; like a child it is soothed 
 in thy presence. 
 
 It decks itself with silver-tinted garments for thy pleasure ; 
 and thou hast crowned it with the Aurora. 
 
 Thou art the friend of the savage ; the serpent knows his 
 path through thy domain and is glad. The north wind mus 
 ters his strength fearlessly ; thy arm protects him through the 
 intricacies of his journey. I am but a wanderer seeking rest, 
 with my beloved friends. I perceive it will be only a little 
 time until it comes. 
 
 I am reconciled to patience. Accept my homage, Lord ! 
 for my heart feels the justice of thy power made manifest 
 everywhere."
 
 220 ZANTHON 
 
 When the phase of grief impelling her to solicit the divine 
 assistance began to grow less, her attention became fixed on the 
 grave in the center of the floor. The awful spectacle made her 
 dizzy. She gasped for breath and her lips moved, as if im 
 ploring some one to give her water. 
 
 With a sharp cry, such as persons occasionally utter at 
 moments of supreme joy or grief, she fell upon her knees ; and 
 burying her fingers in the mould, began to clear away the cov 
 ering above the dead. 
 
 Up to this moment the Boggletons remained inactive ; silent 
 witnessess of the scene ; but Amby's fearful maneuver struck 
 them with horror. Mrs. Rinser and Miss Mussy rushed to the 
 place where she was and raised her to the upright position. 
 They then began to calm her disturbed feelings by words such 
 as the Boggletons knew well how to command. 
 
 In attempting to lead her from the spot she resisted in a wild 
 manner, saying : 
 
 "I will not go. I shall die here. Leave me to myself." 
 
 " My dear Amby," said Mrs. Rinser, "it would be useless to 
 remain where there is nothing. Moreover, nothing will come 
 in to fill the vacancy." 
 
 " The memory of my friends is more valuable than gold," 
 she replied. 
 
 " One must have bread to live," resumed the woman. " As 
 I say to Tuberfoot when she talks sentimentally about past 
 times ; the mountains looking down at you won't feed you. It 
 is well enough to have feelings such as yours, my dear ; but 
 what can you do without provisions ? " 
 
 " I want my friends. I am abandoned and do not care to 
 live. Oh ! can we not find some of them ? " 
 
 "Doubtless Antony Firfag will give us all information about 
 them. He is very accurate. If any are left he will know 
 where they may be found. Come my dear, we will take care 
 of you." 
 
 " I cannot depend any more on the charity of others."
 
 HOME AGAIN 221 
 
 " But you need not my dear child. We will get you a posi 
 tion in the castle." 
 
 As Mrs. Rinser continued to hold Amby in her arms em 
 ploying, at the same time, words of pity for her great affliction, 
 the crude nature of extreme grief gave way, like the snapping 
 of a cord and she began to weep. 
 
 Her grief was bitter and desperate. The tears came in tor 
 rents. Mrs. Rinser thought her fair companion would break 
 her heart ; and Miss Mussy taking her by the hand began to 
 smooth the back of it with her own. 
 
 If the whole truth must be told, Ham turned away from the 
 place to conceal his emotion, for his eyes were full of tears, and 
 he could not have uttered a word if necessary to save his life- 
 
 The statement made by Mrs. Rinser that Antony Firfag 
 would procure all information about the Marlbands, if any of 
 them survived, afforded slight hope to Amby. 
 
 But for this circumstance it is not known how she would pro 
 ceed or what extravagance her grief might lead her to commit. 
 
 Her companions were not slow in profiting by the advantage 
 gained on perceiving the change wrought in her on account of 
 the information mentioned. 
 
 Turning to the doorway, Mrs. Rinser and Miss Mussy pressed 
 their charge gently forward. Amby yielding unknowingly, 
 perhaps, to it, began the movement with them. This was the 
 more natural because each woman held her in an affectionate 
 manner, and possessed the same idea of inducing her to return 
 to the castle. 
 
 When they gained the outside, the pace at which they went 
 was accellerated. 
 
 Amby seemed afraid to look at the familiar places surround 
 ing the old house. 
 
 Her grief was too intense, and instinct warned her any addi. 
 tion to it might prove disastrous. 
 
 With her face concealed in a handkerchief, which was held 
 on both her hands, she sobbed passionately.
 
 222 ZANTHON 
 
 Thus the party moved slowly away, Ham following as if he 
 were only a footman. 
 
 During the time occupied in reaching the road where the 
 carriage awaited them, few words were spoken. The Boggle- 
 tons were too much elated, in secret, at the prospect of Amby's 
 return, to compromise it by unguardedly expressed opinions, 
 which-might tend to alter her decision. While she wept and 
 walked along with them, they were satisfied. 
 
 Before entering the vehicle she looked up through her tears 
 at the landscape, part of which they had just quitted. The 
 view only induced a fresh burst of grief. 
 
 Motionless, barren of culture, its habitable dwelling places 
 deserted and in decay ; noiseless like a dead object in which an 
 observer would expect to discover life, the aspect of the place 
 reminded her of the remains of a dear friend whose spirit had 
 departed forever. 
 
 There was a sharp pang at her heart as if a cold missile had 
 descended suddenly by some means, and struck the tenderest 
 part of it. 
 
 To her companions she was frigid, as if her thoughts 
 had become bound up in her individuality by extreme grief. 
 Seeing this, Mrs. Rinser made no effort to converse, but 
 deliberately preserved silence as a compliment to Amby's 
 sorrow. 
 
 This may be considered a great concession on her part. 
 
 After entering the carriage and the journey homeward had 
 begun, Marlband's daughter still continued to weep. With her 
 pale cheek against the side of the vehicle near the window, and 
 her eyes turned upward to the sky, she meditated on her woe 
 ful fate. 
 
 " Were they all lost ? " she mentally inquired. " How they 
 must have suffered, and I ignorant of it. I could have begged 
 and borrowed for them, poor things, without inconvenience to 
 me, if I had had the least idea they were in such dreadful 
 need.
 
 HOME AGAIN 223 
 
 I know my father must have done wonderful deeds before 
 his death for the preservation of the family. 
 
 My mother was patient and silent. May would sell her life 
 for them. Orfa must soon after be afflicted by death on ac 
 count of his delicacy. 
 
 Valine and Clare might live ; but did they ? Could they be 
 found ? On these and kindred subjects was her mind engaged 
 during the return trip to her new home. Although Mrs. Rin- 
 ser had heard of Marlband's deserted house, she did not fully 
 realize the dreadful nature of the case until brought face to face 
 with it. 
 
 She censured herself on account of her negligence in not 
 instituting inquiries before this time as to whether or not any 
 survivors of the family remained in the neighborhood of the 
 dwelling ; but on serious reflection she concluded, if still alive, 
 they could be readily discovered. Hence, in an undertone to 
 Miss Mussy, she said among other things that she would have 
 all the information collected about the Marlbands, as soon as 
 possible, by Antony Firfag and Ham. 
 
 Full of this laudable intention, when the party arrived at 
 the castle, Mrs. Rinser gave instructions to have Antony sum 
 moned in the usual way. 
 
 Mrs; Tuberfoot and Mrs. Aloes were delighted at Amby's 
 return, but distressed with her grief when matters regarding it 
 were explained to them. 
 
 Amby went to her room immediately and remained in it 
 until Miss Mussy came and accompanied her to supper. She 
 did not -care to eat, it is certain ; yet as a matter of form she 
 complied with the wishes of her friends. She desired, besides, 
 to hear what Firfag had to say, and if he held out hopes of the 
 recovery of any of her relations. 
 
 When, finally, the man made his appearance, she scrutinized 
 his features keenly. The haggard look they bore did not fore 
 bode encouragement in the belief that any of her friends lived, 
 yet she still hoped some of them would be recovered.
 
 224 ZANTHON 
 
 Before Antony's mental summary of the situation was con 
 cluded, having had to glance rapidly from one to the other of 
 the Boggleton force as well as Amby, Mrs. Rinser disturbed the 
 silence by language very loudly and forcibly expressed : 
 
 " I would not be in such a hurry with it, Antony ; but at the 
 same time it must be done. 
 
 Miss Amby lost her relatives, poor dear, and of course you 
 know where to find them. Ham will start to-morrow, because 
 he would do anything to please our dear charge. Bring him 
 to the place and he can see for himself. 
 
 I think it was very ill-natured of you not to have told me 
 before, more especially as you knew my disposition. It is 
 always the case, however, with those who want to do right ; 
 they never can because prevented." 
 
 Antony looked round the apartment in startled wonder on 
 hearing these broad assertions, which he knew full well to be 
 untrue, but his silence remained as the woman continued : 
 
 " Don't wonder at it, man, we'll excuse you. The dear girl 
 fretting her life out on account of your delay ; dilly-dallying 
 for nothing; but I assured her all would be well. That re 
 minds me I used to say to poor, handsome Rinser : the well of 
 Time is full of human cares ; but that's not here nor there. 
 
 Answer her, Antony, when she speaks to you, and don't be 
 so reticent as you are with me. It's sinful. One would imag 
 ine you hadn't a tongue in your head any more than a tooth. 
 Don't keep back things as you have been accustomed to do. 
 Of all the hateful doings possible, that is the worst." 
 
 Fiffag displayed considerable uneasiness during the progress 
 of Mrs. Rinser's speech. At its termination he groaned audibly, 
 notwithstanding his cautious manner ; for her audacity in 
 ascribing faults to him he did not commit, made every fibre 
 of his body tremble. 
 
 In the mean time Amby inquired : 
 
 " May I hope, Antony, that your valuable assistance will 
 prove successful in discovering my friends ? "
 
 HOME AGAIN 226 
 
 " I'll try every way, Miss. That's all I can do." 
 
 "Are you sure some of them live ? " 
 
 " Well, Miss, it's this way. If they left the place before they 
 died,, you may be sure we'll find them ; but contrary wise, if 
 not, it'ill be very hard to do that same." 
 
 Mrs. Rinser, looking in astonishment at Antony, said to her 
 self: 
 
 " The deel take the villain ; isn't he cautious." 
 
 Amby continued : 
 
 " The grave in the floor proves, not only death, but that the 
 survivors were unable to carry the remains buried there to the 
 cemetery. It is of the survivors we must speak, because they 
 may require our first attention. Do you know how many were 
 they ? " 
 
 " I have an iday, Miss, that there was two or three in it 
 maybe." 
 
 " What makes you think so, good Antony ? " 
 
 " Why, Miss, there's nothing said to the contrary ; and more 
 betoken it is just what we would like." 
 
 Mrs. Rinser, on hearing this, groaned derisively, which made 
 the others look inquiringly at the man, causing him to become 
 more confused. 
 
 Amby resumed : 
 
 "Are you certain there was even one left ? " 
 
 " One left, Miss ! more nor that I think." 
 
 Amby advanced suddenly, and clasping her hands, ex 
 claimed : 
 
 " Tell me what you know of them, Antony, and I will I 
 will reward you. Oh, do not deceive me. Did any of them 
 escape ? I can bear the truth. Have you no heart, no pity 
 for me ? " 
 
 A murmur of wonder went round the apartment, and Fir fag 
 trembled like one afflicted with palsy, while he removed the 
 perspiration from his forehead with an old cotton handkerchief. 
 
 Mrs. Rinser interposed. 
 ZANTHON 15
 
 226 Z A NTH ON 
 
 She arose and enfolded Amby in her arms, soothingly, then 
 conducted her to a seat. 
 
 "You see now," she said to Antony, "what trouble you 
 make all at once." 
 
 Before she could proceed further the man staggered from 
 the room, lest the bitterness of her words would make his 
 punishment unsupportable. As he reached the open air, he 
 muttered : 
 
 "My life isn't worth an old hat under her, the barge. 
 That's what I have got for doing too much. I've put upon 
 myself until my sins feel like a heavy 'weight round my neck. 
 
 They'll smother me in the long run, I doubt. The lies I 
 told for that woman would thatch all the houses in the barony, 
 and she has nothing to give me for it but a scolding tongue 
 and abuse. Poor reward, God knows. The world is bad any 
 way. All bad I "
 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 THE SEARCH. 
 
 ' I 'HE disquiet of the previous night seemed to disappear 
 * from Antony Firfag, as borne on the back of a noble 
 steed he chatted gaily with Ham Boggleton early next morning 
 on their way, to Footford. 
 
 The determination expressed by the young man of making a 
 thorough examination of every place and circumstance tending 
 in any way to lead to the discovery of the Marlbands, induced 
 him to enter fully into the spirit of the undertaking, well know 
 ing it would be pleasing to. his master. 
 
 He felt, too, that Ham's earnestness stood a fair chance of 
 meeting reward, inasmuch as Amby had returned to the castle 
 with the prospect of remaining there ; and he concluded there 
 fore it would only be a matter of time until she consented to 
 marry him. 
 
 As they rode, hunter fashion, across the open country, there 
 was presented the best opportunity of observing its destitute 
 condition ; but as both had witnessed it before, they were not 
 surprised. 
 
 Antony led the conversation and acted the part of adviser 
 and informant. From experience he knew Ham to be un 
 acquainted much with the world's ways ; and a very limited 
 possessor of knowledge in general ; hence he assumed an air 
 of patronage towards his friend, which he considered very 
 becoming and meritorious. 
 
 Having discussed arrangements in regard to the employment 
 of a couple of men and a wagon for the purpose of removing 
 
 (227)
 
 228 ZANTHON 
 
 the remains in the floor of Marlband's house, besides other 
 duties of a kindred nature, Antony was silently reflecting on 
 his own importance, when he became suddenly startled by 
 Ham remarking boldly : 
 
 " Firfag, another famine like the one just passed would carry 
 off the remainder of the poor inhabitants ; at least it would 
 destroy as many as the first." 
 
 As this appeared to contain an original thought, independent 
 of any suggested by the lackey, Antony replied : 
 
 " Sure any one would know that ; but as I was thinking of 
 telling you, master Ham, there's worse comin'." 
 
 " The deuce you say, Firfag I " 
 
 "There is then, for certain." 
 
 " Worse than the famine ? " 
 
 " Yes, indeed ; worse than anything." 
 
 " What can it be Firfag ?" 
 
 " War, your honor, bloody war 1 The Lord between us and 
 harm." 
 
 "Amen," said Ham fervently. "The Lord between us 
 and it. 
 
 How did you come to discover the fact ?" he continued. 
 
 " Every way you could think of, let alone what I heard." 
 
 " Oh, where did you hear it, Antony ? " 
 
 "Ah, master Ham, that's the question. Where did I hear it. 
 Then I'll tell you one place. 
 
 When I was behind the garden wall one night ; and by the 
 same token a cold night it was, that's where I heard it." 
 
 "And what did you hear, Antony ? " 
 
 " Oh, then there was enough said to frighten a score of men, 
 let alone one. The men that spoke did not know I was listen 
 ing to them. Says one man, says he : 
 
 ' Haven't the people died in the ditches like rotten sheep ? ' 
 
 ' They have,' says another. 
 
 ' Then we must take revenge,' says the first man, ' through , 
 fields of fire and rivers of blood,' says he.
 
 THE SEARCH 229 
 
 " Them were his words, Master Ham, as sure as I am a 
 livin' man." 
 
 " What else did he say, Antony ? " 
 
 " He made a long story of it. He said the war would come ; 
 the rich would be all killed, and the fine houses and castles 
 burned to the ground." 
 
 " Bless us, Firfag," said Ham. " How terrible that will be." 
 
 " Sure enough ; and woeful besides." 
 
 " You don't believe it, Antony ?" 
 
 " Then, indeed I do, Master Ham. Maybe not in my day, 
 but the rebellion will come in yours, if you live long enough." 
 
 ' On my word, there's not much consolation in that, Fir- 
 fag." 
 
 " I seen lots of things myself, as much as telling me 'twas 
 nearly to the fore." 
 
 " Oh, you did ? " 
 
 h I seen the wisps on the road whistled round and round, 
 until you'd a'most think they were crowds of men in battle. 
 
 I seen the rooks falling down from the sky, like they were 
 shot. I seen two hawks fighting a whole day and clawing 
 each other in the air." 
 
 " On my honor, these are great wonders, Firfag." 
 
 " No, Master Ham, not near so much as what I heard." 
 
 Here Antony looked around as if afraid of the presence of a 
 third party ; and riding near to his companion, continued : 
 
 " I heard the cry of the old woman of the house." 
 
 " The deuce you did," said Ham in surprise, well knowing 
 the superstition attached to Antony's words. 
 
 " Yes, indeed ; under the wall, as you'd go in from the gar 
 den to the front of the castle. There she was a crying and 
 watchin' the place, just as if it was goin' to fall on her." 
 
 " Did you see her Antony ? " 
 
 "No. No one ever does. They hear her, that's all. I 
 wouldn't doubt she follows places as well as families." 
 
 " What was she lamenting when you heard her ? "
 
 230 ZANTHON 
 
 " Maybe one tiling and maybe another. There's no know 
 ing." 
 
 " You know, Antony, if anybody does. On my word I be 
 lieve the knowledge of the whole world is in your head." 
 
 Thus flattered the man responded solemnly : 
 
 " Its the castle, master Ham ; and nobody else she was 
 bemoaning." 
 
 " How ; do you mean her cry signified the destruction of the 
 castle ? " 
 
 " That's what it means, sure enough." 
 
 " Do we deserve to be treated in that manner, Firfag ? " 
 
 " To be sure not ; but you see the people of late got a hard 
 rub of it, and it will be our turn next." 
 
 " We are too rich for evil of this kind to come near us." 
 
 " Nothing will stop' misfortune," said Antony. 
 
 " You might do your utmost, both ways up or down or across ; 
 but the bad luck will come all the same. But that's not here 
 nor there. As I was saying the ballad singers have a deal of 
 insight into the future. I heard them singing about ships upon 
 the ' say ' coming with soldiers to make rebellion here and how 
 the rebel chief Merraloon will rise out of his grave to be at the 
 fight." 
 
 " On my word, Firfag, you make me very uneasy. If I knew 
 without doubt that such things would come to pass there's no 
 knowing what would become of me." 
 
 " Besides, Master Ham, I heard more. I heard the sea my 
 self moaning and the wind in distress, like a person, the Lord 
 bless us. Something must rise out of all this or I am not 
 Antony Firfag. Did you ever dream ? " 
 
 " Dream, Firfag ! why yes, quite frequently." 
 
 " Me dreams are awful, Master Ham. They pint in the same 
 way as what I seen and heard. I dreamed of the picture of 
 the country made of stars in the sky ; but they were gone from 
 the head of it. Then I seen two moons, one trying to pass the
 
 THE SEARCH * 231 
 
 other, till the sun came in the long run and quenched their 
 light out." 
 
 " What might these strange signs signify, Firfag ? " 
 
 " Death to the rebel cause, your honor. The stars that were 
 wanting in the head stand for the leaders of the rebellion ; the 
 moons, the factions between themselves ; and the sun the gov 
 ernment." 
 
 "You possess wonderful powers, Antony ; on my word and 
 honor you do." 
 
 " Then again I heerd great noise like mountains tumbling 
 down. That was the rebellion sure enough." 
 
 ' ' Tell me, Firfag ; for you know best, how there will be war 
 without enough fighting men. The famine has cut them mostly 
 all off, you know. Do you perceive ? " 
 
 " I persave they aint all dead. Besides they'd gather from 
 the four quarters of the world, Miraca, Frank and Spain, bad 
 luck to them. Youngsters grow mighty fast, Master Ham. 
 They're worse nor the old men. The famine was fine times, 
 we were safe anyhow, but in the war we would have to hide in 
 holes in the ground for fear of being caught by the rebels. Oh, 
 it's awful to think on it, Master Ham ! " 
 
 Ham regarded Antony's predictions on the present occasion 
 lightly ; for he carried an incredulous smile on his face ; yet 
 he meditated a little on what he had heard as if it contained a 
 moiety of truth which might possibly lead to serious conse 
 quences. 
 
 Dismissing further discussion of the subject, both men turned 
 their attention to the business in hand in real earnest. 
 
 Along the mountain road they sped, the clatter of their 
 horses' hoofs resounded far over the plain. At the base of the 
 mountain they found a few survivors of the famine. 
 
 It is strange men seek companionship with lofty eminences, 
 as if assured of a greater amount of security than they could 
 find elsewhere.
 
 232 ZANTHON 
 
 The remnants of three families dwelt here in huts. By lib 
 eral offers of pay two men were engaged to disinter the remains 
 in the floor of Marlband's house and convey them to the ceme 
 tery. So many incidents occurred during the famine that 
 Marlband's movements had not been closely observed by any 
 of the people now Bpoken to. It was noticed, however, he 
 visited the burial-place, two or three times on which occasions 
 he seemed busy with the dead ; members of his family no 
 doubt ; but how his own life ended on one knew. 
 
 This constituted the essence of all that could be obtained re 
 garding him. 
 
 Antony reviewing the facts in his mind felt himself unable 
 to decide whether Marlband might be dead or alive. Coming 
 into the neighborhood of the old house, sometime before the 
 arrival of the grave diggers, he seemed to imagine it easy to 
 solve the difficulty ; yet nothing met him but mystery and 
 silence. Ham felt instinctively that his companion was cha 
 grined. Hence he forebore to press his conversation, but con 
 tentedly shared the gloomy contemplation of the old retainer. 
 
 Firfag remained a long time silent, endeavoring to reach a 
 conclusion regarding the disappearance of Marlband. 
 
 At length a gleam of intelligence more acute than the rest 
 suddenly possessed him ; for muttering an oath he wheeled his 
 horse into motion and rode in the direction of the old fort? 
 Ham keeping by his side. 
 
 " That there old man, Master Ham, was too knowing to let this 
 place alone. They said he used to talk with the fairies in it, sure 
 enough. Maybe they brought him into it in the long run. They 
 turned him into one of themselves, the Lord save us. Anyway 
 he went in there dead or alive. It's just what he'd do." 
 
 "The deuce you say, Firfag," replied Ham. "' Pon my 
 word I would never have thought of it. Indeed no." 
 
 " No ; nor of manys another thing that I told you," resumed 
 Antony. " Didn't I put you on your guard again the moun 
 tain hunger?
 
 THE SEARCH 233 
 
 Didn't I tell you how to keep out of the way of the white 
 boys ; an' to walk across a fair ground without being molested? " 
 
 " Indeed you did, Antony." 
 
 ' ' Didn't I larn you to dance the reel of three ? " 
 
 " Yes, upon my word." 
 
 " Who, but me said, dead men didn't tell stories ? " 
 
 " I heard you say so without doubt." 
 
 " Was there anything I didn't make known or beknown to 
 you?" 
 
 " I learned more from you than ever I did from the school 
 master." 
 
 " Then be convinced of one thing more, Marlband is in the 
 fort ! " 
 
 In a short time afterward they arrived at the place men 
 tioned. A careful examination gave all the evidence they 
 needed to obtain : the aperture under the projecting stone. 
 
 " Now really there is a passage here," said Ham. 
 
 " In course," replied Antony. " How could the good people 
 bring him in, except there was ? " 
 
 " Quite right, Firfag, quite right ; but are you sure he is 
 in?" 
 
 "Fin as sure of it, Master Ham, as that the world is as flat 
 as a pancake. The man was sharp and proud. He wouldn't 
 trespass on anyone. He worked hard for the family but he'd 
 rather die than be a burden on anyone's hands. No doubt he 
 stayed out as long as he could, maybe until he buried the last 
 of them, then buried himself." 
 
 " He must have been a good man," said Ham musingly. 
 
 " Oh, a great rebel, your honor. He might be good in some 
 things, but he couldn't go to-heaven." 
 
 The young man made no remark on this subject. The 
 expression on his face, however, indicated an unbelief in the 
 truth of Antony's assertions. Moreover he began revolving in 
 his mind what course most appropriate to pursue in the pres- 
 sent case.
 
 234 ZANTHON 
 
 Looking wistfully at the aperture he said : 
 
 " In faith we must find some one to go in Firfag 1 " 
 
 " Is it under the ground you mean ? " 
 
 " Indeed yes." 
 
 " Why, your Honor, the man that would do such a thing 
 would n't be sure of his life a minute after. If a fairy stone 
 did n't strike him in the middle of the forehead at once, he'd 
 go deranged." 
 
 " Here goes Firfag," said Ham in desperation disregarding his 
 companion's words, as he began divesting himself of his coat 
 and hat preparatory to entering the subterranean passage. 
 
 " Whatever happens I will go in on Miss Amby's account." 
 
 Seeing this Antony proposed to ride to the nearest house and 
 procure a light. 
 
 When he returned fearing Mrs. Rinser's wrath, if he per 
 mitted Ham to go alone he announced his intention of follow 
 ing him into the cave. 
 
 Both men entered the well-known retreat of Marlband with 
 out much difficulty. 
 
 They were considerably agitated on seeing the remains of 
 the unfortunate man ; but consoled in some degree by the 
 reflection that they had discovered his fate for a certainty. 
 
 Fear as well as undue exertion caused Antony to yield pro. 
 fuse perspiration. He trembled in the presence of the dead, 
 conscious that if living, Marlband would have given him a 
 warm reception. 
 
 After carefully examining the other apartments to ascertain 
 if any members of the family had died there, they hastily 
 retreated to the outer world with the conviction that Marlband 
 was alone. 
 
 Ham appeared gravely sensible of having performed an* 
 important deed. His breast swelled with pride. 
 
 He tightened the girths of his saddle like one who possessed 
 power not only over inferior animals, such as the brute before 
 him ; but the higher order of mankind ; for he resembled a
 
 THE SEARCH 235 
 
 warrior preparing for battle whose path would be marked by 
 terror and death. 
 
 Mounting in haste their horses, the two men returned to 
 meet the grave-diggers at the deserted house where they wit 
 nessed the disinterring of poor May's remains. 
 
 Ham now informed the workmen they must also remove the 
 remains of Marlband from the old fort ; and as the compensa 
 tion offered them for so doing was ample they readily con 
 sented. 
 
 Thus the transfer of the two bodies to the legitimate resting- 
 place was performed before the going down of the sun. The 
 evening was far advanced when Ham and his companion turned 
 their horses' heads homeward. 
 
 Westward towards the sun they went, the thoughts of the 
 younger man, being imbued with deep sadness on account of 
 the character of the work in which he had been engaged, while 
 Antony in spite of his endeavor to appear gay was evidently 
 affected in a like manner. The spirit of the dead had over 
 shadowed their souls like criminals conscience stricken. 
 
 In this predicament Ham's mind turned to the future. 
 
 The first consideration presenting itself was how the news of 
 the loss of the entire family would be communicated to Amby. 
 He determined to conduct the next dialogue with her ; for 
 Antony had expressed fears of meeting the young lady when 
 they returned as she would be so much disappointed on learn 
 ing that the hopes he had inspired in her, were mere illusions 
 of the mind. If possible he would have halted at his own 
 house and permitted Ham to ride to the castle alone ; but the 
 etiquette peculiar to servants obliged him to go on ; apart, 
 altogether, from the wholesome dread of Mrs. Rinser whose dis 
 approbation of his conduct in this regard would be sure to meet 
 him at his next visit. 
 
 When they arrived, after the horses had been turned into 
 the stable, Ham directed Antony to seek refreshments in the 
 attendants' dining-hall while he sought his own apartments
 
 238 Z.ANTHON 
 
 preliminary to his giving an account of his mission during the 
 day. 
 
 As he entered the family dining-room just as the last supper 
 bell was ringing there was a look of expectancy on every face. 
 As might be imagined Amby was peculiarly alive to the impor 
 tance of the occasion, while Mrs. Rinser, as well as the others, 
 appeared exceedingly anxious to hear good news. 
 
 Ham sat down heavily in an armchair, but refrained from 
 proceeding with the supper as if desirous of communicating his 
 thoughts before eating. 
 
 Amby divining his purpose, did not hesitate to question 
 him. 
 
 She asked : 
 
 " How many did you find Mr. Boggleton ? " 
 
 " Two dead Miss Amby ; a middle-sized girl in the grave 
 which you saw in the floor of the house and a man in the old 
 fort. 
 
 Upon my honor, on the inside where one would not expect 
 to find him ; but Firfag you know said the fairies or as he 
 called them the ' good people ' had carried him in there while 
 living until he died. It is quite strange upon my honor." 
 
 <k May and my father," said Amby pathetically. " Poor 
 father," she resumed, "he buried himself last of all to hide his 
 condition from the world." 
 
 "We were informed also Miss Amby," said Ham, " that your 
 father was seen several times in the cemetery, as if engaged in 
 the burial of some one." 
 
 " Do you know how many times ? " 
 
 " No, upon my honor, excepting several, perhaps, that is 
 many times." 
 
 " And was there no word uttered or sign given whereby a 
 hope might be entertained of meeting some of them alive here 
 after?" . 
 
 " Ton my honor I believe not ; that is it may be so. We 
 did not hear so or see so Miss Amby.
 
 THE SEARCH 237 
 
 It was deuced hard to find any tidings where none could be 
 given. At least I mean, I fear you may be offended ; where 
 none was. Firfag searched. I searched. 
 
 ' Pon my honor I first went under the earth for to with 
 you for you. I said to Firfag ; 'tis deuced queer to find noth 
 ing that is, no word of the living when we expected something ; 
 to which he replied : 
 
 ' The fairies your honor turned their heads again it, you know, 
 an' nobody cannot do nothin' in coorse.' " 
 
 " I declare to my conscience," said Mrs. Rinser sharply, and 
 anxious, evidently, to cover Ham's deficient narrative/' I believe 
 that Antony Firfag is too outspoken about these things. 
 
 Never you mind his sayings Miss Amby. To think the good 
 people would combine to defeat the search for your friends my 
 dear ! I do not believe it ; nor never will. It is an invention 
 of his own I'll be bound. Besides what does he mean by it ? 
 
 .While I allow he has great foresight about the people and 
 even the fish in the river, he must be stopped when he says he 
 knows all about the fairies. Nobody ever does let alone him. 
 
 Mullander, the tailor, who tried to find it out by going lis 
 tening at the fort in the dead of the night, when we lived in the 
 country, got blind in his left eye and went crazy in the end, 
 just on account of his inquisitiveness. 
 
 I could tell Antony Firfag many a thing if I had a mind to 
 that would keep him from talking like that ; but, my dear, he 
 is very knowledgable and of great service around the castle.'' 
 
 Amby resumed, turning to Ham : 
 
 " Then we may conclude to a certainty that I only am left, 
 and must bear my burden of earthly woes forever alone I " 
 
 ' Ton my honor, Miss Amby, yes. I mean no. That is, you 
 are not alone in the true sense. If ever, or properly, when you 
 say when you said the deuce take me if my thoughts or 
 words " 
 
 "My dear Ham," said Mrs. Rinser, interrupting her brother, 
 "you want to tell Miss Amby she will never be alone while
 
 238 ZANTHON 
 
 along with us, and moreover it will be our pleasure to make 
 her as happy as possible under all circumstances." 
 
 " Ton my honor, sister, that is it ; what a wonderful, good 
 person I mean woman, you are." 
 
 Amby remained silent. 
 
 The dread of impending sorrow, so long the companion of 
 her thoughts, reached a climax here. 
 
 She had seen the deserted house, the grave in the floor, the 
 evidence of the ruin of the peasantry, and still hoped to meet 
 one or other of her family alive ; but the testimony offered by 
 Ham Boggleton set every aspiration in that direction at rest. 
 
 She was now alone, a dependant on the charity of people she 
 did not care to love, and sick at heart, as if suffering from some 
 bodily chastisement. 
 
 Poor Amby 1
 
 CHAPTEK XVIII. 
 
 SEEKING A REMEDY. 
 
 S with other phases in the domain of nature, the laws of 
 circumstances are exceedingly strange. 
 
 The attainment of any particular object in life is never iden. 
 tical with our previous conceptions of it ; because our knowl 
 edge of the future is insufficient to direct circumstances to ful 
 fil our desires, or enable us to deduce correct conclusions. 
 
 The realization is sometimes greater, no doubt, than our 
 expectations, but more frequently less ; thus verifying the truth 
 of the proposition that the ideal belongs to another order of 
 things and quite different from the real or actual character of 
 the event or object sought. 
 
 No one ever felt the force of this conclusion with such keen 
 discomfiture as Ham Boggleton, while considering his relation 
 ship with Amby Marlband. 
 
 Now that she was living under the same roof with him, he 
 was unable to proceed with his love-making. Cowardice ap 
 peared to thwart his designs. 
 
 Whenever he thought of speaking about the affection he 
 entertained for her, and how faithfully he would try to protect 
 her from the dangers of the world, his utterance became inar 
 ticulate ; the invisible caught him by the throat as if to stran 
 gle him where he stood ; and his heart grew weak in such a 
 manner as to precipitate serious bodily sickness. 
 
 It was strange the agent most antagonistic to his plans 
 should emanate from his own heart. Moreover, he did not 
 
 (239)
 
 240 ZANTHOtf . 
 
 appear to reason so as to gain power by knowledge, because 
 there was none in him of that character capable of relieving 
 the difficulty. The majesty of Amby's presence shut him up 
 as effectually as the man on whom the section of a mountain 
 falls. 
 
 The influence of position and stratagem lately exercised in 
 his behalf was of no avail. Even the fact did not prove of any 
 value that her friends were laid low in the dust, incapable of 
 affording her protection, powerless to retaliate as the grass of 
 a well-trodden lawn. 
 
 How inexplicable did it appear to the shallow mind of this 
 aristocratic boor bent only on selfishness, that a poor, defense 
 less girl should really be stronger than all the power in the gift 
 of wealth ! 
 
 The golden fancy, which had urged him to pursue his dream 
 of bliss, was evidently treacherous and delusive ; and the van 
 ity of self-conceit blinded him to the truth, as if it were his 
 worst enemy. 
 
 Mrs. Rinser soon discovered the dilemma in which Ham 
 found himself on account of these weaknesses. 
 
 It was a terrible menace to her authoritative nature, but she 
 was not frightened ; only surprised because of its sudden and 
 unexpected appearance. 
 
 Holding a grand consultation with Mrs. Tuberfoot, Mrs. Aloes 
 and Miss Mussy in the drawing-room, it was resolved to pro 
 ceed immediately to the discovery of some means whereby the 
 difficulty in question might be overcome. 
 
 For this purpose it was determined to consult a woman sup 
 posed to possess occult knowledge of unknown things, living 
 about fifty miles distant on the eastern side of the mountain 
 range already mentioned. 
 
 This woman, whose name was Mrs. Timbertoe, had long been 
 famous as a dispenser of charms, an interpreter of omens, and 
 an adviser to persons having domestic problems before their 
 doors, whose solution was thought well-nigh impossible. She
 
 SEEKING A REMEDY 241 
 
 operated exclusively for the inhabitants of lordly castles and 
 princely fortunes, deeming it beneath her notice, as well as 
 derogatory to her profession to be found serving the poor. 
 
 On this account she was handsomely paid. 
 
 The world of the opulent was not all sunshine. It had its 
 superstitions, its terrors of unearthly phenomena and secret 
 crimes, unexpiated, as well as that of the poor. Where there 
 was a difference of wealth only, the degree of ignorance pos 
 sessed by each must be near the same standard ! 
 
 The method of procedure having been satisfactorily settled, 
 Mrs. Rinser summoned Antony Firfag to her presence. 
 
 Instead of going herself in search of the necessary informa 
 tion she would dispatch the henchman on a finely caparisoned 
 horse to bring Mrs. Timbertoe to the castle, where comfortably 
 cared for within its hospitable walls she would procure all the 
 knowledge required without any third party knowing of it. 
 
 When Antony entered the back parlor where Mrs. Rinser 
 was seated, he made a low obeisance in his usual manner ; but 
 it might be observed from his cautious demeanor, he was evi 
 dently determined on preserving silence, so as to obtain a clear 
 understanding of her instructions, as well as to convince her 
 of his desire to forfeit all present and future claims to eloquence 
 such as she possessed. 
 
 As the woman was speaking, Antony, without more ado, 
 turned one of his ears towards her in a listening attitude* 
 and assumed a glance of concentrated inquiry on his face' 
 which brought the semblance of a smile into that of Mrs' 
 Rinser, in spite of the gravity which generally overspread her 
 features. 
 
 " The more's the pity ; what's not worth having is not worth 
 remembering. The dear knows, Antony, things often take a 
 turn one did not expect ; besides, who knows. Perhaps if the 
 snow of last year will not come again, we'll have other equally 
 as cold." 
 
 " That's the talk," said Antony, as if roused to some motnent- 
 
 ZANTHON 16
 
 242 ZANTHON 
 
 ous occasion by a trumpet blast, and felt it necessary to affirm 
 in emphatic terms his commendation of it. 
 
 " We are going to have Mrs. Timbertoe. She is great in her 
 way, of course ; quite genteel and neatly dressed. Not that I 
 ever saw her ; far from it. Her ladyship knew of her ; and 
 she knew from some one else. It is the way that great folk 
 have. There is no knowing their intentions." 
 
 " What does she do, ma'am ? " inquired Antony. 
 
 " The world, Antony ; the world , she does the world," 
 repeated Mrs. Rinser, avoiding a direct answer to the question. 
 
 " She is thought much of, and no doubt it is right ; why 
 not ? If the shadows of yesterday fall across us to-day, must 
 we stop to find out who sent them there ? By no means; there 
 fore Mrs. Timbertoe has her place. Pompey's pilla r was in 
 Rome, Mrs. Timbertoe is here." 
 
 Antony looked around the apartment to ascertain if the lady 
 referred to was not domiciled already within its walls. Seeing 
 which, the woman continued : 
 
 " You. will bring her to the castle, Antony. That's why I 
 sent for you. A horse can be got in readiness with relays for 
 the journey. Start at four o'clock in the morning with your 
 breakfast ; make six miles an hour, and get to her place about 
 one o'clock in the afternoon. Nobody can tell you your busi 
 ness. It would be out of place, of course. Horses and roads 
 were always your favorites. As I said to Mrs. Tuberfoot, when 
 men know what to do, they should never be crossed ; and it's 
 hard to find the one acquainted with the right turn. Now, 
 there could be made a fine display on the horse. It will look 
 well, and show the person you go to that you come from the 
 nobility. The pillion with the crimson lining will be the best 
 to bring, and anything else that may be necessary." 
 
 "An' where will I be findin' her place, ma'am ? " said 
 Antony. 
 
 " Yes; they call it the well o' the World's End," replied Mrs. 
 Rinser.
 
 SEEKING A REMEDY 243 
 
 "The Lord be good to us ; the end of the world is a bad 
 place to look for, ma'am. If the fairies is under the hills all 
 around us, the deel himself must be there. Howsomever I 
 heerd tell of that same woman. Oh, be the powers they say 
 she's" 
 
 " I know what they say," hastily responded Mrs. Rinser. 
 "They say many and many's the thing that has not the least 
 truth in it. The poor malign the rich and the rich malign the 
 poor. As I said to Mrs. Tuberfoot, when two things are oppo 
 site what can happen ? what indeed ? Don't tell me, Antony. 
 No one escapes the tongues of people, not even myself nor the 
 master that's dead in his grave." 
 
 "There's more truth in them words, ma'am, than green 
 blackberries in a wind puddin'," said Antony gravely ; and 
 after a few more exchanges of sentiment, the conference 
 ended. 
 
 Antony made a great show of preparation during the rest of 
 that day. 
 
 In the stables he spoke with the authority of a master. 
 The persons with whom he associated knew whenever an 
 expedition was contemplated, Antony's word became law. 
 Hence prompt action was the order of the hour. In the har 
 ness-room every accoutrement necessary could be found avail 
 able for a mounted man. Top boots, overcoats, helmets, 
 fur-caps, spurs, whips, sword-canes, pistols, powder-flasks, and 
 shot-bags, haversacks, canteens, leather belts, drinking-horns, 
 and a large assortment of other articles. 
 
 At supper time Antony received his final instructions. 
 He sat composedly at table in the back parlor or servants' 
 hall contemplating with a smiling face the soft curling steam 
 arising from a large tumbler of whisky toddy which Mrs. Rin 
 ser had placed before him, to finish with. 
 
 He was satisfied with himself not only on account of his 
 surroundings but also because the preliminaries of this journey 
 were all settled.
 
 244 ZANTHON 
 
 He was like many other men, thoroughly absorbed in the 
 present with little thought of the past and none for the 
 future. 
 
 Long before daybreak next morning Antony was far beyond 
 the town on his way to the well of the World's End. 
 
 He rode a splendid horse. An overcoat considerably worn 
 had been selected by him as best suited to his condition, Know 
 ing the times to be disturbed he possessed a wholesome fear of 
 robbers or indeed numbers of the peasantry who were leagued 
 against the aristocracy and would not scruple if chance offered 
 to attack him on that account without much cause. He did 
 not therefore court display, although an ardent lover of it when 
 fully protected from interruption and assault. 
 
 The rest of his attire indicated the huntsman ; cap, top boots, 
 spurs and light whip. 
 
 While the entire outfit was sufficient to attract attention ; yet 
 the garb might be that of a friend as well as a foe. 
 
 Antony's thoughts concerned the intricacies of the road. 
 
 Every public highway in that part of the country had been 
 imprinted on the tablets of his memory as clearly as the Appian 
 Way was known to Rome. 
 
 Every branch which lead to or emerged from the one on 
 which he traveled received as much attention from him as if 
 he had paid for its construction. There were places even 
 where he believed the civil engineers must have committed 
 errors in their plans which he could readily correct if afforded 
 an opportunity. Nor was his power of observation confined to 
 places as we mentioned previously ; but extended to people, 
 events and business as well. 
 
 Antony was a great worldling ; on that account he loved life. 
 His cogitations on the present occasion having been pursued 
 extensively over a large tract of country but recently depopu 
 lated, his mind was agreeably diverted from it on perceiving a 
 pedestrian journeying in the same direction some distance ahead 
 of him.
 
 SEEKING A REMEDY 245 
 
 At this place the mountain range became awe inspiring. 
 One could feel the presence of a great agent of nature as per 
 ceptibly as a ship within the influence of a whirlpool. 
 
 Upward the eminence tended until it appeared to touch the 
 sky. 
 
 The road ran in the direction of the base of the mountain 
 and into an immense gorge or pass through it ; where might be 
 seen two great plains on either side connected by this pictur 
 esque highway. 
 
 The pedestrian before noticed, carried a stick, doubtless to 
 assist him in walking. 
 
 He was small of stature ; but strongly built ; easy in his gait, 
 quick in perception and confident of possessing physical pow 
 er. The plainness of his dress might assign him to almost any 
 station ; indeed seeing that he traveled afoot Antony supposed 
 he must belong to the peasant or artisan class. 
 
 No doubt he was one of them. When Antony rode up with 
 in speaking distance he observed the stranger had bright eyes 
 of a gray color and features rather comely. His age might be 
 about thirty-five. 
 
 The greeting common to the times having been exchanged 
 between them, Antony reined in his horse so as to show his 
 desire to be communicative and social with his new acquaint 
 ance. 
 
 "Off an' on," said he, "twenty times I came through this 
 here gap an' every time it makes me look at it, pleasant like." 
 
 " It is attractive," returned the stranger with a quickness 
 that started his companion. " It is hard to imagine that one 
 so well mounted as you would feel any interest in the dull 
 earth." 
 
 The sarcasm apparent in this remark made Antony feel the 
 superiority of the stranger and his own inability to controvert 
 arguments emanating from a learned source. He resolved 
 therefore to pursue a course of conciliation as being one well 
 calculated to avoid trouble.
 
 246 ZANTHON 
 
 " As we're goin' the same road," said he, " you might jump 
 into the pillion behind me, an' I'll give you a lift a few miles of 
 the way." 
 
 The stranger accepted the offer with alacrity. 
 
 Antony resumed : 
 
 " The most thing that bothered me when I first came through 
 here was the blowin' of the wind. There's never a quiet day in 
 that spot. No wonder the people call it the ' Windy Gap.' " 
 
 " It might prove another Thermopylae : in an emergency," 
 said the stranger as if speaking to himself. 
 
 " Eh 1 What ? " inquired Antony, not understanding the 
 allusion of his companion. 
 
 "The atmosphere is in a hurry to get through this pass from 
 one side or the other thus causing the wind you speak of," was 
 the reply. 
 
 " That's the way it is," said Antony, " I persave you're 
 mighty handy at knowm' things. And after all its only natur 
 al the wind would run through the place like a chimney ! " 
 
 " You come from some neighboring castle no doubt ? " calm 
 ly inquired the stranger. 
 
 " Oh, then, indeed I do." 
 
 " You are the servant of an aristocrat ? " 
 
 " Retaynor." 
 
 " Member of a retinue ?" 
 
 " A ferryman ; sportsman ; follower ; an' to carry arrands. " 
 
 " You omitted the greatest of them all," 
 
 ''Maybe so." 
 
 " Merryman." 
 
 Antony laughed. 
 
 The stranger resumed : 
 
 " What is the name of the residence ? " 
 
 11 Dawnford Castle." 
 
 " Is the owner titled ? " 
 
 " He's well nigh on to it." 
 
 " Is he a lord ? "
 
 SEEKING A REMEDY 247 
 
 " I'm blest if I know. We call him ' your honor.' " 
 
 " Pooh I a mere squire with a diminutive affix attached : an 
 upstart." 
 
 <l Oh ! he's full of wealth." 
 
 " I presume you have been in his service all your life ? " 
 
 " Off an' on ; one way or another I have been with him an' 
 his father, most of the time." 
 
 " You like the position ? " 
 
 " Indeed they always gave me full and plenty." 
 
 " You would never ask for a change ? " 
 
 " Then indeed I wouldn't. Why should I ? If they changed 
 me what could I do? " 
 
 " The people died by the thousand in the recent famine." 
 
 " Yes ; an' many more of them left the country." 
 
 " Who is responsible for this ? " 
 
 " Oh, the Lord knows." 
 
 " It was the system instituted by men that made the famine 
 a terror and a means for destruction of human life. The men 
 who have attempted to govern the country are responsible." 
 
 "They say the bad times came for punishment." 
 
 " Was it deserved ? What crimes did the people commit ? " 
 
 " Oh, then indeed they done many a thing. Fightin' and 
 quarrelling with themselves ; playin' pitch and toss and tricks 
 at wakes, the likes of them was never known." 
 
 " It is a slander promulgated by the rich against the poor." 
 
 " Shure the famine came in the ground ; no one could pre 
 vent it." 
 
 " Perhaps the conditions originating the blight could not have 
 been stopped by any human power ; but you should remember 
 that other food might have been provided by the people if the 
 government were fully interested in their welfare and safety." 
 
 " I persave." 
 
 "Where industry was absent poverty came in." 
 
 "That' s the talk." 
 
 " No labor, no breakfast."
 
 248 ZANTHON 
 
 " Sure enough." 
 
 " The withdrawal of capital from the business of a country 
 resembles the going down of the sun, leaving a hemisphere in 
 darkness." 
 
 " Look at that." 
 
 " If the governing body protected the industries of the coun 
 try, making it safe for capital to be profitably invested, the 
 poor could get plenty to do and be fairly paid for their labor, 
 thus preventing distress arising from scarcity of food." 
 
 " I believe you there." 
 
 " Therefore the governors are guilty of murdering an inno 
 cent people." 
 
 " Hem ! maybe so ; an' what brings you into these parts if 
 I make bold to ask ; or to spake as you do ? " 
 
 " A little business related in some way to the subject we have 
 been talking about. I am in search of a family." 
 
 " How many in family have you, my good man ?" 
 
 "It is not mine I seek, but one very much needed at 
 present." 
 
 " You couldn't thin meet with a better man nor me, for if I 
 don't know them, I heerd of everybody from mountain to 
 strand." 
 
 " Who are you ? " demanded the stranger, sternly. " Are 
 you true ? Whom would you serve, God or the d ? " 
 
 " The Lord between us an' harm," responded Antony, piously. 
 " God forbid I'd ever belong to the last one any way. The 
 master knows well enough I served him, an' his father before 
 him, as well as a man could with a halt in his leg. Everybody 
 a'most knows me, Antony Firfag." 
 
 " I referred to patriotism. How would you act if there was 
 an uprising of the people ? " 
 
 " A rebellion ? " 
 
 "Yes." 
 
 " Faith, I'd hide in a hole in the ground. I know plenty of 
 places like that, where they couldn't find me."
 
 SEEKING A REMEDY 249 
 
 " You are better with your master," said the stranger shortly, 
 then resumed : 
 
 " Antony, did you ever hear the history of Merraloon ? " 
 
 "Merraloon, the rebel ?" 
 
 " Aye, Merraloon the chieftain." 
 
 " Then indeed I did, upon my conscience." 
 
 " Listen. The work he proposed to execute in his lifetime 
 remains unfinished. 
 
 It was rumored that one of his sons, the only surviving one, 
 went into obscurity where he lived in self denial of his rights 
 and privileges. 
 
 It was also said that this boy married in his hiding place ; 
 that a family of sons and daughters grew up to him, but re 
 mained ignorant of their true lineage. It is this family I wish 
 to find." 
 
 " Merraloon ! Merraloon ! " repeated Antony, musingly. 
 " Begad, I never seen him in our side of the country. No ; he 
 wasn't there. Wait a bit ; did he carry his own name ? " 
 
 " No, certainly." 
 
 " There might be one like him. Poor, oh, no, 'twas not." 
 
 " Speak ! " said the stranger eagerly, with a voice full of 
 sternness and command. 
 
 " I thought of a man that I knew once in Footford, but it 
 couldn't be him." 
 
 " What made you imagine in the first place that there 
 existed any relationship between them ? " 
 
 " Sorrow go from me, if there wasn't one thing more nor 
 another ; the poor man was learned. Marlband they called 
 him, an' thunder an' 'ounds, why did I forget it ; sure enough 
 he was a rebel as well ! " 
 
 " Tell me all you know about this Marlband," said the 
 stranger excitedly, placing his hand on Antony's shoulder as a 
 reminder that he would not be trifled with. 
 
 Without hesitation the messenger from Dawnford Castle 
 related all he knew of the history of Footford's remarkable
 
 250 ZANTHON 
 
 peasant, omitting the part pertaining to the abduction of 
 Amby and her present residence. When he asserted posi 
 tively that Marlband was dead, the stranger groaned involun 
 tarily. 
 
 " Did you see him die ? " he queried. 
 
 " The life was out of him when I seen him." 
 
 " Did you place your hand on the body and feel the rigor 
 mortis." 
 
 " I felt the death without doubt before I touched him. Wasn't 
 he a'most in pieces." 
 
 " You said he had sons ? " 
 
 "I did." 
 
 " Have you seen their lifeless bodies, too ? " 
 
 " No, then ; the father brought one to the graveyard himself, 
 for he was seen." 
 
 " And the other ? " 
 
 " The other the other the other" 
 
 " What became of him ? " 
 
 " There's no tale nor tidings of him unless he was put in the 
 ground without anybody seeing him." 
 
 " He was not with the father's body ? " 
 
 " No, then, he wasn't." 
 
 " Can you name any person who saw him ? M 
 
 "Nara one." 
 
 " Is it possible he might yet be living ? " 
 
 " Oh, then indeed it isn't." 
 
 " I presume the girls, his daughters, shared the common fate 
 of the others." 
 
 " No ; yes, they did, every one ; yes, shuue enough, them 
 all." 
 
 " All dead," said the stranger solemnly, to which Antony 
 made no reply, for his thoughts of Amby smote him with 
 remorse making him tremble in his seat, lest his companion 
 should by any means divine the truth. 
 
 A loag pause ensued.
 
 SEEKING A REMEDY 251 
 
 Antony's inquisitive nature, however, soon broke the silence 
 as he remarked : 
 
 " You're related to the family by marriage, maybe ? " 
 
 " Nonsense 1 " exclaimed the stranger with a laugh. " The 
 relationship is due to patriotism, not marriage. Family ties 
 concern small circles, whereas patriotism seeks to bind the peo 
 ple of a nation into an entire brotherhood. The division of 
 classes which we see here is adverse to national prosperity ; 
 therefore, we will endeavor to rectify the condition by reorgan 
 ization, so as to give the poor a better way of living." 
 
 Antony feared to trespass on this ground as he did not fully 
 understand the import of his companion's words ; but a few 
 moments' reflection convinced him that the man was no other 
 than a rebel, as terrible perhaps as Marlband himself. 
 
 " If Merraloon was to the fore, or his son, or his grandson, 
 what would ye do with him ? " resumed Antony. 
 
 The man smiled before answering. 
 
 " We would teach him to assume the leadership of the new 
 movement." 
 
 " What would he do? " 
 
 * ' Prepare for war, holy war, bloody war ! " 
 
 Antony groaned so audibly that his horse attempted to stop 
 believing, no doubt, some dire catastrophe had taken place. 
 
 " Worse nor famine," said he. 
 
 " Great wants call forth great remedies," promptly replied 
 the stranger. 
 
 He continued : 
 
 " Antony Firfag we will soon part. My road leads to the 
 right to where you see yon curling smoke ascend into the 
 clouds, while you move to the left. You have been a follower 
 of the aristocracy all your life as a means of earning your 
 bread , and therefore excusable to some extent. 
 
 Be advised by me, turn your thoughts in these latter days 
 of your life to sympathy for the poor. You cannot *do much 
 for you are old j but you may accept the new idea with favor.
 
 252 ZANTHON 
 
 Are you willing to hope for a better state of things in the coun 
 try of your birth than what you have witnessed heretofore ? " 
 
 " Oh, then indeed I am," said Antony, trembling ; for the 
 stranger had jumped off the horse to the ground and stood with 
 his hand on the bridle rein. 
 
 " Then we part as friends," he continued, " Should you live 
 long enough you may hear from me again. 
 
 My name is Ribbonson and you are a " 
 
 "Don't say it ; " said Antony excitedly as sinking the rowels 
 of his spurs into his horse's side he dashed off at full gallop 
 leaving the stranger in the center of the road to pursue his way 
 as best he could. 
 
 Ribbonson turning to proceed in the direction of his own 
 destination muttered to himself good-humoredly : " You would 
 make a poor rebel Antony without doubt ; and a worse soldier."
 
 CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 PAYING FOR KNOWLEDGE 
 
 T A 7 HEN Antony Firfag slackened the pace of his horse, 
 * v after escaping from the strange man who called him 
 self Ribbonson, he launched into a well timed and impassioned 
 soliloquy as if intending to relieve his mind of a subject it was 
 unable silently to carry with patience. 
 
 " Oh, the schemer ! the rogue of the world, the desaver. Bad 
 luck to the hour I met him ; with his galavantin' wag an' high- 
 
 folutin talk. He has the art of the d himself, I'll be 
 
 bound. 
 
 I'd not think nothin' of it if he didn't try to swear me in> 
 and tell me I was a ribbonman, God bless us, for surely that's 
 what he was agoin' to say, the villain. In the latter end o' my 
 days to be made that, is beyant belief. Not but that the rib- 
 bonmen, the Lord between us an' harm, is as good as the rest 
 of 'em ; but I never went no further nor match-makin' an' never 
 will. I am too old. I'd rather stay sittin' at the fire, discours- 
 in' about the craps an' takin' my comfort nor oujb through the 
 country at night work. 
 
 What would I get I'd like to know, if the master was hunted 
 from his place and a spalpeen put in ? 
 
 Cowld comfort I'm sure. I'd be oblidged to beg my way and 
 get Thurlough's payment , more kicks nor hapence, besides. 
 
 I won't stir an inch for them, the blackguards ; not an inch." 
 
 Antony might have continued speaking had not new scenes 
 risen to institute in him new trains of thought. The divergence 
 
 (253)
 
 254 ZANTHON 
 
 from the regular highroad led in the direction of a valley and 
 through its center along the bank of a winding stream, where 
 wild flowers abounded, making the atmosphere feel as if its 
 perfume had come from a paradise richer than that designed 
 for man. 
 
 The birds were singing in the woods, situated and extending 
 far to the'right and left of the way. The water with an easy 
 motion, occasionally broke into soft murmurs, as if intending 
 to deliver a discourse on the deep mystery of its being ; and 
 many a huge sycamore cast an inviting shade across the way 
 farer's path. 
 
 The serenity above and the beauty beneath harmonized. 
 
 The majesty of the Infinite stood forth conspicuously, so as 
 to fill the heavens and the earth with glory ; and make it under 
 stood to the most diminutive form of life how admirable and 
 incomprehensible is God ! 
 
 The fretful mind of the man soon became tranquil. 
 
 As he rode forward quietly the meditative mood lay heavy 
 upon him. His frame, in the sitting posture, was slightly 
 bent ; the head seemed to fall in between the shoulders in 
 an undue manner ; the knees were pulled up on the horse's 
 sides and the face turned wistfully from point to point as if 
 expecting to behold some extraordinary vision. 
 
 Viewed from the rising ground on each side of the road, one 
 might imagine they beheld in him a representation of the foul 
 fiend searching for the abode of mankind. 
 
 As the traveler proceeded the view became more picturesque. 
 The uplands gradually neared each other and became higher 
 until they terminated in a gorge or glen, leaving space only for ' 
 the passage of the road and the river through it. 
 
 Still meditating on the incomprehensible ways of human life, 
 Antony entered this pass. He paid no attention to the garru 
 lous stream, or to the notes of a solitary bird perched on a tree 
 near the wayside, the mystic sound of the east wind which 
 threatened to disclose some secret to his ear, the vefdure cover-
 
 PAYING FOR KNOWLEDGE 255 
 
 ing the bluffs or the blue sky above, so thoroughly had the con 
 duct of Ribbonson frightened him into the employment of 
 .profound thought. 
 
 About five minutes' ride brought him round a sharp turn and 
 
 behold his destination appeared to view ; a semi-circular space 
 
 on the right bank of the river, probably five acres in extent, on 
 
 *which were situated a handsome cottage, a garden surrounded 
 
 by tall trees and numerous hawthorn hedges. 
 
 An avenue west of the house led by many a fantastic curve 
 to the base of the bluff, where a stream of clear water poured 
 from the rocks, laid bare at that point, and fell into a deep tank 
 of stone artificially placed there to catch it. The tank was cov. 
 ered by an arch of brick but one part was open admitting those 
 who desired to draw water from the enclosure. 
 
 This was the well of the world's end. 
 
 The country toward the east was easily discerned, the land 
 being open and rolling beyond the garden. 
 
 Rose bushes grew up to the windowsills of the house ; three 
 or four large sycamores stood in line between the front of the 
 domicile and the river where birds and bees came betimes to 
 gather the honey from the leaves and fill the air with the mel 
 ody peculiar to their kind. 
 
 Several beds of mignonette and other fragrant plants in the 
 garden contributed their share of perfume to the atmosphere- 
 The calmness prevailing was remarkable and Antony rousing 
 himself into activity, felt that if permitted to choose a place on 
 earth for his home this would undoubtedly be the spot. 
 
 For an instant horse and man remained immovable before 
 the. door, to which they had rapidly advanced, thus completing 
 a picture that previously belonged, for the most part, to the 
 beauty of external nature. 
 
 The noble bearing of the horse, the richness of the material 
 composing his caparison as well as the fantastic dress of the 
 man, harmonized very well with the deep-tinted parts of the 
 scene.
 
 256 ZANTHON 
 
 Antony turning his head towards the house, beheld a woman 
 who had just then come to the front entrance to ascertain the 
 purport of his visit. 
 
 A thin figure, tall and curved, though quite active in her 
 movements. It could not be said she was advanced in years if 
 the dark color of her hair indicated youthfulness. 
 
 The look of her eye was sharp and penetrating, as if she had* 
 been selected by some of the members of the " fourth estate" to 
 watch the actions of mankind unperceived by them. 
 
 The features were distorted by wrinkles and muscular con 
 traction ; the lower part of the face being twisted a little in 
 the direction of the left side and the forehead and cheek-bones 
 appeared hard like a tree stripped of its bark and discolored 
 by the inclemency of the weather. 
 
 Antony suspecting that the individual here described was no 
 other than the far famed Mrs. Timbertoe of whom he was in 
 search, assumed a jocular air and launched directly into pleas 
 ant banter, a phase of speech rarely if ever found to be unpop 
 ular with friends or strangers. 
 
 "Faith, Mrs. Timbertoe, for its yourself that's there, you 
 have a snug place of it ; an' much good it may do you. Far 
 be it from me to say you arn't deserving ; bad luck to the man 
 that would say so ; an' may I never sin if I'd not whip him to 
 an inch of his life on sight." 
 
 With a smile that indicated incredulity the woman made 
 no reply, but waited until Antony had dismounted, secured his 
 horse to a post and advanced towards her with a letter in his 
 hand. She then asked sharply : 
 
 " Where did you come from ? " 
 
 " Oh, then, the world knows that, ma'am. Havn't you heered 
 tell of the great castle near Kindleton to the left as you go 
 down, an' by the same token its on your right if you cross 
 over." 
 
 " Dawnford, eh ? "
 
 PAYING FOR KNOWLEDGE 257 
 
 "Yes, indeed. A mighty fine place, an' many a warm cor 
 ner it has in it ; an' many a bit an' sup is taken at its table." 
 
 " Come in ; I'm Mrs. -Timbertoe," said the woman with a 
 grave air, such as is assumed by persons having great respon 
 sibility on their shoulders. 
 
 The interior of the cottage was well furnished and scrupulous 
 ly clean. 
 
 Instead of Mrs. Timbertoe being what some might imagine 
 a lone hag in a dilapidated hovel, she possessed not only large 
 worldly means but was also surrounded by a numerous family. 
 Her children seven boys and five girls were full grown. They 
 were all very talkative and jolly but each had the counterpart 
 of the twisted countenance and copper-colored tinting of the 
 mother. 
 
 In one corner of the principal apartment, snugly secured in 
 a large arm-chair sat Mr. Timbertoe sadly afflicted with imbe 
 cility. He no longer paid any attention to the other persons 
 in the room, as if his perceptive powers had departed, leaving 
 only mere life, as a preventative against corruption. 
 
 His movements even had terminated, excepting when he 
 turned his eyes from the floor to the window, or other point 
 within the scope of his vision. 
 
 The stillness of his frame was awful. It seemed as if Death 
 designed to keep him quiet and silent while decrepitude came 
 slowly over him, enveloping his spirit in its embrace before ac 
 companying him to the grave. 
 
 The withered hands, the attenuated limbs, the inclination of 
 the shoulders to droop towards the breast, the hollows in the 
 sides and front of the head and the thin white hairs remaining 
 on it, were evidence that Timbertoe had fought, but was con 
 quered. 
 
 It could not be satisfactorily established, however, that he 
 had had many battles with the world so called, seeing how con 
 spicuously his wife maintained the leadership in the household 
 since their marriage. 
 
 ZANTHON 17
 
 258 ZANTHON 
 
 Much of the money obtained from the " quality " as she 
 called the aristocratic people, as wages for her craft, went to 
 purchase the family homestead. 
 
 In other things she would not tolerate the least interference 
 and as the number of her children increased, her ability 
 seemed to become greater, until nothing transpired within or 
 without the house that did not owe its origin to her indomitable 
 will. Hard-fisted in money matters, shrewd in calculating 
 chances ; assuming that no one was her superior in the draw 
 ing of logical deductions, and far seeing into future results, 
 Timbertoe's commonplace opinions only exposed him to her 
 ridicule and contempt. 
 
 He soon found it convenient and easy however to adapt him 
 self to her rule. He dressed in the cast-off clothing of a lord, 
 amused the children by cat calls or mummery and walked oc 
 casionally in the garden with his hands in his pockets, regard 
 ing complacently the laborer at work on the vegetable patch 
 without attempting to render the least assistance. Whenever 
 the mental strain of the wife made her unusally irritable and 
 wrung from her admissions of being sorely burdened with 
 responsibility, Timbertoe would propose the execution of great 
 projects. 
 
 "I could travel for one of the leading business firms of the 
 capital," he would say, " or if it would please you better, I 
 might become the manager of a large newspaper at a salary of 
 four thousand a year. I know I could do either capitally ; yea 
 capitally." 
 
 To persons who came to procure water at the well of the 
 world's end, he communicated praises of himself while exhib 
 iting the beauties of the place. 
 
 " What a world of work I have done on this place," he said 
 to a visitor one day. " Nobody knows better than I do how 
 hard it is to raise a family like mine. I often hear people 
 boasting about their usefulness and the amount of labor they
 
 PAYING FOE KNOWLEDGE 259 
 
 perform in a given time ; but for a man like me that says noth 
 ing, few are deserving of more praise ! " 
 
 Mrs. Timbertoe heard all these observations either personally 
 or by report with calm indifference. Two or three times while 
 unusually angry she essayed to turn the man out of doors in 
 order to make him attempt to earn his own living ; but as often 
 did she relent, and finally became fully resigned to the situa 
 tion. 
 
 Timbertoe's imbecility, therefore, although felt by the family 
 as a misfortune, was not a dire calamity such as the loss of the 
 wife would entail. 
 
 While the stillness almost of death prevailed with him, every 
 thing else in the household proceeded as usual. Mrs. Timber- 
 toe's voice rang out at all hours of the day, clear and in com 
 manding tones, but was governed by a musical melody that 
 made it rather pleasing than otherwise. The boys went to 
 work in the field, the girls to sewing or knitting. The meals 
 were served at the proper hours, and evening brought the fam 
 ily together to talk over the fashions of the aristocracy, the 
 poverty of the poor, and other subjects pertaining to the times. 
 
 Mrs. Rinser's letter to Mrs. Timbertoe was long and carefully 
 considered by the latter. In doubt as to whether the writer of 
 it was eligible to be classed with the set she attended, the inter 
 preter of omens was particularly attentive to the business in 
 hand, lest her visitations to inferior people might injure her 
 status with the gentry. 
 
 In connection with this idea she questioned Antony at some 
 length concerning Mrs. Rinser and other leading subjects sup 
 posed to be within the scope of his knowledge. Then she with 
 drew to a private apartment, and placing the letter in a drawer 
 with others of the same kind, said to herself : 
 
 "We'll make her pay for her high-toned notions, and give 
 her little for it. That's what we'll do." 
 
 Mrs. Timbertoe's preparations for departure with Antony 
 Firfag were soon made.
 
 260 ZANTHON 
 
 A black shawl on her shoulders over a black dress ; a high 
 black bonnet trimmed with crepe on her head ; black gloves of 
 a material like serge, and a black parasol having a dragon's 
 head at the end of the handle, composed her costume. 
 
 Before leaving, she gave the instructions to her daughters 
 usual on such occasions regarding household duties ; pointed 
 with the end of her parasol to a few pictures and statues pre 
 sented to her by some of the nobles she had served ; and turn 
 ing finally in the direction of Timbertoe said : 
 
 " My husband loves rest, and let him have his way." 
 
 " Upon my conscience," replied Antony, "its more nor many 
 would do, an' signs on you, it will stand to your credit." 
 
 Under the enchantment of this praise, Mrs. Timbertoe, pre 
 ceded by Firfag, moved briskly through the front door and was 
 assisted to her seat on the pillion behind the man. Then amid 
 the adieus of the children, who shouted, laughed, danced and 
 otherwise displayed emotional concern for their mother, the 
 ominous looking pair, borne by the noble steed, started on the 
 journey to DaAvnford Castle. 
 
 " You said, I believe," resumed Mrs. Timbertoe, addressing 
 Antony after they had cleared the glen and were well into the 
 direct route westward, " that Mrs. Rinser is not a born lady." 
 
 " Faith, ma'am, I wouldn't go that far for anything. I said 
 she is an' she isn't," replied Antony, cautiously. 
 
 " Hem ! very vague indeed," said Mrs. Timbertoe, as if speak 
 ing to herself. 
 
 " Howsomever," resumed the henchman, considerably puz 
 zled as to what he would say, " she's next door to it." 
 
 "To what, may I ask ?" inquired his companion, assuming 
 a frigid aspect, the better probably to induce the man to give a 
 full explanation of the case. 
 
 " If her mother wasn't a lady, ma'am, her mother's brother, 
 not far removed, was a gentleman," he replied. 
 
 "Oh! quite another thing, you see," said Mrs. Timbertoe, 
 "but how came the brother to be a gentleman ?" she resumed.
 
 PAYING FOR KNOWLEDGE 261 
 
 " The easiest way in the world, ma'am ; he got money by 
 hook or crook, put up a fine castle, an' kept his hands in his 
 pockets." 
 
 "A mere upstart," said the woman, contemptuously. "Do 
 you mean to tell me," she continued, "that any creature doing 
 those things would be a person of quality ? " 
 
 " In troth I do, ma'am, there's no denying it." 
 
 " Why, fellow," said Mrs. Timbertoe, loftily, as if Antony's 
 remarks had goaded her into a hostile attitude, which her 
 ordinary precaution could not control, " people must be born 
 ladies or gentlemen, or money cannot make them such. Small 
 hands, small feet and small ears do not come upon them for 
 nothing. Whoever saw a penetrating look in the eyes of a com 
 mon man ? A butcher's boy may gain wealth by attending 
 strictly to business principles, but even when he dresses in the 
 garments of a gentleman, the lubberly habits of the butcher 
 may still be detected in his conduct. I always thought and I 
 think so still that the gentry have the protection and sanction 
 of Divine Providence." 
 
 Antony began to understand it would be idle to cope with 
 Mrs. Timbertoe on these questions. He was not acquainted 
 with the genuine aristocracy excepting by hearsay ; but he 
 entertained a fund of prejudice against them, and was well 
 versed in the stories related by the peasantry to their detri 
 ment. He was afraid of clever people like his companion, but 
 wherever opportunities permitted he would endeavor to defeat 
 them by quibbling or sophistry. Hence, at the mention of 
 Divine sanction, where he saw a chance for debate, he laughed 
 derisively, uttered several groans and other exclamations be 
 speaking doubt in its truth, shrugged his shoulders, turned his 
 head to one side as if to intensify the acuteness of his words, and 
 said : 
 
 u Oh, then, Mrs. Timbertoe, without contradictin' you, ma'am, 
 warm is the corner that some of them will get.
 
 262 ZANTHON 
 
 Shure many an' many's the poor girl had to lave her home, 
 with shame be it said of her, on their account, the villains ; an' 
 so signs on them ; didn't there rise a great storm the night Lord 
 Pinktosser was dead, the likes never was seen before ; an' when 
 the breath left him, the half of the house was carried off with 
 his soul, the Lord bless us ! That's as true scs you're there, for 
 I seen it with my own eyes. Wasn't old Count Garlic seen at 
 night in the woods walking near the big house after he died-, 
 cold as ice, poor man, but in course he had to be there for pen 
 ance for his sins. 
 
 They say, an' its true, that Lord Micklebone hung himself in 
 his own room, where no one could sleep ever after. He used to 
 be seen with his face inside the window looking out at the night 
 before twelve o'clock ; of course, after twelve all spirits disap 
 pear ; they have to go. Besides, they heard him in the hall, 
 his night-gown rattling again' the wall like a blast of wind. 
 Oh, Mrs. Timbertoe, ma'am, the Lord has no hand in them 
 things, I'll be bound." 
 
 Mrs. Timbertoe made no effort to controvert this ingenious 
 method of abusing the aristocracy. She held her head high in 
 the air, showing her contempt for the low opinions of the peas 
 antry ; and choosing rather to bear in silence the stings of out 
 raged feelings, than deign to bandy words with their ignorant 
 representative. 
 
 During the rest of the journey she confined her remarks 
 to the weather and the crops, notwithstanding Antony's 
 endeavors to move her into a recital of the mysteries of her 
 calling. 
 
 It was long after dark when they reached the castle. At 
 the outer gate the man pulled a horn from his breast and blew 
 a loud call such as the inmates had been familiar with. 
 
 In harmony with this precaution the woman found the house 
 keeper and other members of the Boggleton family in waiting 
 at the great entrance and peering through the darkness to as 
 certain, no doubt, what she was like.
 
 PAYING FOR KNOWLEDGE 263 
 
 Mrs. Rinser's entertainment of Mrs. Timbertoe was of high 
 order. It included a grand supper that night ; a conversazione 
 in the drawing-room, at which Amby was present ; and a 
 breakfast the next morning, whose variety and costliness would 
 have astonished the greatest epicure of the times. 
 
 As a matter of course the object of the present meeting was 
 to be kept a secret. On this account and to guard against in 
 terruption, Mrs. Rinser conducted her guest during the fore 
 noon, into a suite of apartments on the north side of the castle, 
 overlooking a picturesque portion of the country through which 
 the river sped to the sea. 
 
 Here the two women gracefully falling into immense chairs 
 which stood designedly, adjacent each other, began the deliber 
 ation for which they met. 
 
 The most amusing feature connected with the proceedings 
 was this. Ham Boggleton's curiosity having been aroused by 
 the mystery surrounding Mrs. Timbertoe's visit, he determined 
 to know the significance attached to it. For this purpose he 
 followed the parties closely ; but without being observed, until 
 he finally concealed himself behind the folds of a large table 
 in the room next the one in which the conference was held. 
 In this situation, with the aid of the open door, he heard all 
 that transpired on the occasion. 
 
 Mrs. Rinser's preliminary statement would fill a volume 
 nearly as large as the United States Statutes, in which she di 
 lated on the relation of the Boggletons with the aristocracy as 
 far back as the beginning of the Christian era ; and other fav 
 orite themes too prolific of sentimentality to be reproduced in 
 these pages. 
 
 Mrs. Timbertoe followed calmly. She went the length of 
 saying that her office was of more importance than the posses 
 sion of blue blood itself ; for she kept lords and ladies where 
 they were ; that is when any of them were threatened with 
 destruction an appeal to her art warded off the evil.
 
 264 ZANTHON 
 
 " And now, my dear," she continued, " let me tell you what 
 to do for Miss Amby. 
 
 Fasten two pins crosswise in the lining of her dress, near the 
 nape of the neck. Although it may not come to anything it 
 is always good. Extract from the head of a herring the bone 
 called the tale teller ; and conceal it in her hair ; if she men 
 tions your brother's name within the hour following this act, it 
 may be considered a lucky sign. 
 
 Go to a fireplace alone, where the fire is on the hearth ; sweep 
 the ashes away from the front of the fire and place two pieces 
 of alum each the size of a small bean, about four inches apart 
 on it in the name of the persons concerned. When the heat melts 
 the alum and causes the parts to move about ; if they come 
 together with a rush it will be very significant and may be re 
 lied on as meaning a hopeful state of things. 
 
 Send Mr. Boggleton, at midnight to the stream which separ 
 ates two counties, taking with him a handful of wheat grains 
 and standing on the bank cast them upward on top of the water, 
 invoking the name of his sweetheart, at the same time. Then 
 as the grains come down the stream let him catch all he can ; 
 and repeat the movement three times. The number of grains 
 caught finally will be the number of years until he is married 
 to her. Should he fail to catch any the case will be doubtful." 
 
 When Mrs. Timbertoe had enumerated three or four other 
 remedies of equal force and efficiency with the foregoing, she 
 turned abruptly to the question of payment. 
 
 " As you may prefer to pay in goods instead of money," she 
 said, " we can arrange this transaction so as to be quite satis 
 factory to both sides. 
 
 I will expect to get a bolt of linen, fifty yards long, of last 
 year's bleach and plain ; six ladies' dresses, not the worst of 
 the wear ; three bonnets as good as new ; five pair of boots and 
 shoes, common or patent leather ; ten new muslin handker 
 chiefs hemmed and bordered ; twenty-five yards of drugget ; a 
 stone of feathers and a case of butter."
 
 PAYING FOB KNOWLEDGE 265 
 
 " That is very moderate," said Mrs. Rinser, " as indeed, of 
 course, any professional person could make it." 
 
 She would have proceeded as usual in this strain, quoting in 
 stances of professionals having frequently given as little as Mrs. 
 Timbertoe to obtain as much, but the thought of parting with 
 her linen of last year's bleach and the drugget she had taken 
 so much pains to have manufactured, fairly stopped herfurther 
 utterance. 
 
 As the two women arose to quit the apartment, Mrs. Rinser 
 resumed as if driven to speak by some desperate impulse: 
 
 " Is there anything else in the world, Mrs. Timbertoe to tell 
 me, before leaving, that you know might assist me in the pres 
 ent difficulty ? " 
 
 To which her companion, after a short pause answered, plac 
 ing her lips near the ear of the other woman as if afraid of 
 listeners : 
 
 " If your brother cannot court the lady himself, you court her 
 for him." 
 
 Then she gave Mrs. Rinser a push with her hand, winked 
 her right eye knowingly and added : " You understand." 
 
 After this Mrs. Timbertoe gathered a portion of her dress 
 in one of her hands, closed her lips and descended to the hall 
 through which she walked to the door where a light vehicle 
 was in waiting to convey her home. 
 
 Ham mystified beyond conception as to what it all meant 
 came out from his hiding place saying to himself : 
 
 " The deuce take her if her charges are not the heaviest I ever 
 heard. Upon my honor I believe Firfag would say as much, I 
 do, indeed."
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 
 THE FIRST FRIEND IN THE NEW WORLD. 
 
 A BOUT the time the dawn began to appear around the great 
 ** church where Zanthon was sleeping as described in the 
 tenth chapter of these pages, a muffled figure approached the 
 outer door of the sacristy, or investment room, situated on the 
 east end of the edifice and communicating, through other 
 doors, with the sanctuary within. 
 
 The figure held a key in one hand and after opening the 
 door, entered. 
 
 When the wax taper, standing in an old candlestick on the 
 mantel-piece, was lighted, and the new arrival began to come 
 out of the large incongruous wrappings at first noticed, the 
 walls of the room if they had had eyes could have seen a 
 woman. Moreover they would have beheld a person in physi 
 cal aspect as near a monster as it seemed possible for nature to 
 attempt to mature, in view of the well-known beauty of the 
 gentle sex. 
 
 The woman was clearly six feet in height ; massive in all 
 sections of her frame, with an unwieldly gait and ponderous 
 tread. Her feet, always bare, were of huge growth, flat, bul 
 bous and horny. The arms, also naked, showed that peculiar 
 discoloration of the skin known to be caused by the action of 
 the weather ; and the hands might be taken for formidable 
 bludgeons, if closed to resist aggression. Her shoulders, high 
 and square like those of a man, appeared the best shaped parts 
 of the body. 
 
 (266)
 
 FIRST FRIEND IN THE NEW WORLD 267 
 
 Towering above all, supported by a short thick neck, was a 
 head whose capacious lineaments might be studied with 
 advantage by those calculating on the production and repre 
 sentation of an Indian Sphinx. Prominent cheekbones, 
 immense eyebrows, red eyes, a nose of the pug order ; but 
 large and endowed with extensive irregularities at the end and 
 a mouth bearing a relationship or proportion to the head that 
 a great cavern does to a mountain whose entire lower front is 
 involved by it. 
 
 A mass of tangled red hair surmounted the top in a most 
 conspicuous manner, undivided and uncombed, like wool on a 
 sheep's back. 
 
 The dress worn by this woman was composed of a number of 
 rags stitched together and fashioned into a gown. As a matter 
 of utility it fitted closely about the neck and waist, the skirt 
 being short so as to prevent it touching the dusty or muddy 
 ground. 
 
 It was evident from all these appearances, that, the person 
 here described belonged to the lowest class of society ; more of 
 course on account of the accidents of birth and surroundings 
 than any fault of her own. 
 
 Her preliminary arrangements having been completed in the 
 sacristy, she passed through a side door into the church. 
 Besides the light, she carried a sweeping brush and a cloth for 
 dusting the seats and rails in and out of the sanctuary in pre 
 paration for the morning services, at which many pious people 
 were accustomed to attend. 
 
 Almost the first object coming into view was the form of 
 Zanthon extended on the steps of the altar. 
 
 The woman, in great surprise, raised the light above her head 
 and glanced wildly around, to ascertain if there were other 
 persons in the party ; for her first impression was, that a for 
 cible entrance to the sacred edifice had been effected by unau 
 thorized people.
 
 268 ZANTHON 
 
 Failing to discover the appearance of a second individual 
 she approached the boy. 
 
 He was, indeed, an object capable of exciting pity in any 
 human heart, no matter how rough it might be. Covered 
 with dust from head to feet, making it evident he had traveled 
 far and was a stranger ; his old clothes rent into tatters, his 
 feet swollen and stiff from fatigue, his hair in wild disorder 
 and his whole person appearing as if it meant to sink into one 
 chaotic mass, he presented such a demonstration of misery as 
 shocked even the callous mind of this woman. She stood irre 
 solute in action, contemplating the subject of her thoughts. 
 
 Dull as nature had made her, yet on this occasion her reflec 
 tions became far-reaching and varied. 
 
 Sympathy caused her to tremble. 
 
 Physical power, such as she possessed, stood forth ready to 
 offer its services in the protection of this helpless waif. Of 
 course the condition of the times would justify the entertain 
 ment of any conclusion, however, extravagant. 
 
 She thought that : 
 
 Having no friends, he came here to die. 
 
 Maybe bad men killed all his family; and he alone escaped. 
 
 Perhaps he ran away from hard work or cruelty. 
 
 Why did he come in here ; or how did he get in ? 
 
 Was he sent ? was he brought by some one else and then 
 abandoned ? Oh, she knew. It was this : God had a hand in 
 it. That was easily seen ! 
 
 Holding the light nearer his head she continued her observa 
 tions : 
 
 This was a well-shaped boy ; no doubt he possessed a comely 
 face. Would she disturb his deep, stertorous breathing, poor, 
 helpless thing ? 
 
 She hesitated. It would be a crime to do so ; perhaps a 
 sacrilege. Yet what would time develop ? 
 
 Her indecision was merely momentary on reflecting how soon 
 the place must be thrown open to the morning worshippers and
 
 FIRST FRIEND IN THE NEW WORLD 269 
 
 the necessity which obliged her therefore to proceed immediately 
 with the work she had come to perform. 
 
 Urged in this manner to avoid further delay, she began to 
 smooth his hair with her large hand, at first lightly ; then 
 gradually increasing the pressure until it became sufficient to 
 awake him. 
 
 This method was successful, without being harsh. With a 
 sigh resembling a moan, the boy suddenly awoke, then sat 
 upright and began rubbing his eyes with the backs of his 
 hands. 
 
 The woman straightened herself and waited until conscious 
 ness in the boy became fully established, knowing from expe 
 rience that this precaution was essential before speaking. 
 
 The recollection of his home and friends first recurred to 
 Zanthon's mind ; but seeing a light and an individual present, 
 he turned his eyes sorrowfully upward in the direction of the 
 woman's face. A slight shock might be perceived agitating his 
 breast and shoulders as their eyes met, on account of the 
 woman's hideous aspect ; otherwise the scrutiny on both sides 
 was characteristic of great wonder. 
 
 The effect of this study on the woman seemed to increase 
 her sympathy ; for her face became elongated and the traces of 
 grief on it assumed a clearer and more profound outline. 
 
 She essayed to speak ; but found it too difficult because of 
 the emotional contest within her, which involved the organs of 
 speech as if they had become paralyzed. 
 
 Besides she was at best a poor speaker. However, as time 
 again forced her to action she said to the boy : 
 
 " Ef yer pecture was an the wall et 'ud be a lovely saint." 
 
 This expression was probably meant as a compliment to 
 Zanthon's clear lustrous eyes upturned as in paintings of saints 
 and to the general regularity of his features. 
 
 As he smiled faintly in return for this gratuitous encomium 
 the woman continued : 
 
 " Yer mother ? "
 
 270 ZANTHON 
 
 " Dead," replied Zanthon. 
 
 " Fa'er ? " 
 
 "Dead." 
 
 "Everybody dead?" 
 
 " Everybody." 
 
 " Same as me," said the woman, turning the tips of her 
 fingers towards her breast, she continued : 
 
 " What's yer name ? " 
 
 " Zanthon." 
 
 " Ha ! ha ! too much. I'll call ye baby. You'l be me 
 baby." 
 
 " Who are you ? " asked Zanthon in some alarm at this sud 
 den confiscation of his person and name. 
 
 " Sorrow one o'me knows," answered the woman vaguely : 
 which answer might represent, either the profound ignorance 
 of the most unlettered ; or the most philosophic admission or 
 truth of the erudite of mankind. 
 
 " What do the people call you ? " 
 
 " They call me big Nancy." 
 
 " Why do they call you that*" 
 
 " The sorrow one o' me knows," said the woman shaking her 
 head. 
 
 After a little reflection the boy continued with an assumption 
 of confidence in his manner : 
 
 "/ know why ; it is because you are big and because you are 
 Nancy." 
 
 The woman laughed outright. 
 
 Perhaps reason had never previously approached so near to 
 her understanding as now ; for on this occasion its brilliant 
 flash was perceived by it, unmistakably. She again questioned 
 the boy : 
 
 "Where 'ill ye go?" 
 
 " Into the world." 
 
 "Where?"
 
 FIRST FRIEND IN THE NEW WORLD 271 
 
 " Straight on. When I go out I will not turn to the right or 
 to the left ; but in a direct line forward." 
 
 Nancy gave another loud laugh, forgetting altogether the 
 sacredness of the precincts in which she stood. Zanthon's 
 replies being so much out of the common order, that she felt 
 an uncontrollable desire to be merry at every fresh idea 
 emanating from the boy. 
 
 " Wont no one come to fetch ye ? " she resumed. 
 
 " No," returned Zanthon with a shake of his head indicative 
 of melancholy. 
 
 " There is no one left to me. I am quite alone. I thought 
 every person in the world was dead. I did indeed." 
 
 Ha'nt ye nothin t' eat ? " 
 
 " Nothing. I am not very very hungry ; but a little weak in 
 my bones. I fasted a long time." 
 
 The woman moaned on hearing this ; no doubt to express 
 sympathy for the boy's great sufferings. Then as if she had 
 resolved on the performance of something difficult sh'e extended 
 her hand to him saying : 
 
 " Comb I ha' money." 
 
 The boy stood up and accompanied his new friend to the 
 sacristy where she provided him with a comfortable seat to 
 await her return, as she was obliged to complete her work in 
 the church. 
 
 No one knew where Big Nancy was born. As a baby she 
 was found on the steps of an orphan asylum, where having 
 been taken in she was nursed carefully and remained until 
 about the age of twelve years. Then she voluntarily left the 
 institution to work as a scullion for her daily bread. Her lot 
 fell among a class of persons, sympathetic enough, but unable 
 or unwilling to pay wages. Usually Nancy was employed by 
 the day to perform some heavy job of work, such as washing for 
 a family of ten ; scrubbing the floors of new houses before the 
 intended occupants began to reside there ; cleaning apartments 
 occupied by the sick and infirm ; and even hauling manure by
 
 272 ZANTHON 
 
 means of a large basket on her back, from the dunghill to the 
 garden ! 
 
 Now at one place, then at another. First east, then west. 
 To-day in the north, to-morrow in the south end of the town, 
 she became as well known as the chief constable. 
 
 As she grew to be very strong, was always ready for business, 
 and exacted no other recompense for her labor than food, her 
 services were always in demand. 
 
 She loved hard labor, indeed, it might be said that she was 
 work personified. 
 
 It appeared too, she had no regular time for sleep. Often 
 after working over a wash-tub all day, did she watch by the 
 bed-side of a sick woman or dying child through the night, 
 resuming work^m the following morning as cheerfully as if she 
 had slept the equivalent of the time allowed other people. Even 
 when invited to stay over night to rest at places where she had 
 been engaged in toil she would refuse all ceremony and 
 conceal herself in some obscure corner of the house, sleeping 
 soundly on a little straw with her shawl wrapped round her 
 head and probably an old quilt for covering. 
 
 A stranger entering the town and hearing the citizens speak 
 so frequently of Nancy, would imagine she exercised greater 
 influence on the period than a permanent institution with its 
 architectural designs, endowments, dissolute students and pro 
 fessorships. 
 
 If a wife complained of having too much work on hand, the 
 remedy was soon told : 
 
 " Call in Big Nancy." 
 
 If a family intended to remove to another residence which 
 involved extra labor such as packing and the readj ustment of 
 the furniture in the new house ; this proposition was invariably 
 announced : 
 
 "We will of course have Big Nancy." 
 
 When all other means failed in the dispatch of impor 
 tant messages, where life and. death were concerned, one
 
 FIRST FRIEND IN THE NEW WORLD 273 
 
 consoling reflection rested comfortably on the minds of the 
 people : 
 
 They could send Big Nancy. 
 
 Parties organizing for a day's pleasure in the country, if by 
 accident they found some of their packages too heavy, always 
 reconciled the difficulty with the hopeful conclusion : 
 
 " Big Nancy will carry them," and further: 
 
 " We can put the child, when he gets tired on Big Nancy's 
 back. 
 
 The bottles, we thought could not be packed with the other 
 things, may be carried in the side pockets of Big Nancy. Why, 
 yes ; and the can of lard and the sugar and the basket of eggs 
 as well. 
 
 Nancy can carry a pail of fresh water on her head and a 
 dipper in her hand so that we may have means to quench our 
 thirst on the way. 
 
 But what will be done with the keg of cider ? 
 
 What indeed ! why Big Nancy will carry it of course." 
 
 Nor was this all. It was not uncommon to see Nancy yoked 
 to a hand-cart, laden with provisions for the supply of persons 
 working in the suburbs of the town. Such labor she seemed as 
 willing to execute as any other of a lighter kind. 
 
 No one appeared to sympathize with this human slave ; 
 excepting poor women occasionally who said words of com 
 mendation or pity in exchange for her help. Nature had 
 made her hideouts, and many imagined that this was a clear 
 passport towards the withdrawal of all those tender feel 
 ings and acts which make life in society, pleasant for most 
 people. 
 
 It was supposed, indeed, that she did not understand the dif 
 ference between praises and censures, for she laughed equally 
 at both. 
 
 Seeing the extent of her great strength, her acquaintances 
 imagined it would be preposterous to pity her for weaknesses. 
 As she always relieved the distresses of others the did not need 
 
 ZANTHON 18
 
 274 ZANTHON 
 
 assistance for herself; but like a god was sufficiently endowed 
 to make her condition eternally independent. 
 
 Whatever her own reflections were regarding human kindness 
 and the like, none knew. 
 
 Young and old, rich and poor flattered themselves with the 
 hope of one day reaching a happy period in this world ; Nancy 
 never : for during holidays and seasons of amusement she 
 had most work to perform. Rest and peace came to all in 
 some shape ; but to Nancy appeared only unrelenting hard 
 ship ! 
 
 No vision of human benevolence ever appeared to the 
 instincts of her soul. No feeling such as is begotten in the 
 heart by the charity of others, ever made itself conscious 
 above the darkness of her intelligence. 
 
 She stood alone, like a rock in the midst of the sea, buffeted 
 on all sides by tides or waves or winds. 
 
 Like the eternal clatter of a mill-wheel or the never-ceasing 
 roar of a waterfall, she manifested her power before the whole 
 community without cessation. 
 
 It is singular how unwritten law exercised by unseen power, 
 sometimes, aye, indeed, always, finds a means of being equit 
 able to the unfortunate. 
 
 Nancy was denied a place in society ; but the Infinite raised 
 her into the region of the great and good. What the people 
 despised they were forced to admire. 
 
 That which they oppressed with the burden of many tribula- 
 . tions was at the same time founding a fame which would out 
 live all others in the community. 
 
 Individuals of all classes placed Nancy in a line with the 
 institutions of the town. Strangers on inquiry found that the 
 people recognized three institutions of learning, one orphanage, 
 a county hospital, a jail, a court-house, a custom-house, a post- 
 office, two newspapers, ninety-nine saloons, three idiots roam 
 ing at large who amused the inhabitants, a little blind woman, 
 & denizen of the bridge and Big Nancy.
 
 FIRST FRIEND IN THE NEW WORLD 275 
 
 Many a town, of larger proportions would be glad to boast of 
 being so well provided in these acquisitions. 
 
 As a matter of course there were a number of second-rate 
 celebrities, persons, for instance, believing themselves of great 
 consequence but in reality were of no consequence whatever ; 
 others who attempted to acquire fame from having acquaint 
 ances living in the capital ; the gentry who owned property in 
 the district, the small-minded shop-keepers and a few office 
 holders ; but Nancy's record appeared far above any of these. 
 
 Although Nancy had attained the age of thirty-two, at the 
 time of her introduction in these pages, there was no incident 
 of her life so momentous as the finding of Zanthon. It awoke 
 a train of feelings to which she was before a stranger. No 
 doubt, there was a terrible disturbance in her mind to come at 
 a clear understanding as to what some of these feelings meant, 
 but she finally concluded that to feed this homeless child with 
 a portion of the food which she earned daily, would be merito 
 rious and make her feel happier than she had been heretofore. 
 
 The very resolution, even before the execution of the deed gave 
 out an earnest of what might result from it ; for it infused a 
 kind of peculiar light into her eyes that indicated gladness of 
 the heart. This occurred while she was engaged in dusting and 
 arranging the grand seats in the church. When the work was 
 finished, she re-entered the sacristy, invested herself with divers 
 handkerchiefs to conceal her head and neck ; and finally hav 
 ing drawn a shawl over all, lead Zanthon out into the gray 
 light of the morning, carefully locking the door behind her. 
 
 After leaving the church grounds, Nancy and Zanthon 
 directed their steps towards the south bridge ; the one, indeed, 
 over which May had passed, on a former occasion ; but as it 
 was early, there were no persons walking there ; not even the 
 little old woman who used to beg for one cent coins. 
 
 Although the boy was far from being fully refreshed, yet the 
 pure air revived him considerably ; besides he was supported 
 by the strong arm of his new friend.
 
 276 ZANTHON 
 
 Everything appeared so strange and agreeable, that the 
 terrors of the previous night which still exercised a depressing 
 influence over him, gave way to pleasure. 
 
 He stood for a few minutes with the woman, on the center of 
 the bridge to gaze admiringly into the valley of the north. 
 
 They saw the woodland in the distance, the placidity of the 
 water ; the lordly castle of Dawnford and the blue sky, as if 
 breaking through the clouds, to assist the powers in decorating 
 the day for those who loved the study of celestial things. 
 
 Nancy wondered why Zanthon seemed to admire a prospect 
 she had never examined so long before, not thinking it worthy 
 of notice ; but concluded it must be on account of his being 
 specially endowed by heaven, where his parents now resided. 
 
 From the bridge they walked into the town. 
 
 The first street, of course called Bridge street was narrow and 
 crooked, the houses on either side irregular in height and far 
 from prepossessing. The lower story of each house contained 
 a shop or store fronting on the street where dealers in soup, boiled 
 meat, bread, and various other articles of food or drink, catered 
 to the wants of the country people especially on market days. 
 
 Nancy, glancing along the line of these stores observed that 
 the bakery was open and thither she directed her steps. In 
 the meantime she took from her bosom a small roll of cloth tied 
 with a piece of tape. As this was unwound or opened, it 
 revealed at every turn a pocket or purse suitable for holding 
 money or notes. 
 
 It was quite fashionable during the period of which we write, 
 and this one had been given to Nancy as a gift. 
 
 As Zanthon had heard the woman say she possessed money, 
 he became very much interested in beholding the formidable 
 receptacle for it which she held in her hand, imagining her 
 wealth to be considerable. 
 
 " Is this where you have your money, Nancy ? " inquired 
 Zanthon as she held up the curious device before his admiring 
 gaze.
 
 FIRST FRIEND IN THE NEW WORLD 277 
 
 The woman nodded her head to express assent, grunting, 
 " hem ; hem ! " 
 
 Then Nancy invited the boy to search the first pocket and 
 see what he could find. 
 
 He did so ; but it was empty. 
 
 " This is like a lottery," he said, " where most people get dis 
 appointed." 
 
 Nancy smiled good-humoredly and inserting her hand into 
 the last pocket of the series drew from it a single copper coin 
 of the value of one cent, saying as she held it up before the 
 boy's face : 
 
 " I ha' money ! " 
 
 " Is that all you have? " said Zanthon, utterly confounded by 
 the woman's simplicity and ignorance of pecuniary gain. 
 
 To which Nancy promptly replied : 
 
 " That's all baby ; ain't it enough ? " 
 
 Then they entered the shop of the baker. 
 
 Nancy asked for one cent's worth of bread as she deposited 
 the coin on the counter ; and the man reaching to the shelf 
 behind him, took down a loaf and taking up a large knife pre 
 pared to cut off the required quantity. 
 
 Before doing so, however, remarking the extraordinary con 
 trast existing between the boy and the woman, whom he knew 
 very well and having at all other times seen her alone, said : 
 
 " I never thought you had any in family, Nancy ? " 
 
 " I ha' family now" replied the woman. 
 
 "You don't mean to tell me," returned the man boldly, "that 
 this boy is yours ? " 
 
 " He's mine. I whound him," she replied. 
 
 " Did you find him in the usual way, my good woman ? " 
 retorted the man, fiercely drawing the knife across the loaf 
 severing at one stroke, the* part required. 
 
 " The us'al way ? " inquired Nancy in a high tone ; but not 
 comprehending the significance of the expression, picked up 
 the bread from the counter and giving it to Zanthon said :
 
 278 ZANTHON 
 
 " Here baby, he's breakwast," then taking him by the hand 
 they passed into the street together. 
 
 It is not known how long Nancy had held the coin in her 
 pocket. It is certain she attached very much value to its pos 
 session ; and that she voluntarily gave it up to relieve the dis 
 tress of a half-starved boy, showed the greatness of her 
 sympathetic nature. Indeed, this act coming from one in the 
 lowest class of human life, would have done honor to a god.
 
 CHAPTER XXI. 
 
 SWEETNESS AND BITTERNESS. 
 
 r ~PHE bread given to Zanthon by Big Nancy had been taken 
 * from the oven about midnight. Fresh and palatable it 
 emitted that rich flavor peculiar to bread made by efficient 
 workmen. 
 
 To the senses of the boy it was delicious. 
 
 It filled the whole atmosphere around him with an odor 
 whose delicacy and sweetness appeared to equal the accumu 
 lated perfumes of all the flowers he had ever seen congregated 
 in one place. 
 
 His limbs grew weak beneath him with excessive pleasure. 
 He thought for an instant, this place 'might be the land lying 
 near the entrance to the abode of the blessed, or at least to the 
 far-famed domains of the rich. 
 
 Never before did he taste food having such extraordinary 
 virtues as this seemed to possess. 
 
 He was almost intoxicated with the liquid which came into 
 his mouth while eating the bread, as it resembled a sweet prin 
 ciple of honey, irresistible in its power to charm the human 
 heart. 
 
 At this stage of his entertainment tears filled his eyes. 
 Every crumb was as precious to him as if it were a diamond. 
 
 Ah ! if he had his sister or his father now by his side, how 
 eloquent he might become while praising the newly discovered 
 joy pervading his being. , 
 
 He did not eat fast ; such action would terminate too abrupt 
 ly his immense gratification ; but he held the bread up occa- 
 
 (279)
 
 60 ZANTHON 
 
 sionally, before his face twisting it in the air in order to obtain 
 a view of its appearance in several positions, before venturing 
 to snatch another mouthful. 
 
 Nancy viewed all these antics of the boy with infinite 
 delight. 
 
 This, her first independent effort to perform a magnanimous 
 act was so successful that her pleasure deprived her of the 
 power of speech. 
 
 She could only produce extravagant sounds resembling the 
 grunting and snorting of some of the lower animals. 
 
 Like an imperfect geyser, she bubbled from the effects of in 
 ternal commotion, making it appear probable that she might 
 burst at any moment. 
 
 If the value of the copper coin was held to be great the pleas 
 ure derived from its investment, in the manner herein described 
 more than compensated the woman for its loss ; nay she would 
 not have exchanged the sensation with which she was now im 
 bued, for a thousand such coins. To be the owner of such a 
 boy as baby, she thought, would make her happier than the 
 richest woman in the land. 
 
 Every movement made by Zanthon caused a continuation of 
 Nancy's mirth, and when he finally exclaimed : 
 
 " Oh, Nancy, did this bread come from heaven ? " she stood 
 on the sidewalk and pressing her immense hands down upon 
 her sides laughed outright until tears filled her eyes and her 
 face presented a fearful picture of contortion. Then as the 
 boy continued to wonder and look in her direction as if expect 
 ing an answer to a plain question, she answefed : 
 
 " Noo, baby, fran the baker." 
 
 She was positive in believing that no quibble could intervene 
 between her and this truth at least, knowing how recently she 
 had made the purchase. 
 
 Zanthon then knew that hisicompanion's knowledge of ab 
 struse questions was very limited and that, hereafter such in 
 formation as he might require must be obtained from other
 
 SWEETNESS AND BITTERNESS 281 
 
 sources, besides his own researches backed by the memory of 
 all he had heard from his father. 
 
 The route pursued by Nancy and the boy was along the prin 
 cipal street in the center of the town which they entered soon 
 after leaving the baker-shop. Here the houses on each side 
 were handsome structures of cut stone, three stories in height, 
 besides having basements with elaborate grating to admit light 
 from the street above. 
 
 The side-walks were covered with broad stone flags, the road 
 way thoroughly macadamized and altogether it was the finest 
 place of its kind Zanthon ever beheld. 
 
 They had com* this way in order to afford the boy an oppor 
 tunity of seeing something that would astonish him, before 
 proceeding to the place where Nancy worked, for she had no 
 home. 
 
 It must not be supposed there was much time lost in this 
 divergence from the direct road. The woman kept moving as 
 if impelled by a secret motive power. 
 
 From the moment they left the cathedral their journey was 
 rapid and continuous excepting the period spent on the bridge 
 and in the bakery, although it did not feel distressing to the 
 boy, on account of the entertainment afforded him along the 
 way. 
 
 The internal monitor which was trifling with Nancy's mind 
 and predominating menacingly over her newly found pleasure 
 was, work. 
 
 " How dare she be away from her work ! " 
 When this idea gained full possession of her thoughts, she 
 began to exercise her arms by swinging them by her sides, to 
 accelerate motion onward. It was while they were walking in 
 the grand street and Zanthon enjoying himself, that this dire 
 reflection came uppermost in the woman. 
 
 No doubt the person for whom she worked on that particular 
 day was also reflected on her mental vision, and induced her to 
 cut short the enjoyable perambulation she had ventured to take.
 
 282- ZANTHON 
 
 At the end of the street there was a road to the right, down 
 which they sped to the lower bridge over the river. Having 
 crossed this bridge, Nancy lead the way through a path from 
 the main road into a large open space lying adjacent to the 
 cathedral ground, and indeed not far from the point from which 
 they had started in the early morning. 
 
 Here they discerned a house located against the boundary 
 wall resembling a shed for the keeping of cattle, although other 
 wise it appeared suitable enough, being clean and commodious. 
 As it had been built by the voluntary contributions of the poor 
 est class of the people for the poorest office-holder, namely, the 
 parish sexton or clerk, the architectural design proved to be of 
 the plainest kind. Indeed, when the fact became known, no 
 one seemed surprised at the angular and ungainly spectacle 
 presented by it. 
 
 At the time we speak of, the sexton was absent from his home 
 rngaged in looking after some young cattle, which he had placed 
 on pasture near the mountain, and in which he speculated, in 
 order to increase his little store of worldly means. In the mean 
 time, Nancy was employed to perform a portion of his duties 
 in the church and assist his wife in such other labor as the 
 needs of the household demanded. Thus it came about that Zan- 
 thon was discovered by Nancy on the steps of the sanctuary, a 
 circumstance that tended, no doubt, to shape his future career. 
 It did not lighten the woman's labor, however, to be left alone 
 with the sexton's wife. Ordinarily, indeed, such a situation 
 would insure for her extra food, and a larger share of pleasant 
 words than she was accustomed to receive ; but in the present 
 case, she had to be the magnanimous party and patiently bear 
 her employer's tirade of abusive speech. 
 
 The sexton's wife was a scold ; not an individual of that class 
 with medium ability, but one rising to the supreme height of 
 chief in the generation surrounding her. Nature, no doubt, 
 was partly responsible for this condition of the woman in con-
 
 SWEETNESS AND BITTERNESS 283 
 
 centrating too many virulent principles in one person, instead 
 of extending them over a larger field of human energy. 
 
 Besides this she was childless. It is well known the average 
 scold has intervals of peace in which she attempts reconcilia 
 tion with those whose feelings she abused during the periods 
 of passion ; but the woman here described never sought any 
 other than a hostile mood, or knew of any term of warfare 
 so well suited to her intentions as "no quarter." There was 
 an eternal scowl on her features which abated not even in 
 sleep ; and her tongue clattered like a mill-wheel from sunrise 
 to sunset. 
 
 The tone of her voice was sharp and high, varied occasionally 
 by derisive laughter and interrogative exclamations. 
 
 Through the gamut of sounds she ran with the ease of a vocal 
 ist, while sarcasm flew from her mouth like a shower of sparks 
 from a blacksmith's anvil. 
 
 She would delight an elocutionist, at a distaffce of course, or 
 an actor intent on studying emphasis and significant gesture, 
 indicating hostility. , 
 
 She opposed every proposition made in her presence, on prin 
 ciple. In this way, habit, aided by the predisposition of her 
 inind, impelled her finally to wage war against the human race, 
 notwithstanding that she had many friends who forgave her on 
 account of what they called her failings. 
 
 This virago was about the medium height, sharp featured, 
 with a skeleton frame, dark hair, dark skin and bloodshot eyes, 
 which emitted from the iris a peculiar expression or appear 
 ance, terrible to behold. It meant fight from the first encounter. 
 
 The powers concerned in producing speech in her were 
 immense ; she never tired of scolding. 
 
 If alone, as was frequently the case, she went abroad and 
 attacked the horses, cows, pigs and chickens in the neighbor 
 hood of her house. Should they neglect to show a sufficient 
 interest in her remarks, she usually forced them to begin a
 
 284 ZANTHON 
 
 retreat by an attack upon their main position with the broom 
 handle or rocks gathered hastily at the scene of action. 
 
 These movements were supplemented by appropriate expres 
 sions rich in sarcastic denunciation. 
 
 On the occasions here referred to, the most satisfactory engage 
 ment usually occurred with the pig, whose uncouth body lay 
 at ease in the sunshine before the door. Upon the completion 
 of a sentence by the woman, the pig gave a responsive grunt, 
 which conveyed to the speaker's mind the idea that the lower 
 anirnal understood the purport of the language and dissented 
 from its conclusions totally. 
 
 This imaginary insult on the woman's judgment increased 
 her wrath ; but as the pig still kept up its side of the quarrel 
 by the process of grunting, there appeared to be no other rem 
 edy than to seize a club and belabor the unfortunate beast> 
 until with many extravagant sounds and puffs of excited breath, 
 it made its escape to more congenial quarters. 
 
 The character of the reception awaiting her was fully under 
 stood by Nancy. When she rounded the corner of the bridge, 
 and saw in the distance the woman standing in the door-way 
 watching her, she felt that there was a stormy time approaching. 
 
 A new idea came to her at this juncture ; could she save the 
 boy while herself underwent punishment ? For if she who was 
 so large and strong trembled in the presence of the sexton's 
 wife, what would become of baby ? No doubt one well rounded 
 sentence from the lips of the scold would deprive him of speech, 
 aye, perhaps of energy ! 
 
 In this manner Zanthon's protector pursued her reflections 
 philosophically, as it were, for the benefit of her newly-found 
 treasure, but at the same time felt she had undertaken a -task 
 more difficult to perform than at first anticipated. 
 
 Oh, how grand it would be, if she were powerful ! 
 
 She did not seek such distinction for herself, but for Zanthon 
 on whom she had already spent her copper coin, the saving of 
 a decade of years.
 
 SWEETNESS AND BITTERNESS 285 
 
 Notwithstanding the critical situation now before her she re 
 solved to employ a stratagem which experience taught her would 
 prove successful if wisely handled. She would suggest cruel 
 treatment for the boy, knowing the temper of the woman would 
 impel her to take the opposite course and thus effect what she, 
 Nancy, most desired. 
 
 With this plan in view she advanced boldly up to the woman 
 after having told Zanthon to remain outside while she entered 
 the house amid a storm of invective. The sexton's wife closely 
 following at her heels began her admonition in tones far from 
 being friendly, she said : 
 
 " I did not think, indeed, that a person as old as you would 
 go into the street gadding so early in the morning. You ought 
 to be ashamed of yourself; a i>ig hulk like you would be better 
 over a washtub. 
 
 My stars I to think of it makes one forget themselves. You 
 idle vagabone ; and I waiting for you until my eyesight is be 
 ginning to fail me ; but of course what did you care, you evil- 
 minded romp you." 
 
 Nancy made no reply to this ; but began undoing the hand 
 kerchiefs about her neck and shoulders before going to work. 
 The woman continued : 
 
 " I told you to corne back at once. What were you doing in 
 the town ? " here the woman held up her clenched fist in Nancy's 
 face ; while she resumed : 
 
 " This is a nice how-do-you-do, to let the whole morning go 
 and not a turn of work done to them clothes, let alone the 
 'scutching and the bleach. I'm robbed, I'm imposed upon. 
 There isn't a woman in the world so much abused as I am, by 
 idle skivers that ar'n't content until they waltz into the streets 
 to show themselves off. 
 
 If it could do them any good, it would be the less matter, 
 the fagots ! but how could good come out of idleness ? ' Tell 
 me that, you jade ? You thought maybe you could carry on your 
 sport at my expense without being found out. Oh. you hector 1
 
 286 ZANTHON 
 
 . 
 
 It is always the way honest people are treated by know-noth 
 ings and do-nothings." Nancy was still silent ; but making all 
 haste to begin washing. The woman went on : 
 
 " Why don't you answer me ? Why don't you talk to me ? 
 Are you going to carry your spite into my house and before my 
 face and then expect me to be merciful ? If you were afraid 
 that I'd tramp you, soul and body, under my feet you'd treat 
 me better than you do. That's what I get for my pains in 
 bringing you here, you sulky thing ; but I won't forget it to 
 you; mind that, Pll remember when you think I don't. 
 
 Where did you get that brat of a boy I saw with you ?" 
 
 " In no place. You won't a let him in," said Nancy, boldly 
 looking the woman full in the face. 
 
 "Oh, merciful heaven, do you hear her?" exclaimed the 
 woman raising her hands and eyes upward. 
 
 " She tries to malign me in the open day ; and at my own 
 fireside. When did I say I would not let him in, you beast ? 
 When did I say it, I ask you ? " she continued, raising her voice 
 into a shriek and shaking her fist in Nancy's face ; then pro 
 ceeding to the door she called in a sharp voice to the boy : 
 
 " Why don't you come in here ? Who is keeping you out ? 
 Did I say you should not come in ? " 
 
 "You did not," replied Zanthon, turning up his sad face to 
 meet the gaze of the woman, and smiled faintly while his lus 
 trous eyes shone with peculiar brilliancy and beauty. 
 
 The prompt answer of the boy, his calm demeanor, the phy 
 sical signs of superior breeding which he exhibited, and the 
 high degree of intelligence associated with his manner of con 
 ducting himself awed the scold into silence. The phenomenon 
 resembled the calmness of the tempestuous sea by the Supreme 
 Will. Great Nature scored a point in its own favor. An un 
 written law came forth to show its power before ignorant peo 
 ple even without the aid of an interpreter. 
 
 Nancy never knew this woman to have been similarly 
 affected by any person or circumstance before ; as the scold
 
 SWEETNESS AND BITTERNESS 287 
 
 actually stroked the boy's hair with her hand and gazed 
 at him intently as if disposed to come on terms of peace and 
 friendship. Being a married woman without children, as has 
 been said, Nancy began to fear she might make an effort to 
 claim the ownership of the boy and thus defeat her own calcu 
 lations. In the meantime the woman went into an adjoining 
 room while the other pursued her reflections. 
 
 The triumph of securing the admission of Zanthon to the 
 house had been skillfully managed. 
 
 Was it right or wrong ? She didn't know. 
 
 The woman soon returned and in an unusually quiet voice 
 demanded an account of the manner of meeting Zanthon, 
 which Nancy gave in detail as best she could. 
 
 When the history was completed the woman did not appear to 
 attach much importance to it ; especially disregarding all super 
 stitious opinions which might be referred to as indicating the ex. 
 recise of superhuman power in his behalf. Similar circumstances 
 as those which surrounded him, she said, were liable to occur at 
 any time with the distress now prevailing in the country, 
 although it was getting less gradually ; and boys or girls were 
 gathered in at all points who had been left wholly destitute. 
 
 When Nancy intimated her desire to maintain the boy on the 
 food saved from her meals, the woman gave one of those de 
 risive laughs peculiar to her. 
 
 " The boy will earn his own bread," she said sternly. Nancy 
 did not understand how one so young could do this ; besides, 
 she thought, in her simplicity, if she volunteered to procure 
 him support it should not concern anybody else. 
 
 The woman, however, explained on the general principles that 
 everyone must do something to maintain themselves sooner or 
 later ; ai.d hence it would be wiser on the part of those interest 
 ed in the boy to begin at once rather than indulge him in idleness- 
 
 To this proposition Nancy readily agreed, as the woman's in 
 fluence poor as it was might help her in laying plans for his 
 future benefit.
 
 288 ZANTHON 
 
 Moreover, the boy was invited to remain in his present quar 
 ters until further provision would be made for him by his 
 friends ; but now a new difficulty arose in Nancy's mind. 
 
 How could she overcome the prejudices and objections of the 
 man in regard to baby ? 
 
 By a master stroke of ingenuity, she had won his way into 
 the good opinion, perhaps even the affection, of a woman almost 
 outside the reach of human sympathy, but the man, the hus 
 band, the superintendent of everything around these precincts, 
 could not be turned by such a trick. He was pious, learned 
 perhaps, skilled in all the ways of great men about town ; and 
 frequently held discussions with them on the problems of the 
 times. Nancy could never hope to defeat him. 
 
 She would not attempt it. One wave of his hand, one lofty 
 movement of his head, one fiery look from his red eye, would 
 lay her project in the dust forever. It would be as absurd for 
 her to speak in his presence, touching the subject at issue, as 
 to attempt to fly to the moon. He would be at home, too, per 
 haps, this very night and change the whole aspect of her ar 
 rangements. 
 
 When Nancy expressed her fears on these points, the woman 
 arose in a towering passion. Whether it was the mention of 
 her husband's name which recalled past difficulties with him, 
 or some other cause, was not known ; but she stormed around 
 the house like a hurricane. 
 
 "Figbit to turn out the boy ! " she said. "Why, you fool, 
 if he dares to do that against me, I'll brain him with the 
 smoothing iron. I'm poor enough and bad enough to stay here 
 in this dark corner of a hole in the wall, and be called Mrs. 
 Figbit, if you please, as if I cared a button for it, or that it 
 made my place any better ; but while I have life, I'll hold my 
 head up without flinching. I'll keep my side of the fire free to 
 myself, see if I don't. 
 
 I'll make people know that there is a woman around who 
 will not budge an inch.
 
 SWEETNESS AND BITTERNESS 289 
 
 When I was a girl I could be married well to a man that was 
 good to look at, and had plenty at his back. 
 
 I'm sure he would not have me in a house like this if I joined 
 him. I was a fool then, but I am not a fool now. Anyone 
 who thinks in that way won't get along with me. 
 
 If I'm put upon, I'll resent it. Figbit thinks he knows every 
 thing. I would not give a fig for what he knows. 
 
 Let him lay a wet finger on the boy, and he will find to his 
 sorrow, I'll make him kneel down and pray for a better con 
 science. 
 
 Don't doubt me in the least. Don't say I wouldn't do it. 
 Why, you trollop, I'd scald him with the boiling water. I'd 
 scorch the beard off his face. I'd pull his eyes out !'" 
 
 Zanthon heard all this with great concern. 
 
 He was terrorized. 
 
 The sudden presentation of a contrast so conspicuous as that 
 which existed between his old home and this one, smote him to 
 the heart. 
 
 Motionless, like a petrified body, he sat gazing into vacuity, 
 his breathing only showing that he lived. Was the world 
 which he had so eagerly sought to discover no better than this ? 
 Where were its chosen bands of civilized men and women who 
 followed great principles for the love of good ? Where the 
 fame and fortune which his new position would surely 
 bring ? 
 
 A few minutes ago he believed Nancy to be the most power 
 ful individual on earth ; now she was as nothing before the 
 fiery visage and emphatic language of Mrs. Figbit. Her utter 
 helplessness became apparent by her silence and the manner 
 of hiding her head in the darkest corner of the house whenever 
 she had a chance of so doing. 
 
 It was quite apparent he could not calculate on receiving 
 much protection through Nancy's influence ; yet it was too 
 soon to complain, for nobody had been unkind to him, or 
 
 denied him shelter. 
 ZANTHON 19
 
 290 
 
 If the prospect appeared gloomy in the world at its best, as 
 he then saw it, how would he feel when Figbit came into col 
 lision- with those who promised to be his friends, and by one 
 powerful movement overthrow their universal efforts in his 
 
 behalf? 
 Aye, indeed j then there would be ample cause for grief.
 
 CHAPTER XXII. 
 
 FIGBIT. 
 
 TF the necessity did not arise of describing minutely all the 
 * incidents directly connected with the story of Zanthon, the 
 character of Figbit would have remained a blank. 
 
 The few remarkable circumstances or occurrences in his life 
 would not be sufficient to induce the historian to enroll his 
 name on the pages of history ; because, if they were not such 
 as did not come into the life of every man one time or another 
 they were, as a whole, insignificant. His marriage to a woman 
 who proved to be .a scold did not entitle him to notice. 
 
 Attachment to the church, as an employe, might or might 
 not prove a religious disposition in him ; while his trading in 
 cattle indicated the selfishness quite common, and perhaps 
 quite necessary in the world. No man could be plainer or 
 duller than Figbit ; that is, outside the duties he was engaged 
 to perform. 
 
 He could no more be induced to examine a new invention 
 or consider the merits of a proposition having the progress of 
 the human race as a consequence or result, than drown him 
 self. He believed the march of time had no more to give, and 
 felt a pride in his steadfast adhesion to the narrow-mindedness 
 of reducing the supreme plan of the universe to a few facts long 
 ago discovered by himself. 
 
 Beyond these all was nothing or silence. 
 
 At one time he contemplated becoming a religious devotee ; 
 not that he was really religious ; because no man can be really 
 
 (291)
 
 292 ZANTHON 
 
 religious who is not really just ; but the religious character 
 afforded him peace as well as protection from interference by 
 persons of more worldly ways. 
 
 Lashed, however, into fury occasionally by his wife's tongue, 
 at his own fireside, the pursuit of religion as a panacea became 
 singularly deficient, and gradually his secret purposes changed. 
 
 He became a doubter in things heretofore believed as ortho 
 dox truths ; and also resolved to resist his companion's furious 
 attacks. 
 
 He would invite her anger in various ways so as to produce 
 fits of excitement which would undermine her health. In the 
 estimation of the world he was safe, being regarded an exem 
 plary man ; and whatever treatment he gave Mrs. Figbit would 
 remain a secret or pass without comment. 
 
 Physically Figbit was about the medium height, light com 
 plexion, light hair and limped slightly when walking. He 
 was middle aged. 
 
 The first day of Zanthon's appearance in the new world was 
 eventful, as exhibiting human life to him under peculiarly 
 adverse phases ; but the climax was yet to come ; although 
 the sun had set and the twilight appeared wholly eradicated 
 by the darkness of night. 
 
 During the day Nancy aided by Mrs. Figbit had used many 
 remedies to restore the boy to full vigor. She bathed his feet 
 and hands, fed him carefully, arranged his clothing and finally 
 placed him on a large, seat near the fire, where he fell asleep. 
 
 When her day's work was completed Nancy left the house 
 for the purpose of attending to an engagement in a distant part 
 of the town involving a few hours' labor. She would return in 
 the morning if not sooner. In the mean time Zanthon might 
 rest without interruption. 
 
 The charity of Mrs. Figbit's heart was instrumental in pro 
 ducing profound peace within the house ; for she was loth to 
 disturb the boy while sleeping. This condition was so strange 
 ly beneficial to her that her thoughts pursued a healthful train
 
 FIGBIT 293 
 
 almost without an effort for several hours. Nor did her happi 
 ness cease when Zanthon awoke ; for he entertained her with 
 stories of what he had seen and words of wisdom. 
 
 In the midst of these symptoms of joy Figbit returned ; and 
 like the snapping of a chord which produced a few musical 
 sounds under great tension, his wife set aside her well-meant 
 reflections and prepared for war. 
 
 The purport of her husband's words, however, on entering 
 was not by any means of a hostile nature. Without being lov 
 ingly demonstrative, they were kindly spoken, to which suitable 
 replies were given in a like spirit ; but when the man turned 
 towards his favorite seat by the fire and beheld it was occupied 
 his demeanor suddenly changed. 
 
 Without ceremony he laid his hand rudely and heavily on 
 the object under observation, crying out in a loud voice : 
 
 " Who have we here ? " 
 
 Zanthon sprang to his feet in an instant and stood trembling 
 with fear unable to determine what course to pursue. Mrs. 
 Figbit interposed : 
 
 " This is a poor boy ; a friend of Big Nancy," she said. 
 
 " I do not care whose friend he is," returned the man sulkily. 
 
 " I let him in as an act of charity, thinking it might do us 
 some good," said his wife. 
 
 " We do so little of it," she resumed, " that I imagined this 
 once might pass without anybody stopping me. As bad as I 
 am I have some pity left." 
 
 The man gave a light laugh. " It is late to begin wow," he 
 returned with emphasis. " Perhaps you intend to imitate me ; 
 and appear to the world clothed in the unction of piety ? " 
 
 " Oh," replied the woman, " I could not be like you in that 
 way, let me do my best or worst." 
 
 The man smarted under this retort. 
 
 " The boy must leave here," he began. 
 
 " To-night ? " 
 
 "Aye, now."
 
 294 ZANTHON 
 
 " But it is dark and he is a stranger in the place." 
 
 " What is that to me ? " 
 
 " He is alone and not well able to make his own way." 
 
 *' There are thousands like him." { 
 
 " The poor child will perish." 
 
 " Let him." t 
 
 The woman gave a derisive shout, intended probably as a 
 commentary on the man's cruel nature. " Have I not some 
 voice in this house man ? " she said. 
 
 " Faith, ma'am, you have more voice, I am sorry to say, than 
 I ever bargained for. It is your voice that prevails here from 
 sunrise to sunset. I am very willing to agree with you there." 
 
 Mrs. Figbit felt she was losing ground. This half-tempor 
 izing method, she thought, would never succeed. She must be 
 bold in the defense of her rights or nothing. Moving suddenly 
 between the man and the boy she resumed with her arms 
 akimbo : 
 
 "I will keep him here to-night, in spite of you." 
 
 This defiance thoroughly roused the savage nature in the 
 man. Without further delay, he pushed the woman' aside, 
 seized Zanthon by the back, and hurrying to the door, threw 
 him bodily into the street ! 
 
 Zanthon gave a cry of pain, which, singularly enough was 
 imitated by Figbit. The woman on hearing it believed her 
 husband was adding insult to injury by endeavoring in this 
 way to ridicule the boy's helplessness. 
 
 It soon became apparent however that Figbit was stricken 
 with some dire calamity ; and that his exclamation proceeded 
 from real suffering. 
 
 At the moment [of perpetrating the cruelty on Zanthon he 
 felt a fearful pain in his left breast which compelled him to 
 clutch the clothing above it with his right hand and stagger 
 backward towards a seat into which he fell heavily. It was 
 observed too that his face was deadly pale and that he bit his 
 under lip, like a person afflicted with excrutiating torments.
 
 FIGBIT 295 
 
 On account of this new feature in the proceedings the woman 
 was undetermined as to the proper course to pursue ; whether 
 conciliation or hostility. Therefore an interval of silence 
 prevailed. 
 
 It was short, however, for the man began to moan fearfully, 
 to which the woman replied : 
 
 " You see now what it is to injure the innocent. I'd never 
 do that. I scold, I barge, I bellarag ; but I never hurt an inno 
 cent person, much less a child. I haven't that to answer for." 
 
 "I am afraid," said the man, quite meekly, "I hurt myself 
 seriously in handling that boy. There is a pain in the neigh 
 borhood of my heart, as if there was a blood-vessel burst there. 
 If it don't stop I'll die." 
 
 "It is consoling to reflect that you are prepared" returned 
 the wife, half seriously, although there might be detected some 
 sarcasm in her voice. She continued : " You are always pre 
 pared. I am never. Therefore, if death comes now, he gets 
 the right one." 
 
 The man gave a derisive groan very much resembling a howl 
 of some wild beast caught in a trap ; but without replying to 
 her observations, he inquired : 
 
 " Where is Nancy ? " 
 
 " She is working in the other end of the town ? n 
 
 " The boy ; perhaps the boy " 
 
 She did not permit the man to finish the sentence. 
 
 " Oh I no ; the boy will give you no help. He may be dead 
 now for all you know or care." 
 
 " He might be able to go for the doctor." 
 
 The woman laughed hysterically while she continued : 
 
 " You're a smart one. If you were not careful for others' 
 sake, why not for your own. You attempted to destroy what 
 you now find would serve your purpose ; like a man who blows 
 up the bridge by which his own friends were to escape. No ; 
 when you threw him into the street you did not ask yourself 
 who would bring a doctor to him"
 
 296 ZAXTHON 
 
 The hardened nature of the man remained untouched and 
 kept him silent. Still his trouble increased. Finally he began 
 shouting : 
 
 " Bring me a doctor ! Bring me a doctor ! Doctor ! Doc 
 tor ! " until the uproar frightened the woman. Hastily pro 
 curing her shawl, she determined to comply with his wishes 
 and carry the message to the doctor herself ; but before leaving 
 she asked him impressively : 
 
 "Will you not send for the " 
 
 The last word was lost in a hoarse cough of the man as he 
 resumed speaking : 
 
 " No I no ! no I I want my life saved. I want to live. 
 What is the good of my money, you fool, if I cannot be spared 
 to spend it ? I will not die yet. I am not going to die, mind you 
 I am not prepared. Oh, no ! I am not ready to meet God. It 
 will be a long time before I need the last rites. 
 
 You are thinking of death for me, but you will be balked 
 this time, mind you. 
 
 Doctor ! Doctor ! Won't some one hurry for the doctor ! " 
 
 With this torrent of words ringing in her ears, the woman 
 left the house to summon assistance, while the man remained 
 alone in silence and darkness. 
 
 His fight with the dread destroyer was terrific. With no 
 one to console him or witness his departure, the thoughts 
 which crowded over his spirit immediately before the set 
 ting in of unconsciousness were doubtless varied and extraor 
 dinary. 
 
 From the seat he fell to the floor, as if it became necessary 
 to have a straight struggle in the grasp of death through the 
 length and breadth of his home before quitting it forever. 
 
 When the doctor and other persons summoned by Mrs. Fig- 
 bit arrived, they found him dead. He was coiled up in one of 
 the corners of the principal apartment, his eyes staring, his face 
 contorted, and his limbs bent as if he had been run through 
 the machinery of a mill.
 
 FIGBIT 29 7 
 
 The surprise of Nancy on her return to the house about two 
 or three hours later was indescribable. 
 
 Such vast changes and hubbub as met her on all sides, and 
 enacted, too, within so small a compass of time were never 
 before witnessed. 
 
 Zanthon lost ; Figbit dead ; a crowd of eager spectators in 
 every part of Mrs. FigbiFs dwelling, sneezing, coughing, talk 
 ing, jostling each other in the doorways, as new-comers went in 
 and old ones came out, some stopping directly in the passages 
 to expatiate on the uncertainty of life and the suddenness of 
 Figbit's taking off. 
 
 Of course, the news of his distress and death went through 
 the town like the sound of a thunder-clap. 
 
 The doctor, too, was there, diminutive in person, red-faced 
 and tremulous ; having two bends in his right leg, one above 
 and the other below the knee. A pompous man withal, and 
 apparently very learned ; for without hesitation or fear of con 
 tradiction, he pronounced the cause of death to be " endocar 
 ditis," or inflammation of the interior lining of the heart. 
 
 The blow from the Superior power had gone home ! 
 
 The space in front of the cottage, dark and threatening at 
 that hour, was relieved by lanterns in the hands of excited men 
 and women, who moved about through it like fireflies intent on 
 examining the precincts of their homes ; and from the lanes of 
 adjacent grounds could be heard the whistling of boys as well 
 as the loud question and answer of men in parley, so that alto 
 gether it appeared to Nancy's mind as if the whole world was 
 shaken to its very center by this woful event. 
 
 When duty, so-called, and curiosity were fully satisfied and 
 the people returned to their homes, Nancy began work. So 
 pressing was the necessity for it, that with all her concern for 
 Zanthon she could not go out to look for him. 
 
 Mrs. Figbit, however, quieted her fears by assuring her of 
 his safety ; for she had commissioned some boys and grown 
 persons to" find him that night or in the morning, and bring
 
 298 ZANTHON 
 
 him back ; so she was sure it would be done as she had 
 requested. 
 
 Nancy worked through the entire night. 
 
 Figbit's remains were decently cared for, the interior of the 
 dwelling being also arranged in holiday order for the reception 
 of visitors. 
 
 On account of the importance of his position while living, it 
 was determined to have the body in death laid in the church 
 two or three hours before burial and the usual services per 
 formed there, so as to exhibit a high appreciation for his mem 
 ory. 
 
 In those days the news, as well as public opinion generally, 
 was retailed on the street corners instead of morning papers, 
 in such towns as the one noticed in these pages ; and on the 
 occasion now referred to men appeared to think that the world 
 suffered a great loss by the death of Figbit. His place could 
 not well be filled, nor the sanctity of his character imitated. 
 His disappearance was equivalent to a public calamity ! 
 
 The superstitious and the envious, however, who disputed 
 such favorable comments on the life of a public functionary, 
 acquired additional ground for their critical opinions through 
 a circumstance which occurred in the church where Figbit lay 
 in state. 
 
 When the services for the deceased were at their height and 
 the people, in number almost a concourse, with bent heads 
 were praying that his soul might rest in peace, the coffin burst 
 with a tremendous noise, as if it had been cleft by a cannon 
 ball. 
 
 This gave rise to a great commotion. Weak-minded people 
 rushed precipitately from the place, and stopped not until they 
 entered their own houses. Many women fainted, and some 
 men attempted exit from the church over the shoulders of the 
 congregation. 
 
 To allay the terrors of the occasion, one of the chiefs of the 
 religious order offered an opinion to the effect that the explosion
 
 FIGBIT 299 
 
 was due to gas, which accumulated in the coffin, and finally 
 burst it ; the undertaker having neglected to provide for its 
 escape. 
 
 On this hypothesis Figbit was again closed up in his coffin 
 and hastened to his grave, where it was hoped he would make 
 no more disturbance. 
 
 In regard to Zanthon, Mrs. Figbit's friends found him in the 
 doorway of an adjoining street where he had taken refuge. He 
 was brought back soon after Figbit's removal to the church, 
 and made comfortable. Of course, his reappearance was a 
 source of great joy to his friends. 
 
 In Nancy's description of the scene in the church which she 
 gave to Zanthon was an item more remarkable than all the 
 others together. She asserted that when the coffin burst she 
 heard a strange laugh in the air ; and at the same time the 
 wind blew open a side door and raised a cloud of dust around 
 the platform on which the remains of Figbit rested. 
 
 She was certain regarding the laugh, for quite a number of 
 persons suddenly turned their heads in the direction from 
 whence it proceeded, as if to inquire its nature and origin ; 
 however, as no one else could remember having heard such a 
 noise, or if they had, did not attach any particular importance 
 to it, believing it might have proceeded from some boys or 
 foolish people in the church, the matter was discredited ; but 
 Nancy shook her head solemnly, and taking Mrs. Figbit into 
 a corner of the house, told her something in an undertone of 
 voice, which nobody else could hear, but which had reference 
 to her belief in a supernatural protection accorded Zanthon by 
 some mysterious agencies I 
 
 When all the difficulties arising out of the death of Figbit 
 were settled, Nancy began to imagine it possible she could 
 secure a quiet home for Zanthon with Mrs. Figbit, as that lady 
 had shown such intere"st in his welfare ; but her castle building 
 was doomed to destruction on receiving the information that 
 the house must be vacated immediately to make room for the
 
 300 ZANTHON 
 
 family of the new incumbent, whose appointment was confirmed 
 on the very date of the dead man's interment. 
 
 The change would take place as soon as a wagon could be 
 employed to convey the effects of Mrs. Figbit to hired quarters 
 in the town, whence she would go to live with a near relative in 
 a distant part of the country as soon as all her husband's 
 effects could be converted into cash, or disposed of in the man 
 ner prescribed by law. 
 
 Zanthon, however, would not be forgotten. The situation 
 Mrs. Figbit contemplated procuring for him, whereby he might 
 earn his own support, was available. 
 
 There was a man named Ben Razzo living near the seacoast 
 who wanted a boy, and hearing through Mrs. Figbit's friends 
 of Zanthon's destitution, requested to have him sent to his 
 place immediately. 
 
 " What can you do, baby ? " Mrs. Figbit asked in one of her 
 variable moods, while the new situation was being discussed. 
 
 " I could call a dog or ride on an ass," replied the boy seri 
 ously. 
 
 In spite of the shadow of their troubles, Nancy and Mrs. 
 Figbit burst into laughter ; the latter continued : 
 
 " You must polish boots, sweep the floors, wash pots, learn to 
 cook, build fires and do everything. It won't do to be lazy. 
 You will have to move around quite smart, and do things as 
 will be wanted." 
 
 " Will there be boys ? " asked Zanthon. 
 
 " No ; only a man. Boys may be seen outside, but it will 
 be best, perhaps, to keep away from them." 
 
 " I like boys to play with," returned Zanthon. 
 
 " Ha ! you must not be caught playing. Playing is idling." 
 
 "Oh ! but I must play sometime ; I must play sometime," 
 repeated the boy, full of wonder at what the woman had said. 
 
 " Not while you are in service," returned Mrs. Figbit. " Rich 
 people's children may play, but you won't have time. There 
 will be always work to do and you must do it."
 
 FIGBIT 301 
 
 " Will I never get away from the work ? " inquired Zanthon, 
 anxious to know at once the limits of his future servitude. 
 
 " Never I " answered the woman, with emphasis, fully con 
 vinced of the truth of her reply ; and she continued : 
 
 " Where would you go ? What could you do otherwise ? 
 You have no money, no relations, no houses, or land, no any 
 thing." 
 
 " I have Nancy," said Zanthon, emphatically. 
 
 Nancy on hearing this was wild with joy ; she laughed 
 hysterically, and kissing Zanthon on the cheek, said : 
 
 " That's me good baby." 
 
 If Nancy had had a sufficient amount of self-will to resist the 
 dictation of Mrs. Figbit at this point in regard to the boy, his 
 future career might have been different ; but she knew only to 
 submit ; and dependent as she was on the will of others, this 
 submission seemed to her the excellence of life. Hence, she 
 soon reconciled herself to the terms of the proposition of send 
 ing Zanthon away. 
 
 On the other hand, the boy accepted the new condition of 
 things, with as much faith in its absolute necessity as if it had 
 been prescribed in the book of the Supreme law. He could no 
 more turn aside from it and appeal to some one for aid in order 
 that he might obtain a more favorable means of getting along 
 in the world, than make himself a man before maturity. 
 
 The heartlessness of the world, so called, would not hear 
 him effectually, or assist his desires, lest it should be burdened 
 with his troubles. The very fact of Mrs. Figbit's arrangement 
 being perfected with the certainty of success showed she did 
 not anticipate resistance or interference from any one .likely to 
 change her plans in the boy's behalf. Her motives, no doubt, 
 were good ; indeed, seeing the severity of the times and the 
 helplessness of the people, the interest manifested in the boy's 
 welfare was highly commendable, yet the transition from the 
 happiness of home, to abject slavery, was a terrible infliction 
 on one so young and tender-hearted as Zanthon.
 
 302 ZANTHON 
 
 No wonder the father had called aloud for mercy for his son ; 
 and nature poised between heaven and earth had stood in awe 
 of the demand, at the memorable conference previously 
 related. 
 
 Mrs. Figbit, in order to lighten the sorrow of separation, 
 gave assurances of comfort, independence, and ultimately pros 
 perity to Zanthon, through this method of servitude. 
 
 "Baby will get his support at any rate," she said. " To be 
 sure there will be no wages or clothes ; but in these hard times 
 people were glad to get a bite to eat with the privilege of work 
 ing for it." 
 
 The final arrangements were then agreed to. 
 
 Nancy would accompany Zanthon next morning to the head 
 of the high road leading from the town to the place of his desti 
 nation which was situated about seven miles distant. Upon 
 his arrival there he was to make inquiry for Seaview, the resi 
 dence of Ben Razzo, his future master and finally introduce 
 himself to that person as the boy sent by Mrs. Figbit. 
 
 Nancy would return to her work ; but send occasional mes 
 sages to Zanthon, and if necessary visit him.
 
 CHAPTER XXIII. 
 
 A NEW FRIEND. 
 
 TT was instructive to see Nancy and Zanthon part. One 
 * representing strength the other weakness. The first almost 
 at the top, the second at the bottom of animal force. Two 
 extremes together, and yet powerless to avert separation on 
 account of the dictatorship assumed by Mrs. Figbit over them. 
 
 At the head of the road, indicated the previous day, Nancy . 
 bade adieu to baby ; and with a heavy heart returned to her 
 cheerless drudgery in the town, while Zanthon struck boldly 
 into the broad road before him, intent on the discovery of new 
 scenes. 
 
 The features of external nature were there in well defined 
 characters, green meadows, small woods, brooks whose mysteri 
 ous prattle never ceased, wild flowers, hills and plains and the 
 birds away up in the clear sky singing to the calm beauty of 
 the Supreme Power. 
 
 There were not many houses visible, the land on the right 
 being the domain of an aristocrat and on the left those which 
 were seen, had been with few exceptions, deserted. 
 
 Zanthon could not resist the influence of nature any more 
 than the brook or the lark. The bitterness of his sorrow gave 
 way to pleasure, allowing his individuality to rise above oppres 
 siveness until he felt himself identical with the spirit mani 
 fested in the grandeur of the universe. 
 
 Oh, with what profound satisfaction did he lift his eyes to the 
 firmament and behold the glory of the day crowned with 
 infinite azure I where his soul went forth without a shadow of
 
 304 ZANTHON 
 
 disturbance or a thought of fear as if it were the home peopled 
 only by his friends. 
 
 Before noon he came to see another great spectacle ; the sea 
 spreading out until it joined the heavens on the horizon far, far 
 away ; this was after the route led him through a deep valley 
 and up a steep hill. 
 
 Resting by the roadside he beheld the ocean with great 
 wonder and delight. It resembled a continuation of the sky. 
 
 If he were in a ship, gliding happily over the surface of this 
 expanse of water, his friends being also with him, he imagined 
 he would accept the situation as the heaven of the just. 
 
 How exquisite was its outline ! 
 
 Aye, mysterious ocean, he thought, what art thou concerned 
 with ? and when will thy placidity pass away under the fiat of 
 universal law ; or art thou eternal ; thy being indestructible ; 
 a, witness of the immensity of the power of God ! 
 
 Between him and the ocean lay a town, Lennabean, not so 
 large as Kindleton, the one he had just left ; but pleasing to 
 the view and quaint. It was a town of the olden times. 
 
 This became evident to Zanthon as following the winding 
 highway leading into it he found himself beside some roofless 
 houses whose architecture belonged to a primitive age. 
 
 As he advanced he perceived that the streets were narrow 
 and crooked, the houses for the most part old and dilapidated 
 and but little business in progress. Notwithstanding these 
 apparent disqualifications the antiquity of Lennabean made it, 
 if not fascinating, at least, remarkably interesting ; and as it lay 
 on the very bank which was washed by the ocean tide on one 
 side and by rich land on the other, it was after all, a quiet and 
 beautiful place. 
 
 It must have been a seaport at one time ; but at present the 
 narrow bay at whose head it was situated was filled with sand, 
 the tide spreading over it to the height of from eight to ten feet. 
 
 This bay was but an inlet of a larger one communicating 
 directly with the ocean. All the produce available for ship-
 
 A NEW FRIEND 305 
 
 ment in the surrounding country was carried to the larger 
 inland town and exported over the navigable river before 
 referred to while this desolate city lost its trade and prestige, 
 because its inhabitants had not energy enough to clear a deep 
 channel through the sand of their bay for the accommodation 
 of sea-going ships. 
 
 The district back of this forlorn town was thinly inhabited, 
 most of the land being held by one or two rich men for grazing 
 stock ; but it was valuable and picturesque. In the suburbs 
 there were some very pretty nooks, meadows and bluffs, which 
 became the resorts of pleasure seekers. The spring water too, 
 excelled in freshness and purity, making superstitious people 
 imagine that a powerful but invisible agent had displayed its 
 privileges by the endowment of these inviting places in the 
 manner described. 
 
 
 
 Well beaten footpaths led from the road near the town, 
 through the most inviting fields, along the tops of tall green 
 hedges and through ravines hidden from the sun. 
 
 The beauty of nature, contrasted with the decay of man's 
 designs as exhibited in the streets of Lennabean, made a won 
 derfully remarkable picture. 
 
 As Zanthon wheeled into the center of the town, for he fre 
 quently turned to inspect the view on all sides, its inactivity 
 became very perceptible. It was now noon, yet there were no 
 people on the streets or wagons of any kind, as if they had all 
 gone out to attend a meeting in the woods. A few persons 
 came to the shop doors and looked at him as he turned round 
 and round under the inspiration of the place ; but other than 
 these no signs of life were visible. 
 
 When he had examined the prospect carefully and satisfied 
 himself of its features he directed his footsteps to a grocer's 
 shop, the window of which was made conspicuous by red paint, 
 well worn off ; and various articles of merchandise suspended 
 above the door. 
 
 ZANTHON 20
 
 306 ZANTHON 
 
 Before he had time to make inquiry about his future destina 
 tion, the grocer, who seemed to have been watching him, said ^ 
 
 u You are the boy expected at Seaview ? " 
 
 "How in the world did you find that out ? " asked Zanthon, 
 very much surprised at the character of the man's remark as 
 showing the knowledge of a fact, he imagined, was known only 
 at the place he had left. 
 
 " We know everything here," replied the grocer, " especially 
 the movements of bodies ; business being light we can afford to 
 study that part of human life coming within our acquaintance. 
 It is pleasant. Now I have to tell you further, that old Jemmy 
 has been waiting for you. He has just stepped down the street ; 
 but will be back soon. He will take you up." 
 
 " How did old Jemmy know I was coming ? " resumed Zan 
 thon, still anxious to solve the difficulty presented to his mind 
 by such strange information. 
 
 " Why how could we miss knowing it," answered the man? 
 " when Mrs. Figbit sent messages to us all, to be on the look 
 out for you ; and told old Jemmy, on his life not to forget to be 
 here. Everybody in town knows you already like a book." 
 
 " Mrs. Figbit is a wonderful woman," said Zanthon, " and 
 has been very kind to me." 
 
 At this the grocer gave a suppressed exclamation resembling 
 the grunt of a hog as he continued : 
 
 " She ought to be a general, or a governor, or maybe a chief 
 of the police forces, or but see here is old Jemmy at last." 
 
 Zanthon looked up and saw coming through the doorway a 
 tall man partly bent by age. He wore a high hat, which from 
 its appearance, must have been in use many years, and a long 
 coat of coarse cloth with capacious pockets ; one on each side, 
 the openings being covered with heavy square lapels. The gar 
 ment was threadbare ; but seemed on that account to cling 
 more tenaciously to the body it covered ; for the man had it 
 buttoned up in front with such persistence that it fitted him 
 like a glove. His pantaloons were patched in various places
 
 A NEW FRIEND 307 
 
 especially at the knees, presenting an incongruous appearance; 
 and his shoes were large, heavy, and it must be added, rent as 
 well, although it was evident that several attempts had been 
 made to renew their strength and usefulness by mending. 
 
 Jemmy was about sixty-five years of age at this time ; and 
 as there were yet signs of strength in his large frame, it became 
 evident he possessed considerable physical power when in the 
 prime of life. He lived well, or ill as some people would im 
 agine, poverty making for him his bread scanty, and his bed 
 hard. 
 
 His cheekbones were large and prominent, his eyes keen. 
 His hands and feet massive instruments of labor. The general 
 expression on his face was not prepossesing, being of a hungry 
 nature, as if he had caught it from a wolf in search of food. 
 The mouth uncommonly large possessed all its teeth with 
 singular regularity ; and a slight movement of the under jaws 
 betimes, inspired the beholder with the belief in their owner's 
 capacity for eating a hearty supper. A huge pug nose, the 
 extremity of which inclined to the left side of his face did not 
 improve the expression, but for all that, Jemmy was known to 
 be a very quiet and good natured person. 
 
 He wore no beard. The hair on his head was well preserved 
 tinged with steel gray and worn short. 
 
 Jemmy smiled when Zanthon was introduced to him. Then 
 taking the boy by the hand he led him into the street. 
 
 " What idea have they in sending you here ? " he asked. 
 
 " Who ? " inquired Zanthon. 
 
 " That Figbit woman," replied Jemmy. 
 
 " I don't know," answered the boy. 
 
 " You never did any work ; did you ? " 
 
 " No." 
 
 " Why you are but a child, my son. Your hands and limbs 
 are as soft and tender as a gosling. The nursery would be the 
 proper place for youS' 
 
 " I will do all I can to please everybody."
 
 308 ZANTHON 
 
 " Yes, to be sure, my boy ; but you cannot groom a horse and 
 clean out a stable before breakfast every morning ; however I'll 
 take care of the horse." 
 
 While they journeyed through one of the winding streets 
 toward what appeared to be the upper end of town, west from 
 the bay, Zanthon related so much of his history to his new 
 friend, as his instructions from his father permitted ; describ 
 ing also all his experience in the world since meeting Big 
 Nancy. 
 
 Jemmy, on his part, endeavored to give Zanthon as much in 
 formation about his future residence, and in as few words as 
 possible, as the time left them to reach the house, would per 
 mit. 
 
 Zanthon had heretofore no well defined opinion of the merits 
 or demerits of his master, the place to which he was consigned 
 or the nature of the work he would be called upon to perform. 
 Hence he importuned Jemmy at each stage of their route, as 
 one fully posted in these matters, to tell him all he knew. 
 
 Before giving a continuation of Jemmy's discourse we must 
 explain to the reader, that in the country where the scenes of 
 this story were laid, there existed at the time a class of men 
 who held great power over the people on account of the manner 
 of procuring their wealth. They were not landlords nor mid 
 dlemen, nor squires, nor justices, but Bucks. They made 
 riches off the poor by high rates of usury and by having them 
 work without wages on the understanding that it was their 
 duty to do so for the accommodation rendered them by the 
 Bucks. 
 
 For instance a man of this class would purchase a ship-load 
 of guano and let it out to small farmers in quantities to suit 
 them in the spring, charging not only a high price but also high 
 interest ; for payment would not be made until the harvest. In 
 the mean time every man who purchased in this way was 
 obliged to work for the usurer ; to till his farm, save his hay 
 and even reclaim his waste land without any pecuniary com-
 
 A NEW FRIEND 309 
 
 pensation. In this way the lender became very rich, the bor 
 rower very poor. As the glory of the one increased, the inde 
 pendence of the other decreased until the wretchedness of some 
 of these people became so woful as to be almost indescribable. 
 
 Ben Razzo, to whose house at Sea view in the suburbs of Len- 
 nabean Zanthon was now journeying, was a man of this sort ; 
 and we may judge in some measure of his local power by the 
 fear with which Jemmy regarded him, and the caution he exer 
 cised while instructing the boy in the details of his new station. 
 
 "You must find out for yourself the kind of person he is,' 
 said the old man. " I cannot tell you." 
 
 " And why can't you tell me, Jemmy ? " inquired the boy. 
 
 " Because I am afraid, and we must bear with everything as 
 it comes. It is the way of the world." 
 
 " Do you live with him, Jemmy ? " 
 
 " Well, that is hard to answer, too. I did live with him ; 
 that is, I worked about his house and sometimes in it j but he 
 wants you now to do the work and let me go." 
 
 " What wages was he paying you ? " 
 
 " Ben Razzo pays no wages to anyone." 
 
 " Clothes?" 
 
 " Not a stitch, not a rag." 
 
 " Did you get good food ? " 
 
 " Never a bite in six years." 
 
 Zanthon caught Jemmy by his long coat and stopped him 
 on the street. 
 
 "Tell me all about this place," he said. "It is so strange 
 to me that I do not understand, and I am frightened." 
 
 " There is nothing plainer in the world," replied Jemmy. 
 " The people are poor ; the parties who tax them are numerous 
 and unrelenting ; the sources of income very small ; indeed, 
 nothing in the country but a few acres of tillage, and in the 
 town very little wages. Ben Razzo raised himself from poverty 
 to wealth by lending to these poor people. He learned to be 
 close and stingy ; hoarded every copper, and he cannot now
 
 310 ZANTHON 
 
 depart from the custom because, I believe, it has caught hold 
 of his very soul. I got to work for him by some process of 
 infatuation, like many another man. I thought it would be a 
 great thing to be in Ben Razzo's stable and he in my debt. I 
 got my wish. He favored me for six years, and yet I love to 
 work for him, although I receive nothing in return." 
 
 Zanthon meditated for some time on this strange case, and 
 then inquired : 
 
 " Why does he think of putting you away, Jemmy ? " 
 
 " I don't know. Maybe because he thinks I steal from him ; 
 he is very suspicious ; but for the matter of that there is little 
 to be stolen, not to take into consideration that I have a soul 
 to save as well as himself. Then, perhaps, he believes if I stop 
 with him much longer, I may desire to get something to reward 
 me ; but by putting some one in the place now he would not 
 give anything at all. In this way, the old score with me could 
 be settled." 
 
 " Had he ever a boy before ? " 
 
 " No, you are the first." 
 
 " Perhaps he will keep both of us," said Zanthon, earnestly. 
 " I would like very much, Jemmy, for you to be with me." 
 
 " He must keep us," returned the old man, emphatically. 
 " There is work enough for the two, and as it does not cost him 
 anything for me, he may not complain." 
 
 The question of Zanthon' s future treatment might appropri 
 ately have come up for consideration in this place, if Jemmy 
 had not studiously avoided it, lest the boy should receive impres 
 sions before experience taught him, detrimental to the peace of 
 his mind. Besides he favored the boy's inquisitiveness. 
 
 "Where do you live ? Have you any home besides Ben 
 Razzo's ? " asked Zanthon. 
 
 " I live in an old deserted house near the entrance to Sea- 
 view ; but, bless you, boy, I am not always with him. When 
 I do the morning work, I travel. Some people would call it 
 begging, but I get a bite to eat here and there without asking
 
 A NEW FRIEND 811 
 
 for it. They all know my circumstances. Ben Razzo is not 
 always at home, either ; but when he is there, he sleeps alone 
 in the house." 
 
 " And your family," resumed the hoy. " Had you ever chil 
 dren and a wife ? 
 
 " Aye, boy, aye ; children and wife are all dead. I have been 
 alone nigh on to twenty years." 
 
 "Are you happy, Jemmy ?" asked Zanthon, looking up into 
 the old man's face. 
 
 " Ah ! my son, I could not tell you. Happiness beyond the 
 grave is promised to those who suffer patiently the trials of this 
 life ; and such happiness I expect to receive, for surely I have 
 been patient ; but as to the world," said the man, raising his 
 head and gazing into vacancy with sorrow depicted on every 
 lineament of his features, " I could never see where it came in." 
 
 "You speak very well, Jemmy, for one so poor as you ; how 
 did you get to learn anything ? " 
 
 " Why," replied the man, " I was a fine scholar in my time. 
 I learned it from an old schoolmaster that came from a foreign 
 country, and lived among us when I was young." 
 
 " What did he teach you ? " 
 
 " Almost everything ; the course of the stars, the use of the 
 globes, calculation, measurement, and the bridge of asses ; but 
 he never touched grammar nor history, and that's what left me 
 out." 
 
 " Could you sing ? " 
 
 " Yes, indeed. I always sing when alone ; it is company for 
 me." 
 
 " What is calculation, Jemmy ? " 
 
 " Calculation, my boy, calculation ? It is the hardest branch 
 to learn excepting the method of getting rich. They say it 
 commenced in the counting of pebbles, but my own opinion is 
 that it is the invention of scholars to find something you do not 
 know by employing, for the purpose, things that you do know. 
 I have forgotten a great deal of what I learned, but one fine
 
 312 ZAXTHON 
 
 piece of calculation I remember yet. It is to calculate the age 
 of the moon any day of the year ; it was given to me by the 
 old schoolmaster, in rhyme : 
 
 " When fifteen hundred years are past, 
 Of Christ's age all nineteens cast, 
 What remains is the golden number 
 Of that present year remember. 
 Subtract one from the golden number, 
 Multiply by eleven placed under, 
 Casting it into thirties first ; 
 What remains is the epact, just. 
 Count your months, with March begin 
 And the month that you are in ; 
 Adding to it as you're in want, 
 The epact and the day of the month. 
 All above thirty or behind, 
 Is the moon's age, you'll surely find." 
 
 " That's great learning," said Zanthon, approvingly. 
 
 " As deep as a drawn well," replied Jemmy, smiling with 
 satisfaction. 
 
 They were now walking over a street inclining upward, hav 
 ing a dead wall on one side and a row of small houses on the 
 other. This was the extremity of the town in that direction. 
 
 The houses or huts were mean looking and low ; the floors 
 being set in the ground below the surface, obliging a person 
 entering any of them to stoop and take a step downward. When 
 near the top of this street, Jemmy turned to one of the houses, 
 and pushing open a door that had been closed but not fastened, 
 desired the boy to follow him, as this was his home. 
 
 The interior of this house consisted of one room without any 
 furniture excepting a bench of coarse boards in the form of a 
 bed, on which were arranged some straw and an old quilt, dis 
 colored so as to present no traces of the kind of material com 
 posing it. The walls were black from age, the attic-shaped 
 roof being also low, and made of sods covered with thatch. 
 There was no window.
 
 A NEW FRIEND 313 
 
 The man and the boy sat down on the side of the bed to 
 afford the latter an opportunity of viewing the prospect of 
 Jemmy's possessions. 
 
 It was cheerless indeed. 
 
 What struck Zanthon very forcibly, in this connection, was 
 the fearful desolation that surrounded those who were coming 
 forward to meet him as new friends. First Big Nancy, then old 
 Jemmy ; for evidently the old man meant to be his friend, and 
 two such unfortunate poverty-stricken individuals could not 
 easily be found on the face of the globe ; yet the boy did not, 
 by any means, think less of them, on account of their want of 
 means, he only thought for an instant how remarkable it 
 appeared to be. He forgot to think, however, that there was 
 but one Zanthon whose career had become a subject for scru 
 tiny by the eternal powers and whose future would be twisted 
 into a prosperous line of life, perhaps, by those very agents 
 who now appeared so insignificant. There was no fire on the 
 hearth, no fuel to be seen anywhere in the apartment ; or in 
 dications, great or small, of the least semblance of comfort. 
 
 Jemmy did not appear to be disturbed by thi# condition of 
 things. He seemed rather to draw extensively on his imagina 
 tion for the conveniences which were wanting in his home and 
 to feed his mind by contemplation as a substitute for the lux 
 uries which the body longed to possess. 
 
 When Zanthon, in wonder, asked him how he provided him 
 self with fire whenever he resolved on cooking a meal at home, 
 he smiled blandly at the boy, as if the question, was too pre 
 posterous to entertain with gravity and explained : 
 
 " I borrow a little from one of the neighbors at the end of 
 the street and when I can afford to buy some for myself, I pay 
 it all back. I never contract a heavy debt." 
 
 " Don't you find it very hard and troublesome to work that 
 way?" 
 
 " Why no. Why should I ? Is it not the way that every 
 poor man, who means well, will do ; instead of borrowing and
 
 314 ZANTHON 
 
 paying nothing back like thousands of other people, rich and 
 poor. Mind you / think myself very fortunate when I can get 
 acquaintances to lerfd to me in times of great need. Many 
 there are around us, my boy, who will not borrow, on any 
 account, because they cannot find those who are willing to lend; 
 and remember too, that these persons are very much poorer than 
 lam. 
 
 My good child, I'm well off. I'm content. The shadows that 
 fall over my path come from the past, but leave me yet a 
 little sunshine. , This house is free. The country at large 
 is my plantation, affording me snatches of comfort now and 
 again ; and the people know my requirements and supply 
 them." 
 
 Zanthon was cheered by this assurance and smiled at the old 
 man as he met his pleasant countenance, believing too, in his 
 simplicity, that all he had heard was quite true ; albeit, the re 
 flection began to force itself forward in his mind ; that those 
 who were poorer than Jemmy in the scale of human life, must 
 be very poor indeed. 
 
 Feeling the necessity of resuming their journey, Jemmy arose 
 and walked out of the house followed by Zanthon. As they 
 went forward without securing the door, the man stated that he 
 never had any occasion to lock it, as the people in the neighbor 
 hood were honest ; but he continued, " even if they did steal 
 my property I would not mind it much as I could sleep very 
 well under my old coat." 
 
 From the street in which Jemmy's house was situated the 
 road extended in a direct line into the country. 
 
 Adjoining the last house in the row was the commencement 
 of a fence skirting the road on one side for some distance. A 
 gate stood in this fence, about two hundred feet from the cor 
 ner, which on reaching the man proceeded to open admitting 
 himself and the boy. 
 
 Zanthon's attention was soon arrested by what he saw on the 
 inside ; a green lawn and white cottage, both very pretty.
 
 A NEW FEIEND 315 
 
 The lawn was large containing not less than ten or twelve 
 acres, the western end of it being elevated so as to form a small 
 plateau on which the cottage had been erected. 
 
 There were no trees or shrubs within the enclosure ; and the 
 predominating feature of the place, or the design intended to 
 prevail seemed to be the production of sloping green lawn with 
 out further adornment. It appeared common ; but at the 
 same time pleasant and inviting. 
 
 The house possessed a like character. Its stone and mortar 
 walls were white from a coating of lime ; the roof had been 
 neatly thatched with straw ; the windows were small and one 
 door in front appeared to be of very common material. It was 
 an unpretentious structure clean in its exterior outline, without 
 any wings or offsets, apparently as suitable for a great, a good, 
 or a poor man, as the residence of a tyrant or a knave. The 
 view from the doorway included many fine points of interest : 
 Lennabean set in a frame of verdant woodland, the lesser and 
 the greater bay and a landscape of hill and dale watered by 
 a bountiful number of crystal streams. 
 
 Zanthori's heart beat quicker than usual on taking a hasty 
 look at the house and grounds, for he instinctively judged these 
 to be the places where his first servitude in the great world was 
 to begin ; and from the glimpses of character presented by old 
 Jemmy of him who would be his future master there arose some 
 doubts in his mind in regard to the amount of happiness he 
 was likely to possess. 
 
 " Now," said Jemmy taking Zanthon by the hand and mov 
 ing slowly towards the house ; " when we go in imitate me and 
 fall on your knees before Ben Razzo." 
 u Oh, Jemmy! why must I do that ? " 
 
 " Because it is wholesome. Haven't you never been told 
 before ? I am surprised at the ignorance of your people. What 
 better can we do in our poverty than bow before the rich ? 
 Besides I want to make a favorable impression for you at the 
 start."
 
 316 ZANTHON 
 
 " Thank you, Jemmy." 
 
 The man resumed his instructions. " While you are on your 
 knees, repeat after me these words : ' I have come, honored sir, 
 to offer my labor to you, forever, gratis ! ' " 
 
 " Mrs. Figbit," returned the boy, u wouldn't say, forever ; 
 and I am sure Big Nancy would wish to see me get some 
 thing." 
 
 "Mrs. Figbit has no more power," replied the man, "she was 
 nothing but a brazen barge the best of times ; and Big Nancy 
 don't know as much as a big ox. What I'm telling is gospel 
 truth. Few people have studied poverty closer than I ; and no 
 one that I ever saw, is so conscious of its inferior position. I 
 tell you it is healthy to know your place when you are poor, 
 and give the wealthy freedom to exercise their temper." 
 
 " I will follow your advice in everything," said Zanthon re 
 signedly, which induced Jemmy to continue : 
 
 "After you have said what I told you, bend down your 
 body, so that the top of your forehead shall touch the floor and 
 remain there until you are told to get up." 
 
 " I will remember," replied the boy. 
 
 At this time they arrived at the door of the cottage. 

 
 CHAPTER XXIV. 
 
 BEN RAZZO. 
 
 "DEN RAZZO arose from his seat in the parlor and advanced 
 * to the door leading from it into the kitchen where Jem 
 my and Zanthon had just arrived through the front entrance. 
 He was dressed in fine clothing of dark blue cloth and wore 
 over his shoulders a short cloak of the same material, having a 
 golden clasp in the collar to fasten it when necessary, around 
 his neck. 
 
 His shoes had silver buckles in front ; besides being com 
 posed of patent leather. There was a ring on one of the fingers 
 of his right hand supporting a diamond of considerable value 
 and such portions of his cuffs and collar as were visible ap 
 peared scrupulously clean. 
 
 Compared with other men, Ben Razzo was small in stature ; 
 uniformly proportioned, healthy and strong, vigorous in action 
 and keen in observation. 
 
 He possessed dark features, well-shaped on the whole, whose 
 outline displayed pride and arrogance. 
 
 The touch of his hand was soft ; indeed might be said to be 
 fascinating ; but the selfish individuality of the owner neutral 
 ized its power with those who knew him. 
 
 He was capable of rapid speech, was conversant with three 
 or four languages, could paint a little, execute on several 
 musical instruments and play the popular games of the times, 
 thus making it evident, to anyone, that he was highly accom 
 plished. 
 
 Some of the signs of opulence exhibited on his person were 
 gifts from the gentry who though not allied to him by the 
 
 (317)
 
 318 ZANTHON 
 
 similarity of station yet recognized his influence with the peas 
 antry as a circumstance worthy of attention if not deserving 
 reward. 
 
 His undisguised patronage of the dominant class allowed 
 the exercise of his jurisdiction over the people without restraint, 
 in petty things; for as a precautionary measure he took special 
 pains to observe the requirements of the civil law, so as to ap 
 pear just to the world. Nay more, he feigned a religious spirit, 
 often kneeling in prayer before the congregation at church, his 
 voice rising from silence to loud refrain, as if his soul had been 
 moved to its depths by love of God and his neighbor. 
 
 In this manner, before he was thirty-five years of age, he be 
 came the most important man, not only in Lennabean, but 
 through all the country lying adjacent to it, outside the aristoc 
 racy. He inherited all the miserly instincts of |his father, who 
 was a poor peasant not distinguished for any other qualification 
 great or small. Ben Razzo never married. On this account, 
 perhaps, as well as others, there was no genial warmth in his 
 soul, which might induce him to pity the helplessness and the 
 poverty of his fellow-beings. On the contrary his pride grew 
 to such proportions in consequence of the slavish deference 
 paid him, amounting almost to adoration that his anger was 
 more to be feared than the fury of a wild beast ! 
 
 In financial transactions he accepted no excuses for non-pay 
 ment of indebtedness ; in other words he gave no quarter. If 
 a peasant incurred his wrath his fate became terrible, until con 
 ciliation had been made by presents such as the unfortunate 
 culprit, so called, could ill afford to procure. 
 
 With all these harsh and inhuman traits prominent jn his 
 character his favorite subject of discourse was charity ; thus 
 deluding himself more than others in the pursuit of a false 
 system of ideas, pernicious in their influence and delusive in 
 their ultimate effects. 
 
 As he stood in the door- way looking down at Jemmy and 
 Zanthon prostrating themselves before him, it could be seen
 
 BEN EAZZO 819 
 
 that his black hair had no traces of gray intermingled with it 
 and that his body was remarkably sleek and well preserved. 
 When he spoke his voice sounded harshly on the ear besides 
 being characterized by possessing a nasal tone. 
 
 " This is the boy ? " said he, alluding to Zanthon. 
 
 As Jemmy had not been told to rise, he kept still and made 
 no answer, Zanthon imitating him to the letter. 
 
 " Get up ! " continued Ben Razzo, in a loud voice. 
 
 Zanthon arising first was scrutinized from head to foot with 
 great care by his master. Jemmy remained some time waiting 
 after regaining his feet before the silence was broken. 
 
 ''This is a remarkable looking boy," Ben Razzo said at 
 length. 
 
 " He's nothing short of it, honored sir," replied the old man ; 
 and he continued 
 
 " I was thinking it might be well if some benevolent person 
 had him trained for a higher station, than " 
 
 "Tut ! tut ! man," answered Ben Razzo quickly, "I did not 
 mean that. What I meant to convey was that he does not look 
 like those children of the poorest class, to which he evidently 
 belongs, as if his lineage were higher. What -is his name ? " 
 
 As Jemmy had never heard it, he answered in some con 
 fusion: "A I the boy " but that individual coming to the 
 old man's rescue replied: 
 
 " Zanthon." 
 
 m 
 
 At this Ben Razzo contracted his brow, looked darkly at the 
 two persons before him and repeated : 
 
 " Tut! tut! that will never do here ; we must abbreviate it 
 to Zanty. What else shall we call him Jemmy ? " 
 
 " I cannot think for the life of me, honored sir," said the 
 man, stroking the hair on the top of his head with his right 
 hand, " I might be thinking until doom's day and still not im 
 prove on your own plan." 
 
 As Ben Razzo felt some difficulty in selecting what he would 
 consider an appropriate name he resumed: " We will make no
 
 320 ZANTHON 
 
 further change. Let him be called Zanty in future ; and Jem 
 my as he is not strong enough to perform the necessary labor 
 around this house, you had better attend to it yourself, on the 
 same terms as before." 
 
 "Thank you, honored sir," said Jemmy; "everything will be 
 attended to as you require." 
 
 Ben Razzo was about to turn away, but recollected some 
 thing which appeared to require settlement. 
 
 " We must begin at last," he said, " what was never before 
 performed, or indeed, contemplated: this boy will be fed here." 
 
 Jemmy was almost paralyzed with astonishment at these 
 words. The splendid prospect which they evoked in his ima 
 gination, must have been more bewitching to him than the 
 view of the shrine of Mecca to a follower of Mahommed. 
 
 If Zanthon became the recipient of liberality he, Jemmy, 
 would undoubtedly come in for a share, seeing also that his 
 former engagement had been renewed. 
 
 When he could speak without visible emotion he said : 
 
 " Nothing, honored 'sir, can equal the goodness of your dis 
 position in this and all other respects." 
 
 "Let me see," continued Ben Razzo meditatively: 
 
 " He will be allowed three and a half pounds of meal, per 
 week, which you will procure for him, on my account, at the 
 grocers." 
 
 "Three and a half pounds per week," repeated Jemmy, with 
 solemn emphasis, "honored sir, that would be enough for a 
 person twice his size." 
 
 The master resumed : 
 
 " One cent's worth of sour milk, might be sufficient for him, 
 for three days, if economically used." 
 
 " If economically used, honored sir, it will be oceans," reiter 
 ated the old man. 
 
 " For," reasoned Ben Razzo, " you know that half a pint 
 being a liberal quantity for him for one day, and there being 
 four half pints in a quart, which one cent will buy, it follows
 
 BEN RAZZO 321 
 
 he will not merely be furnished with enough of this delicious 
 fluid for three days but have half a pint to spare." 
 
 " Undoubtedly, honored sir, there will be half a pint to spare 
 and maybe more," returned Jemmy. 
 
 " Let us say then, two cents, per week, on account of sour 
 milk." 
 
 " A most liberal allowance, indeed, honored sir." 
 
 " Anything else which he may require you will provide," 
 said Ben Razzo, nodding his head significantly at Jemmy and 
 turning away ; but saying to himself : 
 
 " My share is heavy enough." 
 
 Jemmy remained motionless and silent as if petrified with 
 astonishment. If the sound of the last trumpet had broken in 
 upon his hearing it would not have filled him with more dis 
 may than this speech of Ben Razzo's. 
 
 He, Jemmy, who possessed nothing and had been accustomed 
 to beg to sustain himself, must now partly provide for Zanthon 
 while in the service of this man. 
 
 Instead of receiving anything, he was to pay out. Instead 
 of a full measure of gain he would encounter absolute loss. A 
 moment before, he had imagined fejicity to be near at hand, 
 through the generosity of the rich master ; now, he felt him 
 self falling into an abyss deeper by far than the poverty with 
 which circumstances had previously afflicted him. 
 
 He was asked to tread on the verge of the impossible. 
 
 First, glory appeared to him ; then helpless misery. 
 
 Lucifer, surely could not have fallen with such rapid and 
 unprecedented flight from supreme bliss to the eternity of 
 woe as this simple soul at that moment from expectation to 
 disappointment. 
 
 However the difficulties must be encountered with patience 
 and resignation, each in turn. 
 
 As no one slept in the house with Ben Razzo Jemmy turned 
 his attention to the stable adjoining it ; and selected the hay 
 loft as being well suited to the wants of Zanthon as a sleeping 
 
 ZANTHON 21
 
 322 ZANTHOX 
 
 apartment. An important question remained unsolved how 
 ever ; namely : how to provide bed and bedding ? 
 
 Upon making this proposition known to Zanthon, the boy 
 suggested that Jemmy transfer his bed to the hayloft where the 
 two could occupy it comfortably. 
 
 u It is well thought of my boy," said Jemmy ; " but I do not 
 like to abandon my house altogether." 
 
 " There is nothing in your house," said Zanthon ; " besides 
 you can return to it at any time, if necessary. You may live 
 here and cook whatever you have in the kitchen." 
 
 " Ah! Zanty," the old man replied,'"we can only burn fire in 
 the kitchen f_or Ben Razzo's use ; however, it is the best way to 
 look at things now, so we will bring over the bed this evening, 
 when it gets dark, so as not to be seen by the gossiping neigh 
 bors." 
 
 The next problem on the catalogue of Jemmy's mind demand 
 ing settlement appeared more difficult. It was first to engage 
 and afterwards compensate according to ruling prices a laun 
 dress for Zanthon. 
 
 The elaborate outfit of Ben Razzo had been attended to for 
 years by some of his well-to-do admirers , indeed it was diffi 
 cult to select one family out of the large number who volunta 
 rily offered their services, and esteemed it an honor to be 
 permitted to execute such labor gratis , but Zanthon's one 
 undergarment of gray calico could not be thought of. It might 
 desecrate the halo surrounding those of his master. Therefore 
 Jemmy very wisely concluded to make provision for the boy in 
 the open market. 
 
 After spending a considerable time endeavoring to bring this 
 business to a favorable issue, he was suddenly surprised to find 
 that the boy had no second garment of the kind referred to ; 
 there was no money to buy one and how could it be procured ? 
 
 Inspiration finally came to the aid of the old man. He could 
 he thought, obtain a fine substitute from the friendly grocer, 
 before mentioned, in the shape of an empty flour sack, such as
 
 BEN EAZZO 323 
 
 would fit the boy's body, after cutting a hole- in the bottom of 
 the sack for his head and one on each side for the arms. The 
 material was soft, and altogether it would be comfortable no 
 doubt, when well washed. 
 
 There might be some objection raised to the name of the mills 
 in which the flour was manufactured appearing on the back 
 of it ; but what difference did it make when concealed so as 
 not to be visible to the naked eye, thought Jemmy. 
 
 When this important measure had been settled in a satisfac 
 tory manner, for the man had full confidence in the liberality 
 of the grocer, he bethought him of a woman living at the lower 
 end of the street, where he himself had resided, named Mrs. 
 Fishpot, who would be likely to fill the requirements needed. 
 
 Mrs. Fishpot, to be sure, was easily found ; but what ingeni 
 ous mind was capable of finding means to pay her, considering 
 all the circumstances of the case ? From the fact of telling 
 Zanthon that they would pay Mrs. Fishpot a visit for the pur 
 pose of arranging the terms which she would accept for her 
 services as washerwoman, when they went to remove the bed 
 in the evening, we infer that Jemmy had discovered the source 
 from whence the remuneration was to come. 
 
 Mrs. Fishpot was a woman now over fifty years of age, whose 
 husband had deserted her years ago ; but who managed to sub 
 sist by working at odd jobs for those who employed her. When 
 therefore the proposition of washing for Zanthon was laid before 
 her that evening, in all its sympathetic details ; and that Jem 
 my at the same time pointing to the boy said : This is the 
 boy who is going into the service of Ben Razzo, she replied : 
 " Tisn't the work that's great, nohow ; but something no mat 
 ter how small, should come from it." 
 
 " You know," said Jemmy, in a plausible voice, "whatever is 
 
 done on Ben Razzo's account, is for the good of the human race." 
 
 "He is rich enoo' to pay," answered the woman, without 
 
 noticing the point in Jemmy's argument ; and she continued : 
 
 " I'd as soon work for the child's sake as for him."
 
 324 ZANTHON 
 
 Jemmy raised his hands and turned up his eyes to the roof 
 of the house, as if appealing to the Supreme Power at this bold 
 and seditious language. 
 
 "You mustn't forget, Mrs. Fishpot, that BenRazzo is great," 
 Baid he. 
 
 "I don't forget nothin'," retorted the woman, uncompromis 
 ingly. 
 
 "And," continued Jemmy, raising the forefinger of his right 
 hand, for the purpose, no doubt of pointing at a significant an 
 nouncement : 
 
 " He is powerful, Mrs. Fishpot !" 
 
 The woman so far from being intimidated by this assertion, 
 adjusted one of her arms akimbo, saying with some force : 
 
 " Much about his power, indeed. What's the odds Jemmy ? 
 People cannot be worse than they are any way he takes it." 
 
 Seeing that this line of accomplishing his purpose would not 
 succeed, Jemmy changed his tactics by the introduction of 
 another theme. 
 
 " If we had no money to spare, how would you like to be paid 
 in tea," he asked. 
 
 " When you say tay" answered the woman, " you shoot me 
 exactly." 
 
 " Well, then," continued Jemmy, " we will save the tea leaves 
 for you that comes out of the teapot of Ben Razzo ; and its 
 proud you ought to be to get them, on any account." 
 
 " How long does he keep them in the pot ?" 
 
 "About three days." 
 
 " Three breakfasts and three suppers ?" 
 
 "Yes." 
 
 " How much dry tay does he put in each time ?" 
 
 "A teaspoonful." 
 
 On hearing this the woman groaned : but to reassure her 
 Jemmy continued : 
 
 <l Why bless your heart ! they're as good when he is throw 
 ing them out as when he puts them in, if you dry them."
 
 BEN EAZZO 325 
 
 Whether it was this suggestion that settled the bargain, or 
 that Mrs. Fishpot concluded to work for Zanthon on his own 
 merits, could not be ascertained ; but Jemmy's proposition was 
 agreed to ; and shortly afterwards the man and the boy de 
 parted, carrying with them on their way to Seaview the old 
 bed as formerly contemplated. 
 
 The course of instruction to which Zanthon was subjected 
 from this time forward became critically exact under the 
 management of Jemmy. In the morning of the next day at an 
 early hour he gave his directions thus : 
 
 " With the hand nearest the wall remove the covering, and 
 resting the other hand on the side of the bed jump into the 
 middle of the floor." 
 
 The boy having performed this act several times in order to 
 discover its advantages, dressed hastily so as to be ready to be 
 gin business at once. 
 
 The first work to be considered was the polishing of Ben 
 Razzo's long riding boots, then the building of a fire, over 
 which a kettle of water was placed to be ready for his tea, and 
 a general cleaning of everything in eight including the steel at 
 tachments of the saddle and bridle. 
 
 After the work in the kitchen was completed they proceeded 
 to the stable where the horse was kept. The animal was a 
 steel gray gelding, about sixteen hands in height, long in the 
 body and having also a small, well-shaped head. He was 
 called " Crispus." Like a sergeant intent on drilling a squad 
 of men, Jemmy instructed Zanthon in the several movements 
 pursued in grooming a horse, from the brushing of his face to 
 the hand rubbing of his fetlocks, as also the method of getting 
 a stable in order. 
 
 " \Vhen you come to the hind leg," said Jemmy, " never 
 stand directly behind the horse, but at his side, then place 
 one hand above his knee or knee-joint, pressing it tightly 
 while with the other you use your brush or wad to clean 
 him."
 
 326 ZANTHON 
 
 As soon as the business pertaining to the stable appeared 
 completed it was time to look for the appearance of Ben Razzo. 
 
 It was customary with that individual to partake of a break 
 fast of cold meat, bread, butter and tea. These ingredients 
 were stored in a strong cupboard in his room always securely 
 locked. 
 
 He superintended the cooking of his food ; that is, he 
 examined the meat carefully before placing on the fire and 
 kept watch upon it until cooked, when he transferred it to the 
 cupboard. Potatoes were always counted before going into the 
 hands of those who worked for him, and the fire extinguished 
 between meals. There was a mark on the inside of the teapot, 
 a kind of gauge, above which he never permitted the hot water 
 to proceed, as the amount below it was sufficient to supply his 
 wants. 
 
 He usually rode out every day and dined with some of his 
 friendly acquaintances ; partaking of a light supper at his 
 return. 
 
 After Ben Razzo had breakfasted on this particular occasion 
 with the usual precaution bestowed on the teapot, he pulled on 
 his riding boots and spurs, took a whip in his hand and strode 
 to the door to await the coming of his steed, which Jemmy and 
 Zanthon were furnishing in the stable with the necessary trap 
 pings. Jemmy lead the horse in front of the door with great 
 ceremony and the use of certain well known admonitions to 
 keep quiet. Then the master mounting, rode off, Zanthon in 
 the mean time running before him to open the outer gate and 
 to secure it after he left. 
 
 Left to themselves, the further business of the day was con 
 sidered. The interior of the apartment occupied by their mas 
 ter was to be swept and dusted, the furniture arranged and good 
 order restored. Jemmy then proceeded down town to the 
 grocer's for Zanthon's allowance of meal, bespeaking the 
 sour milk on his way at a place where such commodity was 
 sold.
 
 BEN RAZZO 827 
 
 As a matter of curiosity, Jemmy had the grocer weigh a half 
 pound of meal separately, which he carried home in paper, in 
 order to test bow how far it would be capable of feeding Zanthon 
 for one day. 
 
 When it had been boiled and turned out on a plate it would 
 give him more than sufficient for a meal but not enough for 
 two, so that before the end of each day he must feel the pangs 
 of hunger. 
 
 Zanthon insisted that Jemmy should share his food, not 
 only at the present breakfast, but at all times thereafter, to 
 which proposal the old man did not fully consent. 
 
 "I will be out occasionally," said Jemmy, " and whenever I 
 come back with anything fit to eat ; turnips, potatoes, liver or 
 tripe, we will have a feast together ; otherwise, my boy, I could 
 not feel in my conscience, I was doing right, if I took the food 
 intended for you ; and indeed, between you and me, there is 
 not enough of it for you alone." 
 
 " I know a way, Jemmy, that this meal can be made plenty 
 for us both," said the boy, "put lots of water in the pot and 
 don't make the mush so thick." 
 
 "There wouldn't be substance in it anyhow," returned the 
 man. 
 
 "There would be bulk," said Zanthon, "and what more 
 can thero be in any meal than that ? " 
 
 Jemmy laughed at the boy's idea, but assured him the plan 
 would not succeed, however well conceived it may have been. 
 
 He reassured the boy the prospect which the future was 
 liable to bring them, when by a combined assortment of ingre 
 dients they might be able to produce a savory and plentiful 
 repast. 
 
 While on this subject Zanthon asked Jemmy what he liked 
 best of all food. 
 
 "Ah, child," he answered, " the greatest and the grandest 
 thing man or boy can get into his stomach is mutton broth. 
 The smell of it is finer than the perfume from a garden of roses.
 
 328 ZANTHON 
 
 It would draw a hungry man from the top of a mountain to the 
 end of the longest valley. It fills the whole of you with feel 
 ings akin to happiness ; and makes you imagine you are in the 
 neighborhood of heaven. It is ravishing. It devours you 
 soul and body ! " 
 
 In the evening Ben Razzo returned. The horse was con 
 ducted to the stable, groomed, bedded and provided with hay 
 for the night. The master's supper also terminating and the 
 business of the day over, Jemmy and Zanthon repaired to the 
 hayloft to bed. There was no light, for the best of reasons, 
 there was none allowed by the master of the house, although 
 Jemmy made excuses for him on the grounds that there would 
 be danger of setting the hay on fire, if they introduced a light 
 in close proximity to it ; and therefore it would be better to go 
 without one altogether. 
 
 This matter settled, Jemmy turned attention to night 
 prayers. Whatever faults he may have had, he was sincere 
 in his piety. Besides he was anxious that Zanthon should be 
 taught a perfect system of morals, whereby the poor acquires 
 in another world the panacea denied to the rich. He was 
 accustomed to perform long devotional exercises on an empty 
 stomach. On the present occasion after the recital of the ordi 
 nary prayers he instituted another degree of devotion under 
 the heading of prayers before going to sleep. Sitting together 
 in bed the solemn voice of Jemmy could be heard through the 
 darkness. 
 
 " Persecute us Lord ! to the utmost extent of thy wrath 
 that we may hearken to thy voice and know thy ways. Visit 
 us on account of our sins, delay not thy vengence, for in the 
 mean time we may fall ! Keep us from pride and the desires 
 of the body, especially keep us from indulging in strong food. 
 Do not let us be like those of old sighing for the fleshpots of 
 Egypt. 
 
 Give us, Lord, an understanding of thy law so that we 
 may account ourselves rich when we are poor. Give us meek-
 
 BEN RAZZO 329 
 
 ness that we may properly respect our superiors in this world 
 and bow down before thy favorites, so well represented by Ben 
 Razzo. 
 
 Give us patience to wait for further disquietude. 
 
 Give us resignation to bear with the folly of others. 
 
 Give us " 
 
 Jemmy was about to continue when he was interrupted by 
 Zanthon touching him very perceptibly in the ribs with his 
 elbow and saying impressively : 
 
 " Give us Lord, give us mutton broth ! " 
 
 This concluded the exercises on that night ; and if the whole 
 truth be told the earnestness and simplicity of the boy made 
 such an impression on the old man that the latter could bare 
 ly escape bursting into laughter loud and long. 
 
 To prevent such an indiscretion effectually he stuffed a 
 portion of the old counterpane into his mouth until the mirth 
 was suppressed which he would have enjoyed at any other 
 time.
 
 JUSTICE REGULATES HER SCALES. 
 
 ' I \HE companionship of Jemmy was very pleasing to Zan- 
 *: thon, as well as beneficial, on account of the knowledge 
 communicated to him, and th^ care the old man bestowed in 
 his instructions regarding how to labor. 
 
 If the pair had had enough food, we would be enabled to 
 say they were happy, but the short allowance of the boy and 
 the precarious method of obtaining supplies for the man made 
 their lives hard and unsatisfactory. 
 
 It was not more than two weeks after Zanthon's arrival 
 at Seaview until he became acquainted with several good peo 
 ple who fed him occasionally, and at other times gave him 
 food which be invariably carried home in order to share it 
 with old Jemmy. Thus he became a mere beggar, like his 
 friend, or a prowler after prog, because of the destitute state 
 of his own kitchen. However when their course in life became 
 well understood and the harsh treatment to which they had 
 been subjected modified by time, they often passed very pleas 
 ant evenings together. On one of these occasions Zanthon had 
 Jemmy write a letter for him to Nancy, depicthig in graphic 
 phrases his life and duties at Seaview which the old man sent 
 by the common carrier who hauled goods from town to 
 town and who undertook to deliver it at the other end of the 
 line free of charge. 
 
 The felicity of this state of things was suddenly broken by 
 the announcement made by Ben Razzo of sending Crispus, 
 the horse, to grass, a practice he indulged each year. 
 
 (330)
 
 JUSTICE REGULATES HER SCALES 331 
 
 " Now Zanty," said Jemmy one day, " this change of Crispus 
 is not going to be all ; mind I tell you others will follow." 
 
 " What other change do you fear Jemmy ?" asked Zanthon. 
 
 " Mine, my son. I must take the road once more. My 
 work was chiefly in the stable ; yours in the house. You know 
 now what work you have to perform. Mine is gone. There 
 fore I will leave until I be recalled to attend again to Crispua 
 when he is brought home." 
 
 While preparing to evacuate the premises Jemmy gave Zan 
 thon much sage advice. He would not remove the bed from 
 the hayloft as he intended sleeping there at night, except when 
 he traveled into a part of the country some distance from Len- 
 nabean. He promised to keep watch over the boy no matter 
 how he fared himself. 
 
 Next morning at daybreak, Jemmy started out on one of his 
 predatory tours through the suburbs of the town and Zanthon 
 was left alone. 
 
 There was no affinity between Ben Razzo and the boy. 
 While Zanthon performed his work, generally, in a manner to 
 be commended, there were times when he omitted some parts 
 of it, on account of the carelessness incident to persons of his 
 age, and the bitter thoughts which would press forward in his 
 mind regarding the irregularity of his living. 
 
 To relieve himself of pain, he often joined boys at their 
 sports in the fields adjoining Seaview, and even accompanied 
 them in boats on the bay where he spent hours at a time regard 
 less of his master's anger or Jemmy's previous counsel. His 
 visits to his friends in town also became more frequent and he 
 began to imagine he 'was getting along pretty well in the world, 
 when this state of things came to an abrupt termination by 
 the intervention of his master. 
 
 Returning late in the afternoon of a fine day to Seaview, after 
 having spent the greater portion of it with his companions, in 
 the fields, Zanthon found Ben Razzo waiting for him at the 
 door. He held a whip in his hand and was cutting the air
 
 332 ZANTHON 
 
 with it, as if in the act of whipping somebody. There was 
 a scowl upon his features and he turned his head quickly 
 from side to side, showing that passion was operating within 
 him. 
 
 " I have a good mind to lay this whip on your shoulders? 
 sir," he began. " You are a pretty fellow to spend your days 
 away from this house when you should be doing your work. 
 What have you to do with play ? " Zanthon feeling he had 
 transgressed the rules of the institution hung his head in 
 silence. He felt great embarrassment and was angry with 
 himself for his conduct, yet conscious that if Ben Razzo treated 
 him kindly, and spoke less sharply, the train of his daily life 
 would conform of itself to the necessary requirements of his 
 service. 
 
 His master, however, was imperious. The exercise of kind 
 ness seemed foreign to his thoughts and, as we have seen, his 
 arrogance obliterated all traces of the human heart. 
 
 Pride was his ruling passion, after coveteousness or ratLer 
 stinginess. 
 
 Finding himself master of the dispute as well as of the situa 
 tion in the present instance, he approached Zanthon and touch 
 ing him lightly on the shoulder with the whip, continued : 
 
 " If ever you repeat this conduct in future, I'll whip you, my 
 good fellow, within an inch of your life." 
 
 These words cut deeper into the boy's sensitiveness than the 
 application of the whip would, if used in the manner suggested 
 by Ben Razzo. It was now more than at any period of his past 
 life the boy felt real adversity. In the days of the famine, 
 with the little there was to eat, came words kindly spoken ; 
 and even when alone without protection the face of nature 
 presented an expression mysteriously pleasing to the senses ; 
 but here where the fact of his being a member of the house 
 hold, should entitle him to some degree of consideration, he 
 met not only dire want but unkindness of the worst sort. He 
 felt himself wounded to the depths of his heart, as effectually,
 
 JUSTICE REGULATES -HER SCALES 333 
 
 too, as a young fawn pierced by a bullet ; and he burst into 
 loud and passionate weeping. 
 
 ^ This action of the boy increased the irritability of Ben Razzo. 
 Relying on his knowledge of human nature, he believed that a 
 little castigation in the present case would be beneficial, so 
 without further consideration as to consequences he applied 
 the whip to Zanthon's shoulders and legs until the boy shouted : 
 
 " Father 1 father I save me." 
 
 Then he retired into his private apartment while Zanthon 
 continued to weep without restraint. If the phantasm of Marl- 
 band, as related in a previous chapter, possessed more than a 
 superficial significance ; if the death of Figbit was not merely 
 accidental, but the result of the father's compact with the un 
 known, it was time the powers he invoked should act here in 
 the defense of his son. 
 
 It is not for us to say how far the original agreement or sup 
 posed agreement was real or ideal. We propose only to be 
 faithful to the incidents of the story by recording them as they 
 actually occurred, leaving the reader to judge of their truth or 
 falsity as inclination or opinion may dictate. 
 
 We would imagine, even if the profound principle of the 
 universe responded to the wishes of the father's heart, yet in 
 the present instance there appeared to be a difficulty not 
 provided in the contract. 
 
 Ben Razzo was a benefactor, endowed evidently by the 
 Supreme Power with the riches of this world for good purposes. 
 He had been at all times faithful to his obligations. He 
 prayed, too with great fervor ; and as a matter of fact, the 
 belief in its necessity, appeared to him as clearly as did the 
 charm of its efficacy. How, therefore, could a violent death 
 reach him from the Almighty ? 
 
 Justice alone was qualified to determine ; that invisible jus. 
 tice associated with circumstances which frequently eradicates 
 whole tribes of men from the face of the earth.
 
 334 ZANTHON 
 
 The pomp surrounding the person of Ben Razzo "would count 
 for nothing, nor the influence of his rich associates. 
 
 The first cause of the difficulty lay with the master ; in fact 
 all the causes. The rules of his establishment for the govern 
 ment of his dependents were founded on narrow-heartedness 
 and illiberality. The impulse of the boy to find on the outside 
 some means by which his life might be made endurable was 
 undoubtedly a legal effort. 
 
 It will be recollected also, that Zanthon was little more than 
 a child, not conversant with the responsibilities of servitude and 
 therefore guiltless in the eye of the law. He imagined Mrs. 
 Figbit's arrangement with Ben Razzo on his behalf included 
 plenty of food at least ; and hence when this failed to come he 
 was justified in seeking it elsewhere. 
 
 It fortunately transpired that this was one of the days old 
 Jemmy returned to Seaview, being in its vicinity. He came 
 in while Zanthon was weeping ; and the silence which ensued 
 after the few whispered inquiries made to the boy were answered, 
 was fearful. Jemmy felt as if he, himself, had been whipped 
 and bent over the fireplace in deep meditation for a long 
 time. 
 
 No (Joubt this was done, also, to allow Zanthon's grief to pass 
 off in a natural way without rude interruption. When every 
 thing was quiet Zanthon seating himself beside his old friend 
 said : 
 
 " Jemmy, I must go away from this place." 
 
 " I have been just thinking that way myself," answered the 
 old man, u but," he continued, "I could not make out where 
 you would go to." 
 
 " I'll go to Nancy, of course." 
 
 " Nancy is nobody and has all she can do to get food for her 
 self." 
 
 " I know very well Jemmy, what you say about her poverty 
 is true ; but she will take care of me." 
 
 " Besides," said Jemmy, " if you go without the consent of
 
 JUSTICE REGULATES HER SCALES 335 
 
 Ben Razzo he might send some one after you and bring you 
 back." 
 
 " Could he do so, Jemmy ?" 
 
 " Ben Razzo can do anything." 
 
 " But if I sent for Nancy and told her to take me away what 
 would he do ?" 
 
 "He would keep you and turn her out. If she had the 
 strength of twenty-nine elephants, it would be of no use against 
 Ben Razzo ; because he could move the officers of the law in 
 his favor, who would throw her into prison. I will tell you 
 what is best to be done ; hold out for a change. I always found 
 it a first-rate plan. Not many people believe in it; I do. When 
 a change comes, for come it will, one is as liable to gain by it 
 as the other. You cannot be much worse off than you are now, 
 therefore, Zanty, my boy, hold out for a change." 
 
 This seemed sage advice in view of the fact that the boy 
 must make a virtue of necessity and' remain in the service of 
 Ben Razzo whether he liked it or not. 
 
 As the hour for the master's supper approached, the usual 
 preparations were made in the kitchen. However, notwithstand 
 ing the length of time since his retirement into his chamber, 
 Ben Razzo made no movement that could be heard outside of 
 it by those awaiting his commands. 
 
 At length the supper hour did arrive ; and yet his door re 
 mained closed. 
 
 Jemmy threw up his head into the air with an expression of 
 wonder, rarely, if ever before, seen on his features ; and his 
 under jaw fell until the orifice of his mouth became like a gap 
 ing cavern in the side of a hill. 
 
 Whispering to Zanthon, he said : 
 
 " Ben Razzo is sorry for what was done and is repenting 
 alone in his room." 
 
 The boy did not make any comment on this remark. 
 
 When at the end of half an hour nothing but silence still 
 prevailed, Jemmy resumed :
 
 336 ZANTHON 
 
 " If this continues much longer, I will knock at his door and 
 ask for instructions." 
 
 " About what ? " asked the boy. 
 
 "About supper," answered the man ; and he continued : 
 
 "Although the only good it will do me is to see somebody 
 else eat while I go to bed fasting, yet there is more satisfaction 
 in that than you would believe at the first mention of it ; be 
 sides, maybe the man fell in a swoon, and we here not knowing 
 the circumstance." 
 
 Before Jemmy arose, however, to carry out his laudable inten 
 tion, the door opened suddenly and Ben Razzo made his appear 
 ance. 
 
 Without waiting to receive the customary obeisance, he hur 
 riedly waved his hand, signifying that the old man was to fol 
 low him into his private apartment. Jemmy, taken aback by 
 these unusually rapid movements, was no less surprised when 
 on entering the chamber, he was instructed by his master to 
 assist him to undress before going to bed. Now this implied that 
 something was wrong, because there had been no supper. As 
 the silence as well as the mystery involving this curious state of 
 things became apparent to Jemmy's mind, he concluded it 
 would be best to speak out boldly and fearlessly on the subject, 
 instead of waiting to be apprised by his master. Convinced, 
 therefore, of the utility of this course, he said in a tremulous 
 voice : 
 
 " I hope, honored sir, you are not feeling unwell ? " 
 
 After a short silence, Ben Razzo answered in a voice very 
 much altered from that which used to greet Jemmy's ears on 
 former occasions, and in which the old man thought he could 
 discover a tinge of whining : 
 
 " I am a little cold. My walk to-day, I think, disagreed with 
 me in some unaccountable way, or I was chilled while sitting 
 near an open window." 
 
 " Ah ! you have a fine constitution, honored sir," said Jemmy. 
 "Nothing in the world can hurt that. Haven't I been looking
 
 JUSTICE REGULATES HER SCALES 337 
 
 at you for years and years as hearty and as strong as man 
 could be, and never a day sick ? " 
 
 " I would feel any sudden attack more acutely on that ac 
 count." 
 
 " But, honored sir, you will not be attacked. You are in the 
 prime of life. The situation here by the sea is invigorating, 
 but above all the Almighty is protecting you in a special man 
 ner for the good of his poor people." 
 
 " Probably after sleeping to-night I will be quite recovered." 
 
 " No doubt of it, honored sir. Indeed, it would be a terrible 
 blow to the country should any misfortune overtake you. It 
 mustn't be thought of for an instant." 
 
 Ben Razzo felt, evidently, that Jemmy's language approached 
 flattery, for he changed the subject without noticing the impli 
 cation of the last sentence. 
 
 "Keep my room door open, Jemmy, and sit near it so you 
 may hear me call." 
 
 " That I will, honored sir, if it required my presence for a 
 year and a day ; but won't you have your usual good supper ? " 
 
 Ben Razzo looked toward the cupboard wherein his stores 
 were kept, and answered : 
 
 " No, I am better without it." 
 
 Jemmy, too, cast a lingering glance in the same direction, 
 expecting he might receive a commission to open the pre 
 cious receptacle, and thereby be enabled to behold a sight 
 he had long yearned after, but his master's reply settled the 
 question. 
 
 Then Ben Razzo went to bed and Jemmy seated himself out 
 side the open door. Making a silent motion to Zanthon to 
 appoach, the old man whispered in a very low voice : 
 
 " We are a little sick to-night," pointing with his thumb 
 over his shoulder to the place where Ben Razzo lay. " We 
 will be well to-morrow after a night's sleep." 
 
 Zanthon went back to his seat, on the other side of the fire, 
 place, without making any reply, believing the necessities of 
 
 ZAXTHON lij
 
 338 ZANTHON 
 
 the situation required absolute silence. A few minutes after 
 ward Jemmy was called into the sick chamber. 
 
 " See who are talking outside my window Jemmy," said Ben 
 Razzo, " I am disturbed by their conversation." 
 
 With considerable surprise Jemmy proceeded to the plaae 
 indicated but found no one. Then searched around the house, 
 the darkness having set in by this time, but with a similar 
 result. Returning he said : 
 
 " There is not a living soul there, honored sir ; nor has there 
 been to-night at any time. I would have heard the least noise." 
 
 " I thought I heard voices under the window ;" said the sick 
 man. 
 
 ' Do you mean, honored sir, under the house ? " 
 
 " No ; under the front window, as if two persons were sitting 
 there and trying to force the passage open." 
 
 " It was some other noise you heard, honored sir," resumed 
 Jemmy. " Countrymen returning home on the road outside 
 the lawn, perhaps." 
 
 Having given this assurance to Ben Razzo, principally for 
 the purpose of quieting his fears, and not because it may have 
 been true or false, Jemmy returned to his seat near the door 
 pondering very much on these circumstances. Presently he 
 was again summoned to the bedside of Ben Razzo, who said : 
 
 "Jemmy, the air in the room is getting oppressive. It feels 
 as if something had been introduced into it for the purpose of 
 vitiating its purity. Besides there are disturbances in the cor 
 ners of the room that inspire me with fear ! " 
 
 " With fear ! honored sir," reiterated Jemmy in amazement, 
 " of what kind?" 
 
 "I don't know. The persons are shrouded in darkness and 
 have a threatening attitude." 
 
 " Everything is just as it used to be, honored sir," said the 
 old man, calmly, although he began to tremble with the excit- 
 l ng nature of the situation. 
 
 "You are getting feverish, maybe," he continued, placing
 
 JUSTICE REGULATES HER SCALES 339 
 
 his hand on Ben Razzo's head and then on his breast. " I 
 declare you are actually in a high fever, honored sir. May it 
 not be well if I go and bring you a doctor ?" 
 
 " I thought we could get along without one," answered the 
 patient. 
 
 " No doubt we will," resumed Jemmy ; "If he does no good 
 he may do no harm. I might ask him to look in for a few 
 minutes." 
 
 " Don't leave me for an instant. Do you not see the prep 
 arations that are being made. These men in the corners are 
 going to take me. They are threatening to rush at me ; they 
 want my soul ! " 
 
 Jemmy raised his hands and eyes in the direction of heaven 
 as if appealing to it to witness this sad condition of Ben Razzo. 
 The old man pale as a ghost moved nervously before the bed 
 unable to determine what to do, while large beads of perspira 
 tion stood out on his forehead or trickled down his cheeks. 
 Finally he resolved to inform the people as well as call in the 
 doctors ; and with these intentions in view rushed precipitately 
 from the house calling on Zanthon to follow him, lest the deli 
 rious master might injure the boy. 
 
 " This is the strangest thing I ever did see," said Jemmy. "A 
 man of his health to be taken down so sudden and unexpected.'' 
 " There is no other way that strong men are taken down, is 
 there Jemmy ? " said Zanthon. 
 
 " Maybe not , the ways of the Lord are curious, howsom- 
 ever, even with his elect," returned Jemmy. 
 
 Turning into every second or third house, on the route, the 
 old man informed the occupants of the trouble at Seaview, 
 until rich and poor, knew of the circumstance. The news had 
 the -effect of rousing the populace, as effectually as if an enemy 
 lay without the ^suburbs of the town, and was preparing to 
 pound it into dust with shot and shell. 
 
 A very short time elapsed after Jemmy and Zanthon left, 
 until Ben Razzo's friends took charge of him and his house.
 
 340 ZANTHON 
 
 During the night, even, there was a continuous stream of peo 
 ple between the town and Seaview anxious to know the particu 
 lars of the case and the probability of the death or recovery of 
 the sick man. Couriers were dispatched in haste to distant 
 parts of the country, who dashed over the road at breakneck 
 speed. Flambeaus were carried through the darkness, accom 
 panied by crowds of excited people, talking shouting and pray 
 ing ; and during the first hour after the circulation of the news 
 the streets of Lennabean were actually filled with people as if 
 they had been impelled to turn out en masse through fear of a 
 plague. 
 
 The principal cause of this commotion was not so much a 
 love for Ben Razzo as the suddenness of the news of his indis 
 position and the eagerness with which persons living in remote 
 districts are ever ready to discuss extraordinary events. 
 
 About noon, on the following day many carriages of the 
 gentry might be seen on the lawn in front of the house with 
 here and there a country wagon, kept in place, while the 
 owners made inquiries at the door regarding the condition of 
 the stricken man. 
 
 Within the house everything was changed. 
 
 The doors and windows stood open. Benches and chairs 
 from neighboring houses were arranged along the walls, for the 
 accommodation of visitors. 
 
 Bottles of medicine, fruit, wine, and other remedies or sooth 
 ing appliances, occupied a table near the sick man's bed. The 
 sacred cupboard, even, had been rudely handled, its fasten 
 ings burst asunder and its contents distributed among rela 
 tives who began to think they were already entitled to his 
 property. 
 
 The doctors, three in number, held a hasty consultation for a 
 few minutes in the exact place where Ben Razzo supposed he 
 had heard the men endeavoring to gain access to the house. 
 
 While one remained to watch the case, the others putting on 
 their gloves drove away.
 
 JUSTICE REGULATES HER SCALES 341 
 
 Ben Razzo lay in bed extended at full length, his head 
 thrown well back over a low pillow, his hands outside the cov 
 ering. 
 
 The fever appeared unusually severe and rapid in its des 
 tructive action. During the night he became delirious, necessi 
 tating the employment of some strong men to prevent him 
 getting out of bed ; but now there was a state of collapse, 
 probably due to the previous physical exertion. 
 
 He was unconscious. 
 
 An hour after noon those around the sick bed reported unfa 
 vorable changes taking place in the patient's countenance. 
 
 The doctor closely observing the man, said in effect that he, 
 Ben Razzo, was liable to expire at any time ; adding in expla 
 nation that he was now fast sinking ; and as far as he could 
 see, there did not appear to be further hopes of his recovery. 
 
 One of the relatives, a man of benevolent aspect and earn 
 estly devoted to piety stepping forward said to the people : 
 
 " Let us offer up petitions to God. in order that he may be 
 moved to spare the life of this good man Ben Razzo. Who 
 was like him ? Was he not the soul of piety itself; the wit 
 ness of truth, the right hand of justice ? Who will arise here 
 after fbr us and for our children equal to him ? 
 
 His zeal in behalf of the poor was like a fountain of living 
 water when it rushes through a gorge in the mountain and 
 brings refreshment to the plain beneath. Let us ask that he 
 will not die in the prime of his years and leave the world in 
 anguish on account of his decease." 
 
 After this the multitude knelt in prayer, those on the outside 
 as well as the persons within the house. 
 
 The day was calm, the sky clear, as if the inferior powers had 
 been silenced to make place for some catastrophe dire or propi 
 tious. The birds were singing in the heavens- above the ver 
 dant fields. 
 
 The view of the sea resembled the vision of eternity's brink, 
 tinted in the colors of a paradise.
 
 342 ZANTHON 
 
 In the landscape could be discerned beautiful woods and 
 hills resembling the domes of fabled temples in far-off islands 
 of western seas. 
 
 The solemn appearance of the people kneeling in the open 
 air, supplemented by the gorgeous display of nature made up 
 a grand picture ; fine enough, indeed, to witness the death of a 
 king. 
 
 Ben Razzo, evidently was favored by these conditions. 
 
 Of those kneeling within the house, some more enthusiastic 
 than others reached over to the head of the sick man and 
 prayed aloud into his ears. 
 
 Nothing, however, transpired but the gradual lessening of 
 his vital forces. 
 
 When the loud prayers had ceased and the succeeding 
 silence became well marked, there could be heard coming from 
 the sick chamber a peculiar noise, at first indistinctly ; but 
 gradually acquiring increased tone and vigor until it could be 
 recognized by every listener. It resembled the jolting together 
 of hollow bones at intervals of a few seconds. 
 
 The people shuddered. 
 
 Persons who understood what the noise meant, said to those 
 near them : 
 
 " It is the death rattle ! Ben Razzo is dying." 
 
 On this occasion the silence became very profound and the 
 frightful sounds went out uninterruptedly, mingling with the 
 beauties of the scene like a deformed monster cast by the sea 
 upon a lovely shore. 
 
 Jemmy had knelt near the foot of the bed with others and 
 prayed earnestly in the goodness and simplicity of his heart. 
 
 It was remarked that he frequently turned his head to look 
 into the open cupboard in the wall ; and those who made the 
 observation were puzzled to understand the significance of such 
 movement, seeing that the receptacle was empty. 
 
 They little knew, however, of the deep impression the inte 
 rior of this cupboard had made on Jemmy's mind in times
 
 JUSTICE EEGIJLATES HER SCALES 843 
 
 gone by, when he would have bartered his hopes of heaven 
 almost for the privilege of examining it and feasting his 
 eyes on the wonderful collection of rich viands therein 
 deposited. 
 
 Now that he saw it for the first time, filled only with empti 
 ness ; its glory fled, its riches ruthlessly confiscated, he won 
 dered, even while he prayed, that so small a circumstance or 
 subject should influence his life so long. The trifling desire 
 had grown in his imagination to immense proportions only to 
 desert him in the end and show how unprofitable it had been 
 to engage in such pursuit like many other ideas that had come 
 to as abrupt and woful a termination. 
 
 Zanthon stood at an open window, on the outside, looking in 
 at the dying man. His head and feet were bare of covering 
 as usual ; for he had received no addition to his clothing since 
 parting with Nancy, except the article procured from the 
 grocer. He could see the ocean from the position he occupied 
 and the glory of the prospect already referred to. 
 
 Within, it was BO sad and around him so solemn, that the 
 memory of his father came up with extraordinary force until 
 tears ran down his cheeks. 
 
 It was singular how conspicuously the two most remarkable 
 individuals of the time and place, the dying man and the boy, 
 stood out in bold relief, contrasted with others present. 
 
 While every person in the assemblage was kneeling, Zan 
 thon stood in a place where all could see him. It was as if the 
 Infinite had said : 
 
 " Look thou at this man in the agonies of death ; and behold 
 the boy, the innocent victim of his cruelty 1 " 
 
 The gorgeous attire of the master now thrown negligently 
 into obscure places, or displayed for effect near his bed, and the 
 poor covering of the servant, formed a remarkable contrast. 
 
 The flavor from the luxuries in the room and the emaciated 
 appearance of the boy's face bore evidence of some great 
 inequality or hidden wrong perpetrated on him ; yet there was
 
 344 ZANTHON 
 
 a calm light in Zanthon's eyes grander, by far, than that which 
 came from the gem on the finger of Ben Razzo. 
 
 Justice had come on the scene at last. The law, or the 
 order of the unknown, was being executed. 
 
 The invisible court had sent its decision and was irrevocable. 
 
 No one dare dispute its inevitable operation. 
 
 The boy was free, while his master was throttled by a power 
 not responsible to mankind for its acts. 
 
 When the death rattle ceased Ben Razzo was dead 1 
 Eternal Justice stood exonerated.
 
 CHAPTER XXVI. 
 
 ZANTHON HEARS A LECTURE ON MEN. 
 
 ' I 'HE financial affairs of Ben Razzo gave rise to wide-spread 
 * difficulties among his friends, before a final settlement 
 was reached. The courts were filled with law suits, origi 
 nating on one pretense or another, with relative against 
 relative until a large part of the property had been a'bsorled 
 by litigation. 
 
 Nay more ; a disturbance resembling a pitched battle 
 occurred in the streets of Lennabean shortly after his death, 
 caused by disputes over his personal effects at which ten per 
 sons lost their lives and as many more were carried home 
 wounded. 
 
 None of the friends, however, attempted to provide for Zan- 
 thon. His future destination was arranged in this manner : 
 
 Three days after the funeral a public auction was held on 
 the premises at Seaview for the purpose of disposing of the 
 horse which had been brought in, and a few articles of house 
 hold furniture. We may say this was a forced sale. Jemmy 
 and Zanthon standing outside the house about eleven o'clock 
 in the forenoon saw a woman alight from a country wagon at 
 the gate. This was no unusual circumstance ; yet something 
 in her manner attracted their attention. She had a masculine 
 air although a small person, walking at a quick pace directly 
 towards the house. Upon a nearer approach it could be 
 observed she carried a whip in her hand. Before the friends 
 had time to exchange words on the woman's singular appear- 
 
 (345)
 
 346 ZANTHON 
 
 ance, Zanthon was surprised as well as overjoyed to behold Mrs. 
 Figbit before them. 
 
 As the man and boy stood immovable, almost paralyzed 
 with astonishment, the woman divining the cause, raised the 
 whip and made a fierce cut at the air between them, which 
 made Jemmy fall back with as much alacrity, as if he had 
 been given a new lease of life. 
 
 She then embraced the boy, smoothed his head with her 
 hand and taking from her pocket a sandwich of bread, butter, 
 and meat, bade him refresh himself. 
 
 In the mean time she surprised him beyond measure with the 
 news she brought. 
 
 Her business at Seaview was to take Zanthon away. She 
 had come specially for him ; and he would return with her 
 that very afternoon ! Nay, to-night Nancy would meet them as 
 they entered the town where she worked. 
 
 Was'nt that glorious ! 
 
 However, this was not all. She had a few days before con 
 cluded arrangements for a new place or situation where the 
 boy's comfort would be attended to and his wants fully sup 
 plied. Still she went further. 
 
 At the sale she actually purchased Crispus, Ben Razzo's 
 favorite horse, and Zanthon would ride him through the town 
 of Lennabean triumphantly, she, Mrs. Figbit, sitting behind 
 him to witness his delight. Happy boy ! was there ever any 
 one so fortunate ? He leaped around the woman, laughed and 
 cried alternately until a person would imagine he was a raving 
 maniac, 
 
 His delight knew no bounds. 
 
 Jemmy, on the contrary, became exceedingly dejected on 
 learning he was to part with his young friend. Tears stood in 
 his eyes and his form seemed to bend more than previously. 
 When the time for the boy's departure arrived, Jemmy followed 
 him through Lennabean where a large crowd of people had 
 congregated to bid him good-by.
 
 ZANTHON HEARS A LECTURE ON MEN 347 
 
 "God be with you Zanty." "Good-by Zanty." "God bless you 
 Zanty," were heard on all sides. Thus with the good wishes 
 of the citizens to encourage him, the strong arm of Mrs. Figbit 
 at his back, and the genial day to bear him sweet company, 
 Zanthon proudly rode out of town. 
 
 " I have no patience with those men," said Mrs. Figbit allud 
 ing to the encounter with old Jemmy, after she and Zanthon 
 had cleared Lennabean and were moving along the country 
 road pleasantly. 
 
 " That man stood up there with his mouth open looking at me 
 as if I was a shark just corne in from the bay and was going to 
 swallow him, when he should have known that I wanted to 
 speak with you baby." 
 
 "I think, Mrs. Figbit, said Zanthon, "he was surprised to 
 see you." 
 
 " Suppose that he was ; why did'nt he get out of my way in 
 time ? A man of his age ought to have some solid understand 
 ing of things, and not allow himself to become like a petrified 
 baboon." 
 
 "Jemmy is one of the best men in the world," returned Zan 
 thon, " I have a great regard for him. He was very kind and 
 good to me." 
 
 " If he had acted in any other way I would have horse 
 whipped him on sight," answered Mrs. Figbit forcibly, drawing 
 the whip from under her arm, and cutting furiously at some 
 imaginary figure in the air. 
 
 "It will take you a long time, baby," she continued, "to 
 know who are the best men in the world. Old Jemmy is a poor 
 shiftless simpleton, good enough if permitted to talk near a fire 
 or roam about other people's homes in search of a bite to eat, 
 but not able to gain a decent living for himself. If you ad 
 mire men at all, and I would'nt if I was you, let it be on 
 account of what they can do for the world after they have 
 made themselves independent. Baby, my dear, be careful to
 
 343 ZANTHON 
 
 keep men at a distance until you are able to separate the good 
 
 from the bad. 
 
 Most of them h^ve kept the world back hundreds of years. 
 The mean, low wretches, drunkards, swindlers, idlers, thieves, 
 
 murderers and others too numerous to mention." 
 " Are there many of such men ? " asked the boy. 
 " The country is full of them. The towns are crowded with 
 
 their kind my dear." 
 
 As Zanthon had studied men by taking his father as a 
 
 model, and concluding, therefore, that they were all good, this 
 
 announcement of Mrs. Figbit startled him, besides exciting his 
 
 curiosity to know more of the subject. 
 
 " I never heard of that before, ma'am ; I mean so bad." 
 
 " No, baby, people did not want to disturb your young heart 
 
 by such accounts, but now that you are left to yourself, the 
 
 sooner you get to know the whole truth, the better. They are 
 
 a mean lot, those men ; a dangerous crowd, baby ; as tough as 
 
 a wild beast show, my dear ! " 
 
 " Where may I see them, Mrs. Figbit ? " 
 
 "In. jail!" promptly answered the woman, "in the street 
 
 channels after dark, in bed when the sun is shining, shivering 
 
 through want, but too lazy to work. In the grog-shops swilling 
 
 drink, or sneaking in various shapes through the ranks of the 
 
 people bent on doing mischief." 
 
 " Why do they not follow a better course ? " 
 
 " Because they are low-bred, miserable creatures." 
 
 " Perhaps they would improve if told what to do." 
 
 " Why, baby, they have been told. We sent them teachers 
 
 and preachers without number ; books ha"ve been printed by 
 
 the million for their use, but all to no purpose ; they wiU not 
 
 do good or think right." 
 
 " I suppose it is too difficult," said the boy ; then he resumed : 
 
 " How would you remedy the trouble ? " 
 
 " If I had my way I'd drown them in the sea. They are not 
 
 /forth anything either to God or man."
 
 ZANTHON HEARS A LECTURE ON MEN 349 
 
 When Mrs. Figbit had finished this speech, she gave a lurch 
 in her seat that threatened to unhorse herself and Zanthon. 
 The boy being silent, she continued : 
 
 " Some people blame me because I'm bold. I was forced 
 into it, baby, I was driven to it. Seeing the stupid meanness 
 of some men who could be bad and yet escape the law, I had 
 to cry out and scold, or my feelings would burst me." 
 
 " Are there men like these in every country, Mrs. Figbit ? " 
 
 "Yes, baby, they are everywhere ; there could not be a place 
 without them, because like dirty water they spread." 
 
 " The reason must be somewhere beyond our understanding," 
 observed Zanthon, reflectively. 
 
 "It is not beyond mine, my boy," replied Mrs. Figbit. "If 
 I could lay this whip on the shoulders of some of them, you 
 would see what a revolution it would make in their conduct. 
 It is the dogged animal nature in them that loves to resist 
 order." 
 
 " Then you think it best that this state of things ought to be 
 kept down by force." 
 
 " Indeed I do, baby, and lots of it at that. Give it to 'em 
 heavy and sure." 
 
 " How can it be done ? " 
 
 " By means of the law, baby. Set the law on them, same as 
 you would chase a robber by a bull-dog ; but if the law is not 
 near you, do the best you can for yourself as I did at one time 
 my husband and two of his friends returned to the house about 
 the dinner hour. There was a drunken man with them who 
 they could not get rid of. This man began to cut up in the 
 house, and finally falling to the floor began to kick my furni 
 ture, especially the center table, on which was a dish of cabbage 
 ready for dinner. Although there were three men present look 
 ing at him, my own husband one of the number, not one would 
 make an effort to stop his mad work. They seemed as if their 
 minds had escaped from their bodies, and left only enough life 
 to keep them standing.
 
 350 ZANTHON 
 
 I would not have done anything myself, perhaps, if the fellow 
 had only kicked the table ; but seeing him aiming maliciously 
 with his heavy boot, at the cabbage, all the powers of my soul 
 rushed to my assistance and impelled me to go to the rescue of 
 my favorite vegetable. In an instant I seized him by the legs, 
 dragged him to the door, then out into the street and wiped the 
 gutter with him, while the witnesses lustily applauded when 
 they were relieved of the trouble themselves which I was com 
 pelled to perform. 
 
 There is another thing baby," continued Mrs Figbit, "I 
 want to tell you about : it is ingratitude. People will be un 
 grateful and you must expect it." 
 
 " Not every one," said Zanthon. 
 
 " A great number," resumed the woman. " A very great 
 number indeed, baby. My own experience is enough to con 
 vince you of that. I traveled fifty miles at one time for the 
 purpose of helping a sick woman ; but her husband gave out 
 that I had selfish designs at the bottom of it all. I sent milk 
 every morning free to a family for a whole year ; but one day 
 it did not reach them in time and forgetful of the past favors 
 bestowed on them, they called me bad names and said I was 
 impertinent on account of disappointing their expectations. I 
 bought clothes for the poor in winter ; the boys of these same 
 people came arid broke my windows. Everywhere I turned 
 my hand I met a similar experience, even my own relatives 
 were hard against me." 
 
 " I would not blame you," said Zanthon, with enthusiasm, 
 " if you procured a whip and attempted to scourge mankind 
 without any distinction of persons and without mercy." 
 
 " Thank you, baby. I did not get the whip until later on. 
 There was, however, a great power given to my tongue which I 
 used with considerable advantage and effect, until I met you 
 and Figbit died." 
 
 " I will never forget your kindness to me," said the boy sym 
 pathetically.
 
 ZANTHON HEARS A LECTURE ON MEN 351 
 
 "Never mind, baby. I found afterwards ingratitude was 
 useful. We should not expect any return from doing a good 
 act ; excepting the satisfaction which it brought. A noble deed 
 is injured by compensation ; therefore, my dear, when you re 
 lieve others in distress be a stranger to them." 
 
 Zanthon pondered deeply on this advice ; the woman con 
 tinued : 
 
 " When I found that the man I married was esteemed great 
 by the common people ; but in reality a mere fool and hypo 
 crite, I raved like one possessed. I felt disgusted and dis 
 appointed. Why not ? 
 
 A good man is a great man, baby. The women who are so 
 fortunate as to marry this kind may well defy the world and it 
 will be their own fault if they are not well off; but the others 
 well, the others " 
 
 " What of them, Mrs. Pigbit ? " 
 
 " Oh, baby, it is too hard to tell. Some marry thieves, gam 
 blers, men of beastly habits, criminals of various kinds, vain 
 fools, fellows of no good principle, persons incapable of sup 
 porting themselves or anybody else and men who bring others 
 to ruin in various ways. The women invariably come down to 
 the level of their husbands. They never know what is peace. 
 They would as soon curse a sunbeam as admire its beauty 
 They are so much accustomed to behold wrong-doing that they 
 will not look into the blue sky lest the celestial vision might 
 strike them dead. They imagine there is nothing on earth but 
 misery and fraud." 
 
 " How terrible that is," said the boy mournfully. He then 
 asked: 
 
 "Are there many such women ? " 
 
 " They may be reckoned by the thousand. Like wild game, 
 the woods are full of 'em," answered the woman, reiterating 
 what she had said regarding men, a short time before and sat 
 isfied by the tone of her voice thaj, its truth was well estab 
 lished.
 
 352 ZANTHON 
 
 Zanthon began to muse rather than attempt to reach a solu 
 tion of the subject involved in Mrs. Figbit's discourse, and the 
 woman ceased speaking. 
 
 When she renewed the conversation she informed the boy 
 how she had heard the news of Ben Razzo's death, her deter 
 mination to proceed by means of a country wagon to Sea- 
 view, secure Zanthon and Crispus and return in triumph 
 home. 
 
 "Not," said she, "that I want Crispus for myself but for a 
 friend who deputized me to buy him." 
 
 Late in the afternoon of that day Mrs. Figbit and Zanthon 
 arrived in town. They put up at a public caravansary reputed, 
 by a sign on the outside, to be competent to furnish dry lodg 
 ings for man and beast. 
 
 Here the woman standing in a conspicuous place in the prin 
 cipal reception room, and holding the whip in her hand, gave 
 the necessary directions regarding accommodations for herself 
 and the boy as well as the disposition of Crispus. 
 
 Then she dispatched a messenger for Big Nancy, with in 
 structions to inform that individual of baby's arrival in town 
 and to come at once to see him. 
 
 After these preliminary arrangements had been made she 
 and Zanthon retired to the apartments furnished for their use. 
 
 Nancy came like a whirlwind. 
 
 At the door she stood for an instant, as if petrified by the 
 sight of Zanthon and Mrs. Figbit ; her face distorted like the 
 angry sky and her eyes rolling like balls of fire. Woman and 
 boy rose courteously to greet her, on account of which she was 
 overwhelmed with emotion and could only bellow and blubber 
 as evidence that she intended to speak. 
 
 When the excitement caused by Nancy's entrance ceased, the 
 three friends sat down together to further deliberate on Zan- 
 thon's future prospects. 
 
 Mrs. Figbit, far-seeing woman that she was, after pressing her 
 lips and making other mysterious signs of disclosing an im-
 
 ZANTHON HEARS A LECTURE ON MEN 353 
 
 portant secret, informed her friends that she had already 
 secured a place for Zanthon. 
 
 " Before I tell you all about it," she said, " I must speak on 
 a subject that has been on my mind a long time in regard to 
 you baby, my dear. It is education. We must get you 
 education." 
 
 Nancy bent an enquiring [look on Mrs. Figbit to find if she 
 could not discover what new fangled idea of the Figbit order 
 was concealed under this word just spoken. The woman un 
 derstood Nancy's stare as if its meaning were written in red 
 characters on the wall. 
 
 "You don't know what that means Nancy," she continued: 
 
 "All that's required in your case is to know how to work. 
 
 To sweat and drudge for other people is good enough for 
 you ; but baby must get education because it will make him a 
 fine man. 
 
 Now I'll tell you what education is Nancy ; it is the cate 
 chism and the rule of three ; that's education. 
 
 I don't know them myself. I wish I did, it might keep me 
 from scolding. I never could learn anything ; but I heard a 
 great deal about it. Figbit believed himself very knowledge 
 able. The gain that came to me on account of his knowing so 
 much wasn't very great. I don't think it was the right kind 
 he had any way. I'm told that those who know these branches 
 can go through the world with flying colors and meet with no 
 disappointments." 
 
 As Mrs. Figbit's listeners smiled approvingly, she con 
 tinued : 
 
 "I have not forgotten this while speaking in your favor, 
 baby, to your future friends. I asked if they could teach you 
 the catechism and the rule of three, to which the lady made 
 answer that they could. Then I told her I would expect you 
 to become acquainted with them as soon as possible ; and she 
 kindly said she would see that they were taught to you as sti 
 pulated. Because said I, furthermore he comes from a good 
 
 ZANTHON 23
 
 354 ZANTHON 
 
 family as far as I can judge ; and therefore he ought to know 
 more than others." 
 
 Mrs. Figbit paused as if for a reply ; but finding none forth 
 coming resumed: 
 
 " The people you are going to serve in future baby, my dear 
 are the Flippingtons, of Flippington Lodge. 
 
 No nicer family in the world I understand. Indeed they 
 live in grand style and see a great deal of fashionable com 
 pany. They have a beautiful villa or lodge near the sea on 
 the opposite shore of the bay from Lennabean." 
 
 " Will they give me new clothes? " asked Zanthon. 
 
 "That they will," responded the woman, "Broadcloth 
 clothes with gilt buttons in front, up to the shoulders ; and a 
 silk hat and gloves! " 
 
 Nancy clapped her hands in delight at the glowing account 
 of Zanthon's future prosperity, while the boy laughed outright 
 in harmony with her thoughts. 
 
 " You will have plenty of good food," resumed Mrs. Figbit 
 " and get some pay besides. We cdtne to the conclusion that 
 a dollar a quarter, or every three months, would do to begin 
 with. Not that this will be the only thing. There will be 
 house money besides." 
 
 Here Nancy and Zanthon exchanged looks of surprise, 
 intending to ascertain the character of Mrs. Figbit's mean 
 ing. 
 
 " I believe Mrs. Flippington said that the company resorting 
 at the Lodge would give you money," returned Mrs. Figbit, 
 " which we call house money." 
 
 Zanthon considered Mrs. Figbit's efforts in his behalf a great 
 success. 
 
 His spirits rose to a vast height under the stimulating effects 
 of her kind words ; and for the first time since the happy days 
 of his boyhood he felt that the future seemed clear and reas 
 suring.
 
 ZANTHON HEAKS A LECTUEE ON MEN 355 
 
 The change would evidently remove him from abject pov 
 erty, in which he had hitherto moved, to comfort and independ 
 ence. At least it appeared to him an equivalent to admission 
 into another sphere if no hidden monstrosity lay in wait to 
 strike at his happiness.
 
 CHAPTER XXVII. 
 
 THE SHADOW OF FLIPPINGTON LODGE. 
 
 'VANTHON was conveyed in a country wagon to his destina- 
 ^- J tion in accordance with the plans of Mrs. Figbit. 
 
 The day was as beautiful as a dream of paradise. 
 
 When the boy alighted from the conveyance and thanked the 
 man for his kind action, he saw Flippington Lodge before him, 
 a handsome structure situated in the center of rich grounds. 
 
 It was about half a mile from the bay', but the front com 
 manded an extensive view over a magnificent landscape tend 
 ing south and west, including a bluff, a strand or beach, a sec 
 tion of woodland and meadow, hills and rolling plains, and a 
 bluish-tinted promontory stretching far into the sea in the direc 
 tion of the north. 
 
 In the vicinity of the dwelling referred to was a village of 
 white-washed houses famous as a summer-resort for health and 
 pleasure seekers, who congregated here from other towns and 
 districts to enjoy annually the animation attendant on open air 
 exercises, and the inhalation of sea breezes. 
 
 Flippington Lodge exhibited a superior architectural design. 
 The outline disclosed two stories elevation, two wings having 
 decorated facades, one looking east as if forever waiting to 
 greet the morning sun, while the other sought the restless but 
 picturesque surface of the adjacent bay. 
 
 The large- hall door of heavy carved wood, the spacious ves 
 tibule, the bay windows draped within with rare and expensive 
 stuffs, the dormer and hooded windows above, the hip roof, the 
 
 ( 3C6 )
 
 THE SHADOW OF FLIPPINGTON LODGE 357 
 
 chimney stacks, the polished stone steps, and the two semi-cir 
 cular carriage drives beginning at the outer gate and termin 
 ating before the dwelling gave the approach to the entrance an 
 imposing appearance. The lawn, about four hundred feet wide, 
 was diversified by flower knots and groups of shrubbery, the 
 design having been also applied to the land running along the 
 sides and back to the rear of the Lodge, where it bounded a 
 court-yard and stables, a kitchen garden, and a small grove of 
 tall trees. 
 
 Zanthon was profoundly touched by what he saw. 
 
 An impression of peace came from the scene to his mind that 
 seemed to sweeten all his senses and convert them into chan 
 nels of exquisite delight. 
 
 The air above the place was odoriferous as if derived from 
 the reputed breezes of Arabia. Tranquility dwelt there, evi 
 dently ; and he came to the conclusion that here, surely, the 
 troubles of the world would never come to him again. 
 
 Animated by this consoling reflection, he proceeded boldly 
 through the grounds in the direction of the villa, and presently 
 saw assembled at the front entrance a group of three persons ; 
 a gentleman and two ladies, who appeared to be watching his 
 movements. When, glowing with the exercise of his walk, he 
 stood before them, he observed that they were distinguished 
 people by their manners and dress. 
 
 They remained a few minutes smiling at his appearance. 
 
 The gentleman was a dapper little fellow, about five feet four 
 inches in height, active as a bird, and dressed with great taste. 
 His language was a species of chattering, very merry, bright and 
 rapid. Nature evidently did not intend that he should be sad. 
 Sometimes his utterance made him stutter when it would appear 
 as if he were endeavoring to bite the air. Patent leather shoes 
 encased his feet. The garments he wore fitted his person admira 
 bly. No doubt he possessed a nervous temperament, for he was 
 fond of moving from place to place, skipping occasionally like a 
 girl, and otherwise conducting himself in a juvenile manner.
 
 358 ZANTHON 
 
 What surprised Zanthon most was that this little gentleman 
 had white hair, making it difficult to determine his age. His 
 face, too, was pale, more elongated than round, and fairly 
 formed, the nose being long but not distinctly aquiline, the 
 mouth small with thin lips, the eyes gray, the forehead narrow, 
 the cheeks hollow, and the expression prevailing on it a mix 
 ture of comic humor and sadness. This person was Archibald 
 Flippington, the last of his race, and the individual from whom 
 Flippington Lodge had derived its name. 
 
 Mrs. Flippington, one of the ladies in the group, was also 
 diminutive and juvenile. She possessed, however, more gravity 
 of demeanor than her husband, a sweeter temper, and a greater 
 amount of mental power, yet bearing a strong resemblance to 
 him in his general characteristics. 
 
 Contrasted with Flippington as to daily life, she was more 
 passive than active, disposed oftener to regard the interests of 
 others with more attention than her own, and spent much time 
 in laying plans for the benefit of the poor, or those in need of 
 assistance, to overcome temporary difficulties. 
 
 The third person in view was Mrs. Flippington's aunt, a 
 maiden lady of sixty summers, but apparently many years 
 younger, supported, as this supposition might be, by the use of 
 false hair, which came down in ringlets on both sides of her 
 face, and above which she wore a neat head-dress peculiar to 
 matronly ladies of the period. She was known by the name of 
 Miss Cora Skittleton, but usually addressed " Miss Cora " and 
 by the Flippingtons, " Cora." Miss Cora was housekeeper, 
 manager, director, superintendent and governor of the whole 
 establishment. Her executive ability being good, and the ex 
 perience acquired by age, sufficient, her administration of the 
 affairs of the household was characterized by wisdom and econ. 
 omy. 
 
 This gave the Flippingtons ample time to amuse themselves. 
 Indeed, husband and wife were more like children than grown 
 persons, playing around in odd corners of the house, romping
 
 THE SHADOW OF FLIPPINGTON LODGE 359 
 
 over the lawn, or clapping their hands and laughing at some 
 thing thought to be funny by their simple minds. Although 
 married ten or twelve years there were no children ; but this 
 fact did not seem to disturb their pleasant relationship or bur 
 den them with unnecessary cares. They were about the same 
 age, which at the time referred to might be forty. 
 
 The Flippingtons had access to the best society circles ex 
 clusive of the nobility who, as is well known, never asso 
 ciated with commoners except in matters of business or self- 
 interest. 
 
 Besides the Lodge, the Flippingtons owned a small estate in 
 a distant part of the country which was managed by an agent 
 who turned in the money received at the end of each half year 
 and had a settlement of his account. Thus Flippington was 
 relieved of all trouble pertaining to it ; and could pursue his 
 boyish proclivities to his heart's content. 
 
 After a short inspection of the boy, Flippington whirled out 
 of his position into another near his wife, then around Miss 
 Cora and finally stopping, remarked : 
 
 " I'll wager brass buttons this is the Figbit boy. He was to 
 come to-day. The Figbit boy, a pretty boy, Helen ; a pretty 
 boy, Cora. Isn't your name Baby Zanty ? " he asked as Zan- 
 thon looked up at him. Zanthon, now familiarized to both 
 names, answering in the affirmative, Flippington continued 
 while clapping his hands with delight : 
 
 " I knew it was. I said so truly. / can tell when others 
 can't. I'd sing a song about it now ; but I will wait till flow 
 ers grow and robins come. Baby Zanty my wife is Helen and 
 my friend is Cora, here they are, my jolly boy ; but who 
 I am you will not know, you cannot tell." 
 
 Flippington accompanied these words with a kind of in 
 cantation while wheeling and skipping from point to point. 
 
 Then the ladies taking hold of the boy conducted him into 
 one of the front rooms to the right of the hall which was the 
 parlor. The house was magnificently furnished.
 
 360 ZANTHON 
 
 Polished mahogany tables and chairs, sideboards and rich 
 cases adorned the apartment. Paintings from old Roman artists 
 in elaborate frames hung on the walls. Beautiful carpets ; ex 
 quisite paper and other valuable articles of a miscellaneous 
 character added luster to the place. Through open doors one 
 could see other rooms similarly furnished, so that Zanthon was 
 bewildered by the gorgeous display before him. 
 
 The Flippingtons seemed in ecstasies about the boy, he 
 appeared so interesting ; different from other boys of his age ; 
 almost helpless and poorly clothed. 
 
 Mrs. Figbit had posted the lady as to what she would require 
 done for him regarding education ; the course having been 
 originally sketched as will be remembered, in presence of 
 Nancy and consisting of a knowledge of the catechism and 
 the " rule of three." 
 
 Mrs. Flippington on introducing this weighty matter on the 
 present occasion, said, as she looked towards her aunt : 
 
 " Cora, dear, it will not be difficult for you to teach him the 
 catechism." 
 
 She spoke in this manner lest her aunt should be embarrassed 
 if mention was made of the mathematical part. 
 
 As it was, Flippington looked over at Miss Cora with such 
 a comical smile on his countenance as indicated that he knew 
 the reason why the reservation had been made which brought 
 on what the speaker had endeavored to avoid. Miss Cora spoke 
 up exclaiming : 
 
 " Certainly, Helen dear, I will be delighted. We ought 
 perhaps practice a little on the principle of division of labor 
 and get Arch to instruct him in the rule of three." 
 
 Flippington instead of assenting to this proposition began to 
 waltz around the room, humming as he went : 
 
 " Turn, the rum, the rum ; it cannot well be done. It can 
 not well be done, oh turn, the rum, the rum." Seeing which 
 his good wife said : 
 
 " / will teach Zanthon the rule of three."
 
 THE SHADOW OF FLIPPINGTON LODGE 361 
 
 This matter being settled the next movement in order was to 
 provide the boy with decent clothing. 
 
 The wardrobe in Flippington Lodge was of itself, an institu 
 tion where suits of various patterns and sizes were kept for 
 contingent demands, such as the ladies found frequently among 
 the neighboring poor. From this collection Zanthon was pro 
 vided with an outfit, designed however to be temporary, as 
 it was contemplated to procure others better adapted to his 
 condition, at the tailor's. 
 
 The change in Zanthon's appearance on account of his 
 new dress, after emerging from the small room in which 
 the transfer was made, excited the wonder as well as the 
 merriment of those present. Flippington skipped through 
 the halls and rooms like a schoolgirl, and Mrs. Flippington 
 and Miss Cora were evidently well pleased, judging from 
 their smiles. 
 
 After much of this amusement had been enjoyed, the boy 
 being more surprised than entertained, Flippington came back 
 suddenly to the group wearing a serious countenance. He held 
 up his hand as if to command silence and said almost in a 
 whisper : 
 
 " The shadow ! how shall we manage the shadow ? " 
 
 Mrs. FHppingtoii looked distressed as she turned to Miss 
 Cora ; and the features even of this lady became overcast with 
 seriousness. 
 
 Zanthon did not understand all this or any of it. 
 
 As they descended the stairs to regain the parlor Flippington 
 ran off on tiptoe towards the kitchen, peered through the doors 
 and ran back as if afraid of something terrible. 
 
 Zanthon's astonished and inquiring gaze confronting him 
 Flippington said : 
 
 "\\e nave a shadow in this house, master Zanthon." 
 
 " Do you mean a skeleton ? " asked the boy, remembering he 
 had heard it asserted that such an instrument of terror was in 
 every house.
 
 362 ZANTHON 
 
 Flippington laughed very much at this. He clapped his 
 hands with excessive delight while he addressed his wife : 
 
 " Did you ever hear the equal of that idea, Helen ! 
 
 Skeleton eh ! The boy calls the shadow a skeleton. Is there 
 much of a skeleton about it, Helen ? Is there Cora ? A huge 
 skeleton it would make indeed. A terrible skeleton. No, Mas 
 ter Zanthon this thing moves like a whale or an elephant." 
 
 After this mysterious speech Flippington began to waltz in 
 one of the corners of the room, whistling a suitable accom 
 paniment. 
 
 At this juncture Miss Cora took hold of Zanthon by the hand, 
 looked over her shoulder as if to notify the Flippingtons to fol 
 low and marched into the hall turning towards the kitchen. 
 Arm in arm the husband and the wife came, intent on a pleas 
 ant episode. They spoke to each other in a low voice, the good 
 sense and amiability of Mrs. Flippington appearing in happy 
 contrast with the light gaiety of the man. 
 
 This movement of the party looked like a procession with 
 less solemnity than a funeral ; yet not enough merriment to 
 make it appear a May-day festival. 
 
 Arrived at the kitchen door Flippington became apparently 
 very nervous. He said : : 
 
 " Now, Master Zanthon, look out for the shadow ; and keep 
 well on your feet lest it should run over you. Cora open the 
 door with great caution. Helen stand near your natural pro 
 tector." 
 
 While Miss Cora smilingly placed her hand on the door to 
 open it, Zanthon felt this to be the greatest mystery he ever en 
 countered. Had he been at liberty he would have run off and 
 never returned to inquire if a solution of it could be obtained. 
 
 When the door was pushed back he saw a square apartment 
 of moderate dimensions furnished with all the conveniences ne 
 cessary for the prosecution of the culinary art. 
 
 Standing near the fire, holding a flesh fork in her hand, was 
 a woman of commanding appearance. She was nearly six feet
 
 THE SHADOW OF FLIPPINGTON LODGE 363 
 
 in height, squarely built, her limbs proportioned to her size 
 and the entire form somewhat corpulent. Her face was broad ; 
 the individual features of it being more or less repulsive look 
 ing, especially the nose which bore a slight resemblance to that 
 of a hog. Her eyes, too, were swinish, small and keen. These 
 characters were quite perceptible under heavy brows and a low 
 forehead. 
 
 Flippington from behind bent down and said to Zanthon in 
 a whisper. 
 
 " Do you see the shadow ? She's the shadow and no skeleton 
 you'll admit." 
 
 Miss Cora entering the kitchen said, addressing the woman: 
 
 " Mony, this is Master Zanthon, or Baby -Zanty, the new 
 boy: Zanthon, Miss Mony Grimson, the person who has charge 
 of this part of the house." 
 
 Miss Cora used a conciliatory form of words instead of telling 
 Zanthon that the woman Mony, was the cook, in order to make 
 the latter feel how much importance was attached to the ad 
 ministration of her office. 
 
 Mony turned on Zanthon a fierce look which made him 
 tremble ; but at the same time having put the flesh fork under 
 her arm, she stroked his head with her large hand in token of 
 friendship. 
 
 Mrs. Flippington moving up quietly to the woman's side 
 paid in those gentle tones peculiar to her : 
 
 " Mony be kind to the boy for my sake," to which the woman 
 replied : 
 
 " That I will, ma'am. That I will." 
 
 The relation of Mony to the Flippingtons was singular. She 
 had been in their service many years and exercised extraordi 
 nary influence over them ; like the power of a fabled genius 
 above the destinies of an enchanted castle. It was the strong 
 will of the worker gradually encroaching beyond the limits 
 originally designed for it, trespassing on the domain of the 
 rich owner. The simplicity of the Flippingtons favored this
 
 364 ZANTHON 
 
 dictatorship. Mony performed her work satisfactorily and 
 thoroughly. Indeed the amount of work done was enormous ; 
 as m\ich perhaps as two ordinary persons might be expected to 
 perform. Besides she afforded them protection as a giant 
 would a family of Lilliputians committed to his care. Under 
 these circumstances she asserted her independence at an early 
 date, that is she would not permit anyone of the household to 
 interfere with her in working according to her own methods. 
 
 For Archibald Flippington this woman possessed a supreme 
 contempt, probably because of his being unable to uphold the 
 strong positiveness of a man. His light manner disgusted 
 her. She would have openly upbraided him with want of dig 
 nity if she dared ; but she knew that any attempt to infiinge 
 on the privileges or the freedom or the peace of the master of 
 the establishment would be met with instant dismissal, no 
 matter how inconvenient it might prove to be. 
 
 On the other hand Flippington provoked great mirth for 
 himself at the expense of Mony. Her scowls made him laugh ; 
 because he imagined her displeasure was a concession to his 
 capacity for wit and this gave him satisfaction. Whenever 
 her anger rose to a high pitch he used to run off skipping and 
 jumping, laughing in the mean time until his body shook with 
 suppressed delight. In the sitting-room he talked to his wife 
 and Miss Cora about the shadow, as he called the servant, for 
 hours at a time, dilating on her exhibitions of temper with as 
 much minuteness as if they were state affairs. 
 
 To Mrs. Flippington Mony was all gentleness and respect. 
 
 Loo-king down at the little lady she used to listen to her 
 words, with the greatest show of deference it was possible to 
 assume, standing motionless as if spell-bound. Indeed she 
 often carried Mrs. Flippington over the lawn in her arms, ; 
 during inclement weather addressing her meanwhile, as if she 
 were a child. With Miss Cora, too, Mony was on the best of '. 
 terms, as her duties brought her frequently in presence of that 
 lady ; and also the wisdom displayed by the housekeeper in .
 
 THE SHADOW OF FLIPPINGTON LODGE 365 
 
 the management of household affairs had a soothing effect on 
 the mind of the servant charged as it had been with a fair por 
 tion of ignorance. 
 
 Heretofore, as hinted at above, Mony executed all the work 
 required within doors in Flippington Lodge ; but as the Flip- 
 pingtons had recently overcome some financial embarrassments 
 arising out of the transmission of the estate from the old folks 
 to them, they proposed to employ a page to wait at table, arid 
 otherwise assist in the performance of the ordinary duties per 
 taining to their establishment. 
 
 There were other reasons also for this step. A well-dressed 
 boy would attract notice. 
 
 In the public streets of the town of Kindleton where the 
 aristocracy sometimes congregated in carriages, persons would 
 be heard to say : 
 
 " This handsome youth in gaudy livery belongs to the Flip- 
 pingtons of Flippington Lodge." 
 
 If society were tempted in this manner the Flippingtons 
 would now be ready to entertain its favored members to their 
 hearts' content. 
 
 While Flippington moved through the kitchen examining 
 the objects therein displayed but in reality to listen to the con 
 versation of the others and keep well out of the range of the 
 shadow, the ladies spoke to Mony concerning Zanthon's duties 
 in the future. 
 
 " He has not had much experience Mony, in anything," said 
 Mrs. Flippington, "and we will get him to learn all that may 
 be required." 
 
 " Leave the learning of him to me, ma'am," answered the 
 shadow, rather sternly, at which Flippington looked at Zan- 
 thon and unobserved by the others, poked his forefinger at his 
 ribs, as if to insinuate that the boy was in for it. 
 
 " Of course," said Miss Cora, " I will help you as far as I can 
 with him, until he knows enough to need no more assistance 
 from us."
 
 366 ZANTHON 
 
 " I'll regulate him myself," continued Mony : 
 
 " It isn't fit for you to meddle with small people," and she 
 drew the flesh fork from under her arm, as if it were a sword, 
 and placing the prongs against the table leant upon it with her 
 outstretched hand, thus presenting a very formidable appear 
 ance. 
 
 Flippington standing behind Miss Cora managed to commu 
 nicate with Zanthon on this announcement of the shadow's- 
 He elevated his eyebrows, looked fiercely and pursed his lips to 
 indicate what terrible things were in store for him. These ex 
 hibitions of his master modified, to a great extent, the terrors 
 of the situation, which otherwise would have possessed the 
 boy's mind from his own observations of the woman's conduct, 
 seeing how fully she controlled the family. 
 
 " We will make it as pleasant for him, as possible," said Mrs. 
 Flippington : 
 
 " The poor boy has lost his friends and should be well 
 treated." 
 
 "Too much petting isn't no good," retorted the shadow. 
 " He must work out his salvation with his hands as we have 
 to do. He isn't no baby sure." 
 
 ' "Ha! ha! Zanty," said Flippington who had shifted his 
 position and now stood near the boy : 
 
 " You are not Baby Zanty after all. You are a big strong 
 thing. A mountain, boy. A whale." 
 
 Mony believing this to be a sarcasm manufactured at her 
 expense, looked round fiercely at Flippington, but he turned 
 away suddenly, knowing her intention and she thus suffered a 
 defeat. 
 
 "To be sure, Mony," returned Mrs. Flippington, "he will 
 work ; but what I meant to say was this, if you treat him 
 kindly I will take it as a personal favor done to myself and 
 give you my fullest gratitude." 
 
 This language of the good-hearted lady was too well pointed 
 to admit of further misunderstanding.
 
 THE SHADOW OF FLIPPINGTON LODGE 367 
 
 Every face became grave in admiration of her magnanimity, 
 and Flippington set aside his levity for an instant to gaze at 
 her as if struck by tlie grandeur of her words. 
 
 Mony courtesied and replied : 
 
 "Yes ma' am. I will indeed." 
 
 Then the party withdrew from the kitchen and Zanthon was 
 left alone with the shadow. 
 
 " You mustn't sit down during the day," said Mony, begin 
 ning her instructions. 
 
 " Why ? " the boy asked. 
 
 " Because you came here to work. When you are eating and 
 sleeping you may rest, but not otherwise. It is a golden rule 
 for servants." 
 
 " If I finish within before night ? " 
 
 "You may easily find something to do on the outside ; clean 
 ing the courtyard, trimming the grass in the garden and things 
 of that kind." 
 
 " Then I must be always engaged ? " 
 
 "If not within, then without." 
 
 " Hard luck," murmured the boy, laconically. 
 
 The woman continued : 
 
 " Do you see the pot over the fire ? " 
 
 "I do." 
 
 " When I tell you lift that pot off, come up boldly to the fire 
 place, take hold of the hooks, raise them and carry the vessel 
 into the middle of the floor." 
 
 Zanthon observed the blazing fire in the grate, the large pot 
 bubbling over with boiling liquid, the iron hooks by which it 
 was suspended, and concluded there was great danger in any 
 attempt at removal. 
 
 " It would scald me to death," said he. 
 
 " Well, suppose it does ? " returned the woman. " What of 
 it ? They would give you a decent burial, no doubt, a thing 
 that everybody doesn't get." 
 
 " I wouldn't like it a bit," said Zanthon.
 
 368 ZANTHON 
 
 " We do not always get what we like best," remarked Mony. 
 " If you do it quick enough and careful, nothing will happen." 
 
 This subject having been settled, the woman continued : 
 
 " Never let the kettle run dry, and keep it always boiling." 
 
 " What would happen if it did run dry ? " asked the boy, 
 innocently. 
 
 " What would happen ? " retorted Mony, with a grunt. "Why, 
 as like as not the poker would be drawn over your head in a 
 way that would make you think the world was coming to an 
 end." 
 
 The boy felt this argument to be very conclusive and admit 
 ting of 110 reply, so he remained silent, while the instructions 
 continued : 
 
 "Twice a week you will go to town for meat and groceries." 
 
 11 Will I have to walk all the way ? " 
 
 " Indeed you will, unless a conntryman should take you 
 upon his wagon and carry you along. You must trust to 
 luck." 
 
 This was not a very cheering prospect, the town being about 
 seven milec distant. The journey on foot in the morning and 
 the return during the afternoon would be a remarkably fair 
 achievement for a boy of Zanthon's age ; but when to this 
 would be added the burden of a heavy weight, it seemed too 
 hard. 
 
 " How much will I have to carry ? " he asked. 
 
 " Sometimes one thing and sometimes another. The first 
 order for you will be : a leg of mutton, sixteen pounds, a pound 
 of tea, five pounds of sugar, half pound of caraway seed and a 
 paper of needles, besides messages, and what they think of 
 before you start." 
 
 " Why all that weight will break my bones," said Zanthon in 
 wonder. 
 
 "You'll get used to it. The basket can be fitted nicely to 
 your back, and when you get tired, rest on the roadside." 
 " Many messages to go ?"
 
 THE SHADOW OF FLIPPINGTON LODGE 3G9 
 
 " One with another from ten to twenty-five. Now when you 
 have done all your messages, be careful to remember one thing 
 more than another. On your life don't forget it." 
 
 " What is that thing ? " 
 
 " Bring the news of the town home with you." 
 
 Zanthon letting his under jaw fall so that his mouth was half 
 open, gazed in mute amazement into the woman's face. 
 
 " What news ? " he said. 
 
 "All kinds, deaths, marriages, births, scandals, accidents, 
 gossip, and lies if nothing else." 
 
 The boy trembled ; he said loud enough to be heard : 
 
 " I will never be able to get at this disagreeable nonsense." 
 
 " Hunt them up in all places," pursued the woman, " pull 
 men by the coat-tails, stop women in the street, question chil 
 dren, ask in the shops and where you go for your goods ; if you 
 see a gathering of people run into it ; if it moves do not stay 
 behind, but find out what brought it there and where it is going. 
 If a boat is upset in the river, get the names of the drowned, in 
 short, have all there is to know." 
 
 " Who would be the best people to ask ? " 
 
 " Generally half blind women and lame men, although they 
 are only the best for gossip. They love to talk about their 
 neighbor's faults more than anything else. Indeed they seem 
 to live on it." 
 
 " Why is it so, ma'am ? " 
 
 " Who cares to know ? I suppose they are badly raised. 
 They are shallow-minded, evil-minded creatures. Oh, we who 
 like news are very different from them kind." 
 
 This multiplication of deeds such as would test the mental 
 and physical capacity of the strongest men began to trouble 
 Zanthon exceedingly. If he must live up to all the require 
 ments here enumerated, his distresses at Sea view and elsewhere 
 were mere trifles compared with his troubles in Flippington 
 Lodge. However, he had not yet heard the last of them. 
 Mony resumed : 
 
 ZANTHON 24
 
 370 ZANTHON 
 
 " You must not sleep much." 
 
 Zanthon being now prepared for any disclosure, no matter 
 how extravagant, merely answered : 
 
 " I am fond of sleep." 
 
 " You'll be the last to go to bed and the first to get up." 
 
 "Very well." 
 
 " When there is company they may remain until two o'clock 
 in the morning ; when there isn't it will be twelve. After every 
 body else has gone to bed, you must go round and round the 
 house, looking well to the windows and doors, and be sure the 
 front gate is closed. Then you may turn in." 
 
 "I will be like a night-watchman." 
 
 " That's what you're intended for." 
 
 " Why do you want this done every night ? " 
 
 " Because we must lie quiet on our beds. The family is not 
 strong-minded, and the least noise disturbs them." 
 
 " I might get a dog to assist me." 
 
 " Nonsense. A dog would bark and do more harm than 
 good." 
 
 " If a robber comes what will I do ? " 
 
 " Beat him off." 
 
 "I?" 
 . "Yes, you." 
 
 " How could I hope to do that, knowing I am but a weak 
 boy, and he may be a strong man, perhaps." 
 
 " Find out the way. Use stratagem. Employ implements. 
 Have a horn to blow at him. Get a long pole with a sharp 
 point of steel to run through him. Carry a dipper of dirty 
 water to throw over him, and fine sea-sand in your pocket to 
 blind him if he attempts to come near you. Set a couple of 
 rope traps that will catch him, and if all fails, fall back into 
 the yard and give a general alarm." 
 
 Zanthon brightened up at the thought of becoming a hero 
 strong enough to encounter a robber, when accoutered in those 
 instruments of warfare enumerated by Mony. It reconciled
 
 THE SHADOW OF FLIPPINGTON LODGE 371 
 
 him to the difficulties of the undertaking and infused a spirit 
 of enthusiasm into his mind, tending to dissipate the effects of 
 the cruelty with which he was made so long familiar the past 
 year. 
 
 After enumerating several other duties which would engage 
 the attention of the boy, the woman continued : 
 
 " It is not alone from robbers at night, but you must protect 
 the family from the whole country ! " 
 
 Zanthon moved backward from the position heretofore occu 
 pied by him, until he rested his back against the kitchen table. 
 He was getting weak in the knees. However extraordinary 
 and insurmountable the previous propositions made by Mony 
 appeared, this last one almost took away his breath. It seemed 
 to destroy all hope of prosperity within him. 
 
 " Protect the Flippingtons from the whole country 1 " What 
 was implied in this terrible announcement ? 
 
 His looks betrayed the intense feelings of which he was pos 
 sessed and called forth an explanation from the woman : 
 
 " Many people try to impose on them in business ; you must 
 prevent it by watching the market prices of things." 
 
 " I will be a kind of private detective." 
 
 " That's what you'll be, always do the best you can." 
 
 To mitigate the severity of her instructions the woman set 
 some choice food before Zanthon and desired him to eat. She 
 assured him also he would always be provided with plenty of 
 good clothes and the best there was at the family table as well 
 as that he would get enough house money to buy books. This 
 prospect appeared so wonderful that he looked up ^to Mony 
 as a being of extraordinary endowments, the harshness of whose 
 voice was as soft music to his ear. All the rough lines of her 
 face became smooth, and he felt he would as lief encounter a 
 robber in the night as not ; or travel to town with a light step 
 and a cheerful mind.
 
 CHAPTER XlVIII. 
 
 A VOICE FROM THE NIGHT 
 
 r / T ANTHOX'S trial trip to town as indicated by Mony in the 
 ^ last chapter was performed in good time and excellent 
 spirits. 
 
 He felt the effects of kind treatment already, and the pro 
 spect as sketched by the woman was not at all discouraging 
 when he reflected that he would do all in his power to please 
 them as he grew stronger. When, however, he began the home 
 ward journey laden with the heavy basket of provisions, his mind 
 underwent a great change. While traveling the first mile his 
 physical powers seemed exercised to their full capacity he began 
 to fear he would not be capable of proceeding much further, 
 like soldiers on their first day's march after a long rest in camp 1 
 Yet remembering the remedy for fatigue he laid his burden 
 by the wayside resting a little, then proceeding slowly along the 
 highway. It was a terrible task to get home that day ; and 
 finally when late in the afternoon he entered the house followed 
 by Flippington, who had been waiting his re-appearance, he 
 felt so thoroughly exhausted with fatigue as to be almost un 
 able to stand upright. 
 
 Refreshed with a good supper, however, he soon regained full 
 animation. Then he rendered an account of the day's per 
 formance and its accuracy was acknowledged to be both satis 
 factory and pleasing. The only thing complained of related 
 to the news. He said when he inquired of some men about 
 items of general or local interest they stared at him in wonder 
 and smiled, but said nothing ; excepting one man from the 
 
 (372)
 
 A VOICE FROM THE NIGHT 373 
 
 country who told him he had lost a pig about two months pre 
 viously, if that would be of any interest to his people. 
 
 Mony's face darkened while the Flippingtons laughed at this 
 recital. 
 
 "But," continued Zanthon, "the finest object I saw was the 
 picture of a man in the clouds. He had white hair and was 
 pointing with his finger towards the sea." 
 
 Flippington began to laugh and skip about. 
 
 " That's me," said he. 
 
 " There was something dark in the direction in which he was 
 pointing," said the boy. 
 
 " Just so," returned Flippington lightly. " It was a shadow 
 of course. Ha ! ha ! he ! he ! " 
 
 Zanthon looked at Mony and ceased speaking ; but the rest 
 of the company were evidently very much amused. He had 
 been inadvertently drawn into the narration of the incident by 
 the encouragement given him by Flippington ; but was wise 
 enough to stop before giving offense to his rough companion of 
 the kitchen. 
 
 " That news is not worth anything," said Mony. 
 
 To relieve the boy's embarrassment Mrs. Flippington, always 
 considerate, asked : 
 
 " What else did you see ? " 
 
 " I saw crowds of people in the streets of the town ; the two 
 bridges and the river ; the long road bounded by stone wall s 5 
 the meadows and the trees ; the hills and valleys in the dis 
 tance and the sea I " 
 
 Mony laughed hoarsely. 
 
 "Everybody sees them," she said. 
 
 The Flippingtons were silent. Something beautiful in the 
 boy's speech mingled with his innocence neutralized their mirth 
 When Zanthon looked up to ascertain the cause of the silence 
 they were moving noiselessly out of the apartment, as if con 
 scious of having committed a guilty act and had been de 
 tected.
 
 374 ZANTHON. 
 
 The life of Zanthon at Flippington Lodge was one of great 
 activity. While pleasing to him in general, his visits to town 
 were attended with tuo much labor for one so young. 
 
 Mony endeavored to palliate her rough usage of the boy by 
 giving him good food ; but there were times when he felt keen 
 ly how deplorable it is to be dependent on the will of others. 
 
 As a- result of fear and over-exertion Zanthon became a som 
 nambulist. This peculiar phenomenon troubled the Flipping- 
 tons very much, although anyone acquainted with the facts 
 might htive easily determined the cause ; but the individuals 
 referred to were so strongly attached to the routine of life es 
 tablished in their household, that they did not understand 
 either the origin of the boy's disease or its management. 
 
 What aggravated the case and made it felt more than at 
 another time was Mony's accuracy began to undergo modifica 
 tion. 
 
 Simultaneously with the appearance of somnambulism in 
 the boy, a loss of power or nervousness of some kind afflicted 
 the woman. She accidently broke a pair of valuable vases, 
 overturned a bottle of ink on the ottoman in the drawing-room 
 and knocked the head off a statue of Flippington's father 
 which had stood on the parlor mantel-piece for half a century ! 
 
 The family appeared terror-stricken under these and other 
 disasters of a similar kind, fearing lest this change in the 
 conduct or manner of their faithful and previously reliable 
 servant indicated the beginning of some dire calamity to 
 themselves. 
 
 This was not all. 
 
 A piece of mortar fell down the kitchen chimney into the 
 fire, scattering the live coals about, some of which ignited 
 Mony's clothing. 
 
 While attempting to suppress the flames, which she finally 
 succeeded in doing, her right hand was badly burned. The 
 accident caused her great suffering, and the parts injured did 
 not heal for a considerable time.
 
 A VOICE FROM THE NIGHT 375 
 
 The efficacy of soda was then unknown, but Mrs. Flipping- 
 ton and Miss Cora applied several domestic remedies and ex 
 tended a large amount of sympathy to alleviate the distress of 
 the patient. 
 
 One evening after a weary walk from town, Zanthon dropped 
 into a chair by the kitchen fire, and soon fell into a deep sleep. 
 Mony, who could not tolerate rest during the working hours of 
 the day, called sharply to him to get up and walk about. The 
 boy obeyed mechanically and moved or rather moped through 
 the kitchen without any definite purpose in view, for indeed he 
 was still asleep. 
 
 Seeing this, the woman began to scold him ; and following 
 towards the hallway where he had just then directed his steps, 
 was in the act of stretching forth her hand in order probably 
 to prevent his further movement, when she received a blow on 
 the back of the head that nearly laid her prostrate. 
 
 She was terrified as well as shocked. 
 
 There were no living persons present but the boy in front of 
 her in a helpless condition, the family being out walking. 
 
 Terror is very effectual in taming a savage or cruel nature ; 
 and in the present case the woman trembled with fear like one 
 in the presence of an awful death. 
 
 She sat down stupefied so as to collect her scattered reason, 
 and Zanthon soon returned to his chair. 
 
 Superstition came to Mony's aid in her endeavor to solve the 
 mystery of this new accident. She began to suspect that her 
 treatment of Zanthon brought her the misfortunes which recently 
 disturbed her life at Flippington Lodge. 
 
 The more she reflected on this theme, the more she became 
 convinced of its truth. She did not understand why such mar 
 velous interference should be exercised on behalf of the boy ; 
 she only knew by experience, punishment to him meant calam 
 ity to her. 
 
 She was not slow, therefore, in changing her manner 'to suit 
 the power which favored him, and when she spoke it was in
 
 376 Z ANTE ON 
 
 the gentlest words imaginable, inviting his opinions also on the 
 subject about which she was then concerned. 
 
 The generous boy, conciliated by the deportment of the woman, 
 arose and examined the house thoroughly, but found no one. 
 
 He saw in the circumstance, however, a prospect of better 
 times with Mony, and hence, when he returned to make report, 
 he magnified the mystery of it as much as possible, and thus 
 inadvertently increased her fears. 
 
 On his own account he did not connect the fact with super 
 human agency, but strongly suspected Flippington of commit 
 ting the deed. His master might have detached himself from 
 his party, come noiselessly through a door and delivered the 
 blow to the woman as an admonition to desist in future from 
 troubling him in the manner already described. 
 
 When the family returned and the facts of the case became 
 known, there was great consternation among them ; although 
 several opinions were offered by individuals, no doubt, to allay 
 any great fear that might arise if all believed in the supersti 
 tious side of the question or imagined that robbers were con 
 cerned in the outrage. 
 
 Miss Cora, who knew a good deal about headaches, smelling 
 bottles and the like, believed it to be a sudden pain that started 
 up in Mony's head, which she concluded was a blow. Such 
 sensations often happen, and the similarity existing between 
 them and real blows has been well established. 
 
 In the absence of any other, Mrs. Flippington was very much 
 in favor of this view, seeing, upon examination, there was no 
 contused part on the head where the blow was said to have 
 been received. Flippington laughed and skipped about, al 
 though he appeared serious at times. 
 
 Zanthon kept a sharp look on his face, but was unable to 
 draw any conclusion from its appearance, so indefinite did it 
 remain under scrutiny. 
 
 In a whisper Flippington said to the boy : 
 
 "It may be another shadow."
 
 A VOICE FROM THE NIGHT 377 
 
 After a great amount of comment the subject quietly sub- 
 Bided, and the business of the establishment resumed its usual 
 phases. 
 
 Nobody cared to refer to the incident again. 
 
 The tendency to somnambulism in Zanthon, notwithstanding, 
 increased, for although Mony's inconsiderate harshness became 
 less after the occurrence above related, still a sufficient amount 
 of it remained to produce the derangement spoken of. 
 
 Very frequently Zanthon would arise from his seat where he 
 had fallen asleep and walk about the kitchen or into the yard 
 in a thoroughly unconscious state, and this, too, without any 
 word from Mony. Mrs. Flippington became sorely disturbed 
 by this unfortunate condition of her favorite, not knowing how 
 to apply a remedy, and believing with the others that it pro 
 ceeded from causes beyond their control. 
 
 On another occasion, the family being out visiting friends in 
 the neighborhood, Zanthon sat by the kitchen fire asleep. It 
 was night, and as usual he was distressed on account of jour 
 neying from the town under a heavy burden. 
 
 The moon had come out from a shroud of clouds, and filled 
 the earth with her mellow light. There was a remarkable 
 calmness in the atmosphere, as if mysterious powers were con 
 certing plans for some wonderful performance requiring pro 
 found silence. The tints of the sky scattered through the 
 west by the sun, where he had gone to rest, mingled with the 
 moonlight and produced a richness and softness of shade fas 
 cinating to the mind of the observer, as if the sjieen surrounding 
 angels had been sent to adorn the canopy above the habitation 
 of mankind. 
 
 The woman from some cause, exhibited an irritability not 
 common with her of late ; and, after rousing the boy, began to 
 scold him. The back door stood open and some moonlight 
 streamed into the hall. Suddenly a voice was heard coming 
 from the outside stillness. 
 
 It repeated one word two or three times :
 
 378 ZANTHON 
 
 " Mony ! Mony ! Mony ! " 
 
 It was a solemn voice ; and judged from its tone, evidently 
 masculine. 
 
 Zanthon heard it with peculiar distinctness ; and for the first 
 time was astonished ; because he could not account for it. 
 
 It was not Flippington's voice, or any other with which he 
 was acquainted. 
 
 Mony trembled violently, so clearly did the sounds come to 
 her and so emphatically was her name articulated. She ceased 
 speaking for some minutes, during which she and her compan 
 ion reflected on the strangeness of the case ; Zanthon being 
 pleased inwardly, knowing his tormentor would relax her stern 
 conduct towards him as she did after having been struck in 
 the head. 
 
 In as quiet a voice as she could assume Mony asked : 
 
 " What was that ? I think some one spoke. Did you hear 
 it?" 
 
 " I did," said Zanthon, " and very plainly too." 
 
 "What do you think it said ? " 
 
 " Mony, without doubt," returned the boy. 
 
 " Yes, that is what it did say ; but why should it call me ? '' 
 
 " I do not know," replied Zanthon, shrugging his shoulders. 
 
 " Was it like any person you ever heard speaking before ; 
 any of your friends. I mean those dead as well as living ? " 
 
 Zanthon reflected a little to determine if it resembled the 
 voice of some one of his dead relatives : 
 
 " No, it was not like them," he answered. 
 
 This assertion seemed to relieve the woman's mind somewhat. 
 
 In the mean time the boy arose and walked into the yard, 
 thence to the garden and adjoining grounds, but made no dis 
 covery that could solve the mystery of the unknown voice. 
 
 " I am almost sure the noise was caused by the swinging of 
 the stable-door on its hinges," he said when he had come back. 
 
 " There is no wind to make it swing," returned the woman 
 promptly.
 
 A VOICE FKOM THE NIGHT 379 
 
 " It might be a strange dog that came prowling into the yard 
 and began to cough." 
 
 " Dogs don't cough that way." 
 
 " A toad might have made the sound." 
 
 " Nonsense. Toads cannot speak." 
 
 When the Flippingtons returned they became alarmed at the 
 strangeness of the incident. Flippington appeared overcome 
 by a degree of gravity never before shown by him. No doubt 
 it was caused principally by the concern which he entertained 
 for his wife. 
 
 In the sitting-room where the three discussed the subject be 
 fore going to bed, he remarked: . 
 
 "The idea, my dear Helen, of the superhuman intervention 
 is long since exploded. Don't you think so, Cora ? " 
 
 " How are we to account for it ? 
 
 What can we do when such things as these transpire?" re 
 turned the lady. 
 
 " I do not believe the whole of the story," said Flippington. 
 "There was doubtless some noise resembling the word which 
 the servants imagined they heard spoken ; but this could have 
 proceeded from several sources j a calf, a sheep, a hog or the 
 wind ! " 
 
 " What troubles me most," said Mrs. Flippington, " is the 
 difficulty of determining the origin of the sound. While it may 
 be conceded that there are no spirits at work on the case, we 
 must conclude there are grounds for uneasiness, if we suppose 
 living persons to have given birth to it. This view is the more 
 probable when taken in connection with the blow recently re 
 ceived by Mony. If any person or persons in the village are 
 secretly engaged in doing these things there would be more rea 
 son for apprehension than if they were actually the results of 
 supernatural agency ; because their vengeance would be posi 
 tive." 
 
 This was sensible language from Mrs. Flippington, showing 
 how she entertained a practical view of the case ; and one that
 
 380 ZANTHON 
 
 now seemed the most reliable of all others. Flippington by his 
 silence coincided with his wife ; Miss Cora questioned still 
 further : 
 
 " What object could any person have in coming around the 
 house and committing such outrages ? " she said. 
 
 " That we cannot tell," answered Mrs. Flippington. " We 
 might conjecture however that it was some one having ill-feel 
 ing against Mony, perhaps on account of her treatment of the 
 orphan boy Zanthon ; although we are not aware that she has 
 been cruel to him. It would be hard to guess the truth and 
 we must wait until the cause or causes become clearer than at 
 present." " 
 
 " It appears to be quite certain," said Miss Cora, " we are not 
 the object of the visitation, individually, or collectively ; for the 
 occurrences have taken place during our absence." 
 
 "They are after the shadow," said Flippington. ' Helen's 
 suggestion about the boy's friends is good and very likely to 
 be the whole truth." 
 
 " He has no friends here," said Miss Cora. 
 
 " He may have dozens of them for all we know," remarked 
 Mrs. Flippington in support of her husband's opinion, and she 
 continued : 
 
 " The boy is closely observed by every one who sees him, 
 and many persons would do him a kindly act on the strength 
 of his personal appearance, if they knew he required one. No 
 doubt Mony is the objective point." 
 
 "By the way," resumed Miss Cora, "I must begin to teach 
 him the catechism as originally agreed upon." 
 
 " And I," said Mrs. Flippington, " will see to it that he learns 
 the rule of three. When our duties are performed, we may 
 rest without fear." 
 
 The subject being thus disposed of, Flippington resumed his 
 wonted merriment by waltzing around the room and humming 
 one of his favorite airs.
 
 A VOICE FROM THE NIGHT 381 
 
 For several weeks afterward, Zanthon was flattered by the 
 most assiduous attention from everyone in Flippington Lodge. 
 He grew happy, a dangerous condition unless supported by 
 wisdom and knowledge, because it is liable, like all things, to 
 change. Activity in the business pertaining to his employers 
 induced health as well as pleasure, and he became fully satis 
 fied to live with the Flippingtons all his life, the more so as 
 Mony ceased to trouble him, and somnambulism afflicted him 
 no longer. 
 
 During this period he performed many useful and wonderful 
 deeds in behalf of the family, made several important purchases 
 for them, collected some outstanding accounts supposed to be 
 lost, and otherwise displayed a lively interest in all matters 
 pertaining to their welfare. 
 
 In the midst of the tranquil ity caused by this success, he 
 became aware of the fact that certain efforts were about to be 
 made to change the current of his life and alter the plans re 
 garding him which had been so carefully made by Mrs. Figbit. 
 This information caused him immense trouble. 
 It came about in this way. During his visits to town, he 
 invariably saw and conversed with his old friend, Big Nancy. 
 Learning the days of the week on which he was expected to 
 arrive, she usually left a message for him at the hostlery where 
 the meeting with Mrs. Figbit had formerly taken place, giving 
 him to understand where she might be found. 
 
 At one of these visits the boy told her of his troubles, exploits 
 and hopes for the future. He was surprised in a few weeks 
 afterwards to find that she had repeated to one of her employers 
 all he had said about himself, and that this man had taken a 
 very lively interest in the recital. Nancy's story was more or 
 less incoherent, but he gathered from the entire statement suf. 
 ficient to conclude that a gentleman wanted to speak with him 
 on important business relating to his future career. 
 
 As Zanthon was at a loss to unfold the prospect of the future, 
 he was not disposed to favor a change from his present position.
 
 382 ZANTHON 
 
 Mrs. Figbit's plan had operated very well. He had now every 
 thing that a boy of his age required. Nay, more, he had money 
 to spare, and a large number of story books with which to 
 amuse himself. 
 
 Looking through the past, back to the time of his father's 
 death, nothing appeared but abject misery. He could never 
 agree to return to such condition in future, while persons like 
 the Flippingtons were more than glad to take care of him, and 
 reward his services besides. 
 
 After long debating with himself, however, taking care that 
 nothing would yet be told about the subject to anyone, he con 
 sented to hear the gentleman speak the next time he came to 
 town. He would meet Nancy as before at the gentleman's 
 house where she was employed temporarily. The gentleman 
 was a merchant of considerable wealth, and one most likely to 
 be a good judge of what would be suitable for a boy like Zan- 
 thon. His name was Gangpond. 
 
 When Zanthon presented himself the day and hour appointed 
 with Big Nancy at his side, the contrast was almost appalling. 
 
 Mr. Gangpond, a large man with steel gray hair and a benev 
 olent countenance, extended his hand to the boy saying : 
 
 " I need not be told that no family relationship exists between 
 you and our friend, Nancy." 
 
 " Thank you," answered Zanthon, promptly, " she has been 
 a good friend to me for all that." 
 
 The gentleman continued : 
 
 " I have been speaking to her about a change in your condi 
 tion ; did she explain what I meant ? " 
 
 " I did not understand what the change was for. I am now 
 as happy as I could be, perhaps, under any circumstance." 
 
 " It is because you know no other form of happiness. When 
 you advance in years the bliss you now feel may no longer 
 exist ; for the reason that it may be due as much to your youth 
 as it is to your situation. What I proposed to Nancy was that 
 I would aid your friends in having you sent to school."
 
 A VOICE FROM THE NIGHT 383 
 
 "I thought," replied the boy, " I needed no further learning, 
 having been taught the catechism by Miss Cora and the rule of 
 three by Mrs. Flippington." 
 
 The gentleman smiled and Nancy laughed outright. 
 
 "These are not even the preliminaries of learning," he 
 replied. " I understand your father was a scholar of some 
 note." 
 
 " So far as I can judge, he knew almost everything," said 
 Zanthon. 
 
 " Surely if he lived, the plan or course I submitted to your 
 friends would be the one he would recommend you to pursue. 
 When you acquire knowledge through intercourse with books, 
 the world will entertain you in a different way from what you 
 must expect at its hands while you remain a mere menial. The 
 height to which you could aspire and probably attain may not 
 now be determined accurately ; but while it would be great, 
 generally speaking your present status will be about the same 
 at all times." 
 
 " Could I ever get so far as to have a house of my own ? " 
 asked the boy. 
 
 " Yes, and many other things too numerous to mention." 
 
 " Carriages and horses and dogs," suggested Zanthon. 
 
 " Whatever you see others possess," replied the gentleman, 
 " would be yours if you employed the same means as they did 
 to acquire them. The members of your generation will fill our 
 places when we are dead. There is room being made for such 
 every day. If you make the necessary efforts beforehand, you 
 may have your choice of the positions vacated, and finally 
 occupying the one most desirable to you, leave it in turn to 
 some one elso." 
 
 "It will feel very hard to me if I attempt to leave the 
 Flippingtons," said Zanthon. 
 
 "The work before you is much more distressing, or at least 
 more laborious," replied Mr. Gangpond. 
 
 " Of what does it consist ? "
 
 384 ZAXTHON 
 
 " Studying the several branches of the sciences that con 
 stitute a sound English education ; standing up courageously 
 against the difficulties with which the life of every man is beset 
 in his struggle for support." 
 
 <k Would it not be better to remain where I am, and in this 
 way avoid the distress ? " said Zanthon, fully alive to the mem 
 ory of his former sufferings. 
 
 " No," answered the gentleman, " it is your duty to follow a 
 progressive course no matter what the inconvenience entailed 
 by it may be ; because it has been fully established by experi 
 ence that this always results in most benefit to the actor besides 
 being in harmony with universal law." 
 
 " Why should I have any regard for duty ?" asked the boy. 
 
 " Because if you neglect it you lose your place in society as 
 well as in the domain of nature. Duty is what we should per 
 form even at the risk of our lives ; for the eternal powers re 
 quire it in return for the conditions with which they surround 
 us." 
 
 " Then you think it is my duty to accept your kind offer ? " 
 
 " Without doubt it is." 
 
 Zanthon hung down his head in a meditative mood, unable 
 to give a direct reply. Presently he resumed : 
 
 "I know it would please my father and I will therefore con 
 sent." 
 
 " Do not be afraid," returned Mr. Gangpond, " I will make a 
 man of you." 
 
 The interview then terminated. Zanthon after thanking the 
 gentleman and bidding Nancy farewell pursued his journey to 
 Flippington Lodge. 
 
 On this occasion the weight of his burden did not seem very 
 troublesome. He thought long and deeply. 
 
 It must be admitted there was a large amount of sadness 
 mixed up with his consideration of the contemplated change. 
 The Flippingtons were always friendly to him and in their 
 house his wants had been fully supplied. Would he not be
 
 A VOICE FROM THE NIGHT 385 
 
 ungrateful to them, he thought, if he concealed the knowledge 
 of his clandestine meeting with Nancy and Mr. Gangpond. On 
 the other hand, movements of this nature demanded a certain 
 amount of secrecy essential to their successful operation. He 
 must follow the way indicated by the gentleman, the patron of 
 Nancy ; because he believed it best. The greater of two goods 
 or the lesser of two evils should be selected when a choice be 
 comes necessary. The change to him would be greater good 
 than gratitude to the Flippingtons. It was grievous to think so ; 
 but there was no help for it. 
 
 Thus he reasoned with himself. 
 
 At his return he had not been more than five minutes in the 
 house when Mrs. Flippington noticed the mental depression 
 under which he labored. To relieve him of this distress the 
 lady approached the table where he sat at supper and attended 
 to his wants with her own hands. 
 
 This action so far from having the desired effect increased 
 his sorrow. After a few efforts to overcome it he arose from 
 the table and burst into tears ! 
 
 If a thunderbolt had exploded in the center of the room it 
 would not have produced more astonishment than Zanthon's 
 exhibition of grief. 
 
 Mrs. Flippington approached Mony on tiptoe and gave her 
 an inquiring look ; but the shadow was staring at the floor in 
 silence and made no response. Then the lady went into the 
 drawing-room where Miss Cora and Flippington were playing 
 a game of cards and related what she had seen and heard. 
 Nobody could understand the case ; because nothing presented 
 itself indicating trouble for the boy. 
 
 When questioned presently on the subject, his answers did 
 not elucidate the mystery, Miss Cora asked : 
 
 "Are you ill, Zanthon ? " 
 
 " I am well, Miss." 
 
 " Did any person offend or hurt you ? " 
 
 " Everyone is kind to me." 
 
 ZANTHON 25
 
 386 ZANTHON 
 
 " Have you lost what you desired most to keep ? " 
 
 11 1 have won all that is necessary." 
 
 " Are you dissatisfied with your present position ? " 
 
 "I do not wish for any other." 
 
 " Will you not tell us the cause of your grief ? " 
 
 The boy hesitated as if deliberating whether or not he would 
 reveal the truth in regard to the origin of his sorrow ; he then 
 said : 
 
 " Something has come into my memory which makes me 
 grieve. A thought of past times, it will be gone presently." 
 
 From this expression it was understood that a recollection 
 of one or more of his dead relatives caused the temporary 
 trouble.
 
 CHAPTEK XXIX. 
 
 T A 7 HILE the incidents recorded in the last chapter tran- 
 
 * * spired at Flippington Lodge, Zanthon's friends in the 
 town of Kindleton were busy in his interests. It was strange 
 that Big Nancy again became instrumental in shaping his 
 destinies ; not on account of intelligent exertion on her part, 
 or even by the most remote reflection exercised toward that 
 end ; but the accidental position which she occupied seemed 
 to have been selected by the powers through which to bring 
 forth the boy's preservation ; like a sunken rock that alters the 
 channel of a river on account of some ulterior design of nature, 
 perhaps, to beautify itself. 
 
 Thus the most insignificant person known to the community 
 became an instrument of good. 
 
 Mr. Gangpond took pains to ascertain the history of Zanthon 
 so far as known. He encountered much difficulty in this 
 undertaking, as Nancy betrayed such ignorance of everything 
 outside scrubbing and scouring ; but by patient perseverance 
 he finally reached all the details of the case. 
 
 Believing it was due to Mrs. Figbit he directed that a mes 
 sage be sent her, so as to have her meet him at the hostlery 
 where she had been accustomed to call ; in order that Zanthon's 
 future position be discussed and her consent, to the contem 
 plated change, obtained. It was also decided to summon old 
 Jemmy. 
 
 Mr. Gangpond's status in the proceedings was assumed 
 through conscientious motives. He had no selfish ends to sub- 
 
 (387)
 
 388 ZANTHON 
 
 serve. His action was wholly for the advancement of benev 
 olence. He was one of those men who sometimes stop in the 
 market-place or on the highroad, pick up an unfortunate way 
 farer and assist him to pursue life's journey successfully. None 
 but Mr. Gangpond and men of his class ever know of the sweet 
 pleasure derived from such deeds. 
 
 Mrs. Figbit came on time. Heretofore the most active of all 
 Zanthon's acquaintances she showed by her prompt attendance 
 on the present occasion no disposition to vacate that enviable 
 position so long and faithfully held by her. The persons who 
 recognized her on entering the town noticed a troubled look 
 upon her features and an unusual quickness in her movements 
 as if desirous of reaching her destination without delay. 
 
 Old Jemmy came later. He wore a clean shirt collar, rather 
 high in its makeup and a cotton handkerchief tied under his 
 chin, the knot being elaborate and flashy in appearance. The 
 rest of his garments were the same which he wore while the 
 companion of Zanthon at the residence of Ben Razzo. Perhaps 
 the bend in his person was a shade greater and the look in his 
 eye less bright than formerly ; but he exhibited fine health for 
 one of his age. 
 
 His meeting with Mrs. Figbit and Nancy was cordial. 
 
 Whatever unpleasantness existed on account of the scene at 
 Seaview on the occasion of her visit was now set aside, and the 
 gravity of a serious undertaking assumed instead for Zanthon's 
 sake. 
 
 Thus children have been the cause of many a reconciliation 
 with those who otherwise would have remained forever apart. 
 
 This was the first time the old man became acquainted with 
 Big Nancy. 
 
 From what could be gathered in Nancy's language, when re 
 quested by Mrs. Figbit to give her views on the subject at issue, 
 she thought the change contemplated involved only the going 
 to school. If Mrs. Figbit's plan had already secured the boy's 
 education through the Flippingtons ; she did not understand
 
 MOVEMENT ON FLIPPINGTON LODGE 389 
 
 how much more there was in it. What could possibly lie 
 beyond the catechism and the rule of three ? Under these 
 circumstances Zanthon's transfer did not present so favorable 
 an aspect as represented by Mr. Gangpond. Besides she be 
 lieved Mrs. Figbit knew more than anybody else ; and she was 
 willing to abide by her decision. 
 
 Jemmy, on the contrary, who had read somewhat more ex 
 tensively, considered it advisable to assist Mr. Gangpond's idea 
 by all means. In furtherance of his opinions he said : 
 
 " Zanty should study anyhow as far as the square root." 
 
 "Well, and what did you ever gain by by the square or by 
 the root," retorted Mrs. Figbit, with animation: "or by going 
 so far; tell me that ? " 
 
 " To tell you the truth, ma'am," answered Jemmy, " I gained 
 but very little." The woman resumed : 
 
 " Baby is better off now than you ever was. If by sending 
 him to school he comes to nothing more than you did, how can 
 you have the heart to ask him, or encourage him, to leave his 
 place ? I'm surprised at you, man ! " 
 
 Jemmy seemed staggered by this language, uttered in the 
 forcible manner for which the lady was remarkable. To con 
 ciliate her he said : 
 
 " No doubt you are correct in this as in all other things. 
 You are the cleverest woman, not that I say it Mrs. Figbit, I 
 ever spoke to. However, Mr. Gangpond, when he comes, will 
 tell us more than I can explain." 
 
 Having gained this point she changed the subject. 
 
 "How have you fared since Baby left your company ?" 
 
 " Very well, I thank you, ma'am. I am quite comfortable 
 with the new man ; that is he who took up Ben Razzo's busi 
 ness, I get something to eat." 
 
 "What did you do when you got nothing ? " 
 
 " I did without it the best way I could." 
 
 " It was less troublesome," remarked Mrs. Figbit sarcasti 
 cally.
 
 390 ZANTHON 
 
 " Pretty much that way, ma'am ; and very inconvenient at 
 times." 
 
 " Do you wander around now as much as formerly ? " 
 
 " Not by any means. I spend most of the time at Seaview, 
 doing odd jobs for the master." 
 
 " How much are you allowed for your work ? " 
 
 " Nothing but all I eat ; and that is considerable, seeing how 
 long I fasted on little or nothing. He gives me presents some 
 times." 
 
 "Good ones?" 
 
 "Well, this collar, if you excuse me for mentioning it ; and 
 the handkerchief. I thought I'd put them on, so that Zanty 
 might see how well I have done since he left us." 
 
 Mrs. Figbit smiled, exchanging glances with Nancy who was 
 carefully observing all that passed, though strictly silent. 
 
 "If I'm not too bold in asking," said Jemmy, "in what 
 way has the world treated you, Mrs. Figbit, since we last 
 met ? " 
 
 " You are quite excusable, Jemmy. I have not much regard 
 for the treatment of the world. I treat myself moderately and 
 am content. I live with my sister on a farm. My means are 
 well invested, that is, safely. 
 
 I have not much trouble ; because I do not take a great deal 
 like others. I pay my way ; I have no debts. I live within my 
 means and for amusement. I sometimes invade the province 
 of men and hunt or fish as I desire." 
 
 " Don't tell me. You do not fowl, ma'am ? " 
 
 " Why yes, I can shoot a snipe on the wing readily." 
 
 " I'm astonished to hear you. You're wonderful. I wish 
 
 " Do not," said Mrs. Figbit sharply, before the old man could 
 finish his sentence: "wishes come to nothing." 
 
 "Ah! you are again right," said Jemmy with a sigh. "I 
 was only trying to express how glad I would be if I could act 
 the man as well as you act the woman."
 
 MOVEMENT ON FLIPPINGTON LODGE 391 
 
 " Thank you. Perhaps you could if you tried hard enough." 
 
 " No, ma'am, I have not the brain for it." 
 
 " Nonsense, use your arms. If you cannot design on your 
 own account, follow the instructions of some one else ; or be 
 like an inferior animal, learn to work patiently." 
 
 Before Jemmy could make reply Mr. Gangpond entered the 
 apartment. As the time and place had been arranged pre 
 viously his presence did not excite surprise. 
 
 After greeting the individuals of the party he proceeded in 
 a business-like way to provide refreshments for them. 
 
 Mrs. Figbit would take a glass of wine as a compliment to 
 the occasion, while Jemmy and Nancy were accommodated 
 with hot water and whisky made palatable by the addition of 
 sugar ; besides there were sandwiches of cold beef, bread, but 
 ter and other articles of food. 
 
 When a portion of these comforts had been partaken a better 
 feeling prevailed. Mrs. Figbit seemed disposed to resign the 
 whole case into the hands of Mr. Gangpond without further 
 controversy. 
 
 " You know best what should be done," she said. 
 
 <; My experience in the' world has enabled me to discover 
 many things outside the reach of others, not similarly placed," 
 replied the gentleman, " Zanthon belongs evidently to a fine 
 stock of people. His mental powers must be large, and conse 
 quently he may attain a high station in life if proficient in 
 learning." 
 
 " Will learning do all that for him ? " asked Mrs. Figbit. 
 
 " Yes, and will bring him a great deal more ; independence, 
 wealth, honor and happiness." 
 
 " Happiness had better be left out Mr. Gangpond." 
 
 " As you will. I spoke because a form of it is possible of at 
 tainment, under certain conditions, such as peace, content 
 ment, comfort, joy, hope and others. 
 
 "Have you any particular plans regarding Zanthon's fu 
 ture ? "
 
 392 ZA.NTHON 
 
 " Not many ; for the reason that it is better to wait and see 
 what may be required as we proceed. The boy, on coming 
 here will be accommodated with the necessaries of life at the 
 house of respectable people living near one of the suburbs of the 
 town. I will pay what little may be charged for his support. 
 He will also attend the principal school here at my expense. 
 Upon his own conduct there, will depend his future success. 
 He will have no further struggle for food ; but his search after 
 knowledge must be continuous and energetic. He will begin 
 a new life." 
 
 " There may be trouble in getting him away from the Flip- 
 pingtons. It will be hard for me to sanction his removal, see 
 ing that I was the person who asked the. place for him," said 
 Mrs. Figbit. She continued : 
 
 " I am in doubt whether it is best for me to go down to the 
 Lodge or stay away and send the others." 
 
 " If you be Zanthon's real friend you should confer personally 
 with his present employers," said Mr. Gangpond. " You have 
 the best right to speak." 
 
 " Yes," returned the woman, " it must be as you say. Every 
 consideration should be set aside in favor of the boy's release. 
 I will be his friend as long as I have life." 
 
 " I think, too, it might be as well for Jemmy and Nancy to 
 accompany you," resumed the gentleman. " In this way it 
 will be seen how many are interested in the boy, and will 
 doubtless give a more favorable impression of the proceedings 
 than if only one appeared in the case." 
 
 "I am ready to risk my life for him," said Jemmy, with 
 enthusiasm, " and I am sure Nancy would also." 
 
 Hearing her name mentioned, Nancy looked around at the 
 persons in the apartment as if to assure them of her willing 
 ness to do her share for the boy, while she touched her eyes 
 with the corner of her apron, where tears had been accumulat 
 ing.
 
 MOVEMENT ON FLIPPINGTON LODGE 393 
 
 Mrs. Figbit recognizing the greatness of Mr v Gangpond's 
 bounty, determined to give as much assistance towards the 
 enterprise as she could. Hence, the difficulty of transporta 
 tion to Flippington Lodge and return presenting itself she said 
 
 "I will procure the means of conveying all three of us, and 
 have room for Baby besides." 
 
 " No one could do it better than you," said Jemmy. 
 
 Mrs. Figbit continued : 
 
 " I will borrow Crispus for the occasion. Baby will like to 
 see him." 
 
 " It will be a pleasure even to me," said the old man, " to 
 see the horse Zanty and I loved so well." 
 
 " I propose also to get a family chaise and yoke him to it," 
 continued the woman, " the vehicle is in the yard of this house. 
 We will have you drive, Jemmy, and I warn you to do it well." 
 
 " You may be sure I will do so while you are behind me," 
 answered Jemmy. t 
 
 Mrs. Figbit turned to Mr. Gangpond. 
 
 " It is understood your name will not be mentioned in con 
 nection with this affair." 
 
 " You are quite correct. It is best not to do so, unless an 
 extremity might arise, in which case, of course,*! would take 
 the matter into my own hands and insist on its accomplish 
 ment ; but my personal interference will probably not be re 
 quired." 
 
 "Then the responsibility rests on my shoulders, or so much 
 of it as requires the removal of the boy," continued Mrs. Figbit. 
 " I am proud to undertake it, but I have neither a paper nor 
 permit of any kind to show the people that have him." 
 
 " Nor a latitat nor a habeas corpus" said Jemmy. 
 
 " I won't flinch on that account," returned the woman, 
 "while I have a tongue in my head." 
 
 " When do you propose to make the journey ? " inquired Mr. 
 Gangpond, rising to take leave, as the business in hand had 
 been settled.
 
 394 ZANTHON 
 
 "To-morrow morning at five o'clock," answered Mrs. 
 Figbit. 
 
 "We are all early risers and understand the benefits of 
 morning air." 
 
 " I will meet you at your return," said Mr. Gangpond, as he 
 opened the door and passed out, leaving Zanthon's friends 
 together. 
 
 Then Mrs. Figbit settling herself in her seat, became the 
 great spirit of the occasion. 
 
 Jemmy and Nancy were awed into silence lest the sound of 
 their voices might dispel the glamour which encircled the per 
 sonality of this wonderful woman. 
 
 The time available to make ready being limited, it was nec 
 essary that the labor of preparation should be divided among 
 them. 
 
 To this end Mrs. Figbit directed Jemmy to apply for Crispus, 
 and on no account to accept a refusal. 
 
 " If he does not want to lend the horse," said Jemmy, " what 
 can I do ? " 
 
 "Don't come back to me without him," replied the austere 
 lady, feeling hurt at Jemmy's question, for she felt satisfied the 
 horse would be lent her. "You'll find the harness and the 
 chaise here, and have them all ready to start at the time 
 appointed." Then she turned to Nancy. 
 
 The instructions given to her had reference principally to 
 provisions for the trip. Nancy must borrow a basket some 
 where, no ordinary lunch-basket, but one of huge proportions, 
 for Mrs. Figbit did not forget she had to deal with persons who 
 never wanted a good appetite. Moreover, the sea air would 
 have a fearful effect on such constitutions as those possessed by 
 Jemmy and Nancy, making it necessary to provide extra quan 
 tities of food for this particular occasion. Mrs. Figbit entered 
 into the most minute details so as to leave nothing undone in 
 making the commissariat worthy of such an expedition as the 
 one now being organized.
 
 MOVEMENT ON FLIPPINGTON LODGE 395 
 
 The expenses incurred here as well as those attending the 
 wants of old Jemmy would be borne by Mrs. Figbit in the 
 interests of Zanthon, and as tending to show that his friends 
 on her side were not wholly destitute. 
 
 It is questionable if Jemmy slept at all during that night. 
 After getting Crispus into the stable and examining the para 
 phernalia pertaining to a family chaise in motion, enlivening 
 his movements by singing verses of old songs, he sat beside the 
 kitchen-fire until bedtime, then stretched himself on a bench 
 in the corner, intimating to the host of the hostlery that as he 
 needed to be astir early he would not employ a room. It was 
 evident he had a wholesome fear of Mrs. Figbit's criticism, or 
 else it was desirable he should stand well in her estimation. 
 
 How long he remained on the bench could not be determined, 
 for those who first entered the place next morning found him 
 absent in the stable busily engaged at work. 
 
 When Zanthon's three friends met at the breakfast table in 
 the back parlor, everything was ready. 
 
 The meal finished, Jemmy with a great show of circumstance, 
 hitched Crispus to the old chaise, and led him out to the front 
 door. 
 
 The horse was in splendid condition. From habit the man 
 had been grooming him for a couple of hours, the result being 
 a shining coat, a glossy mane and tail. 
 
 When Mrs. Figbit, with some slight paleness in her face, 
 appeared, followed closely by Nancy, he said in the pride of his 
 heart : 
 
 " Look at his hind-quarters, ma'am." 
 
 " He's a handsome beast," returned Mrs. Figbit. 
 
 " He has an eye in him," continued Jemmy, " as bright as 
 well water, and the spring under his fetlock is of the right kind. 
 Step right in, Mrs. Figbit," he said, holding the door of the 
 chaise open. 
 
 Nancy followed. Finally taking the reins, Jemmy mounted 
 the box-seat, and touching Crispus lightly on the flank with
 
 396 ZANTHON 
 
 the whip which was a part of the furniture of the outfit moved 
 off. 
 
 "Keep him in an easy trot, man," said Mrs. Figbit. "I 
 want him fresh for the return journey with Baby." 
 
 " If it wasn't yourself that said it," returned the old man, " I 
 know how to manage Crispus the best of any man on the road, 
 Zanty can tell you that." 
 
 To which the lady replied : 
 
 " It is my business to manage both you and Crispus on this 
 occasion and it will be done without fear or favor." 
 
 Jemmy felt the time had come to suspend further con 
 versation, so bending resolutely to the work on hand, the 
 chaise continued the forward motion bearing its passengers in 
 silence. 
 
 The morning sun was high in the heavens and shining pleas 
 antly over Flippington Lodge, as- if specially designed to con 
 tribute light and warmth to it, when a dark looking vehicle, 
 drawn by a steel gray horse was seen approaching the gate. 
 There was a jingle accompanying its motion which might be 
 heard some distance, caused probably by a piece of chain hang 
 ing to the axle and the loose washers under the linchpins. At 
 intervals the top, or covering, would lurch from side to side as 
 if about to fall off ; and the body itself on these occasions os 
 cillated perceptibly until one would suppose it must soon go to 
 pieces. 
 
 Zanthon observed these peculiarities of the drag, as he stood 
 before the front entrance on the occasion referred to. The ap 
 pearance was so quaint that he kept his eyes on it until it 
 stopped and the driver had dismounted to aid the others in 
 getting out. 
 
 The boy expected the conveyance to pass the gate like many 
 more, as the road lead down to the beach and thence northward 
 to a well-peopled district. The reverie into which he had been 
 thrown was now quickly dispelled giving place to astonishment 
 on perceiving that the party so far from proceeding over the
 
 MOVEMENT ON FLIPPINGTON LODGE 397 
 
 route anticipated seemed actually preparing to move on the 
 Lodge itself. 
 
 What could such a coach as this, or the homely people it 
 contained, want with the Flippingtons ? he thought. They 
 were not relatives surely ; and it was preposterous to assume 
 they might be guests. 
 
 Who were they ? 
 
 The answer came immediately, and brought fear with it as 
 well as surprise. The three persons advancing in Indian file 
 along the gravel walk between the gate and the house could 
 not be mistaken. Mrs. Figbit, with a whip under her arm, 
 leading ; Big Nancy with the handkerchief around her head, 
 and old Jemmy dressed in his large coat and high hat, bent 
 from the effects of years and accumulated cares. 
 
 Although Zanthon had given his consent to leave Flipping- 
 ton Lodge he did not expect this sudden visit, made evidently, 
 for the purpose of carrying him off ; and he now regretted hav 
 ing favored the idea. He possessed great regard for his old 
 friends, loved to remember them ; but good food and kind 
 words went far to influence his actions when taken in connec 
 tion with any serious change in his mode of life. Hence he in 
 stinctively dreaded the uncertainty of the immediate future. 
 
 Before he could control the first impulse with which he was 
 actuated, he ran off in great excitement, and meeting Flipping- 
 ton in the garden informed him of what he feared was going to 
 transpire. It was with the greatest difficulty he did this, how 
 ever, for the trouble at his heart took away almost all power of 
 speech. 
 
 When Flippington gathered from his disjointed words some 
 understanding of what the boy meant, his gaiety disappeared 
 in an instant ; and he looked up at the sky as if expecting to be 
 hold some unusual commotion there on account of the perpetra 
 tion of such an outrage as the taking away of Zanthon implied. 
 
 Hastily advancing into the house he summoned each mem 
 ber of the family by name, supplemented by loud shouting,
 
 398 ZANTHON 
 
 t|ie like of which had never before been heard coming from 
 him. If Mony had not made her appearance in good time, 
 showing her great strength to advantage, and holding in her 
 hand an immense club, the ladies would undoubtedly have 
 been frightened into hysterics. Flippington continued to run 
 around the apartments screaming and laughing, throwing up 
 his hands above his head and stamping on the floor like a jig 
 dancer. 
 
 The cause of the commotion was explained by Zanthon in a 
 few seconds, so that by the time his friends appeared at the 
 door, their business was known to the inmates of the Lodge. 
 
 It is safe to say that the plague within the walls of Flipping- 
 ton Lodge would not have created more consternation than did 
 this threatened departure of Zanthon. 
 
 The suddenness of the movement almost paralyzed the pow 
 er of the Flippingtons. Mony, however, was equal to the oc 
 casion. Standing in the doorway, like a tower, she brought the 
 end of her club down against the floor with such force that the 
 foremost of the Figbit party trembled. She did this of her own 
 accord, for the purpose of stopping any further advance of the 
 enemy, so called, in order to allow the people- within ample time 
 to recover their equanimity and determine on the best method 
 of procedure. 
 
 Mrs. Flippington recognizing Mrs. Figbit saluted her kindly 
 and invited her whole party into the drawing-room, where after 
 a little while the entire household assembled and became 
 known to each other. Zanthon cordially shook hands with his 
 old friends and stood in the midst of them conversing with 
 each one in turn. 
 
 Miss Cora believing that on her rested the responsibility of 
 debating such important questions as might be presented on 
 the present occasion, assumed a grave aspect and prepared to 
 speak ; Flippington in the mean time rubbing his hands with 
 delight in anticipation of the method by which she would dis 
 pose of the arguments of the new comers. Miss Cora addressed
 
 MOVEMENT ON FLIPPINGTON LODGE 399 
 
 Mrs. Figbit with the understanding that she was the chief per 
 sonage on the opposite side. She said : 
 
 " We have been led to believe your party has come here to 
 disturb our relations with Zanthon." 
 
 " Wherever you got the information," replied _Mrs. Figbit 
 boldly, " it is not strictly correct. We have no intention of 
 making any disturbance." 
 
 " But your intention is to take the boy away." 
 
 " You are right, Miss Cora, it is my intention." 
 
 " If you are permitted to do so, we will consider it a very 
 serious disturbance indeed ; and an unwarrantable interference, 
 on your part, with the affairs of our house." 
 
 Mrs. Figbit winced under this severe language. Every eye 
 was turned on her inquisitively. She had answered the first 
 question in a masterly manner ; how would she meet this one 
 so well pointed by a lady who possessed learning, wisdom and 
 the experience of old age to sustain her ? It might be seen, 
 however, that some of the old fire which used to animate her in 
 former days came to her aid, for she raised her face with such 
 an expression of defiance that Miss Cora gathered the folds of 
 her dress nearer to her as if she needed protection. 
 
 " The fact of your considering it a disturbance," said Mrs. 
 Figbit, " does not make it so ; or granting on the other hand 
 that your opinion is true it may not amount to much. I mean 
 it may be insignificant compared with the purpose we desire to 
 accomplish. It was my power, poor as you think it to be, that 
 gave him to you in the first place, a power, let me tell you, 
 still capable of taking him back." 
 
 "Excuse me," rejoined Miss Cora quickly, "your power 
 in regard to him ceased when he came to us. He no longer 
 belongs to any of his former acquaintances. We own him now." 
 Flippington laughed gleefully at Miss Cora's language, re 
 peating the last sentence, and nodding his head at Zanthon to 
 inform him that the matter was settled in that way. Mrs. 
 Flippington, too, seemed highly pleased on account of her aunt
 
 400 ZANTHON 
 
 expressing so well what she herself would be most likely to 
 say. Mrs. Figbit resumed : 
 
 "I hope it will not be necessary for me to prove that the boy 
 is no slave. There was no bond. Bad as the country is it does 
 not tolerate slavery. You should tell ignorant people that you 
 own him. / can afford to laugh at that. You cannot own 
 him if you recognize the law. I have the first claim to be his 
 guardian ; because I was first in affording him shelter when he 
 was in need. I permitted his service with you for his benefit ; 
 and now believing another change to be still more beneficial I 
 consider it my duty to have the transfer made. You know, or 
 at least Mrs. Flippington knows my intentions were always 
 good and my designs such as could be examined by anyone 
 without bringing discredit on me." 
 
 Jemmy coughed behind his hand, as Mrs. Figbit finished, 
 and scrutinized the faces of those in front of him with keen in 
 terest. He felt this was the best- argument yet put forward, 
 and he actually straightened himself in his seat, with a show 
 of pride, so much did his enthusiastic admiration of her influ 
 ence his mind and body. 
 
 Miss Cora did not reply immediately. A slight paleness ap 
 peared above and around her lips. It was evident she was 
 seeking how to effect an honorable retreat from the position as 
 sumed by her on the subject under discussion. 
 
 Flippington and his wife were gravely silent. They had 
 heard a reference made to the law which set them thinking. 
 It made them serious. 
 
 Miss Cora continued: 
 
 " What place could you offer him where his wants might be 
 better supplied than here ? " 
 
 " I have considered the subject very well before making the 
 application," replied Mrs. Figbit evasively. 
 
 " The fact that we, too, are concerned in the same subject 
 ought to entitle us to an answer," resumed Miss Cora. " Mr. 
 and Mrs. Flippington are persons of quality and responsible for
 
 MOVEMENT ON FLIPPINGTON LODGE 401 
 
 what they do. There should be some respect paid to their 
 rights and privileges." 
 
 Flippington here interposed hastily. 
 
 " I will take care that they shall be respected, Cora. The 
 boy cannot leave. He must not leave. If he is forced away I 
 will send officers after him, and have the others arrested or im 
 prisoned. 
 
 Mrs. Figbit looked askance at Flippington but did not speak 
 lest she might say too much. 
 
 Mrs. Flippington in the mild manner peculiar to her asked : 
 
 '' May we not hear, Mrs. Figbit, what your designs are re 
 specting Zanthon's future ? " 
 
 " Most assuredly lady. It is intended to send him to school. 
 I believed, formerly, that learning consisted of only two 
 branches ; but on reflection I find I was mistaken. I know it 
 must be the greatest benefit to him in the end to learn all he 
 can at school. He is a bright boy and a good boy." 
 
 "Will his other wants be also attended to Mrs. Figbit?" 
 
 " We are prepared to do so to the best of our ability," an 
 swered that lady ; and she continued : 
 
 " We are poor people ; but his wants will not be many, nor 
 the demands on our means very great." 
 
 There was silence in the apartment. 
 
 It appeared the discussion had reached another turning 
 point. 
 
 No person desired to comment on the proposition respecting 
 the boy's schooling. It was too important to be trifled with. 
 After a while Mrs. Flippington turning to Zanthon with a sad 
 countenance, asked 
 
 " Zanthon, what do you say to these questions : will you re 
 main with us ; or will you depart with the persons here as 
 sembled who have come to claim you ? " 
 
 The boy stood up exhibiting 'signs of great trouble. It 
 seemed as if he had grown older in a few moments than time 
 would make him in years. He answered : 
 
 ZANTHON 26
 
 402 ZANTIION 
 
 " Mrs. Flippington, I do not know how to answer you. The 
 kindness you have shown me makes my heart sad when I 
 think it possible to go elsewhere. I have been as happy here, 
 as I ever was in my own home. What I received in your 
 house was better than anything I ever had before. I came to 
 think contentment would be my portion forever. But lady, 
 these old friends remind me of the time when I wa's destitute. 
 They bring back to my recollection the memory of my own 
 people, especially my father. I cannot forget him. He loved 
 me better than he loved himself. I am sure what Mrs. Figbit 
 says about school would please him." 
 
 The boy's emotion choked his further utterance. He sat 
 down c jvering his face with his hands to conceal his tears, while 
 every one present became visibly affected by his sorrow. 
 
 Then Mrs. Flippington looking from one to another of the 
 persons in the apartment beckoned Zanthon to come near her. 
 Placing her hand on his head in token of kindliness as if to 
 soothe his grief, she said : 
 
 "You shall go with your friends, Zanthon. There must not he 
 any obstruction placed between you and the course which your 
 good father evidently would have marked out for your pursuit. 
 Mr. Flippington and Miss Cora will abide by my decision. 
 
 Let justice prevail. 
 
 Whatever inconvenience may be felt by us on account of 
 your departure, it will be cheerfully borne, when we reflect that 
 we have endeavored to do right in this as in other things to 
 the extent of our knowledge." 
 
 Mrs. Flippington arose from her seat with the air of one sat 
 isfied that the judgment rendered by her was imperatively 
 binding on all the parties concerned and must be respected. 
 
 In conversation with Miss Cora it was arranged that Mrs. 
 Figbit and her companions be entertained in a suitable man 
 ner ; and to this end refreshments would be served to them in 
 the parlor, notwithstanding the fact becoming known that they 
 were already provided with provisions.
 
 MOVEMENT ON FLIPPINGTON LODGE 403 
 
 " My*dear," said Mrs. Figbit privately to Mrs. Flippington, 
 " we have a boiled ham and a couple of roast chickens in the 
 basket, besides five or six cuts off a round of beef in sand 
 wiches ; a fat goose to be eaten with mustard ; a breast of lamb 
 and buttered bread enough for all our reasonable wants not to 
 speak of a dozen of ale to wash down the victuals." 
 
 Jemmy was directed to escort Crispus to the stable where he 
 could be fed, while Nancy would accompany Zanthon and col 
 lect what belonged to him in the house. Then they sat down 
 to a great luncheon, where cold roasts and boiled dishes were 
 liberally flanked by bottles of porter, preserves and pudding ; 
 and this good cheer finally had the effect of dissipating all ill- 
 feeling which existed between the parties at the first meeting. 
 
 The Flippingtons, Miss Cora and Mony presented Zanthon 
 with mementoes of their esteem, requesting at the same time 
 to be remembered by him in his new world. On his part, he 
 did not fail to return thanks as kindly as his generous nature 
 permitted, and promised never to forget them. 
 
 When the moment for his departure at length arrived he was 
 unable to speak. He could only extend his hand silently to 
 each individual. Indeed everybody there seemed similarly 
 affected, for the Flippingtons, after he had turned away, re 
 treated precipitately to separate apartments as if desirous of 
 hiding their grief from each other. 
 
 The emotion of Mrs. Figbit's party resulted from joy. 
 
 We may say Mrs. Figbit never felt a happier time than this, 
 as taking Zanthon's hand she walked with him slowly down 
 the lawn to the gate where the conveyance awaited them. 
 
 There were no words spoken because it was thought proper 
 to allow the boy's grief its full measure of indulgence without 
 interruption. 
 
 In the chaise Zanthon was placed in the center between Mrs. 
 Figbit and Nancy, the seat being large enough for their accom 
 modation. Then Jemmy looking in to ascertain if all his pas 
 sengers were comfortable, mounted the box, glanced furtively
 
 404 ZANTHON 
 
 at Flippington Lodge as if it threatened to surprise his retreat, 
 applied the whip to Crispus and drove off at a brisk pace. 
 
 It is strange how soon grief begins to grow less through the 
 instrumentality of change of scene, or the acquaintance of new 
 associates. 
 
 Flippington Lodge being out of view, Zanthon raised his head 
 to look at the beauty of the sunlight which pervaded the after, 
 noon. Then he rested his eyes on each of his friends, saw 
 Crispus gaily trotting before him, the landscape along which 
 they were moving, and finally turning to Mrs. Figbit said : 
 
 " I do not know why you have all been so good to me ; I feel 
 very happy as well as sorrowful." 
 
 " You will be more cheerful in a little while," said Mrs. Fig- 
 bit, kindly. " We were waiting until you began to speak of 
 your own accord." 
 
 "You will have the finest time, Zanty, my boy, that ever 
 was," said Jemmy. 
 
 "I am beginning to feel I will," answered Zanthon, as he 
 brightened up and entered fully into the general conversation 
 which ensued. 
 
 The shackles of his servitude were broken and he felt free. 
 
 It was a happy time for these simple people, carrying as in 
 a triumph, the poor orphan boy from obscurity and dependence 
 into the light ot knowledge and the advantages accompanying 
 its possession. No wonder their hearts were glad. No wonder 
 they laughed hysterically until tears dimmed their eyes, and 
 that the scenery surrounding them, as they sped along, was 
 magnified to resemble a sight of Paradise. 
 
 What were the political intrigues of the world to innocent 
 hearts like these ? Where could their happiness be found ? 
 Surely not amid the pomp and glitter of wealth, or the fulsome 
 shows invented for the entertainment of the ignorant. 
 
 They were not influential in a worldly sense, but they had 
 power such as is employed by Nature in her mysterious designs, 
 the power of doing good.
 
 MOVEMENT ON I'LIPPINGTON LODGE 405 
 
 In their souls there was a sweetness which the combined 
 attractions of the earth or the ingenuity of mankind could not 
 bestow, because it emanated from the Infinite as the reward 
 offered to those who perform generous actions on behalf of their 
 fellow creatures without compensation ! 
 
 Ascending the eminence from which an extended view of the 
 coast-line, as well as the village just quitted, could be obtained, 
 Jemmy pulled up Crispus to afford Zanthon an opportunity of 
 taking a last look at his late residence. The scene was beauti 
 ful and the boy gazed on it with delight. 
 
 "For my part," said Jemmy, "it is not likely I will come 
 this way again. It cannot be long, now, until I enter on the 
 road from which there is no turning." 
 
 " We had enough sadness for one day, old man," said Mrs. 
 Figbit. "Keep your tongue quiet on that subject. We old 
 heads must not allow sorrow to get the best of us in the pres 
 ence of blooming youth. It will be time enough to cry about 
 you, when we come to attend your funeral." 
 
 " You are right, ma'am." returned Jemmy, although he felt 
 how terribly severe her words were, " you have more good sense 
 than a score like me. The way you managed this day's busi 
 ness was worthy the character of a statesman. I was proud of 
 you." 
 
 "I am well repaid for it by the pleasure I feel," answered the 
 woman. " I will never forget this happy day." 
 
 Zanthon sat in an ecstasy of delight, meditating on the varied 
 beauties of the scene. There was a crimson glow on his cheeks 
 and a brilliant lustre in his eyes more illustrious, perhaps, than 
 even the sunlight which surrounded him. Health, beauty and 
 peace were his in abundance, and the rectitude of a noble mind 
 could be discerned in his countenance. 
 
 From extreme sorrow, cruelty and insignificance he was com 
 ing into the possession of friendship, freedom and prosperity. 
 
 Out of darkness he was emerging into light. 
 
 Why should he not exult ?
 
 406 ZANTHON 
 
 His spirit was like that of the universe, conscious of its own 
 grandeur. 
 
 No monarch ever sat on his throne with a statelier air than 
 he, surrounded by his friends and the charms of nature. 
 
 Through the azure of the heavens he saw the magnificence of 
 the Incomprehensible. 
 
 The purity of God became visible to the keen perception of 
 his soul. 
 
 He drank of the sweetness of the beatitude of Omnipotence 
 until he became intoxicated almost beyond endurance. 
 
 He laughed like one crazed from joy. It was his day ! 
 
 He stood on the highest pinnacle of virtue, on the awful line 
 which separates innocence from worldly debasement ; the be 
 ginning of the pleasant prospect leading through life to honor, 
 intelligent exertion after legitimate acquisitions, and the pur 
 suit of knowledge ; or the cross-road into by-ways and devious 
 paths where whirlwinds prevail, purposeless aims, and the bit 
 terness acquired by vicious practice. 
 
 Oh, boy ! shall we call to thy presence, from the highways of 
 a bustling world, the hearts riven by misery and care, so that 
 the genial conditions which surround thee, and the happiness 
 of thy lot, may gain them one moment of pleasure ? 
 
 Shall we importune the wanderer whose footsteps were 
 thoughtlessly directed from home in the days of his youth, 
 that he may pour his regrets and his sorrows into thine ear ; 
 and will the lost child of many a bright home turn to behold 
 thy face so as to remember a happier period that shall come 
 no more ? 
 
 Fully satisfied with what he saw, Zanthon, rising from his 
 seat, laid his hand on Jemmy's shoulders and said : 
 
 " Let us go forward."
 
 CHAPTER XXX. 
 
 THE APPROACH OF THE WHIRLWIND 
 
 \ A 7HILE Zanthon was pursuing his studies under the 
 * * patronage of Mr. Gangpond, and learning by experi 
 ence all the pleasures and troubles peculiar to schoolboys and 
 students, vague rumors began to circulate of some impending 
 danger, calculated to disturb the nation's peace. 
 
 Incoherent mutterings, significant innuendos, mysterious 
 whisperings and threats were heard, occasionally in the public 
 places, all tending toward the one object preparation for 
 war. 
 
 Severity of the laws instituted by the rulers and mismanage 
 ment of the internal affairs of the country were the remote 
 causes of the popular discontent, while the recent famine and 
 its terrible consequences aggravated this feeling into desper 
 ation. 
 
 It was the approach of the whirlwind ! 
 
 Where oppression forged her thunderbolts, there must be 
 sparks of fire. 
 
 After the night of woe, a dawn was coming whose ordinary 
 character indeed might be changed by the dreadful lightning 
 flash ; but it could be relied upon to involve both friend and foe 
 disastrously in the wings of the storm 1 
 
 The natives had been suspended in the jaws of death ; but 
 while numbers fell victims to the dread destroyer, the majority 
 escaped. 
 
 A few years brought them, again, prosperity, such as it had 
 been, in the past, and with it a determination to evolve the 
 
 (407)
 
 408 ZANTHON 
 
 freedom essential to a better system of social life in the future 
 or perish in the attempt. 
 
 Death by the sword, with the spirit of a patriot, would be 
 preferable to the slow process of decease by starvation. 
 
 It was true, that time and circumstances had destroyed the 
 pristine glory of the old nationality, had paralyzed political in 
 dependence and commercial enterprise ; but like an oak whose 
 strength survives more than a hundred years after its fall, the 
 heart was yet sound ! 
 
 Patriotism lived ! 
 
 The herculean task of revolution presenting itself at this 
 time for consideration, was accepted, generally, by all classes 
 of the enslaved people ; not necessarily because there were 
 great hopes of its success ; but for the reasons that the prob 
 lems inducing it would be forced before the attention of the 
 civilized nations of the world ; and the dominant aliens, 
 compelled through fear, to concede more advantageous laws 
 to the survivors than those by which they had been heretofore 
 governed. 
 
 Men of the character of Ribbonson, whom the reader will 
 remember having met journeying with Antony Firfag on his 
 way to Mrs. Timbertoe's, appeared simultaneously in all parts 
 of the country. Strong of limb, fearless in danger ; imbued 
 with the patience of stoics to witness without exhibitions of 
 passion, the insults and injustice of the oppressors ; and per 
 severance in the eternal search for freedom by every means 
 within their reach. 
 
 They were the van-guard of progressive action whose exam 
 ple would influence the destinies of mankind, politically and 
 socially, in many an ill-governed nation, hundreds of years in 
 the future ; the incubators and disseminators of the idea of 
 war as a remedy for wrongs, that, otherwise would not be 
 righted ; the trumpeters on the hill-tops calling men to arms 
 for justice and humanity's sake ! The advocates of republican 
 ism as a substitute for monarchy.
 
 THE APPROACH OF THE WHIRLWIND 409 
 
 In the mean time Zanthon's life was the most peaceful imagi 
 nable. The family where he resided consisted of a man and 
 woman, husband and wife, each of them being well advanced 
 in years. They belonged to the poor thrifty class ; and in 
 selecting them Mr. Gangpond had in view the good example 
 their lives would make for the boy. 
 
 The man's name was Mehall or Mehill ; but people, invari 
 ably, called the woman by her Christian name, Earing. 
 
 Mehill followed the occupation of a laborer ; working in the 
 fields for a landowner, who finding him steady and attentive to 
 his business, gave him a fair compensation and continuous 
 employment. 
 
 Earing, on her part, sought to assist her husband, or rather, 
 perhaps, to increase the household finances, through jobbing on 
 a limited scale. She purchased eggs from poor country folks, 
 in small quantities, and sold them at a profit to merchants of 
 the town. Hard-fisted, rough-mannered, penurious through 
 necessity ; these two persons toiled for a competence ; and 
 competence they acquired : health, contentment and a free 
 conscience being added gratis. 
 
 Their wants were few. 
 
 They knew no literature or science, but the art of toiling. 
 
 In a country where politics, at times, assumed fearful phases, 
 they were ignorant of its significance. 
 
 They were good without being religious ; wise without logic 
 and happy without riches. 
 
 The vanity of competition with their neighbors as to who 
 should be reckoned the greatest in the community, never en 
 tered their minds. They knew their station and kept their 
 places, like inferior animals in a comfortable burrow. 
 
 Mehill was subject to Earing, to an extent not often witnessed 
 among married people. There was economy in this ; because 
 it saved him from trouble ; such as an ignorant man who is 
 self-willed is sure to experience.
 
 410 ZANTHON 
 
 If he had an opinion at all, it was this : that his wife Earing 
 was the custodian of thought, prudence, economy and every 
 principle pertaining either to business or morals, essential to 
 life. Therefore he became an attentive listener to her but spoke 
 few words. He dare not smoke or drink or swear or tell lies ; 
 but he found to his astonishment that the absence of such 
 luxuries soon made him content without them. 
 
 This successful termination of his self-denial he ascribed to 
 the generalship of his wife. 
 
 The food provided for him was good ; the clothing com 
 fortable ; the house clean. It is true the domicile was 
 not large,for it contained only three apartments, but it pos 
 sessed all the qualities of comfort observed in more pre 
 tentious establishments ; air space, dryness, ventilation and 
 warmth. 
 
 Mehill did not wait for the millennium of the dreamer that 
 would never come ; he created one for himself and, figuratively, 
 swam in it to his heart's content. The conditions necessary 
 to produce this state of bliss were few and apparently, easily 
 accomplished : work and silence. 
 
 It was here Zanthon learned how much contentment may be 
 gained by persons in the humblest walks of life, if guided by 
 common sense. 
 
 One of the apartments had been given up for his special use ; 
 one reserved as the bed chamber of Mehill and Earing, while 
 the remaining room constituted kitchen, sitting and dining 
 room combined. 
 
 To Mehill and Earing, Zanthon soon became like the sun 
 shine, an additional source of pleasure. He often turned from 
 his books, when the fire in the evening was brightest on the 
 hearth ; and explained some difficult problem to the awe- 
 stricken minds of this good couple. However time flew with 
 its accustomed rapidity. In the peaceful retreat assigned to 
 him, the periodic visits of his old friends were the only incid 
 ents in his life, outside the routine of school business. Indeed
 
 THE APPEOACH OF THE WHIRLWIND 411 
 
 the boy was merging into manhood before he seriously felt the 
 obligation he was under to Mr. Gangpond. 
 
 It was during this period he visited May's grave in the old 
 house and the fort near it ; but found to his surprise that the 
 bodies of both had been removed. 
 
 Zanthon had resided about four years with the Mehills and 
 was preparing to accept a Jposition in a warehouse from his 
 patron, when something occurred that changed the entire 
 direction of his career. He was then about eighteen years of 
 age. 
 
 One evening after Baring's return from the business part of 
 the town and Mehill from work, Zanthon heard the following 
 dialogue pass between them. 
 
 " There's a crowd at the corner to-night, me man." 
 
 " A crowd at the corner, Earing ? " 
 
 "There is that, Mehill." 
 
 "There is." 
 
 " I would n't be near 'em en any account. There's black 
 strangers among 'em." 
 
 "Ah! ha! Earing." 
 
 " Dark lookin' min, Mehill." 
 
 "They are." 
 
 " In the face I mean : angry ; ready to give a blow." 
 
 " Yes ! " 
 
 " They were looking at something on the wall." 
 
 "The wall, Earing?" 
 
 " A paper on the wall. What they seen made 'em come 
 closer together." 
 
 "It did!" 
 
 " Pushed 'em among each other." 
 
 "Oo! Oo! Earing." 
 
 " The paper wants 'em to find the grandson of Merraloon." 
 
 " Merraloon ! " 
 
 " Merraloon ! Mehill. Merraloon, the chief, who was killed in 
 the rebellion."
 
 412 ZANTHON 
 
 " The Lord bless us ! " said the man, in surprise. 
 
 " Amen," answered Earing. The woman continued : 
 
 "They'll give money for him. A power of money." 
 
 "They will." 
 
 " The full of a bag of gold, they say," Mehill groaned and 
 smacked his lips in token of ecstasy at the idea. 
 
 "They don't know where he is," resumed Earing. 
 
 "They don't." 
 
 " Some say this ; and some say that ; and some think he 
 never lived at all." 
 
 "They do." 
 
 " No one ever seen him ; but he'll rise out of the ground 
 when he comes." 
 
 " He will." 
 
 Earing lowered her voice and stood closer to Mehill as she 
 continued : 
 
 "There will be slates on the houses, roads through the 
 swamps and long black coats on the clergy under him." 
 
 Mehill opened his mouth in wonder at such a glorious pros 
 pect ; but was unab]e to utter a word on account of the tempo 
 rary paralyzation of his organs of speech, seeing which the 
 woman continued : 
 
 " He'll bury his feet in the sand, so the enemy cannot follow 
 him He'll banish the fogs, the hunger and the cold ; and stop 
 the wild geese from going to distant parts. He'll bring the re 
 bellion again to the doors of the gentry ! " 
 
 Mehill's mute look of amazement became fixed, as if he had 
 been set up in marble. Whether he furtively entertained opin 
 ions pro or con, in reference to the subject spoken of by Ear 
 ing ; or committed himself to the act of dreaming of a time in 
 the future when his own millennium would admit of freedom of 
 speech, could not be divined, as there was no physical sign 
 visible from which an idea might be deduced. His oracle had 
 spoken and therefore the necessity for comment on his part 
 was prevented.
 
 THE APPROACH OF THE WHIRLWIND 413 
 
 Before the conversation was resumed Zanthon coming out of 
 his rcom passed quickly into the street. 
 
 In the depths of obscurity there appeared an oracle for him 
 also. His spirit awoke at the mystic sound, as if he had 
 been sleeping and was roused by the discharge of cannon at 
 his door. 
 
 Timidity, doubt, mystification, fled from him. 
 Like the sun over the mountain he came forth in the pride 
 of strength and glory of power. 
 
 He realized the truth of the political situation with the 
 keen perception of one accustomed to reason on facts instead of 
 opinions. 
 
 Heretofore he had been content to read of and investigate the 
 issues of the past: quarrels, invasions, battles, conquests and 
 all the train of evils resulting from man's ambition, arrogance 
 or desire to dominate over the destinies of his fellow-man ; as 
 also the questions pertaining to his own country and people 
 without imagining for an instant a possibility of war, on account 
 of the want of material to prosecute it. 
 
 Hence when the call for his appearance came he was 
 astounded but ready. 
 
 His cogitations now must end in activity and the strife of 
 war. It would be idle on his part, he thought, to oppose the 
 resolution of the patriots on the issue of revolution, merely be 
 cause his reason induced him to believe they could not be suc 
 cessful without an organized army and a base of supplies. 
 Such opposition would only entail dishonor on the fame left by 
 his ancestors, at a time when the niceties of his action might 
 be construed to indicate cowardice. 
 
 He was the grandson of Merraloon, and, therefore, must be 
 unyielding to any circumstance favorable to peace with the 
 enemy of his country. 
 
 Up to this period he had guarded with scrupulous care the 
 secret of his identity as imposed on him by his father. 
 No human being knew his true character.
 
 414 ZANTHON 
 
 Would he disregard the admonition of his parent, the last 
 wish of a dying man, and reveal it now ? 
 
 The pride of youth, the fearlessness of honor, the ambition 
 of individuality made him answer his own question in the af 
 firmative. 
 
 " Yes." 
 
 That answer neutralized years of Marlband's researches in 
 quest of means and ways to secure the safety of his son against 
 the consequences of political intrigue. 
 
 With a light step Zanthon proceeded to the principal busi 
 ness street of the town where the corner referred to by Earing 
 was situated. 
 
 To a stranger there was nothing worthy of notice in the ap 
 pearance of the place ; for the large crowd had disappeared ; 
 but he perceived that in the space between the sidewalk and 
 the center of the street a number of men were standing in small 
 knots, evidently discussing some question of importance. 
 These knots extended a considerable distance like a picket- 
 line ; but their motionless attitude seemed to disclaim any re 
 lationship with war. 
 
 He turned to a placard on the wall whose outline and con 
 tents could be yet discerned in the twilight. The language of 
 this placard was disguised, in order, no doubt, to evade the 
 vigilance of the police and save it from being torn down ; for 
 the agents of the party in power were alive to the necessity of 
 continued watchfulness and allowed no opportunity to pass of 
 proving how assiduously they intended meeting every indica 
 tion of revolt. 
 
 Zanthon gleaned a few salient points from what he read. A 
 reward was offered for any information of the discovery of the 
 heir of Merraloon, whose presence was desired in order to settle 
 some dispute respecting the title to a piece of land formerly oc 
 cupied by his father. From careful study of all the circum 
 stances connected with the family of Merraloon it had been 
 ascertained that there were strong reasons to believe a grand-
 
 THE APPROACH OF THE WHIRLWIND 415 
 
 son of the celebrated chieftain was living in the country, but 
 under an assumed name. If this youth should present himself 
 to the proper persons he would hear something to his advan 
 tage. 
 
 "The proper persons," said Zanthon, reflectively, " are the 
 leaders of the coming revolution. No doubt I can consult their 
 representatives here." 
 
 It was wonderful how sharp appeared the turning from the 
 studious habits of his youth to the exciting circumstances con 
 nected with the life of a soldier. 
 
 It was not difficult to find a person who would be compe 
 tent to furnish him with additional information on the subject of 
 his thoughts. His residence in the town enabled him to become 
 acquainted with all classes of its inhabitants, either personally 
 or by report ; the patriotic as well as those willing to uphold 
 the cause of the conquerors. 
 
 After a little reflection he directed his steps toward one of 
 the groups of men on the street above mentioned, and coming 
 near to it beckoned with his hand to some person of his ac 
 quaintance there. 
 
 The man detached himself at once from his companions 
 and joined Zanthon. 
 
 He was above the medium height, straight and comely in 
 form, his dark complexion being intensified in shade by thick 
 black hair. The cheeks were lean. The lips thin and color 
 less, the nose sharp and pointed, the chin square, the orifice of 
 the mouth fairly horizontal showing teeth white and regular. 
 
 Strongly built in proportion to his size ; quick in his move 
 ments, always on the alert to detect intrusion, offensive or ag 
 gressive, it was evident there was great capacity in him for the 
 performance of daring deeds when called into action. 
 
 "Tanders," said Zanthon, addressing him familiarly, "you 
 can tell me all I desire to know." 
 
 "What are your wishes, my dear boy ? " returned the man in 
 a pleasant manner.
 
 416 ZANTHON 
 
 " Are the rumors of war well founded ? " 
 "It is a dangerous subject to trifle with." 
 
 "I am quite serious, Tanders." 
 
 " No one can doubt any longer that we may expect the most 
 alarming troubles." 
 
 " You think it time for every man to choose his side ?" 
 
 " Pardon me, Zanthon. I did not say so." 
 
 "Come, Tanders, let us understand each other. You know 
 me, my circumstances and my sentiments. I love my coun 
 try ; I am willing to fight for its independence. I want to join 
 the patriots ! " 
 
 Tanders extended his hand and grasped that of Zanthon t 
 Baying curtly: 
 
 " It is better to be a volunteer than a conscript." 
 
 "Or a mercenary," rejoined the young man. 
 
 " Or a coward," continued Tanders. 
 
 "But," said he, "you must first be inspected." 
 
 "And then?" 
 
 " And then examined." 
 
 "What next?" 
 
 " Enrolled." 
 
 "And afterwards?" 
 
 "Assigned." 
 
 "Enough." 
 
 "Come. We pass along that line of men on the street. 
 They will inspect you." 
 
 " What ! the civilians in groups ? " 
 
 " The same." 
 
 " Explain ? " 
 
 " They are soldiers ; republicans, patriots. Being with me 
 they will understand you seek admission to their ranks." 
 
 " All eyes, no doubt, will be turned upon me." 
 
 " Nothing will be left undone to make the scrutiny of your 
 person complete. It is but just, as a rule, seeing how neces 
 sary it is to observe the greatest caution in order to prevent the
 
 THE APPROACH OF THE WHIRLWIND 417 
 
 agents of the enemy from getting a knowledge of our plans and 
 movements." 
 
 Having made a circuit of the line by marching along it on 
 one side of the street and countermarching on the other, Tand- 
 ers accompanied by Zanthon entered a door leading from the 
 sidewalk into a small office, such as justices of the peace oc 
 cupy while holding court in petty precincts of cities. 
 
 "Your inspection is over and we will now await the report," 
 said Tanders as he lighted a lamp and motioned Zanthon to a 
 seat near him. 
 
 Presently two men entered the apartment. 
 
 One of these men had a commanding appearance with long 
 features and full beard. His manner was grave and methodi 
 cal. The look of his eye was not prepossessing nor the pallor 
 overspreading his countenance. If rightly interpreted they in 
 dicated severity in his character, or rigid adhesion to set pur 
 poses. If he had nursed a lofty air he would be imperious ; 
 but he had only sufficient resolution to evoke the cruelty in 
 herent in human nature and practice it sometimes without 
 regret. His age must have been, then, about forty-five years. 
 
 Anyone acquainted with military men would conclude he 
 was a good disciplinarian. 
 
 Tanders greeted him by name : 
 
 l< Hordance," and he was not unknown to Zanthon. 
 
 The individual accompanying him could not boast much of 
 either stature or corpulency. A small man with a clerical 
 air ; due probably to a long black coat, which he wore but 
 toned up in front, as well as on account of his gait and method 
 of speaking. He seemed gifted with a fine flow of speech, a 
 mild temper and a quick perception. 
 
 He had a dark complexion, black hair, thin colorless face, 
 long nose, his lips and chin being covered with a moustache 
 and full beard. No doubt he was forty years of age. 
 
 " How is it, Taffies ?" inquired Tariders addressing him. 
 
 "Satisfactory," answered the new comer. 
 
 ZANTHON 27
 
 418 ZANTHON 
 
 Tanders turning to Hordance, said : 
 
 " Proceed." 
 
 Thus reminded Hordance drew from his breast pocket a 
 paper from which he read the following queries to Zanthon, 
 recording the answer in each case as he received it: 
 
 " For what purpose have you come here ? " 
 
 " I desire to join the ranks of my patriotic countrymen." 
 
 " Do you know what these patriots seek ? " 
 
 "The independence of their country." 
 
 " Give your views on the nature of independence ? " 
 
 " A government of the people by the people which guarantees 
 equal rights to all citizens within its jurisdiction, protects them 
 from violence and intrigue, and fosters industry for their 
 benefit." 
 
 " What is this form of government called ? " 
 
 " Republican/' 
 
 1 'To what extent will you endeavor to supersede the mon 
 archy by the republic ? " 
 
 " With all my powers." 
 
 " What punishment should be meted out to him who having 
 engaged to act with his comrades for the emancipation of his 
 country betrays them to the enemy ? " 
 
 " Death ! " 
 
 There was a pause. 
 
 " Enroll him," resumed Tanders to Taffies. 
 
 " What is the full name ? " inquired the latter. 
 
 " Zanthon," replied the youth. 
 
 The men looked puzzled. Taffies, however, recorded the 
 name in a small book which he carried with him saying as he 
 did so : 
 
 " Variety is one of the greatest laws in nature ; your parents 
 must have been people of knowledge to have observed it in this 
 manner." 
 
 Zanthon made no reply and Tanders continuing said :
 
 THE APPROACH OF THE WHIRLWIND 419 
 
 " We are now engaged in filling a regiment of which your 
 humble servant, Jack Tanders, is Colonel. This grave gentle 
 man, Bruce Hordance, is Lieutenant-Colonel and Luke Taffies, 
 Adjutant. I think my good Zanthon, we will make you, 
 Major." 
 
 " A very suitable young man for the place," said Hordance. 
 
 " I commend your taste, Colonel," said Taffies, <k our field 
 and staff will make a fair showing, whatever may be said of 
 the rank and file." 
 
 Tanders smiled, but made no comment on this remark. 
 
 " We may as well lead you into the knowledge of a few 
 secrets regarding the regiment at once," resumed Taffies, glanc 
 ing at the others, " so as to prevent you asking unnecessary 
 questions when you come to meet it on parade. It is designed 
 to distinguish itself during the approaching campaign." 
 
 " That fact is self-evident," returned Zanthon pleasantly. 
 
 "It will be known as the Crowfoot Regiment." 
 
 " A grave name indeed ; but. euphonious." 
 
 " Excepting officers of the field and staff every mother's son 
 in it, or who may hereafter gain admittance to its ranks, must 
 wear the mark of a crow's foot, in a conspicuous place on his 
 person." 
 
 "That is a singular arrangement." 
 
 " It is a war sign, figuratively speaking ; a sign of age. 
 Veterans all of some kind ; desperate tramps, hoary-headed tin 
 kers who have kept public gatherings in fear during a score of 
 years, reformed thugs, backsliders evading the vigilance of the 
 law, men w.ho escaped the gallows by a hair's breadth. Pugi 
 lists, circus-clowns, spendthrifts without money, the black 
 sheep of families in the district and prodigal sons from all 
 quarters. Men of large stature and long necks. The high 
 cheek-boned and those with contorted features. The squint- 
 eyed, the bow-legged and many others that must be seen to 
 be appreciated." 
 
 " The enumeration of itself is sufficient to inspire terror."
 
 420 ZANTHON 
 
 " We hope so. The idea of classifying men in this way is 
 not without merit. In cases of great emergency a commanding 
 general could easily carry or defend a particular point, if fully 
 conversant with the character of his men." 
 
 "You are determined, I presume to permit the Crowfoot 
 Regiment to engage in some hard fighting ? " 
 
 " Assuredly. Wherever the smoke of battle is thickest there 
 it may be found. 
 
 If there be a breach to enter or a retreat to cover the men 
 of the Crowfoot Regiment will be expected to perform that 
 duty. 
 
 It is on the lists to deploy in skirmish line before the main 
 body of the Brigade of which it is a part, in the first encounter 
 with the enemy. 
 
 If found neqessary it will lead the forlorn hope, the storm 
 ing party, the night attack and the flank movement in great 
 engagements." 
 
 " What will be its strength, in active service ? " 
 
 " About twelve hundred all told." 
 
 " How many may be expected to survive the first year of the 
 war ? " 
 
 Taffies did not answer, but his look of grim inquiry at Tan- 
 ders and Hordance assured Zanthon that the survivors could 
 be easily counted. 
 
 As other duties with the regiment demanded the attention 
 of the Lieutenant-Colonel and the Adjutant before bedtime, 
 these officers arose to depart, but each in turn grasped the 
 hand of the young Major and congratulated him on his 
 appointment. 
 
 After they had left Zanthon said to Tanders : 
 
 " What is the real significance of the placard respecting the 
 heir of Merraloon ? " 
 
 " If such a person exists it is calculated that his presence 
 will strengthen our cause considerably." 
 
 " Then it is for war purposes only that he is sought ? "
 
 THE APPROACH OF THE WHIELWIND 421 
 
 " For the most part. Every item in our favor is so much 
 gained. At least he would count one. If not fitted for the 
 field he might be utilized in the council. The memory of his 
 grandfather's deeds will, doubless, exercise a salutary influence 
 on many of our people, and induce others to assist our efforts 
 towards political freedom." 
 
 " Certain facts have come to my knowledge in regard to the 
 subject which I would like to disclose to the persons inter 
 ested." 
 
 " We are all concerned about it, of course ; but the Execu 
 tive Council is the party for which the information is desired. 
 As your appointment in the regiment must be confirmed by 
 the general commanding in the province and your commission 
 issued by the Council, I will give you an introductory letter to 
 that v body at once so as to enable you to make the statement we 
 speak of before it." 
 
 " Thanks, but tell me further where is the Executive Council 
 located ? " 
 
 Tanders bent over and whispered something in Zanthon's ear 
 to which the latter responded : 
 
 " Well ! well ! that is a surprise. Now continue your 
 information. What is the rank of the provincial general ? " 
 
 " He is a Major-General." 
 
 " How many brigades will the province muster ? " 
 
 " Eight to begin with, calculating six regiments to a brigade." 
 
 " Other provinces, no doubt, are similarly organized ? " 
 
 " I believe so." 
 
 " I presume you are acquainted with the number of pro 
 vinces in the entire country ? " 
 
 " Why yes. Everybody knows that." 
 
 " The strength of our army can be, therefore, easily esti 
 mated." 
 
 " There is no lack of men, but war material is scarce. The 
 expenses of an army are enormous." 
 
 " How shall we meet them ? "
 
 422 ZANTHON 
 
 "The best way we can. Necessity will make us perform, 
 perhaps, many things which otherwise would never be thought 
 of. The product of the country must be retained and pressed 
 into service." 
 
 " You will pay for it, of course ? " 
 
 " Yes. Our idea, in this connection is to institute and carry 
 on a legitimate warfare." 
 
 " Where will the money be procured ? " 
 
 " Where all governments find it in contributions, taxes, bonds, 
 and scrip. 
 
 We must first establish a credit by means of success, and 
 that is what we will now attempt to do." 
 
 " Have you made any arrangement about clothing ? " 
 
 " To be sure. Every man in the regiment has provided for 
 himself a uniform pants and the tunics are making, so tht in a 
 short time we can turn out at a moment's notice. We 
 encountered some trouble in the selection of a uniform hat, as 
 we could not procure the shako ; but finally it was determined 
 to adopt the soft felt or campaign hat, until a better pattern 
 can be found." 
 
 " What is the color of the uniform tunic ? " 
 
 " Bottle green with red facing for artillery, gold or bronze 
 for cavalry and blue for infantry. Ours of course will be blue." 
 
 " Excellent. Now tell me where are the arms stored ? " 
 
 Tanders looked up quickly for an instant while saying : 
 
 " If we had arms and storage sufficient for our requirements 
 the enemy could not hold this country twenty-four hours. 
 Their rules make it criminal to carry or possess arms on any 
 pretense whatsoever. Our friends and agents are now engaged 
 in making the necessary provision ; but with what success I 
 am unable to say. There is one thing certain, however, the 
 Crowfoot Regiment will be fully equipped the hour the drums 
 beat the long roll to prepare it for action." 
 
 Zanthon vacated his seat at this juncture in order to go 
 home.
 
 THE APPROACH OF THE WHIRLWIND 
 
 423 
 
 " Give me the letter. I leave town to-morrow afternoon," he 
 said. "In the morning I will meet my patron, Mr. Gangpond, 
 and inform him of my departure. You shall hear from me." 
 
 Tanders wrote a few lines on a slip of paper, folded it and 
 gave it to Zanthon. Then the newly made friends shook hands 
 and parted.
 
 CHAPTER XXXI. 
 
 OPPOSING FORCES. 
 
 1 I \HE twilight had disappeared when Zanthon emerged into 
 -** the street after his interview with Colonel Tanders. 
 
 It was springtime. 
 
 The air was no longer keen or blustering, but mild and sweet, as 
 if it belonged to the Orient and had wandered imperceptibly to 
 this distant land, where the perfume of early flowers gave it a 
 welcome in harmony with its beauty. 
 
 Many a time in the past had Zanthon sauntered here, at this 
 hour, through crowds of citizens conversing pleasantly with 
 each other ; but now the thoroughfare was deserted. Intuitively 
 he divined the cause. 
 
 The men planning warfare, the women either assisting them, 
 or terrorized ; the agents of the enemy inside of barred doors, 
 the wind only remained in the street. It came as if laden with 
 grief, not vigorously, but with little sound, like mysterious 
 whispers trying to tell the young man how sad was the condi 
 tion of his country, and warning him of the advent of future 
 danger. There was a charm in this dreadful substitution of 
 spirit for human life ; a fascination filling the soul of the 
 observer with awe, as if he had been dragged to the brink of 
 earth's domain to look into the immense chasm of eternity ! 
 
 Under this spell he sought repose in the domicile which here 
 tofore had been his humble home, and dreamed of cavalry 
 charges, forced marches and the bursting of shells among the 
 enemy's lines. 
 
 (424)
 
 OPPOSING FORCES 425 
 
 He was astir early the next day. Mehill went to labor in 
 the fields as usual, and Earing to ply her traffic on the road 
 unconscious of any change in the times or fear of disturbance, 
 thus leaving him alone at the breakfast table. 
 
 He had arranged with himself to leave the place without 
 informing anyone of his exact destination excepting Tanders, 
 after weighing everything seriously that related to the subject. 
 
 His accounts were clear ; that is to say, there were no debts 
 to liquidate. During the past two years he had earned some 
 money by keeping books for a merchant three evenings in the 
 week and writing for Mr. Gangpond every Saturday afternoon. 
 
 By this means his patron was- relieved of any expenses on 
 his account. Besides Zanthon's accuracy as well as honesty 
 were repaying Mr. Gangpond for all he had advanced him in 
 the first instance. 
 
 Nor were other person's, well known to the reader, forgotten. 
 
 Big Nancy was frequently made happy by donations of money 
 from Zanthon's purse. For old Jemmy he purchased a new 
 overcoat, and Mrs. Figbit was obliged to accept presents from 
 him once a year during the Christmas holidays. 
 
 In his room there were but few personal effects, and even 
 these did not possess but little value. A square box about 
 as large as a Saratoga trunk contained all, with the excep 
 tion of his books which appeared on two shelves near the 
 window. 
 
 The new silk hat which he had purchased recently he took 
 from a compartment of the box, placed it on the table, and 
 under the band of it inserted a slip of paper with these words, 
 "For Mehill." Leaving the key in the box and everything 
 undisturbed as on all other occasions, he stepped lightly through 
 the house and into the street, securing the door behind him as 
 was customary with the inmates. 
 
 Then he proceeded to interview Mr. Gangpond. 
 
 He found that gentleman in his house in a suite of rooms 
 fronting the east where the morning sun was liberally distrib-
 
 426 ZANTHON 
 
 uted among easy chairs, ornamental tables, books, pictures and 
 other evidences of comfort. 
 
 Mr. Gangpond, whom we have not yet fully described, was 
 one of that class of men who live long because they live well. 
 
 At peace with the world he acquired peace for himself almost 
 without an effort. 
 
 He did not love seclusion or the meandering through country 
 lanes in search of a poet's genius, but to meet his old friends 
 in the largest crowd available and talk lustily with them on 
 the nonsense of the times, as well as business. 
 
 New principles were .abhorrent to him. The knowledge of 
 his day, whatever it might be, was the eternal order of things, 
 he thought. 
 
 While yet quite young he married, assisted to raise six chil 
 dren, and saw them severally united in wedlock, comfortably 
 housed and provided with all the requirements of life. Now he 
 was alone, attended only by servants, his wife having died, but 
 hale and hearty like a mammoth tree that survives the wreck 
 of its fellows of the forest, and upon whose branches can still 
 be detected the evidence of pristine verdure. The steel gray 
 hair was becoming white ; but the features were yet full, the 
 forehead smooth, the eyes bright and the frame erect. 
 
 On the occasion of Zanthon's entrance, Mr. Gangpond noticed 
 instantly a change in the young man's manner indicative of 
 trouble. 
 
 " Has the revolution smarted ? " he said looking up. 
 
 u I am not aware of it, but believe the time for its appearance 
 to be near at hand." 
 
 " My dear boy, don't give way to sensational rumors. There 
 is nothing in them. I recollect very well how I used to be 
 excited over similar reports when I was a young man. Imag 
 ination carries people a long distance." 
 
 " Then you think there will be no disturbances ? " 
 
 " There may be, but they will prove unfortunate for the peo 
 ple."
 
 OPPOSING FOECES 427 
 
 " Have you no regard for men's rights ? " 
 
 "More than many professional politicians." 
 
 " The efforts of revolutionary parties elsewhere in the past 
 have not been always unsuccessful." 
 
 " True ; because the conditions were different. The people 
 here have not enough strength to support their efforts. See 
 what the government can achieve. Its regular troops in this 
 country number, at least, seventy-five thousand men stationed 
 at the best strategic points the place can afford. It has 
 a special garrison of twenty-five thousand men equipped as 
 rifles distributed in small squads through the length and breadth 
 of the land. These squads have each a barrack built of stone 
 and mortar sufficient to stand a siege for weeks at a time, 
 unless assaulted by heavy guns. It could double the numbers 
 above, mentioned in forty-eight hours from outside garrisons. 
 The militia forces under it are enormous. It has a fleet of war 
 ships at the south and another at the north guarding the coast 
 line. It holds the capital and every place of importance that 
 could be named. There is money at its command, provisions 
 for the soldiers and war material almost without limit. What 
 chances could a revolutionary party have against such odds ? " 
 
 "They have a good cause to inspire them with energy. The 
 justice-loving people of the world will commend their endeavors. 
 Genius shall invoke aid and procure it, where otherwise it would 
 be inaccessible. Unity of purpose persisted in, will gain more 
 favorable results than great numbers of soldiers whom time 
 must soon destroy or circumstances scatter." 
 
 u You are clever Zanthon. I delight to hear you speak ; and 
 so well, too." 
 
 " The patriots may be overpowered but their action will ad 
 vance their country's interests towards good, a century beyond 
 where they found them." 
 
 " I like that. I believe you boy ; but you see how many 
 poor men must suffer before they can accomplish so much." 
 
 " Every generation cannot be a conqueror. It is enough if
 
 428 ZANTHON 
 
 each perform a part until all be completed which was desir 
 able ; and as for suffering it is inevitable in such cases. 
 
 " We must part, Mr. Gangpond." 
 
 " What is that ? " 
 
 " I am going to another part of the country." 
 
 " Nonsense, Zanthon ; nonsense ! " 
 
 " It is true." 
 
 " And you so young, so tender, so considerate for others ; to 
 expose yourself to the rough usage of strangers and ruin your 
 future prospects ; Oh no ! Your enthusiasm* I believe, carries 
 you recklessly into the revolution. It is not suitable dear boy. 
 Let rude men fight if we must have battles. Besides you are 
 under age." 
 
 "Good-bye." 
 
 " Don't go my boy. Stay with me altogether. You are like 
 a second son in my affections. Part of my fortune will revert 
 to you when I am dead. Without your presence I will be 
 desolate ! " 
 
 Before the words of the paragraph terminated Zanthon was 
 gone. 
 
 His footsteps were heard for an instant outside the door ; then 
 the sounds died away ; for the silence folded them up in its 
 embrace. The world's reality, in all its stern phases, was be 
 fore him. Peace, contentment, fortune and friendship were 
 abandoned ; not without pangs of regret ; but because the 
 greater principle, patriotism, demanded his services. 
 
 It was in the season of youth, when love of country is held 
 sacred and pure before being degraded by mercenary motives ; 
 or, lessened in value on account of the acquisition of the knowl 
 edge of mankind seen through the smallness of its designs, 
 like crystal water issuing from its cavernous bed in the moun 
 tain, before it is sullied by the soil of the plain ; like the foliage 
 of the trees, in spring, before it has been seared by exposure to 
 summer suns ; like the snowflake in mid-air, before suffering 
 contact with the dull dark earth ; like the sentimental dream
 
 OPPOSING FORCES 429 
 
 i 
 
 of a maiden before her confidence in her lover is rudely broken 
 by acquaintance with his worthlessness. 
 The fire of this patriotism filled his soul. 
 No sacrifice was considered too great to be offered at its 
 shrine. 
 
 The land on whose bosom he had first seen the sunshine ; 
 whose smiles had filled his youthful years with delight, not 
 withstanding the cruelty perpetrated against him by human 
 beings ; where genial atmosphere supplied a place of luxuries ; 
 this home among the billows of western seas, was desecrated 
 by the presence and unjust rule of others. 
 
 lie could hear its complaint in the low murmuring of the 
 streams; and the long deep moaning of the wind through the 
 woods. 
 
 To his vision the hills wore a meek aspect and the valleys 
 seemed intent on concealing their beauty from the strangers, 
 as if acting in harmony with the spirit of the natives. 
 
 As instructed by Tanders, Zanthon directed his steps to the 
 place where the Executive Council of the revolutionary party 
 held its session. 
 
 What time the journey occupied, none knew. It is probable 
 he made no mental record of it himself, so busy were his 
 thoughts with the anticipated struggle. 
 To inconveniences he paid no attention. 
 His weariness afoot was sometimes relieved by a ride in a 
 country wagon, or behind a peasant on horseback. 
 
 When he ate it was hastily ; and for drink he imbibed noth. 
 ing but water. 
 
 Arriving at his destination he found himself in a city of 
 considerable magnitude. 
 
 After the preliminary circumlocution attending his first 
 appearance among Tander's political co-mates had been ex 
 hausted, he was conducted through devious passages ; up wind 
 ing stairways and across open rooms of a large building de- - 
 voted to business purposes ; and finally into a rectangular
 
 430 ZANTHON 
 
 apartment resembling a public hall. This was the secret 
 chamber where the Executive Council met. 
 
 There was a table of heavy dark oak in the center ; and a 
 number of chairs with high backs carved fantastically, arranged 
 for the accommodation of members of the Council both at the 
 board and along the walls of the chamber. 
 
 The six chairs involving the space around the head of the 
 table had been upholstered in different colors. 
 
 For the President of the Council, purple. 
 
 For him who held the portfolio of state, blue ; of war, 
 red ; the navy, green ; finance, yellow and foreign relations , 
 white. 
 
 The Council had absolute jurisdiction in all things pertain 
 ing to the country until a representative body could be elected, 
 after the defeat of the enemy. Its means of operations were 
 so multifarious that it would be foreign to a work of this class 
 to make any attempt at even a general outline of them. 
 
 The Council was in session when Zanthon made his appear 
 ance. Besides the six members already mentioned there were 
 four representatives of large bodies of the race in other coun 
 tries who had promised substantial aid during the war and 
 claimed joint control with the home delegation. 
 
 Zanthon's guide advancing, said to the President : 
 
 " This is the person accredited by Colonel Tanders." 
 
 The man in the purple chair raised his head slightly and 
 motioned Zanthon to come forward. 
 
 " What business have you with the Council ? " he said in a 
 mild voice. 
 
 " I come in response to a call for the production of the grand 
 son of Merraloon ; the deceased chief of revolutionary fame." 
 
 " Well ? " 
 
 " I am he." 
 
 "You?" 
 
 "Yes." 
 
 "Can you adduce proof? "
 
 OPPOSING FOECES 431 
 
 " My father, the son of Merraloon, instructed me in the 
 family history. He was forced to conceal himself in a poor 
 country district under the name of Marlband." 
 
 " Is there nothing but your own words to substantiate this ? 
 Are there no other persons to testify in the case ? " 
 
 "No." 
 
 " Explain." 
 
 " We suffered in the famine. It was night when alone with 
 him I entered a cave, where he died and from which I escaped. 
 No one saw the entrance or the exit. He surrounded me with 
 such restrictions as made it impossible for me to be recognized. 
 I adopted the name of Zanthon at his suggestion the better to 
 carry out his wishes." 
 
 " What object had he in view in changing your name ? " 
 
 " So far as I can judge it was in order that I might pursue 
 civil avocations and avoid military service ; as well as to re 
 move the political disability which my relationship with Merra 
 loon would entail." 
 
 " It is strange that he would do this, and he the son of a 
 chief." 
 
 " He was devoted to the study of abstruse science, regarding 
 it as being greater than the profession of arms." 
 
 The members of the Council looked up suddenly at each 
 other, as if about to speak, but relapsed into a grave mood as 
 before. 
 
 The President continued : 
 
 "Do you desire to express your own individual prefer 
 ences ? " 
 
 "I wish to offer my services to the Republic in the hour of 
 need." 
 
 A murmur of applause was heard in the apartment. 
 
 " Besides in deference to the memory of my father I will re 
 tain the name of- Zanthon ; but it may be stated by proclama 
 tion or otherwise that the grandson of Merraloon will take the 
 field. In furtherance of this idea I am disposed to serve with
 
 432 ZANTHOX 
 
 Colonel Tander's regiment as Major, to which rank he has been 
 kind enough to promote me, subject to the approval of your 
 Council." 
 
 The President seemed pleased with this statement. He 
 motioned Zanthon to a seat near the sidewall and taking up 
 the end of a tube which hung at the head of the table sent a 
 signal through it. In response to this summons a man stood 
 an instant in the doorway before entering. 
 
 A certain gracefulness of motion made him remarkable. A 
 small stature, square shoulders and strongly built frame, indi 
 cated capacity for physical exertion. The gray eyes sparkling 
 with intelligence completed a picture with which the reader 
 must be acquainted. Yes, this man, once seen, would be easily 
 recognized : it was Ribbonson, now active in revolutionary 
 work. 
 
 "I believe it was you that collected the data concerning 
 Merraloon," said the President, after Ribbonson presented him 
 self. 
 
 " Yes, Mr. President." 
 
 " State briefly the principal items of information which you 
 were enabled to gather on the occasion ? " 
 
 " I found that the man called Marlband, living near the vil 
 lage of Footford, in the province of Liebadthore, was the son of 
 Merraloon. The means by which I discovered this were acci 
 dental but conclusive. The information was confided to me by 
 a dying man who was satisfied of my integrity. He said Marl- 
 band was known to him both before and after his first appear 
 ance at Footford, as son of the chief and as a peasant. Every 
 account following this one tallied with it." 
 
 In reply to further questions Ribbonson continued : 
 
 "I first heard a description of Marlband from a lackey 
 named Antony Firfag. So remarkable did it appear to me, 
 that I was induced to investigate further and was rewarded by 
 success at last.
 
 OPPOSING FORCES 433 
 
 From other persons who had resided at Footford I learned 
 that Marlband raised two sons, one of whom died during the 
 famine ; but of the other there was no trace. I searched every 
 place in the vicinity of the village ; examined a number of per 
 sons who formerly saw the boy but all to no purpose. Therefore 
 I concluded that the other son also was dead." 
 
 " He is here," said the President, pointing to Zanthon. 
 
 Ribbonson opened his mouth in wonder and stood staring at 
 the young man as if petrified. 
 
 "There is some doubt as to his identity," continued the 
 President in a low tone of voice. 
 
 "We can easily relieve all doubts on that score," said Rib 
 bonson. 
 
 Then advancing to the table he drew from a large drawer in 
 it, a picture of Merraloon and carrying this to the place where 
 Zanthon sat held it against the wall, so that the two were side 
 by side. 
 
 " See for yourselves ! " he said. 
 
 An exclamation of surprise burst from the members of the 
 Council. 
 
 " The resemblance is most remarkable," said the President. 
 
 Then instructed by Ribbonson, he directed Zanthon to come 
 forward : 
 
 " What name were you known by, before you were called 
 Zanthon ? " he said. 
 
 "Clare." 
 
 " And your sisters ? " 
 
 " Amby, May and Valine." 
 
 " It is sufficient. I congratulate you on your patriotism and 
 assure you we shall approve your claim to the name and posi 
 tion occupied by Merraloon if ever you desire to make one." 
 
 Zanthon thanked the Council in appropriate terms. 
 
 " In addition to the rank of Major in Colonel Tander's regi 
 ment which you desire to hold, we will confer on you the gov 
 ernorship of the province of Liebadthore where we expect the 
 
 ZAKTHON "3
 
 434 ZANTHON 
 
 enemy to make his first stand. In other Words, we will begin 
 the war there ! 
 
 It will be your duty to assist the forces in the field by all 
 means available such as providing them with provisions, cloth 
 ing, horses, men and other material as may be deemed neces 
 sary. You will be responsible to no one but this Council for 
 your official acts, until the people choose representatives for 
 their future government ; and we will rely on your honor, 
 honesty and good disposition to conduct the affairs of the in 
 fant Republic in a just and statesmanlike manner/' 
 
 Other instructions being in order for the new Governor be 
 fore his departure, Zanthon was accommodated with a seat near 
 the President's chair and Ribbonson withdrew. 
 
 " We will instruct the leaders in the province in regard to 
 your appointment ; " resumed the President, " so that you will 
 encounter no difficulty with them on your arrival." 
 
 " Can you give me any idea about resources ? " 
 
 "Yes; issue a proclamation to the effect that all persons 
 within the province found aiding, sympathizing, or protecting 
 the enemy, or declaring in favor of his future rule shall forfeit 
 their right to their real and personal property and the same 
 may be seized for the benefit of the Republic. 
 
 This will give you a large supply of stock, money, provisions 
 and land, when the war is in progress, for there are many 
 alien property-owners in Liebadthore who are staunch adher 
 ents to the monarchical cause. 
 
 In the next place, employ forces of men to carry out your in 
 structions. Establish recruiting and supply depots. Organize 
 wagon trains. Send parties out to collect horses for the army ; 
 and if possible start a gun factory," 
 
 Zanthon could not avoid seeing the similarity between these 
 details and the instructions given by Mony for the protection of 
 the Flippingtons, and wondered why, in all stages of life, so 
 much is expected from one individual. 
 
 The President continued :
 
 OPPOSING FORCES 435 
 
 "We will place at your disposal a number of the bonds of 
 the Republic with which you can pay for material taken from 
 our friends. You perceive how essential it is to control the 
 services of men in whom we can place implicit confidence." 
 
 " Are they not all reliable ? " 
 
 " I doubt if it were ever intended they should be. At any 
 rate we find unreliable parties in every country ; probably on 
 account of their early training being neglected ; or adhesion 
 to vitiated opinions ; or again as the result of greed for 
 wealth. 
 
 We have a small party with us who wish to become notori 
 ous in the pursuit of violence. Of course in the field this would 
 be legal, to the extent recognized by the usages of war ; but 
 otherwise it would be injurious to our interests. Therefore, 
 Governor, appoint judges of the law in your province and such 
 other officers as may be sufficient to maintain it, in accordance 
 with their decisions." 
 
 " We have yet no code of law." 
 
 " Law is eternal and universal ; rule in equity." 
 
 11 What species of violence do you fear ? " 
 
 "It may be called insurrection out of season. Making any 
 attack on the enemy before we are ready to follow it up ; and 
 in this way exposing our men to certain defeat or death. 
 The perpetration of murder, incendiarism or other acts, which 
 besides being positively criminal in peace or war, expose us to 
 the criticism of civilized -nations very much to the detriment of 
 our administration ; for it is usually concluded in such cases 
 that we instigate every act done in our name. The time and 
 place to burn powder and exhibit exertion in slaying obnoxious 
 individuals is on the field of battle in face of the enemy." 
 
 " I shall remember your instructions, Mr. President." 
 
 " And bear in mind, also, Governor, there are large numbers 
 of people who desire to become famous through criminal pro 
 cesses, especially when excited by war ; hence be upright in 
 duty and cautious with all who surround you."
 
 436 ZANTHON 
 
 " When may we expect thfe commencement of hostilities ? " 
 
 " Immediately. Some of our men are coming from the 
 enemy's country in large numbers. There are ten thousand 
 of this class already in the city. The government of the 
 enemy is making no arrests. There are not jails available to 
 hold even a moiety of the suspects in sight ; besides movement 
 from point to point is not deemed criminal. 
 
 Auxiliaries will also arrive from other places. It is singular 
 we should depend on foreign aid, when if fully organized our 
 own power would be strong enough to expel the aliens and 
 maintain independence." 
 
 " From what country are the auxiliaries coming? " 
 
 " I may say with truth from all quarters. Soldiers of for 
 tune for the most part. The governments of course do not 
 show their hands in the case. 
 
 Gold from Australia. Arms and men from America. Offi 
 cers from Italy, Germany, Austria, Spain, and Russia ; but," 
 said the President, bending over towards Zanthon and speak 
 ing with unusual energy : " France sends an entire contingent 
 of regular troops fully equipped, and a general-in-chief to take 
 command here." 
 
 "How should we interpret this action of France, in our 
 regard ? " 
 
 " In the sense that justice requires, as the magnanimity of a 
 great nation desirous of assisting our people out of the thral 
 dom of destitution with which misgovernment has encumbered 
 them during centuries of the past. Like a generous friend who 
 grieves for your distress and exults over your emancipation 
 from it as if the transposition were his own. 
 
 Dignified by noble deeds, proud of a greatness acquired 
 through exertion and genius, its liberality is not only incom 
 parable ; but large enough to make the nations of the entire 
 earth conspicuous if distributed among them. 
 
 Upright and hospitable at home, it viewed the cruelty per-
 
 OPPOSING FOKCES 437 
 
 petrated on our country by its conquerors, with the most 
 uncompromising dissatisfaction. 
 
 Its acute sense of justice made it the patron of equity ; its 
 high discerning powers, the friend of art ; its broad intelli 
 gence, the custodian of science ; its love of rectitude, the 
 teacher of the world 1 ^ 
 
 While contemporaneous political powers carried conquest to 
 defenceless peoples and despoiled them of their liberties and 
 territory, France sought but to perpetuate the principles cf 
 knowledge essential to the maintenance of good government 
 and happy homes for her citizens. 
 
 To enslaved races of mankind it has been, what the morn 
 ing star is to watchers in the night ; an individual glory 
 heralding the coming of day, where the light of scientific truth 
 stimulates the citizen to labor ; and freedom crowns his efforts 
 with competence. 
 
 Patient with its children, through the adversities of the past, 
 either while followers of voluptuous courts or the crafty designs 
 of an autocrat ; yet even at the height of their folly or selfish 
 ambition it taught the nobleness of honor, the refinement of 
 taste, the delicacy of politeness, the value of honesty, the god 
 like attribute of friendship ! 
 
 France ! The elite of civilization, leader of etiquette, distrib 
 utor of fashion, school of design ; a righteous sword, an aurora? 
 a sunburst, a planet endowed with eternal light, a diadem 
 above the nations ! 
 
 Rising through the lurid ages of kingly rule to be interpreter 
 and protector of the people's rights, its varied powers combine 
 all the greatness of Sparta, all the learning of Athens, all the 
 courage of Carthage, all the genius of Rome ! 
 
 Great in peace. Great in war. In the unity of its citizens 
 great. Great in sympathy. Great in benevolence. Great in 
 truth ! Like a meteor penetrating illimitable space bound for 
 some mysterious goal of rest, as yet unknown to human intelli 
 gence, its progress is onward ! "
 
 438 ZANTHON 
 
 Zanthon expressed great pleasure at the President's eulogy 
 of France, saying moreover, "it was well deserved." 
 
 Then he withdrew to send a message to Tanders and prepare 
 for his own reappearance in Liebadthore. 
 
 While thus engaged we will turn to Mehill and Earing, and 
 view f8r an instant their sorrow on account of Zanthon' s absence 
 from home, not knowing what had become of him.. 
 
 At supper, the first evening of his disappearance, the couple 
 sat in blank amazement unable to form any opinion of the 
 strangeness of the phenomenon. They had just finished an 
 examination of his room and every corner in the house with the 
 hope of finding him ; Mehill in his forgetfulness even going so 
 far as to raise the lid off an iron pot on the supposition that he 
 might be hiding in it, regardless of its size. They listened 
 when a footstep was heard on the outside ; and one or the other 
 arose to see if Zanthon was at the door or coming. 
 
 When the night fell and the hour to retire to rest had passed, 
 they sought the customary repose, but Mehill did not sleep. 
 He heard, however, nothing but the sounds peculiar to the 
 night ; the rumble of scavenger wagons, the barking of dogs, 
 a solitary pedestrian, half intoxicated, hurrying out of town 
 towards home, the creaking of old doors and swinging signs on 
 their rusty hinges, and the distant uproar of the river at the 
 falls. 
 
 In the morning Mehill and Earing turned out to prosecute 
 their customary labor, but at the midday meal the woman 
 made report of her inquiries and observations regarding the 
 missing young man. 
 
 " There's neither tales nor tidings of him," she said. 
 
 To which Mehill responded : 
 
 " There isn't." 
 
 " Not a dividu'l word nor an iday where he will be found." 
 
 " No." 
 
 " I have my doubts, howsomever. The min at the corner 
 ook him maybe. They're bad times for that work."
 
 OPPOSING FORCES 439 
 
 " They are." 
 
 " They'd want him to jine 'em." 
 
 "Tojine 'em?" 
 
 " To be sure. They'll rise another rebellion among 'em and 
 he'll be killed in it." 
 
 " He will." 
 
 " But I'll go to Mr. Gangpond to-night. That's what I'll 
 do." 
 
 "Yis." 
 
 After her interview with Mr. Gangpond that evening, Earing 
 returned home contented. The gentleman told her Zanthon 
 was out of town on some business, that in due time he would 
 come back, and cautioned her about making any display of 
 feeling on his account as it would be unnecessary. 
 
 This was said by the old gentleman so as to shield Zanthon 
 from the suspicion of having joined the patriots. 
 
 Up to this time as no attention had been paid to the new hat 
 left by Zanthon on the table of his room, Mehill and Earing 
 now began to speculate as to the purpose of its presence there. 
 Perceiving the note, the woman withdrew it from the band, and 
 carrying it to a person living near who was accustomed to read 
 her letters, for she could not read herself, asked to be informed 
 of the nature of its contents. 
 
 Then she came home jubilant with the news, " the hat was 
 for Mehill." 
 
 When the full significance of the announcement became 
 known to the man's mind, he trembled as if the reading of his 
 death warrant was in progress. 
 
 He, Mehill, accustomed all his life to the coarsest and cheap 
 est kind of head-gear, to don a hat like this in the full light of 
 day and before all the people, to be laughed at, jeered and 
 stared out of countenance ? 
 
 Preposterous ! The weight of such refinement and criticism 
 would absolutely crush him to the earth ! or shame drive him 
 to desperation.
 
 440 ZANTHON 
 
 Oh ! no. If Earing wanted him to wear this hat, the great 
 est surprise of his married life would transpire there and then; 
 he would refuse point blank. 
 
 In other affairs she might carry home rule to any extent she 
 pleased, but when it came to " hat," he would demur. His mind 
 was made up on the question. 
 
 That's where he would plant his foot, figuratively speaking, 
 and begin the era of opposition whatever the result. 
 
 Mark, however the strength of human vanity. 
 
 The next morning when satisfied Earing had left the house 
 Mehill returned to it, locked the door to prevent interruption 
 and prepared to gloat over the acquisition of his new hat, alone. 
 
 As preliminary actions he rubbed the tips of his fingers on 
 the sides of his pantaloons, in order probably to make his grasp 
 thoroughly secure ; coughed, groaned with excessive delight, 
 then seized the hat daintily in his hands. 
 
 After examining its beauty with the keenest relish imagin 
 able, he raised it above him an instant, like one about to crown 
 himself, then permitted its soft lining to encompass his head. 
 
 The hat was on ! 
 
 There was a looking-glass on the wall near him, up to which 
 he glided and the sight that met his eyes there, roused every 
 latent power of his body and mind into ecstasy. 
 
 He laughed, giggled, screamed, bowed to himself, threw "his 
 feet up alternately in the air as if executing a highland fling 
 and performed many other wonderful movements, until com 
 pelled to stop for want of breath. 
 
 He never imagined the world capable of affording him such 
 pleasure. 
 
 It would make him a new man with patience to bear twenty 
 years more of life, and gild the passage of all that time with 
 golden memories. 
 
 Having delivered this decision to himself in his own way, 
 he hastily replaced the hat in its receptacle and returned to 
 his work in the fields.
 
 CHAPTER XXXII. 
 
 THE BATTLE OF THE BOUNDARY 
 
 r j n HE inhabitants of Kindleton were aroused from slumber 
 * one night by the reports of firearms in the streets, shortly 
 after the departure of Zanthon from that historic town, as 
 previously related. 
 
 It was that peculiar hour, specially favored by Morpheus, 
 when those who had rested uneasily on their couches, on account 
 of suffering or wakefulness. finally sank into sweet repose ; the 
 time when the silence becomes profound, as if by design, in 
 recognition of the greatness of the power which moulds the 
 destinies of the darkness. 
 
 Tne firing occurred at intervals, a few rifles or muskets only 
 being concerned in it ; but the effect on the listener's minds 
 was terrible. They could hear also the measured tread of men 
 arranged in military column and the orders of the persons in 
 charge of them, directing their movements. 
 
 The revolution had begun ! 
 
 It was Colonel Tanders' method of opening it ; for the harsh 
 commotion in the quiet night came from the vanguard of the 
 Crowfoot regiment, as it pushed forward on the line of march. 
 
 Before the noise subsided the deep regular footfall peculiar 
 to the marching of large numbers of men was heard, as the 
 main body of the troops approached. It was headed by a 
 solitary bugler, who sounded the call to arms. 
 
 The men remained silent, as if conscious of the fearful 
 nature of their undertaking ; but a crowd of persons on the 
 
 (441)
 
 442 ZANTHON 
 
 sidewalks accompanying them kept up a continuous clatter of 
 voices laudatory of the revolution. After them came the dull 
 rolling of the wagon train ; and finally the rear guard, de 
 signed to prevent men of the command from straggling too 
 far behind ; or to render them aid in case of accident or sick 
 ness. 
 
 Tanders had received orders to move in the direction of 
 Fawndell, the capital city of Liebadthore, distant about three 
 days' march from Kindleton. 
 
 The enemy held the place with a force of ten thousand men 
 which when augmented by the scattered squads in the province 
 to the number of twelve or fifteen thousand more, the united 
 command, would, it was calculated, resist any and all efforts 
 of the patriots to dislodge it ; and save the rest of the coun 
 try from the horrors of war. In furtherance of this idea 
 the small detachments of government troops stationed in 
 and around Kindleton had been withdrawn several days be 
 fore, which enabled the opposing party to organize without 
 molestation. 
 
 The route taken by the Crowfoot regiment was southeast, over 
 an old road fairly passable. The order to march included the 
 time and direction so as to permit large or small parties join 
 ing it on the way. Ten miles out it was met by other regiments 
 as yet mere skeletons, the entire brigade mustering not more 
 than three thousand men. This was due to many causes which 
 may be readily understood by those acquainted with organiza 
 tion in general, namely : lack of patriotism on the part of 
 some, sickness, accident, insufficiency of firearms, and family 
 3ares with others. However small bodies of men were corning 
 up from all points along the route and farmers in many in 
 stances voluntarily gave up all they possessed in provisions 
 and horses to assist the soldiers under arms. 
 
 On this account a regiment of cavalry was organized during 
 the progress of the march which went far to assist in sustain 
 ing the hopeful spirits of the patriots.
 
 THE BATTLE OF THE BOUNDARY 443 
 
 Besides the regular troopSj there were many irregular bodies 
 of enthusiastic citizens armed with the old flint-lock musket, 
 the blunderbuss, as well as a variety of swords, scythes, pitch 
 forks, pistols and pikes. 
 
 Late in the evening of the second day after leaving Kindle- 
 ton, Tanders' regiment bivouaced on the ground where all the 
 forces available in the province were about to concentrate. 
 
 The general commanding, whose name was Hefton, had never 
 been a soldier, but was eminently qualified, notwithstanding, 
 to conduct the issues of a great battle. The same genius which 
 made him remarkable in building bridges, constructing canal?, 
 and attending to all the details of large works of this kind, was 
 now turned to efficient account for his country's good. Nor 
 did he rely wholly on his own knowledge while in charge of the 
 military movements then in progress. During the following 
 day, after the arrival of all the troops, he held a council of war 
 at which he heard the principal officers of the army express 
 their views on the best methods of attack or defense in the 
 coming engagement, and the plan of battle by which they would 
 be guided. 
 
 Zanthon and Tanders were both present at this council. The 
 meeting of the two friends was exceedingly cordial. 
 
 The young governor with a large escort had carried dis 
 patches from the Executive Council to General Hefton, among 
 which he was informed of Zanthon's appointment, and what 
 might be expected of him in collecting war material when the 
 first battle of the war decided whether he could exercise power 
 independently of the enemy or remain in the field. 
 
 Reconnoitering parties coming from, the direction of Fawn- 
 dell reported that the enemy was taking up a position about 
 two miles outside the city in anticipation of attack. 
 
 Hefton's command, therefore, must be the assaulting party. 
 The force at his command was not as great as anticipated. 
 
 There were twelve thousand infantry, three thousand mounted 
 men carrying arms of various descriptions, but principally mus-
 
 444 ZANTHON 
 
 kets ; three thousand pike men, and a battery of three guns, 
 besides a thousand irregulars, teamsters, cooks and camp fol 
 lowers. 
 
 The commanding general, and indeed several officers and men 
 of every brigade under his orders, were thoroughly posted in 
 regard to the character of the ground in the vicinity of the city 
 where, as just announced, the government troops proposed to 
 fight. This was considered favorable for the patriots. 
 
 In conversation with Tanders and Zanthon, General Hefton 
 said he did not fear defeat in this engagement. 
 
 " The government troops are like our own, strangers to war. 
 There is not a veteran soldier among them." 
 
 " Why have they left the city ? " inquired Tanders. 
 
 " To save their aristocratic friends the distress of witnessing 
 a battle in the streets." 
 
 " You propose then to enter the city ? " 
 
 "We will be there to-morrow night." 
 
 " Have you determined on the method of utilizing the pike 
 men ? " 
 
 " I'll annihilate the enemy's cavalry with them/' 
 
 " If chance permits you ? " 
 
 " It already offers me victory. I cannot help taking advan 
 tage of the enemy's plans. Their sappers have cleared the 
 plain over which the country road runs to the city on the east 
 side. This indicates conclusively they intend charging us with 
 their cavalry at that point, and it is there my pike men will 
 meet them." 
 
 "It is well conceived, General. There is one piece of infor 
 mation omitted heretofore, which I desire to communicate. The 
 men of my regiment are armed with a rifle superior to any in 
 the country. They will kill fully a quarter of a mile beyond 
 the range of the enemy's muskets." 
 
 General Hefton on hearing Tanders make this announcement 
 bent his head an instant in thought and replied curtly : 
 
 " That is important."
 
 THE BATTLE OF THE BOUNDARY 445 
 
 Tandcrs continued : 
 
 " Besides, General, every man carries a pistol in his belt 
 which has a revolving cylinder at the breech, capable of holding 
 eight prepared cartridges, and these may be discharged alter 
 nately in less than a minute of time." 
 
 " Why, Tanders, you will be irresistible. Have you tested 
 the weapons fully ? " 
 
 " Yes, General ; moreover every bullet from the pistol will 
 reach as far as a musket ball ; therefore, my regiment can be 
 made as effective as an entire brigade." . 
 
 "This is wonderful news. How did you get possession of 
 them ? " 
 
 " They were manufactured by experts employed by me 
 secretly. The design of the pistol also was furnished by one of 
 our men returned from abroad. I have been concerned with 
 them off and on more than five years in anticipation of war. 
 The men engaged in the work were thoroughly reliable, so that 
 we completed it without interruption." 
 
 "If we succeed in establishing independence, I will see to it 
 that you be suitably rewarded with those who have assisted in 
 the manufacture of the arms as reported." 
 
 " Thank you, General." 
 
 " Now, is there any particular service you wish to render 
 during the coming battle ; in other words, how may we place 
 your regiment so as to enable it to act to the best advantage ? " 
 
 "I desire to be permitted to turn the left flank of the enemy 
 which .your map of his position shows will be the northern 
 extremity of the lines." 
 
 " The idea is good. I tell you what we will do. I will order 
 two regiments to support yours in that undertaking. This 
 arrangement will afford me the opportunity of promoting you 
 to the rank of Brigadier-General, which you well deserve. Carry 
 the earthworks on the left flank and throw the enemy on to his 
 center, where I will look after him. We will give Hordance 
 the Colonelcy of the regiment, and our young friend, Governor
 
 446 ZANTHON 
 
 Zanthon, can fill his place with the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel. 
 Now to your posts, gentlemen. We move immediately." 
 
 As soon as the order of march was communicated to the 
 several commanders by the usual method, namely, mounted 
 orderlies, the troops began to move forward ; Tander's bri 
 gade of three regiments in advance. After these went the 
 main body of the infantry, followed by the pike men, the 
 cavalry, the irregulars, the cannon, the wagon train, and the 
 rear guard. 
 
 The troops appeared in excellent spirits. 
 
 As no provision had been made to provide the regiments 
 with bands, individual musicians were encouraged to carry 
 their musical instruments with them and play whenever it 
 was deemed advantageous and pleasurable. 
 
 Hence, on the present occasion, there arose such a collection 
 of harmonious sounds, on the morning air, as had never before 
 been heard by any person in the command. Under these in 
 spiring strains, men unable to control their feelings of delight 
 burst into cheers or laughter, as if they were children bound 
 for a day's pleasure in the woods. The paraphernalia of war, 
 however, so thrilling to youthful minds was not alone the chief 
 source of inspiration. 
 
 The face of Nature was full of beauty. 
 
 The poor man's cultivated field and the rich man's pasture, 
 lay on each side of the route, equally endowed with the glorious 
 sunshine of spring. Wild flowers supplied perfume, wayside 
 brooks, pure water and the general landscape, a view such as 
 the proudest Emperor of the East might envy. 
 
 General Hefton set great value on the information derived 
 from his scouts and reconnoitering parties. Those who had 
 been detailed to keep him posted in regard to the nature of the 
 ground in front of the enemy reported in the afternoon when 
 the command was about five miles from it. On this account 
 he was enabled to complete his plan of battle and communicate 
 the same to the various commanders under him before going
 
 THE BATTLE OF THE BOUNDARY 447 
 
 into camp for the night. At daybreak next morning the fight 
 would begin. 
 
 Favvndell, the capital city of the province of Liebadthore, 
 had a population of twenty-five thousand inhabitants. It was 
 an inland city depending on agricultural products and manu 
 facture for its trade and wealth. Its western suburbs lay on 
 the line dividing Liebadthore from another province. This line 
 was popularly known as " The Boundary," and as the upland 
 on which it extended was occupied by some handsome villas of 
 the aristocracy, to the exclusion of everyone else, the owners 
 were termed, ' ' The Gentry of the Boundary." 
 
 The importance of Fawndell as a business center and pleasant 
 place of residence for foreigners made it incumbent on the gov 
 ernment to concentrate a number of forces there for its defense 
 in preference to other towns with less claims for protection. 
 
 There had been no attempt made to fortify it ; the barracks 
 for the government troops was a stone building six stories high 
 intended merely as a dwelling-place for them in times of peace ; 
 but wholly unsuitable in war being little better than a trap 
 Hence their general, Mills, pushed his troops two miles east of 
 the city and threw up a series of earthworks to protect them in 
 action, feeling confident he could hold the ground in opposition 
 to any force brought against him by the Republicans with the 
 weapons then in use. 
 
 The arrangement of his forces in line of battle was well con 
 ceived. His center rested behind the edge of a plain, as before 
 stated, and was composed of a battery of six guns, one thou 
 sand cavalry, and nine thousand infantry ; three thousand be 
 ing in reserve. His left extending northward consisted of six 
 thousand infantry militia, while the right wing running south, 
 and bounded or terminating near a large lake was made up of 
 four thousand infantry, also militia. 
 
 His purpose was to hold the center ; force his enemy from 
 that point and support his wings with men from the reserves if 
 necessary.
 
 448 ZANTHON 
 
 When the Republican troops got into place it was found their 
 distribution was according to the following order. 
 
 The center rested on the other side of the plain opposite the 
 center of the government troops. In it were three guns having 
 only about fifteen round shot for ammunition ; two thousand 
 infantry ; three thousand pike men ; with all the cavalry about 
 three thousand in number held in reserve. Tander's brigade on 
 the extreme right, supported by a brigade of infantry five thou 
 sand strong ; while the left stretching to the lake was occupied 
 by one thousand irregulars and two regiments of infantry. 
 
 The distance between the lines measured about three-quar 
 ters of a mile. The character of the ground to the right and 
 left of the center was irregular, being divided into sections by 
 stone walls four or five feet high and ditches of earth, both 
 favorable to infantry. 
 
 The silence which pervaded the armies during the night re 
 mained unbroken when the first appearance of dawn indicated 
 the approach of a new day. All preparations for battle had 
 been completed long before this time ; and the troops rested on 
 their arms or slept with the implements of war in their hands, 
 beside their watchful comrades. 
 
 The air was clear and invigorating, the stars had twinkled 
 mysteriously whether for good or evil, no one knew ; but their 
 disappearance gradually below the western horizon appeared 
 to many like the desertion of friends. 
 
 Presently a red light flashed up in the neighborhood of Gen 
 eral Hefton's center followed by a long dull sound. It was a 
 cannon discharged at the government earthworks over the 
 plain. After describing a semi-circle in the air the ball fell 
 short of the breastwork ten or twelve paces. 
 
 Some of General Mills' officers who witnessed the incident 
 laughed ; and the troops in the vicinity gave vent to ironical 
 cheers and derisive applause ! 
 
 When the amusement created by this ineffectual method of 
 clearing a breach on the part of the Eepublicans subsided,
 
 THE BATTLE OF THE BOUNDARY 449 
 
 Hefton's miniature battery discharged another round shot with 
 no better result than the first one. 
 
 At this second exhibition the merriment was renewed with 
 an uproar. The soldiers in several places mounted the ditch 
 and called to General Hefton not to disturb them at that early 
 hour but to "call again and leave them a lock of his hair." 
 
 The commanding general hearing of the character of the as 
 sault recommended the officers around him to go to breakfast 
 saying good humoredly: 
 
 " I myself will indulge in hot rolls this morning." 
 
 Then he sent dispatches by courier to the city in the 
 same vein, informing his friends they might rest easily as it 
 was likely he would rout the enemy in a couple of hours and 
 carry the rebel commanders home in the evening. 
 
 Daylight had spread itself through the opposing camps. 
 
 In his tent some distance behind the lines sat General Mills, 
 the Commander of the Government forces, in happy mood 
 oTHfTg to the abortive attempt at assault made by the patriots 
 on his center. 
 
 Breakfast was served to him by two or three soldiers acting 
 as waiters. The hot rolls were there, fish, eggs, meat, potatoes, 
 and other desirable articles of food. He had touched the han 
 dle of his coffee cup for the purpose of carrying it to his mouth 
 when the sharp rattle of musketry brought him to his feet in an 
 instant, so terribly real was it in the silence of the morning. 
 
 As he left his tent to ascertain the cause, he was joined by 
 his adjutant-general whom he questioned : 
 
 " What is that, sir ? " he said. 
 
 The orderly will be here immediately, general, with the- 
 news," replied the subordinate, who had sent a courier to 
 the nearest field officer on duty for report. The report soon 
 came. 
 
 " An attack is being made on the left wing of the command. 
 
 The attacking party is infantry ; but they are numerous and 
 active." 
 
 ZANTHON 29
 
 450. ZANTHON 
 
 General Mills walked to an elevation in the vicinity of his 
 tent and examined through a field-glass the situation of his 
 forces on the extreme left. His gaze was long and earnest. 
 
 Notwithstanding a cloud of smoke which arose slowly from 
 the place under observation, he could see the nature of the 
 action and the soldier-like bearing of the men engaged in the 
 attack. When he lowered the glass he said : 
 
 "We will get something to do at that point, sir." 
 
 Then he returned to breakfast. 
 
 Well might he marvel on the character of the commotion 
 just inaugurated. Vengeance was in the wind ! Retribution 
 appeared ready to strike for justice's sake. Tande'rs and Hord- 
 ance were there, not as idle spectators assuredly ; but avengers 
 fully determined on pushing their men through the enemy's 
 lines, to victory or death. 
 
 General Hefton's first shot was the signal to prepare for 
 action as prearranged with Tanders ; the second to take the 
 field. 
 
 Five companies of the Crowfoot regiment were detailed for 
 the advance, Colonel Hordance commanding ; while Zanthon 
 as Lieutenant Colonel took charge of the remaining companies 
 attached to the brigade. The day was then bright. Lightly 
 the men stepped as Hordance accompanied by two orderlies 
 and a bugler gave the command : 
 
 " Deploy as skirmishers ! Double quick ! March ! " 
 
 Then when the line was completed he cried : 
 
 " Halt ! Front ! Forward ! March ! Fire ! " 
 
 Hordance appeared terrible. 
 
 Mounted on a black charger, his hat drawn closely over his 
 brow ; the uniform coat buttoned in front to the neck, a strong 
 leather belt around his waist, a naked sword in his hand ; with 
 the wind blowing his whiskers backward over his shoulder ; 
 his eyes red from excitement ; his words of command reiter 
 ated by the bugler, were like sharp thunder claps at intervals 
 in a storm.
 
 THE BATTLE OF THE BOUNDARY 451 
 
 Inspired by his appearance the men bent to their work vigor 
 ously. They knew the superiority of their rifles compared 
 with the muskets of the enemy and with the memory of having 
 been systematically wronged by force and fraud, felt they had 
 been appointed the instruments of justice to drive the usurpers 
 from the land. 
 
 The first volley from their guns penetrated the picket line of 
 the government troops with deadly effect. The soldiers re 
 treated precipitately without waiting to return the fire leaving 
 three-fourths of their number dead on the field. 
 
 The loud reports from the new arms, the humming s*ound of 
 the bullets through the air and the fearful results witnessed 
 after each discharge, brought universal consternation to the 
 enemy's camp. The branches of trees fell off as if cut by the 
 keen edge of a knife ; wooden posts flew into splinters, the 
 stones were pulverized under the leaden hail and the earth it 
 self torn into deep, unsightly ruts. 
 
 The men behind the earthworks opened fire with their 
 muskets as a retaliatory movement ; but the range was too 
 long to be effective, so that Hordance's command stood quite 
 secure, especially as they took cover behind a wall after they 
 had driven the pickets in on the main body. 
 
 With the view of dislodging his opponents and capturing the 
 extreme end of their lines before cannon could be brought to 
 their assistance, Tanders ordered that a steady fire be kept up 
 at that point by the entire regiment, when the companies under 
 Zanthon joined their comrades, in one continuous line of bat 
 tle. The remaining two regiments of his brigade would form 
 a storming party when the enemy became thoroughly disor 
 ganized. Nor had he long to wait for the realization of this 
 successful movement. 
 
 The bullets from the Crowfoot not only reached the enemy's 
 works but perforated the top of them, fell with deadly purpose 
 on the other side of the ditch : killed men some distance
 
 452 ZANTHON 
 
 beyond it, tore their canvas to tatters and routed three regiments 
 instantaneously. 
 
 In fact the flank was evacuated ! 
 
 Seeing this happy termination of their first efforts, Tander's 
 entire brigade as well as the brigade of five thousand men 
 which supported him moved rapidly forward, and in a short 
 time were abreast of the works recently occupied by the enemy 
 Before reaching it however, the fire from their opponents on the 
 left of their position caught them and many men fell including 
 fifty of the Crowfoot regiment. 
 
 The occupation of the flank by the Republican troops opened 
 up a great advantage to them. The whole line of the enemy's 
 left became exposed to their fire and his soldiers were obliged 
 to retreat beyond a rising ground some distance in direction of 
 the center, in order to save themselves from utter destruction. 
 
 Tanders sent a courier to General Hefton with the following 
 dispatch : 
 
 " I have turned the enemy's flank." 
 
 While these important movements were taking place, Gen 
 eral Mills' tent, on the Government side, was the scene of live 
 ly discussions. 
 
 With his adjutant-general, staff officers and aides-de-camp 
 he received dispatches from the disturbed point every half 
 hour. 
 
 When it was reported that at least three thousand of his men 
 had fallen back before the fire from the rebel guns, he grew 
 white Avith rage. 
 
 "Ridiculous, sir!" he said, "if six thousand men cannot 
 hold their position behind earthworks with only a lot of rag- 
 muffins in front of them, what is the service coming to ? There 
 was neither shot, shell, canister nor grape to touch 'em. A 
 file of schoolboys with pop-guns would do better than that." 
 
 " General Moulin who commands the militia there, states 
 these same ragmuffins are in possession of a superior musket," 
 replied the adjutant-general.
 
 THE BATTLE OF THE BOUNDARY 453 
 
 " Ridiculous, sir ! stuff and nonsense ! " retorted the com 
 mander. " No infantry weapon can dislodge troops under cov 
 er of a ditch. I placed six thousand, men on the left in order 
 to feel secure before charging on the center. A bull-frog croaking 
 on the top of a pole would do more service than these cowardly 
 militia." 
 
 The -next dispatch requested reinforcement without delay, 
 as the security of the entire left was threatened by a most 
 galling fire. 
 
 " Take my reserves, sir ; strip me ! cripple me ! - My left in 
 retreat, my reserves gone, what hope can I have of victory 
 with such troops ? " 
 
 " You may have to change your front, General," suggested 
 the subordinate. 
 
 " Change my front, sir ! Ridiculous sir ! We must fight on 
 the present lines or court defeat. There is no time for move 
 ments except those designed for immediate action." 
 
 When the final news reached him that the position held 
 by his troops on the left had been taken by the enemy and 
 some of his men were actually retreating from the field, he 
 mounted his horse and with his staff rode to the center of his 
 lines. 
 
 Nothing was perceptible at General Hefton's center but the 
 discharge of a round shot at long intervals. This had been 
 performed, as was now evident to all, to divert the enemy's 
 attention from the point where the most important movement 
 of the battle took place. The decoy enraged General Mills as 
 well as those who were disposed to laugh at their foes in the 
 early morning. 
 
 " They shall have fighting all along the line," he said. " Let 
 that battery open fire, sir ; and when those toy guns of the 
 rebels are silenced, let the cavalry charge and capture their 
 position. We'll swing after 'em. Keep the right steady until 
 our center is assured of success." 
 
 Then there was added to the rattle of musketry, the deep
 
 454 ZANTHON 
 
 booming of cannon, which the hills re-echoed in many a peace 
 ful valley and on many a meadowy plain. 
 
 Above the sky was clear and full of azure like some far-dis 
 tant paradise visible in dreams ; but volumes of dark blue 
 smoke rolled over the land at the scene of strife, as if an 
 immense crater had been suddenly opened for the purpose of 
 discharging its contents on the innocent earth, the better to 
 purify itself. 
 
 The wind carried the smoke with difficulty, so full was it of 
 impurities, dragging it across green fields and hedges covered 
 with blossoms to the margin of the lake where the crystal water 
 met the quiet shore enveloping both in a canopy of darkness, as 
 if some fiend from the bottomless pit had escaped designedly 
 in order to efface the beauty of the golden morning ! 
 
 The Republican forces at the center had been waiting assault 
 General Hefton, their commander, knew his foes must act in 
 that way, because his movement on their flank would admit of 
 no other practical course, except retreat towards the city and 
 the taking up of a new position which he would endeavor to 
 prevent. 
 
 When the enemy's battery opened fire, the pike men, and 
 their support of infantry lay close behind double ditches or 
 stone walls. The effect of the fire was trifling. Some of the 
 balls whizzed far over the lines, others were buried in the ditch, 
 while a few made breaches on the tops of the walls without 
 causing much damage. 
 
 Besides the Crowfoot regiment, which gave such evidence of 
 its superiority, great confidence had been placed in the ability 
 of the pike men to resist cavalry. 
 
 The pike itself was a terrible weapon. It consisted of a steel 
 head, lance shaped, a foot long, secured to a shaft of oak or ash 
 wood, fifteen feet in length. The men who carried these for 
 midable implements of warfare were country peasants, strong 
 and active, as well as being fully alfcre to the necessity of prov 
 ing themselves victorious on the present occasion.
 
 THE BATTLE OF THE BOUNDARY 455 
 
 Like leviathans in the recesses of the deep gloating over the 
 appearance of a school of fish soon to become their prey, those 
 hardy wielders of the pike kept watch for the propitious time 
 that would bring them face to face with their foes. Hence, 
 when the bugles of the, enemy sounded the charge, they sprang 
 to their feet and prepared for action. 
 
 Then the long lines of heavy cavalry were seen bounding for 
 ward from their position. They emerged through two openings 
 at the right and left of the center, wheeled into line on the 
 sloping ground and moved rapidly over the level plain. 
 
 They formed an imposing spectacle, these gallant horsemen 
 of a misused and tyrannical power. The red-tinted tunics which 
 they wore appeared in striking contrast with the green sward, 
 and made them look like a party of huntsmen seeking the pleas 
 ures of the chase. 
 
 The brass helmits glittered in the sunshine in front of the 
 wild looking plumes which the wind lifted and tossed into wierd 
 shapes. From the swords and steel sheaths came flashes of 
 light, keen and swift, as if lightning had been cast from the 
 heavens into the face of day for some extraordinary purpose. 
 
 The columns were remarkably straight, the horses evidently 
 having been well trained to act in harmony with their rider's 
 requirements. 
 
 When nearing the Republican center, at a distance from it 
 of about two hundred yards, the leaders flourishing their 
 sabers above their heads, began to cheer in order to encour 
 age the men to perform deeds of valor in the approaching 
 conflict. 
 
 Suddenly the bugles of General Hefton's command at this 
 point were heard. The pike men had formed and were begin 
 ning to move on the right of their line. It was intended they 
 should advance to meet the enemy in the shape of a crescent, 
 so as to encompass them,'and subject their regularity to attack 
 from several points at once. 
 
 The last commands came pleasantly to their ears :
 
 4o6 ZANTHOX 
 
 " Left front into line. March ! Charge ! Forward ; double 
 quick. March." 
 
 That column of pike men, three thousand strong, went forth 
 like a hurricane when it is furious ! Over the ditch it. rolled 
 like a great wave of the sea impelled by a storm. Whatever 
 stood in opposition to it went down to the dust like grass in the 
 scythe of a mower. Those who witnessed the closing together 
 of the two armies and the crash of the first encounter, will never 
 forget the scene if they lived a thousand years. 
 
 It would be grand if it were not shocking. 
 
 It was frightful ! 
 
 Then were heard above the words of command, the loud 
 shouting of men engaged in the death struggle, varied in tone 
 and intensity by the particular situation of the combatants. 
 
 Curses mingled with huzzas ; cries of despair with shouts of 
 defiance. Groans, gasps and wild shrieks of young men dying 
 and the howling, whining or other guttural sounds peculiar to 
 the wounded. 
 
 The earth shook beneath the tread of horses as they reared 
 on their hind quarters or fell from the deadly lunge of the pike 
 which the riders were unable to parry. 
 
 The cavalry sabers were no match for the weapons of their 
 foes. The men could not even draw their pistols, so swift and 
 destructive was the onslaught of the pike men. The rear lines 
 of the cavalry wheeled into open order to give the riders in 
 front a chance to save themselves ; but before they could exe 
 cute the movement a second time, they found themselves in the 
 clutches of the enemy. After one of the most stubborn encoun 
 ters ever witnessed on a field of battle, the cavalry finally 
 retreated, or so many of them as constituted only a small rem 
 nant of their original number. 
 
 Wild with their success the pike men pressed forward in 
 pursuit, supported by the balance bf the command held in 
 reserve ; for General Hefton left nothing undone that would 
 tend to ensure him complete victory. Their passage over the
 
 THE BATTLE OF THE BOUNDARY 457 
 
 plain to the enemy's position resembled a storm at sea whero 
 spray rises mountains high above the waves as a consequence 
 of the lashing of the waters by the wind. 
 
 As they crossed the earthworks they could see Tander's 
 brigade of infantry driving the enemy from the field to tho 
 right. Indeed General Mills' army was in full retreat. 
 
 Zanthon conducted himself bravely in the fight. He com 
 manded the second battalion of the Crowfoot Regiment and 
 repelled the reinforcements sent to aid the militia in the early 
 part of the day. These reinforcements came forward over the 
 ridge behind which the extreme left had retreated ; and it was 
 these forces that Zanthon's infantry forced back. The regiment 
 then advanced to the ridge itself ; and by the time the cavalry 
 was seen retreating, the enemy was completely routed at all 
 points, the right also having joined the general stampede. 
 
 General Mills like all efficient officers, attempted to cover 
 his retreat by a brigade of infantry. The steadiness of the 
 fire from this force kept the pike men in check ; but Tanders 
 seeing it, sent the Crowfoot Regiment with the lorg range rifles 
 in pursuit, which broke up their lines and made them run with 
 all the speed in their power. 
 
 Long before the final issue was reached, couriers carried the 
 news to the city that the patriots were successful, which caused 
 many of the gentry of the boundary to desert their homes 
 through fear and take the road in the direction which General 
 Mills' army would most likely pursue in the progress of its 
 retreat. 
 
 The officers of the government troops made no attempt to 
 rally them when they reached the city. The principal inci 
 dents of the day proved to their minds, conclusively, that they 
 were unequally matched and would be annihilated if forced to 
 renew the fight. Therefore their flight to the interior province 
 was precipitate and uninterrupted. 
 
 That night the Republican army occupied the city of Fawn- 
 dell.
 
 458 
 
 A great feast was spread for the men on benches in the streets 
 by the inhabitants favorable to their cause ; and indeed these 
 were largely in the majority. 
 
 General Hefton and a number of his officers were entertained 
 at the house of a rich man, Tanders, Hordance. Zanthon and 
 Taffies being among'them. It was a great occasion and well 
 did all enjoy it. After mutual congratulation had been 
 exchanged and full justice done to the good things provided 
 for them, General Hefton said to Tanders : 
 
 " We move forward to-morrow in pursuit of the enemy leav 
 ing Governor Zanthon to superintend the collection of supplies 
 and carry out the instructions of the Executive Council. Had 
 I a few more regiments like yours we might calculate on easy 
 victory in the future : but it is probable the enemy will take 
 measures to meet the emergency created by our famous 
 weapons and give us a warm reception the next time." 
 
 To which his companion in arms replied : 
 
 " Whatever may be the issues of the future there is one 
 thing certain, neither enemies nor friends will soon forget the 
 Battle of the Boundary." 
 
 Then they separated for the night.
 
 CHAPTER XXXIII. 
 
 A SETTLEMENT WITH OLD FRIENDS 
 
 r ~PHE victory won by the Republican troops under General 
 
 . Hefton, in the recent battle on the boundary of Liebad- 
 thore, created a profound sensation throughout the country. 
 Instead of being decisive for peace it stirred up to greater activ 
 ity the elements of war. 
 
 The opposing parties disregarded everything of minor 
 importance for the supreme issue of battle. On this account 
 lawlessness prevailed to an alarming extent. Individuals 
 apart from the army were obliged to defend themselves after 
 their own methods, as best they could. 
 
 Thieves saw in it a propitious season ; and ghouls a time in 
 which to ply their hideous trade. 
 
 The additional duty devolved upon Zanthon of appropriating 
 the munitions of war captured, or rather abandoned by the 
 retreating army. The battery of six guns fell into his hands, 
 as well as a large number of muskets, accouterments, horses 
 and wagons, besides provisions for the field and treasure. His 
 labors were in this manner increased to a great extent, as it 
 was with difficulty he could find capable persons to fill all the 
 places of trust in his gift. 
 
 After having hastily established a depot of supplies and the 
 nucleus of a brigade for the army at Fawndell, he detached 
 one hundred mounted men to accompany him as an escort and 
 departed for Kindleton, with the view of making a similar 
 provision at that place. 
 
 (459)
 
 403 ZANTHOX 
 
 On entering the town he was accorded a brilliant reception. 
 The great bulk of the population who had been previously 
 informed of his coming thronged the streets to see him pass, 
 waving hats, handkerchiefs and banneretts in testimony of 
 their appreciation of his services. When about to enter the 
 hotel assigned to him he turned and spoke to the multitude in 
 these words : 
 
 11 Be not hasty in your judgments regarding the final results, 
 of the present war. We can only congratulate ourselves on 
 having won the first battle. Our enemies are strong ; our 
 resources weak or limited in extent and kind. We who are 
 foremost in the strife for freedom accept cheerfully the con 
 sequences arising from such situation ; but caution should 
 characterize your conduct towards it, until more definite pros 
 pects assure you of your party's success. 
 
 Everyone is not conscious of right ; and there are many who 
 will not tolerate the administration of justice to others if it 
 infringe in the least degree on their interests, or controvert 
 their opinions. 
 
 Darkness yet prevails in the political heaven of the world, 
 as well as in the minds of men. 
 
 Old systems of government which have ruled the people for 
 centuries are not easily eradicated, especially as the substitutes 
 offered for them remain yet mere experiments without the sus 
 tenance of political machinery to strengthen them. Therefore 
 respect the rights of others and otherwise love the dictates of 
 law, so as to make known to your enemies that you have a 
 right to what you seek, the independence of your country and 
 the privilege of governing yourselves." 
 
 The wisdom of Zanthon's remarks was praised by all his 
 hearers ; and some avowed he would be the first President of 
 the Republic. 
 
 Lest he should compromise the future safety of his friend 
 Mr. Gangpond, he sent him a note stating he would not call at
 
 A SETTLEMENT WITH OLD FRIENDS 401 
 
 his residence, but informed him of the principal incidents 
 connected with his career since their parting. 
 
 Mr. Gangpond answered the missive in person. He shook 
 Zanthon's hand vigorously, called him " Governor " and spoke 
 throughout the interview in the most affectionate terms, adding 
 also that his house was open to him, if he desired to accept its 
 hospitality. 
 
 Zanthon thanked him but declined the proffered kindness. 
 
 Soon after this agreeable meeting Zanthon was still further 
 surprised by the visit of two other old friends, namely Mrs. 
 Figbit and Big Nancy. Although both appeared in good 
 health, Time seemed to have wrought changes in them indic 
 ative of the lessening of their vital powers. 
 
 Mrs. Figbit's features had grown sharp, her frame attenuated 
 and her hair was beginning to turn white ; while in Nancy's case 
 the eyes had retreated inward, leaving large cavities in front, 
 the color of the face assumed a darker hue and the body began 
 to bend slightly. 
 
 Nevertheless when Zanthon stood before them in all his 
 comeliness of glowing youth and beauty they became animated 
 with such pleasure as made them appear young again. 
 
 " My dear Governor," said Mrs. Figbit, after the first greet 
 ing terminated, "I would prefer seeing you in a station less 
 dangerous than the one you now hold." To which he re 
 plied : 
 
 " I am willing to make any sacrifice in favor of national in 
 dependence." 
 
 " You are too liberal, Governor. Some of the people you are 
 risking so much to free are not worthy of it.'' 
 
 u In that case my efforts will be doubly meritorious. It is 
 the duty of men who understand the value of political freedom 
 in a nation, to establish it at all hazards, regardless of opposi 
 tion from friends or foes. This is the purpose of the supreme 
 powers in order to bring mankind to harmonize with the un 
 written law of the universe."
 
 462 ZANTHON 
 
 "It may be, Governor, but it is not my idea to see you, on 
 any account, give up your life for others. However you will 
 excuse me, knowing my failing of old, to contradict everyone 
 that speaks to me, right or wrong. Now, what do you think of 
 your future success in the revolution? " 
 
 " It is impossible to divine at present. Successful to-day, we 
 may be defeated to-morrow, and that brings me to a subject I 
 desire very much to discuss, namely a settlement with my old 
 friends. Conceal nothing from me. My allowances are large ; 
 my personal expenses small. I have more money than I needi 
 Therefore tell me how I can benefit you and Nancy, so that 
 you may be financially independent all your lives." 
 
 Mrs. Figbit and Nancy were both visibly touched by this 
 speech. 
 
 After a few moments' deep reflection the elder woman an 
 swered : 
 
 " You are good as well as being great. I know you wish from 
 your heart to make us comfortable and I will speak my mind 
 honestly as if I was going before my Maker. Lend me the 
 equivalent of five hundred dollars. It must be only a loan. I 
 will take my own time to repay you. 
 
 In the next place I want fifty dollars for Nancy. On that 
 amount I will make her fortune." 
 
 Zanthon smiled incredulously at this statement, seeing which 
 the woman resumed : 
 
 " My dear Governor, it is sufficient. In a poor country like 
 this, that sum, small as you think it, will go a long way. I 
 will tell you my plan. Nancy can come with me to the coun 
 try. By her work there, she may make a good living such as 
 country folks are used to. I will be with her. Thirty of her 
 fifty dollars will purchase six calves and the balance will more 
 than pay for their grass from May to November. On this ar 
 rangement she will be rich in five years from now." 
 
 Nancy was crying with delight at the prospect of being the 
 owner of calves ; and Zanthon seeing the force of Mrs. Figbit's
 
 A SETTLEMENT WITH OLD FRIENDS 463 
 
 reasoning produced the money and deposited it in her hands. 
 Then as the cares of office demanded immediate attention he 
 bade them good-bye and expressed the hope of meeting them 
 again. 
 
 He had no sooner turned away than an incident in the street 
 brought him and a squad of mounted men hastily to the scene- 
 He was told an aristocrat had been arrested and the people in 
 charge of him requested judgment to be delivered as to whether 
 they would hang him or throw him bodily into the river. 
 
 Coming up to the place, the local guards fell back to permit 
 Zanthon to pass ; for they had brought the prisoner and his fol 
 lowers to apartments in the courthouse or jail for trial. 
 
 What was his surprise, and we may add irritability, on see 
 ing before him his former friends, the Flippingtons. 
 
 Directing one of his men to keep watch at the door to prevent 
 persons entering through it, he uncovered his head and addres 
 sing them in a cheerful tone of voice, said : 
 
 " I am Zanthon ; do you not know me ? " 
 
 Then he greeted each in turn ; for besides Flippington, his wife 
 and Miss Cora were also there ; and sat near them in order to 
 hear the causes of their present trouble. 
 
 Mrs. Flippington related the principal facts in the case. 
 
 They had tried hard to keep boys at Flippington Lodge to 
 perform household duties after Zanthon left. The dispropor 
 tion of intelligence existing between them and him, caused 
 Flippington to be averse to their presence in the house. Be 
 sides Mony's exactness which was severe enough, he fell into 
 the habit of inflicting petty annoyances, such as throwing 
 water on their heads, concealing stones in their pockets and 
 cawing like a rook at them, to indicate his displeasure. Hence 
 every month they had a new boy. 
 
 " I began seriously to consider," said Mrs. Flippington, " if it 
 would not be better after all to employ a middle-aged man 
 instead of a boy and solve the difficulty by that means. In 
 consultation with Cora and Arch my proposition was sustained.
 
 464 ZAXTHON 
 
 We intended as you know to purchase a carriage and horse 
 suitable to our needs ; and we did so. Then we looked around 
 the neighborhood for a man ; he, too, came. It was in the 
 afternoon ; but before evening he quit ; having broken the 
 kitchen window and attempted to run Mony through the back 
 with the pitch-fork! 
 
 They quarreled while we were at dinner, Mony having told 
 him he did not know how to curry a horse. He answered by 
 throwing a large sponge at her head. She reviled him in the 
 most scathing terms, which he finally resented by following her 
 with the implement already mentioned. She retreated into the 
 kitchen ; but with a rock he broke the window and left. 
 
 Then we advertised once more for another man and still 
 another until every description of individual had been given a 
 trial, without being able to secure any of them for permanent 
 employment. 
 
 Finally, after a year's experience, during which twenty-seven 
 men, at least, threw down the mace of office at Mony's feet, we 
 secured the person we have now. 
 
 His work consists of taking care of the horse and driving 
 when we go out. He never enters the Lodge. The apartment 
 adjoining the stable is his place of abode. Mony used to speak 
 harshly to him in the beginning, but as he never answered her 
 she stopped. His meals are placed outside the kitchen door 
 where he finds them when ready to eat, and carries them off to 
 his room. We think him splendid. Mony calls him the 
 ' Knight of Day,' because, mentally, he appears so dark, but 
 his real name is Tacklefield. Of course his looks are not pre 
 possessing. Notwithstanding the good food given him he is 
 hungry to all appearances. The right foot is larger than the 
 left ; the right shoulder elevated more than its fellow ; he has 
 to wear a shade over one of his eyes, and the remaining organ 
 is troubled by inflammation. He will not answer a call when 
 at home, so we have agreed to ring a bell as a signal to him 
 that the carriage is wanted. With these rules and observances
 
 A SETTLEMENT WITH OLD FRIENDS 405 
 
 we get along very well ; but you see, now, the character of our 
 situation. As regards the accusations made against us here, 
 they have risen from the same causes. The men and boys 
 whom we discharged vowed vengeance against Arch, thinking 
 he was to blame ; and when they saw us in Kindleton believed 
 it a favorable time to urge the Republican authorities to have 
 us arrested as disturbers of the public peace, and aristocrats." 
 
 As a matter of course, Zanthon exonerated Flippington from 
 the charges preferred against him, spoke to the people in his 
 favor requesting absolute protection for him and his family, as 
 well as immunity from attack for their residence, saying he, 
 Zanthon, would be his guarantee or bondsman. 
 
 When this decision was rendered and the people concerned 
 dispersed, Flippington was almost overpowered with joy. He 
 was not able to skip about as he had been accustomed to do 
 formerly, but he laughed a great deal and playfully struck the 
 air with his hands, saying : 
 
 "You are inestimable, Governor. You are inestimable. I 
 always knew it. I always saw it. A noble boy makes a noble 
 man." 
 
 Mrs. Flippington spoke to Zanthon as a highly cultured lady 
 would to a person of equal rank with herself ; and Miss Cora 
 was profuse in expressions of esteem for their young friend. 
 
 Zanthon did not remain long with them. He said, in effect 
 that the times being so much disturbed, he wished they would 
 dwell in peace at home so as not to be compromised by the 
 political situation or those concerned in it, meaning himself. 
 He would instruct the Republican authorities in the neighbor 
 hood of Flippington Lodge to afford protection to the inmates 
 thereof, as if they were already sworn followers of their princi 
 ples. 
 
 Finding on inquiry that their carriage, under the manage, 
 ment of Tacklefield, was in the courtyard of the fashionable 
 hotel in town, he dispatched a messenger for it. When it drew 
 up in front of them, Flippington said in a low voice to Zanthon : 
 
 ZAMUUN SO
 
 466 ZANTHON 
 
 " Look at the Knight ! See the emhodyment of chivalry, 
 caution and business tact which prevails in and around him. 
 How he lurches to one side like a pugilist afraid of his oppon 
 ent. Has defeated the shadow, though. Think of it ! I can 
 bet a hundred to one on him any time, and win easily." 
 
 Then he entered the carriage with his family and was driven 
 home. 
 
 As Zanthon had been informed that old Jemmy whom he 
 wished to see was in the county hospital, having been admitted 
 to it from the district of Lennabean through the intercession of 
 friends, he dispensed with the services of his attendants and 
 walked there alone, the institution being near the suburbs of 
 the town. 
 
 To avoid recognition by his enemies, the time he selected for 
 his visit was at nightfall. 
 
 The woman who opened the door to admit him said ^ 
 
 1 ' Old Jemmy was alive, sir, until about five minutes ago ; he 
 was expecting some friend to come to see him, and I told him 
 to hold out and live longer if he could, as perhaps his friend 
 would come in the long run ; but he wasn't able to bear up, sir, 
 so he died." 
 
 u Was he lucid toward the end ? " asked Zanthon. 
 
 "No, sir, on the contrary he was warm in his feet and 
 hands." 
 
 " Was he intellectually clear ? " 
 
 " As clear as a bell, sir. He spoke about horses and races 
 and such things, besides a child that he called Baby Zanty." 
 
 " Ah ! Tell me what used he say about this child ? " 
 
 " It was before he died, sir, I think he was partly out of his 
 head. 
 
 ' Oh, Baby Zanty,' said he, ' come and see the horses. The 
 black gelding with the yellow colors on the jockey is getting 
 the best of them. See how he takes the leap, my boy ! and 
 bends to his -work beyond without a moment's delay. That's 
 where he gains on them. Look, Zanty, the blue is coming up
 
 A SETTLEMENT WITH OLD FRIENDS 467 
 
 close and the red following. Murder, what a race it is ! The 
 yellow is in. It is over ! ' That's all I heard him say, sir." 
 
 Zanthon was deeply affected by the woman's account of the 
 ]ast moments of his old friend. Expressing a wish to view the 
 remains, she led the way to a room at the end of the hall where 
 the poor man's body lay at rest. It was a little room having a 
 narrow window like a door panel in one corner and a mean bed 
 in the other, besides a small table and broken chair, both black 
 from age. 
 
 The features of the old man wore an expression of surprise 
 probably on account of seeing the black gelding win the race ; 
 but otherwise they were peculiarly calm. 
 
 Zanthon, returning to his apartments much depressed in 
 spirits on account of old memories brought up by Jemmy's 
 decease, was astonished to meet Earing and Mehill waiting to 
 speak to him. They had heard wild stories of his valor as well 
 as incidents pertaining to the war of the rebellion, and were 
 anxious to congratulate him in person on his promotion. 
 
 Earing, who as usual became the speaker, intimated they 
 were not afraid of the enemy, " because they did not do nothing 
 to nobody." 
 
 Mehill on entering the apartment to which he and Earing 
 had been invited by Zanthon, took from the band-box, hereto 
 fore carried in his hand, the new hat he would not wear in 
 public, and placed it on his own head. Zanthon understanding 
 Mehill's peculiarities and pride became demonstrative in his 
 praise under the fashionable headgear, and sat near him. 
 
 Then he questioned him ; but Earing answered for Mehill, 
 who, on his part gave an affirmative response. 
 
 " There are a number of situations in my gift," said the young 
 Governor, " any one of which I will give to Mehill." 
 
 " Thank you, kindly," replied Earing. 
 
 " Thank you," responded Mehill. 
 
 " I will have him appointed crier of a court," continued Zan 
 thon.
 
 468 ZANTHON 
 
 As Earing did not know what such an office entailed, she was 
 puzzled in regard to the character of her answer. Hence she 
 said : 
 
 " It would be nice for you to cry in coort." 
 
 " It would," said Mehill, with a grim smile at such a happy 
 prospect. 
 
 " Or he might take a position in a bank." 
 
 " Is it where all the money is kept ? " 
 
 "Yes." 
 
 " Isn't that a grand place ? " 
 
 "It is," answered Mehill. Earing continued : 
 
 " They might take all we have from us." 
 
 "They might." 
 
 " My influence can make him Captain of a troop of huzzars- 
 .His non. corns, will look after the business while he will have 
 nothing to do but draw his pay ! " 
 
 " Nobody ever heard the beat of that" exclaimed the woman. 
 
 "No," said Mehill. Earing continued : 
 
 " To have nothing to do with your non-cums, but draw your 
 pay. It's illegant." 
 
 " It is," responded Mehill. 
 
 " Then there is another office superior to any yet named. 
 The province is divided into a number of states. I have power 
 sufficient to create him Governor of one of these states ; a western 
 one perhaps would be best. He will be sure of re-election if 
 he vetoes every measure that comes before him in the interests 
 of the people. In fact he need do nothing but veto." 
 
 ' : Oh, what a fine place that is," said Earing. 
 
 " Yes," responded Mehill. The woman resumed : 
 
 " All the trouble you'll have will be to exercise your few toes 
 maybe to dance on thim." 
 
 " Dance on me toes," answered the man. 
 
 " The state printer will put up his speech, on great occasions ; 
 and his secretary can read it for him," remarked Zanthon. 
 
 'You'll have a printer and a sickatarry," continued Earing.
 
 A SETTLEMENT WITH OLD FRIENDS 469 
 
 " I will," responded Mehill. 
 
 " Now, which of these places does he desire," said Zanthon ; 
 " or is there any other kind of business he would prefer ? " 
 
 Earing reflected for a few moments and Mehill assumed a 
 profound attitude. 
 
 "Your better off," she said, turning to her husband. 
 
 " I'm better off," reiterated Mehill. Earing continued : 
 
 " It is this way, Master Zanthon j we're thankful to you as 
 much as if you did the world for us ; but leave him where he 
 is. He couldn't do anything but work in the fields with a 
 spade and shovel ; and if he didn't do that he wouldn't know 
 what to do." 
 
 Zanthon knowing that this termination or settlement of his 
 plans regarding Mehill was final, presented each of his visitors 
 with proper souvenirs of his esteem. Then as the man had re 
 placed the new hat in the band box and donned the old one with 
 the intention of leaving for home, he grasped him by the hand 
 and said : 
 
 "Mehill, you deserve to be called great. 
 
 The simplicity of your life is as uniform and distinguished 
 as the rising and setting of the sun. In animated nature noth 
 ing exceeds this characteristic, as a means of securing a com 
 fortable transit through the valley of death. It brings peace, 
 then power. From these two conditions arise gleams of happi 
 ness such as the beings of another world might envy. 
 
 You hearken to wisdom when she speaks. You obey her 
 dictates, as one moved by some mysterious voice, knowing it is 
 for good. 
 
 With you there is no evil ; because you know not of its ex 
 istence. Although your house is marked with the signs of pov 
 erty, yet you dwell in the region of the gods. Farewell ! " 
 
 Mehill answered by squeezing Zanthon's hand and twisting 
 his closed lips to one side of his mouth as if he meant to say, 
 " You struck it there," then with Earing departed full of joy,
 
 470 ZANTHON 
 
 as a consequence of the agreeable entertainment accorded them 
 by their young friend. 
 
 That night there was a tumult in the streets. 
 
 The irresponsible class, generally known as the rabble, issuing 
 from the back lanes and alleys moved in a dark mass towards 
 the northern suburbs of the town. 
 
 Their leaders had evidently some terrible work in hand. 
 
 Zanthon perceived how powerless his rules of law stood, as 
 a means of restraining such a multitude. With some of his 
 attendants he joined the mob to ascertain its purpose. 
 
 In reply to a question, a man said : 
 
 " We want reprisals. The foreigners took all they could 
 from us long enough. It is time to take something back." 
 
 " What are you going to capture? " 
 
 " The residence of a low-bred aristocrat." 
 
 "'How do you call it ? " 
 
 " Dawnford Castle." 
 
 " Is the owner a foreigner ? " 
 
 " No ; but he is worse. He is an upstart that sold himself 
 to the enemy; an absentee spending his money in other coun 
 tries while his own is being ruined. He is of no use or benefit 
 here : therefore we'll run him out." 
 
 Zanthon had heard of Zerlin's character previously. There 
 were so many aristocratic dwellings in the country surrounding 
 Kindleton, that the stories told of Dawnford Castle passed with 
 out eliciting much attention. 
 
 Had he known that it was there Amby had spent several 
 years of her life pining for home, he would have been the first 
 to assault the place, but as he remained in complete ignorance of 
 the facts, he turned away disgusted with the action of the peo 
 ple. 
 
 Later in the night the northern heavens were illuminated by 
 a red light which gradually increased until an immense space 
 had been involved. It was fringed with huge masses of curl 
 ing smoke as they ascended upward out of view ; and flakes of
 
 A SETTLEMENT WITH OLD FRIENDS 
 
 471 
 
 fire filled the air in the neighborhood of the conflagration as if 
 a volcano had burst open. 
 
 The pale faces looking through the windows of their homes, 
 at the night, in Kindleton, knew the mob had completed its 
 work. 
 
 Dawnford Castle was in flames !
 
 CHAPTER XXXIV 
 
 TWO OF A KIND. 
 
 r I A HE inmates of Dawnford Castle were secretly apprised of 
 * the contemplated attack of the populace about an hour be 
 fore the occurrence. " 
 
 The individuals present within its walls, when the informa 
 tion reached them, included Mrs. Rinser, Mrs. Tuberfoot, Mrs. 
 Aloes, Miss Mussy Boggleton and Antony Firfag. 
 
 In order to establish a correct estimate of the situation, it is 
 necessary to introduce a few sentences descriptive of the period 
 immediately before the terrible event. 
 
 Zerlin, the master, was absent. He returned from Paris, 
 once, since our last notice of him ; but perceiving the indica 
 tions of revolution on the increase, wisely withdrew to his for 
 eign residence until- the prevalence of more peaceful times. 
 
 It was during this period, in response to the solicitations of 
 Mrs. Rinser, that he procured for Ham Boggleton, the govern 
 ment appointment so often referred to by members of the 
 family. In this connection it may not be premature to men 
 tion, that the crafty housekeeper at Dawnford Castle finally 
 persuaded Amby Marlband to accept Ham as her husband ; 
 and go with him to his new station, in accordance with the 
 programme she had originally mapped out. 
 
 This crowning act of Mrs. Rinser's life had no more than 
 reached consummation, when she began to experience uneasi 
 ness from causes not very clear to her own mind. 
 
 (472)
 
 TWO OF A KIND 473 
 
 She felt oppression, as if it had emanated from the calmness 
 pervading the castle. Zerlin, Ham and Amby gone ; Antony 
 Firfag rarely visited the place. The dull routine of her life 
 seemed reduced to stagnation. 
 
 She was so much engaged with Amby's presence in the past 
 that her absence appeared like the shutting out of the sun ! 
 
 Where she expected to realize glory in having her brother 
 marry the Rebel's daughter, she found nothing but desolation 
 and heartache. 
 
 From having been an exponent of loquacity such as is seldom 
 encountered in ordinary life, she suddenly turned to meditation 
 as a means of relieving her distress. Her sisters favored this 
 innovation ; for they moved out of her way, on every possible 
 occasion as if attentive only to their own business, but in 
 reality to permit its full development. 
 
 It was a failure. After a short experience during which she 
 reviewed Amby's history since her abduction and Zerlin's fear 
 of popular resentment her situation became unendurable. 
 
 Dreadful ideas seized her like one gazing into a chasm where 
 murder was being perpetrated. 
 
 In the depths of her reflections the mental vision uppermost 
 within her saw images that made her tremble. Amby's riven 
 heart. Her long years of waiting for some hopeful news of 
 her lost friends. Her innocence victimized by systematic lying 
 and misrepresentation. Her tears, pleadings and dreams of 
 happiness with those she loved recited so often ; and the fear 
 ful ordeal to which she had been subjected by her marriage 
 with a man whom she could not even venerate or respect. 
 
 Fear of some indefinable character gradually came to Mrs. 
 Rinser from these thoughts. If Zerlin was in danger on account 
 of being a mere aristocrat, how much more, she, who had 
 planned the execution of diabolical acts and encouraged the 
 captivity of a blameless girl ? Oh ! she must revive the 
 habit of talking or death would be the consequence ; unless, 
 indeed, she became a raving maniac ! Hence Antony Firfag
 
 474 ZAXTHON 
 
 was installed an inmate of the castle, so as to serve the double 
 purpose of hearing the housekeeper talk and afford a man's 
 protection to the persons residing in it. 
 
 Then Mrs. Rinser attempted by the exercise of her volubil 
 ity to regain her former self-possession and indifference to 
 worldly care. 
 
 She spoke for hours at a time to the henchman, without the 
 interruption of a single word from him ; or even a gesture such 
 as might probably indicate dissent from her views ; yet the 
 rotundity of her body began to diminish, her features assumed 
 a pale aspect and a peculiar light in her eyes became conspic 
 uous, showing some chronic trouble had taken possession of 
 her mind. 
 
 Whatever his suspicions, as to the causes of these changes 
 in Mrs. Rinser, Antony never mentioned them. His own case 
 absorbed most of his attention. While pretending to listen 
 attentively to her discourses on the extravagances of Lady 
 Yore, whom she had known in her youth, or other subjects 
 equally interesting, his mind was wrestling with some point con 
 nected directly or remotely with Amby Marlband's abduction. 
 
 It was strange, the same theme that operated -so powerfully to 
 chastise Mrs. Rinser, struck him with terror like a thunderbolt. 
 
 It lured him into the depths of thought until he became fas 
 cinated 'with the prospect of eternal doom in this world of 
 unrest, from which he could not escape. 
 
 There was a look of resignation on his grim, cold face, inten 
 sified by the sharp outline of the parts, the twinkling of the 
 small lusterless eyes and the compressed lips, as if he gloried 
 in hugging his damnation. 
 
 The advent of the revolution and success of the patriots 
 introduced another phase into the mental strain borne by Mrs. 
 Rinser and Antony Firfag. The government protection which 
 heretofore stood in their defense was now suspended, thus leav 
 ing them at the mercy of the populace. 
 
 Their condition was fearful to contemplate.
 
 TWO OF A KIND 475 
 
 First, smote by an unseen power whose lash never grew light 
 even for an instant of time, then deprived of all security 
 in property and life through the domination of the people 
 whom they were accustomed to despise. 
 
 To whatever point they turned nothing but darkness appeared- 
 There was an idea entertained for a short time that within the 
 castle they would find ample protection ; but the opinions and 
 rumors which Antony collected on the outside dispelled such 
 hope. Not that the hostile party of people intended attacking 
 the Boggletona and Antony especially. Indeed the truth was 
 that the hostility existed on Zerlin's account and the system 
 which had been pursued in his entire establishment. As a 
 matter of course the present inhabitants of the castle did not 
 know these nice distinctions ; and therefore concluded that 
 they would fall before the resentment of the storming party 
 when the members of it concluded to carry their designs into 
 execution. 
 
 At length the exact time became known. Some person, an 
 old woman, peering through the bars of the iron gate at the 
 front entrance one evening when the twilight was giving place 
 to darkness, said to Antony Firfag, who was standing within : 
 
 " I tell you as an act of charity, the big house will lose the 
 laurels to-night. Get out of it at once. Tell the women. Let 
 them go some place. Don't stay. It's not for the love of you 
 or yours, but my own sake, I do it. If you didn't remember 
 the poor, that's no reason why the poor shouldn't remember 
 you." 
 
 With lips apart and face pale as a corpse, Antony sought 
 Mrs. Rinser. He found her in one of the living rooms near the 
 kitchen busy at some light work. 
 
 " Our time is come at last, ma'am," he said as he crossed the 
 threshold of the door, and stood before her like one risen from 
 the grave. 
 
 " Whose time, Antony ? I mean what time ; that is, which 
 time ? " she replied quickly.
 
 476 ZANTHON 
 
 " Your turn and my turn," answered the serf, bending him 
 self half way to the ground, and emphasizing the possessive 
 pronouns with peculiar force. 
 
 u How he does rave lately. I believe the man is possessed. 
 I declare he is trembling. As I said to Mrs. Tuberfoot, youth 
 is full of folly and age of infirmity ; laut of course there must 
 be pity somewhere as well as patience." 
 
 " Stop your gab," said Antony, at the top of his voice. " Get 
 ready for the road, I tell you. The rebels is comin' on us. 
 They'll burn the castle and everything in it before they stop. 
 Oh, why did I ever live to see this night ! " 
 
 " Mercy ! " cried Mrs. Rlnser, clasping her hands together ; 
 but the other women coming hastily into the apartment, a gen 
 eral exchange of opinions on the situation took place. The 
 truth soon became known. 
 
 Feeling the dissolution of the establishment to be near, Antony 
 assumed a fiendish dictatorship over the others while giving 
 orders in regard to the property each person would be capable 
 of carrying when leaving the castle ; for that course was agreed 
 to. All fear of Mrs. Rinser's opposition, all regard for future 
 consequences, all respect, even, for age or sex vanished from 
 his mind in his desire to ventilate the despair which threatened 
 to wreck his soul. 
 
 He cursed with such fury that the saliva between his lips 
 turned white, and his eyes became red like living coals of fire. 
 Suddenly turning to Mrs. Rinser, while she was depositing her 
 money in a small satchel, he said : 
 
 " This is your doings. It's your work that brought the rebels 
 to the door. No other one is to blame, an' the curses of us all 
 will fall on your head." 
 
 "Don't make me worse than what I am," she answered 
 meekly, now thoroughly humbled. " What have I done that 
 you revile me in such a manner ? " 
 
 " Well you know what you've done. I needn't go behind the
 
 TWO OF A KIND 477 
 
 door to tell you. The same thing was troubling you this long 
 time, because I seen it in your face." 
 
 " I do not understand ; that is, I don't know what you mean, 
 old man, meaning Antony, dear me, how terrible you are." 
 
 " Ah ! ha ! well I knew the way the trouble came. The girl 
 you took from her people is coming back on you. Her friends 
 is in the mob ready to hang you ; but it's no more nor you 
 deserve." 
 
 "There's two of a kind of us," she replied, white with fear, 
 "the more's the pity. As I said to Mrs. Tuberfoot, it was 
 Antony Firfag that suggested, I may say declared, Amby should 
 be taken, poor dear, from her home by force." 
 
 "I had good backing from you there," said Antony between 
 his teeth. 
 
 The woman resumed : 
 
 " And moreover it was Antony that carried her off " 
 
 l< Stop that talk I " he shouted, advancing towards her in a 
 threatening manner. " Don't put lies on me. I was bad 
 enough. I went out of my way to please you and your fool of 
 a brother, but I didn't keep the girl from her people like the 
 rest, nor hide her in the carriage. I know who'll answer for 
 that much." 
 
 The woman resumed : 
 
 *' I treated her well. She had a good home here ; in fact, 
 very good as I often remarked to Mrs. Tuberfoot ; better than 
 she could in her own house." 
 
 u Why had you cunning ways for her, and a false tongue ? 
 Didn't she pine away like a bird in a cage, and the hardness of 
 your cold heart never stopped." 
 
 " The law allowed it." 
 
 " Ah ! that wasn't the law, but what's comin' is. I didn't 
 know myself but that the government could do everything to 
 keep us safe as long as we stayed inside the walls, but now I 
 believe different. The God that made the girl will be on her 
 side and take revenge."
 
 478 ZANTHON 
 
 " Oh, Antony, be reasonable in this dreadful time. Where 
 will we go ? Don't be so hard with me. I am guilty, but I 
 suffered for it night and day ever since it occurred." 
 
 Before he answered, Miss Mussy reported having seen from 
 one of the upper windows of the castle, a dark mass of people 
 approaching it over the road with torches, evidently employed 
 to guide their footsteps hither. Antony cried out : 
 
 " Two come with ine. It makes no difference which two it 
 is. I'll take my share in the boat across the river. That's alj 
 it will hold. We can hide in the country for awhile. I know 
 places where we can pay our way and there will be nothing 
 said." 
 
 " And the other two ? " inquired Mrs. Rinser. 
 
 " Let them go back to the northwest corner of the ground 
 behind the castle. They'll find there a place where they can 
 climb to the top of the wall and jump over. Then they know 
 how to walk to the country and stay in it as they were 
 before." 
 
 Owing to the pressure of time this arrangement was final. 
 
 It was decided Mrs. Rinser and Miss Mussy would accom 
 pany Antony over the river, while Mrs. Tuberfoot and Mrs- 
 Aloes, in obedience to instructions, must attempt escape, fav 
 ored by the darkness, to the house of an acquaintance in the 
 district where they formerly resided. 
 
 Without a word of farewell, the members of the group hur 
 ried to the front entrance and separated, each party going in 
 the direction before indicated. The light from the torches of 
 the mob became visible beyond the wall on the west side of the 
 enclosure as Antony and his affrighted companions passed 
 along the gravel walks of the garden on the east side and 
 emerged through the wicket over the river bank. 
 
 A sharp exclamation of wonder escaped the man as he glanced 
 at the water. The river appeared filled with a great flood. 
 
 In their excitement the fact was forgotten that a large quan 
 tity of rain had fallen two days in succession previously.
 
 TWO OF A KIND 479 
 
 This water-course drained an extensive valley as well as a 
 large district of mountain land. On the present occasion the 
 rush and plenitude of the current of many streams culminated 
 here in an immense tide ! Viewed by the little light coming 
 from an opening in the clouds, its characteristics made it ter 
 rible. 
 
 The headlong speed at which it went induced the belief, that 
 the power impelling it, designed the completion of some great 
 work, before the next day's sun arose. 
 
 It was turbulent, too ; lashed into mad disquietude partly by 
 its own elements, the conditions surrounding it, and the lower 
 ing of the atmosphere. One could see an expression of anger 
 pervading the surface, as if it possessed animation. It was not 
 so much a scowl, as a threatening look concentrated into fierce 
 ness, supported by the energy of the whole body. Waves 
 crossed each other at right angles, some coming from the shore 
 forcing intrusion on such as had been formed by the wind -or 
 current. Huge cylindrical masses of the water rolled across or 
 with the tide ; their dark forms shocking the beholder with the 
 idea, that they were monsters from the sea sent here in order to 
 contribute additional terrors to the appalling scene. 
 
 Irregular prominences started up continuously between the 
 waves, as if contending for places, some of them discharging, at 
 the same time, jets of their native element high into the air. 
 
 Patches adjoining the banks leaped against the sides as if 
 desirous of escaping from the turmoil without ; and after being 
 resisted sought other places forward, for the purpose of making 
 a similar effort. 
 
 The multitude of indentations which appeared, some deep 
 like the openings to caverns, others small and flat, accompanied 
 by twisted lines, as well as distorted curves, made the surface 
 acquire a speckled aspect, doubly dark and horrible. 
 
 Miniature whirlpools careered through the hollows of im 
 mense swells, like toys designed for the childish among 
 infernal spirits.
 
 480 ZANTHON 
 
 Where obstructions presented themselves, eddies prevailed, 
 tearing at the roots of vegetation and the cohesion of rocks. 
 
 The foam was broken into fragments of various forms, giving 
 to the face of the stream a character resembling that of the surf 
 of the ocean ; but destitute of its never ceasing clearness. 
 
 The vast body tossed itself in agony ! 
 
 Surprised into undue emotion it seemed aggrieved ; and en 
 deavored to taunt the authority of the superior power by writh 
 ing angrily in its presence. 
 
 It hissed displeasure. 
 
 The seething of the mass was so pronounced as to promote 
 a suspicion that it held direct communication with the fire of 
 the bottomless pit. The atmosphere was filled with its mys 
 terious moaning ; and sympathetically favored the congregation 
 of black clouds which hung around the horizon and over the 
 inscribed plain in order to conceal its distress. 
 
 The three helpless individuals viewed the fearful phenome 
 non and trembled. For the first time they were face to face 
 with the terrible, depending for life on its caprice. 
 
 They could have sinned with impunity during the past, in 
 their own estimation and smothered its recollection while ap 
 pearing innocent to the world ; but in the presence of this mon 
 strous avenger they dare not even think of injustice. 
 
 Evil was eliminated from their souls, like water from a 
 sponge under pressure. 
 
 Fear drove them to piety. 
 
 Hardihood in crime availed nothing to sustain their strength, 
 while such awful power from the unknown seemed waiting to 
 overwhelm them. The women prayed aloud, the man an 
 swered the responses. 
 
 The darkness appeared to permeate each individuality as if 
 to encourage it to despair, even while the lips of all craved 
 mercy, making that hour as torturing as the first one of eternal 
 woe.
 
 TWO OF A KIND 481 
 
 There was a sharp breeze blowing across the waters, whose 
 doleful peans resembled the requiems for the dead. It was 
 troubled, perhaps; about catastrophe happening or to happen. 
 The fugitives listened as if to interpret the sounds and gather 
 from them information or consolation, but alas ! they had 
 never studied nature and knew nothing of her mysteries. 
 When the people were dying of hunger they laughed and 
 securely enjoyed themselves, heedless of the wants of others. 
 
 Now the void, which remembers everything, made them a 
 sport for its terrors, at a time when those whom they disre 
 garded were exultant. 
 
 Thus did it equalize justice. 
 
 In the midst of their cogitations a wild shout from the rab 
 ble startled them. Instinctively they understood that the iron 
 gate, or main entrance in the boundary wall had been forced 
 and their enemies were rushing on the castle itself. Indeed the 
 noise of rapid footsteps on the gravel walks proved beyond all 
 doubt their conjectures to be true. 
 
 In another minute they might be captured and slain ; the 
 garden only separated them from the executioners. Theirs was 
 a terrible predicament. 
 
 On one side the flood, the instrument of chastisement in the 
 custody of the invisible ; on the other the mob, the retaliatory 
 weapon of the people. 
 
 The one operated without compunction ; the other smote 
 without mercy ! 
 
 Antony Firfag made no further delay. His decision reached 
 maturity while yet the echoes of the shouting were around him. 
 He would prefer to intrust his life to circumstances amid the 
 dangers of the deep, than with the fury of the multitude. 
 
 The boat lay in a small cove at right angles to the stream 
 moored to an iron ring in the garden wall. It was a poor craft 
 being flat-bottomed and known to fishermen as a "cot." In 
 calm weather and during the absence of freshets it was pro- 
 
 ZANTHON 31
 
 482 ZANTHON 
 
 pelled by means of a large pole ; but on other occasions two 
 small oars were employed for that purpose. 
 
 The man stepped backward into the garden and returned 
 immediately with the oars. It was customary to keep them 
 suspended behind the door securely covered to prevent damage 
 by rain. Then having placed them in the boat which he held 
 by the bow to steady its motion he desired Mrs. Rinser and 
 Miss Mussy to enter. After the difficult task of seating^ them 
 was accomplished, for the boat lurched fearfully, Antony asked 
 Mrs. Rinser to place the oars in position so as to be ready to 
 push from the shore when he took his place. This could be 
 easily done because the boat had iron tolepins and in each oar 
 was an iron ring to fit them like the adjustment in a cobble. 
 
 The woman having seen the rush of waters and beholding 
 the man scarcely able to sustain the upright position dreaded 
 the voyage. She said : 
 
 " I am stronger than you, Antony. I can pull the boat." 
 
 "Are you stronger nor that ? " he inquired pointing to the 
 flood. 
 
 "What I said was heard. I'm stronger than you" she reit 
 erated. " It is not that I want to be, goodness knows, far from 
 it ; for that's not here nor there ; but what can I do when one 
 is. As I said to Mrs. Tuberfoot ; it is no use in blaming the 
 weather when the snow is on the ground ; nor trying to mend 
 a broken egg after it drops on the floor." 
 
 Antony would have burst into invective at the conclusion of 
 this speech if it had not been for the terrors which surrounded 
 him. He only said : 
 
 " You don't know no more about the ways of that boat, Mrs. 
 Rinser, nor me of what one fish says to another. Why should 
 you ? You never learned her, nor pushed her head or back 
 this way or that way. 
 
 You couldn't keep her agin the current if you didn't dip your 
 oars kindly. The water can catch your oar and twist it out of 
 jour hand like a knitting-needle. I know the strin'th that's in
 
 TWO OF A KIND 483 
 
 it. You'd turn her mouth under before we knew that we were 
 alive or dead, if you couldn't rise your oar the right way out 
 of the water. I'm not hard on you ; but its your own fault. 
 Your tongue is too quick and your head too light for any good 
 on this journey." 
 
 "I must say something, Antony, I'm to blame, no doubt. 
 As you said about the knitting-needle, it ain't no oar ; and 
 the river is stronger than me, to be sure ; but as I said to Mrs. 
 Tuberfoot we must put up with one thing or the other as it 
 comes." 
 
 Antony who had taken his seat in the boat and seized the 
 oars pointed the prow of his little craft against the wind and 
 tide. In this position he calculated keeping her afloat while 
 the current carried them far down the stream and to the 
 opposite bank where the river curved. As a precautionary 
 measure in this connection he said to the women : 
 
 " Now be quiet. Don't stir. The boat feels every move you 
 make. She's uneasy at people when they're fidgety. She'll 
 do her best ; but let her alone, an' keep civil tongues in your 
 heads. The night is listenin' to everything you say. It might 
 turn from us like the rest. It can't be trusted after hearing 
 a woman's tongue. Besides the flood is ugly. It hates to hear 
 anyone talk ; because, maybe, it isn't like its own." 
 
 Admonished by these remarks the women remained . per 
 fectly still. Antony's appearance did not, however, inspire 
 them with much confidence in his ability as boatman. Indeed 
 Mrs. Rinser trembled when she seriously contemplated the 
 helplessness of the figure before her. 
 
 The head covered by an old hunting cap had shrunk so as to 
 exhibit large hollows at the sides and front. The eyes, always 
 small, now became almost imperceptible to view beneath the 
 ill-looking brows. The cheek-bones were prominent and the 
 skin over them copper colored. The attenuated nose appeared 
 ghastly above the lips of the mouth ; but the chin beneath 
 protruded forward. The rest of his body had shriveled pro-
 
 I 
 
 484 ZANTHON 
 
 portionately with the parts mentioned, especially the neck and 
 arms. 
 
 What power could such miserable hands as his command ? 
 thought the woman. 
 
 In the darkness he seemed to take the shape of an inferior 
 animal, or a spirit clothed in some hideous form. 
 
 Bending forward with his hands on the oars his aspect was 
 shocking. Well might he be accounted a concomitant of dark 
 ness designed to lurk in its deepest shades and hover over its 
 most intricate destinies. 
 
 Antony had been an expert oarsman. His skill stood well 
 by him on the present occasion ; for feeble as he was, a few 
 strokes of his oars, made with but little effort, brought the boat 
 into the stream, where she began to drift rapidly downward. 
 Still intent on further success, he changed her head a point 
 eastward ; then using his full strength, he drove her out from 
 the waters comparatively calm to the places where the fury of 
 the tide prevailed. 
 
 What a change was here I 
 
 The first dip of the oar in the strong current proved disas 
 trous. Antony was laid prostrate by the handle of the oar 
 striking him in the breast while the implement wrenched from 
 its fastening floated off with the current. Then the boat spun 
 itself round like a deranged thing completely'at the mercy of 
 the 1^de, threatening every instant to throw its occupants into 
 the water. 
 
 In this extremity the man shouted : " For your life, don't 
 stir." 
 
 Regaining his feet he struck the water with the remaining 
 oar which brought his boat into line with the torrent, saving 
 her from being capsized ; but she labored terribly in the trough 
 of the billows, rising and falling across short thick waves heav 
 ily and shipping considerable water. 
 
 Mrs. Rinser and Miss Mussy terrorized by the surrounding 
 dangers, remained silent witnesses of Antony's combat with
 
 TWO OF A KIND 485 
 
 the stormy waters ; but they wept and prayed for mercy and 
 life. The elder woman, despairing of safety, said to her 
 sister : 
 
 " If I saw Amby one moment. I'd be content. Not that she 
 would say ' Mrs. Rinser, I do not understand,' far from it ; but 
 she might tell me, ' God forgive you, for you need it.' 
 
 I did the best I could, small blame to me. I had to look 
 after our brother Ham ; because he could not look after him 
 self, poor boy. I knew no better. I paid Mrs. Tiinbertoe for 
 nothing, for all the good was done ; but as I said before that's 
 not here nor there." 
 
 Antony's struggle with the tide was of short duration. 
 
 Excitement stimulated him to undue efforts which when at 
 their height, failed utterly to proceed further, like a cord in 
 high tension snapping into two parts when the work it was 
 expected to perform neared completion. The oar fell from his 
 hands into the river. He trembled violently a few seconds, 
 then sank into his seat powerless as a dead man. It was with 
 difficulty, even, that he -could bemoan the fate which had over 
 taken him during the intervals between his gasps for breath. 
 
 " I'm lost in the long run," he said to himself. 
 
 " There's no use trying any more. Me strin'th is gone. The 
 hands I cannot rise even. If I could only grab a stick or a 
 board I might be able to manage her yet, but I must be paral 
 yzed out an' out. Oh, what'ill I do or where'ill I turn ? " 
 
 Besides the characteristics of the freshet already mentioned, 
 there was drift-wood carried down with it which might prove 
 dangerous to small boats attempting the passage of the stream. 
 
 Antony and his companions had not thought of this feature 
 previously. Reminded of it now in their helplessness by per 
 ceiving several large trees pass near them with threatening atti 
 tude, they began to scan the waters closely. This was a new terror, 
 and doubly dreadful, because it emanated from the darkness. 
 They were liable to be surprised in an instant by it ; nay, over 
 whelmed, run down, sunk in the twinkling of an eye beneath
 
 486 ZANTHON 
 
 the dark waters never to rise. Hence, each passenger turned 
 to scrutinize more minutely than heretofore, the depths of the 
 night and the angry face of the flood. 
 
 Suddenly their eyes were riveted on an object in it, above 
 them, whose movements took away their breath, almost, with 
 suspense and dread. It was a heavy spar, coming from some 
 unknown point, with the swiftness of a messenger riding for life 
 or death. 
 
 Headlong it plunged ; the motion being accelerated by the 
 smoothness of its own surface and weight of the body. It shot 
 through waves like an arrow. It overthrew kindred logs 
 which accidentally came in the way. Nothing seemed to be 
 able to divert it from its hidden purpose. 
 
 It came towards the boat in a direct line. Its resemblance 
 to a huge sea-serpent was remarkable ; for the skin in which it 
 was incased seemed to glance above the water, occasionally, as 
 if intended to create terror in all who beheld its awful form. 
 
 In an instant it was upon them. There was not time for a 
 single thought ; but one wild shriek came up from the group 
 into the atmosphere as the spar hit the boat on the side and 
 drove it beneath the surface ! 
 
 There were a few more cries of distress as Antony and Mrs. 
 Rinser struggled in the surf for life ; but it was soon over. Miss 
 Mussy was saved, having held to the boat which arose and 
 remained on the surface, and was finally thrown against the 
 opposite bank far down the stream, but her two companions 
 were drowned. 
 
 Then the flood proceeded onward exultantly. 
 
 It sped to the sea where it told how the powers of the universe 
 combined in the absence of human aid, to avenge the wrongs 
 perpetrated against the rebel's daughter. How it smote her 
 abductors in the darkest hour of their lives, surrounding them 
 with woe such as might be suitable for those who have been 
 promised eternal torments on account of crime ; and how it 
 listened to their wailing without pity or remorse.
 
 TWO OF A KIND 
 
 487 
 
 In line with this retributive agent appeared the fire which 
 consumed Dawnford Castle. 
 
 Over the shrill cries of the dying ; above the silence of the 
 dead it darted upward in joyous tongues ; beckoning as it were 
 to the unknown to turn and behold the wretched ending of the 
 two individuals now sleeping their long unconsciousness in the 
 dark waters beneath.
 
 CHAPTER XXXV. 
 
 THE GOVERNMENT APPOINTMENT 
 
 TDEFORE any investigation could be instituted in regard to 
 **-^ the wanton destruction of Dawnford Castle Zanthon left 
 Kindleton in great haste. 
 
 A despatch from Fawndell requested his presence in that 
 city without delay as the Republican arms had recently met 
 with some reverses and the boundary itself was threatened. 
 
 Upon his arrival at that place he found the condition of 
 affairs even worse than anticipated. Fugitives were coming in 
 every hour, who reported the overthrow of the Republicans at 
 a battle recently fought in the interior. The men were flying 
 to their homes as further efforts in behalf of independence 
 would be futile. 
 
 The cause was lost they said. General Hefton, Tanders and 
 others had not had sufficient support. 
 
 The Crowfoot regiment suffered terribly. It was almost 
 annihilated. 
 
 Supplies were wanting ; provisions, ammunition, arms, as 
 well as men. 
 
 All this proved true in every particular. 
 
 The government had placed three armies in the field the 
 least containing over fifty thousand men. These subdued 
 every appearance of rebellion and re-established confidence in 
 the power of the monarchy. 
 
 (488)
 
 THE GOVERNMENT APPOINTMENT 489 
 
 General Hefton's command leaving Liebadthore, attempted a 
 junction with the B^rench contingent, which after landing had 
 defeated the enemy in several engagements, but the presence of 
 immense numbers in opposition to theirs with all the best 
 appliances of war prevented the accomplishment ot the design. 
 Hefton was slain, his troops defeated, the allies captured and 
 liberty laid prostrate in the dust I 
 
 Then began wild scenes of carnage such as the battle field, 
 even, did not present. The government troops butchered men 
 by the wayside, insulted women, sacked villages and destroyed 
 the property of the inhabitants. 
 
 In the midst of the disorder when individuals were scatter 
 ing in every direction to seek protection in obscurity, a party 
 of the enemy suddenly appeared in Fawndell, captured the 
 patriots' position and arrested Zanthon. 
 
 As orders for his detention had been issued by persons in 
 high authority, he was not slain on sight, like some of his com 
 rades, but thrown into prison to await trial and execution as an 
 example for others of his countrymen to avoid similar situa. 
 tions in future. 
 
 The structure where Zanthon was confined assumed immense 
 proportions. 
 
 Situated in one of the Northern suburbs of Fawndell it har 
 monized with the spirit of intolerance and usurpation which 
 distinguished the age in that country. 
 
 Built of huge rocks laid in cement, it afforded to Jits founders 
 ample means of holding political offenders or criminals in. 
 security, free from outside interference or escape. 
 
 The main building was five stories in height, flanked on the 
 right and left by wings running backward and partly enclosing 
 a rectangular piece of land about four acres in extent. The 
 remainder of this space had been bounded by a lesser building 
 of the same material with strong stone and mortar connections 
 to prevent egress or ingress. 
 
 It was here special classes of criminals used to be confined ;
 
 490 ZANTHON 
 
 idiots, sick persons and those belonging to the establishments 
 afflicted with contagious diseases. Around the entire institute 
 appeared a boundary wall sixteen feet high and two hundred 
 feet from the basement of it which checked forever all aspira 
 tions for liberty which might otherwise have been entertained 
 by unfortunate occupants. 
 
 In the south side of the great wall skirted by a suburban 
 street which came direct from the city, was situated the sole 
 entrance. A huge gate of wood and iron securely bolted ; but to 
 facilitate the movement of individuals through it there was a 
 small door or wicket for that purpose, merely held in place by 
 a strong lock. 
 
 An old war veteran, in the service of the government, held 
 the place of gate-keeper, having a small apartment on the in 
 side in which he lived, but to protect him in case of assault, as 
 also to stop attempts of prisoners at escape, a sentinel was 
 posted in the space between the buildings and the boundary 
 wall, who paraded its whole extent every half hour, thus mak 
 ing four revolutions during his watch. The headquarters of 
 this guard held station in or near the infirmary quite conveni 
 ent to the dead-house, which position had been assigned to it, 
 no doubt, on account of the kinship existing between the two 
 institutions. 
 
 The external appearance of the prison was repulsive. It 
 was inordinately strong to retain the lines of beauty peculiar 
 to individual residences ; the dark walls unbroken by a single 
 additional color were shocking in eternal samenesss. Iron 
 grating in front of the windows brought recollections of excruci 
 ating tortures and shrieks of despair within their confines to the 
 mind of the beholder and all the train of philosophic thought 
 leading to the problem of man's injustice to man ! 
 
 At a distance it stood, in the face of daylight, like an ob 
 struction, rearing its deformity against the sky as if it meant 
 to be offensive or threatening even to the law of eternal order 
 above. It darkened the atmosphere like a cloud at the time a
 
 THE GOVERNMENT APPOINTMENT 491 
 
 thunderstorm is in progress ; but in the gloom of twilight its 
 broad compass of murky shade wfiose fastenings went far into 
 the domain of night, was appalling. Bats and owls frequented 
 the place ; while some said, the evil beyond and the evil this 
 side the grave, met there on common ground. 
 
 The apartments for the accommodation of the governor of 
 the jail, for it had one, stood immediately inside the front door 
 of the main building. The hall, about eight feet wide extended 
 the width of this part of the edifice the floor consisting of stone- 
 flags ; but light was admitted through a large transom over the 
 door. To the right a parlor or dining room, sixteen feet square, 
 handsomely furnished. To the left the office where the books 
 and accounts of the establishment were kept ; and the governor 
 could be met, usually, for the transaction of business. 
 
 Lying adjacent to these were other necessary apartments ; 
 store-rooms, pantry, dairy, laundry, kitchen and scullery ; be 
 sides, on the floor above, three additional rooms had been fur 
 nished for his use, accessible through passages leading from 
 the hall beneath. In addition to the main door there appeared 
 one on each side of it, distant about a hundred feet, which 
 opened into a system of cells for prisoners. 
 
 The patch of ground before each of these doors had been 
 separated from the front entrance by a low fence enclosing a 
 email flower-garden into which the governor's windows looked 
 and where his wife and child occasionally amused themselves, 
 doubtless to avoid the monotony of the abode within. 
 
 It is desirable to introduce this lady to the attention of the 
 reader the day of Zanthon's incarceration in the prison. 
 
 She was a woman in the prime of life endowed with great 
 beauty. 
 
 The tinting of her cheeks, no doubt, had changed from what 
 it had been in early youth, delicate pink, to the complete rose- 
 color of maturity. The eyes were full of lustre, inclined to be 
 critically correct in their scrutiny of persons or other objects ; 
 and her figure might readily be taken for that of a goddess.
 
 492 ZANTHON 
 
 Her movements were exquisite examples of dignity and 
 grace to which all persons in her presence were more or less 
 attracted. 
 
 The business of the world made her stern ; but she never 
 descended to rudeness or manners unbecoming a lady of the 
 highest order of society. The books in the office were all in 
 her writing ; beautiful tracings of penmanship ; and on account 
 of performing such important labor the authorities allowed her 
 the salary of assistant governor. Her responsibility did not 
 end here, however. Every incident pertaining to the inmates 
 of the prison ; every detail connected with its supplies ; every 
 case demanding the interference of the local ruler came to her 
 for final settlement. 
 
 Her decisions were never questioned ; for it appeared the 
 administrative ability displayed harmonized with law ; so 
 acute and varied were the scholarly adornments of her mind. 
 
 With the passage of years her labors increased. 
 
 She solved great problems ; instituted reforms and made the 
 establishment famous as a place where supervision exhibited 
 extraordinary results beneficial to all parties. 
 
 Notwithstanding the glow of health upon her cheeks, there 
 was an expression of care over her features, that could not 
 escape observation : either, because her duties were too heavy, 
 or that some disappointment in the past fixed its effects per 
 manently on her countenance, as if determined on marring its 
 handsome outline. 
 
 Her husband, the governor, little better than a figurehead 
 possessed a great deal of pompous assurance ; but no capacity 
 for the performance of executive work, which as before said 
 devolved upon his helpmate. Their child was a boy named 
 Philistine, now over six years of age. 
 
 The governor superintended in person, the imprisonment of 
 Zanthon in one of the cells to the left of his own quarters. 
 The prisoner had been accompanied by a troop of horse, the 
 commander of which handed to the governor sealed orders con-
 
 THE GOVERNMENT APPOINTMENT 493 
 
 cerning the disposition of Zanthon and the necessity that 
 existed of keeping him in close confinement. In the street 
 outside the boundary wall, the cavalry would parade night 
 and day until he was executed. 
 
 In the office the facts having been communicated to the gov 
 ernor's wife she proceeded to make the usual entry in the 
 register : 
 
 "Zanthon, eighteen years of age, place of birth unknown, 
 resided at Kindleton in the province of Liebadthore, fair com 
 plexion, brown eyes, dark brown hair, height about five feet 
 eight, comely person, no relatives, arch-rebel." 
 
 When this entry was completed the lady read it over two or 
 three times, and began musing on its strange character. 
 
 " Zanthon is intended to cover his real name," she thought. 
 "Brown hair, brown eyes, and eighteen! Well, well; how 
 these facts strike to the heart, as if they related to me by some 
 deep mystery. 
 
 No relatives, comely person, resided at Kindleton, but actual 
 place of birth unknown. " Good God ! " she exclaimed rising 
 suddenly, " this is identical with the description of my younger 
 brother. Perhaps, like me, he was kidnapped and kept con 
 cealed in some hideous den until he burst his bonds to find 
 himself heir only to a worse fate ! Oh, how my limbs trem 
 ble 1 " She quitted the office, and avoiding the opposite apart 
 ment, where the Governor was talking to some acquaintances, 
 went upstairs to her own rooms. 
 
 Finding her son engaged in studying his lessons in one of 
 them, she made an effort to control her feelings while she ques 
 tioned him. 
 
 " Have you seen the arch-rebel, Philistine ? " 
 
 " Yes, mamma. I followed papa and the turnkey to the cell 
 where he was placed." 
 
 " How did he comport himself ? " 
 
 " Like a person of a noble nature. He was grave, but 
 serenely mild as the evening."
 
 494 ZANTHON 
 
 " Did you notice his garments ? " 
 
 " He was dressed in dark green cloth, the rebel uniform, 
 without facings. The hat had a thick cord around it, with two 
 tassels." 
 
 " What words did he speak ? " 
 
 " None that I heard ; but, mamma, I looked at him very 
 closely." 
 
 " For what purpose, my son ? " 
 
 " Because I thought he resembled some one known to me." 
 
 " You did ? " 
 
 " Some one near me." 
 
 The woman became visibly agitated. She ceased speaking; 
 but the boy continued, coming closer to his mother : 
 
 " He is like you, mamma. I couldn't help thinking him 
 good." 
 
 The lady turned suddenly pale, while her lips trembled, 
 essaying to speak, but could not. Finally she said : 
 
 " Remain at your books, Philistine, until I return." 
 
 Then she left the apartment. Retracing her steps to the office 
 she took from a close closet in the wall a key, hanging over 
 the number " three." This was the number of Zanthon's cell. 
 On account of his distinguished character he was given in 
 charge to the Governor specially, who had him placed in an 
 apartment that did not come under the continuous watch of 
 the turnkeys or guards. This place was one of a series of 
 twelve, designed for special purpose, such as the case now in 
 hand. The door, however, was bolted on the outside as well as 
 locked, and a small aperture appeared in the center of it, 
 through which the prisoner could be seen. 
 
 In a few minutes after leaving the office the lady was before 
 this door peering cautiously at the inside, where Zanthon 
 was seated. The afternoon sun was streaming through his 
 window, giving her ample opportunity of scrutinizing his coun 
 tenance. The apartment was not devoid of comfort as well as
 
 THE GOVERNMENT APPOINTMENT 495 
 
 that i-t was in the front of the main building, with a pleasant 
 view from it of the country beyond the boundary wall. 
 
 As she continued to gaze at him her breathing could be 
 heard coming quick and short, as if laboring under some great 
 emotion. " I could know him among ten thousand," she said 
 to herself. " There can be no mistake in regard to the identity 
 of our family. The characters are too plainly marked, the 
 expressions too significant. I see traces of my father's features 
 on this young man's face. The same look, the proud bearing, 
 the gentleness ; aye, the man ! 
 
 Oh ! mercy, it is Clare, the greatest of us all, brought here to 
 suffer martyrdom for his country's sake ! " 
 
 A few sobs escaped her. She twisted herself, so as to control 
 a pain at her heart, and wrung her hands in agony nay, 
 whined until the agitation of her mind could no longer be 
 borne. 
 
 Then undoing the fastenings of the door and throwing it 
 open, she entered the cell, crying out : 
 
 " Clare, my brother 1 I am Amby ! " 
 
 Springing to his feet with the swiftness of a wounded fawn, 
 Zanthon's responsive cry was heard : 
 
 "Amby ! Sunshine of my heart, is it you ? " . 
 
 In an instant he was in her arms, while she wept passion 
 ately and piteously. 
 
 " Oh, God ! " she murmured. " I thank Thee. Out of the 
 fullness of thy bounty thou hast given me a minute worth a 
 thousand years. Like a gem from thy crown. Like the essence 
 of truth that assuages all sorrow. How wonderful is thy power. 
 I asked, even without hope, that I might not die until I saw 
 Clare, and thou hast produced him, as if yielding him up from 
 the shades of death ! 
 
 My beautiful brother ! like the rosy-tinted morning bloom 
 ing in youth." 
 
 Continuing in this strain for some time, she finally released
 
 496 ZANTHON 
 
 Zanthon to enable both to be seated, in order to determine as 
 to the course to pursue in this great emergency. 
 
 " Relate to me the history of your disappearance and the 
 cause of your presence here," said the brother, regardless of his 
 own safety. Amby gave a brief sketch of the incidents relating 
 to her abduction and confinement in Dawnford Castle, as al 
 ready known to the reader. 
 
 In continuation, she said : 
 
 " When I found from reports that all had been lost, ambi 
 tion died within me. If I attempted to plan other methods of 
 investigation in Kindleton or Fawndell, I was always met by 
 disapprobation and false statements. I was never permitted to 
 go out alone, lest information would be conveyed to me, hurt 
 ful to the designs of my captors in the castle. 
 
 After consultation with a notorious fortune teller named Mrs. 
 Timbertoe, the housekeeper, Mrs. Rinser, introduced the sub 
 ject of my marriage with her brother, Ham Boggleton. I 
 repudiated the idea with scorn. This did not move her from 
 the purpose in view. She was patient. Perseverance seemed a 
 part of her nature. Every ingenious device her mind was 
 capable of conceiving, or which it was possible to procure from 
 others, was employed to induce me to yield acquiescence to her 
 wishes. 
 
 Marriage was abhorrent to me. I felt like one who had 
 been crushed in some great accident and required a long 
 time to recuperate before venturing into the ordinary pursuits 
 of life. 
 
 My spirit seemed broken, my senses subdued under a threat 
 ening influence that might at any time renew its hostility to 
 me and extinguish life itself. Therefore I dare not even hope 
 for happier times. About this period it became known that a 
 government appointment was available for Ham Boggleton. 
 The news awakened great pleasure in the minds of his friends, 
 seeing how long and persistently they had hoped for his 
 aggrandizement through that means. There was only one
 
 THE GOVEKNMENT APPOINTMENT 497 
 
 obstacle to the completion of this great project : Boggleton must 
 be married. 
 
 My sympathies were invoked ; his condition appealed to my 
 mercy. 
 
 They asked me to be charitable for the sake of my dead 
 friends. 
 
 Then I consented to be his wife ; but informed him the mar 
 riage would be a mere contract ; wherein love, so far as I was 
 concerned, would play no part. 
 
 When the character of the position intended for Boggleton 
 and myself became known it shocked me. He was to be gov 
 ernor of this jail ; and I must perform the executive duties. 
 
 Taking up our residence here, my life became one continued 
 act of slavery unbroken by contentment or pleasure. Society 
 was dead to me. I had no friends ; for those who had finally 
 succeeded in placing me in this dreadful situation made no 
 attempt to disturb the monotony of my life by their presence or 
 correspondence. Business left no time for visits elsewhere. 
 The people I met, daily, were of the criminal classes, burdened 
 with great troubles or diseases mental and physical. 
 
 Love, benevolence, joy, peace and other human acquisitions 
 which decorate life in the homes of mankind, fled from this 
 dismal abode, like flowers from a barren plain. 
 
 The world itself appeared desolate to my view ; yet I labored 
 assiduously for duty's sake. I lived for one purpose only ; 
 obedience to the superior power as I understood or interpreted 
 its requirements. See what reward I have been given at last ; 
 you here ! I am satisfied. Great was the burden with which I 
 was encumbered ; but it is insignificant when weighed in the 
 balance with my joy ! 
 
 My son Philistine is interesting. I believed he too was sent 
 to me from God as a panacea." 
 
 When Amby finished this part of her story, Zanthon hur 
 riedly told her the principal facts of his life from the time of 
 her disappearance at Footford to the date of his irnprison- 
 
 ZANTHON 32
 
 498 ZANTHON 
 
 ment, not omitting to dilate on the untimely end of Mrs. Rin- 
 ser and Antony Firfag, as well as the fate of Dawnford Castle ; 
 also their relation to the rebel chief. Then they turned to ex 
 amine what the future contained for them, whether liberty, 
 imprisonment or death ? 
 
 ~ " I will not have you die by the hands of these low-bred offi 
 cials," said Amby. " Before witnessing such a fate I would 
 destroy you with my own." 
 
 " I do not fear death," returned Zanthon. " I undertook the 
 chances of a soldier and will abide by the results." 
 
 " The grandson of Merraloon must not fall like a criminal," 
 resumed Amby proudly, " it would be honorable for you to await 
 the decision of your enemies if they had pursued a fair line of 
 conduct towards your country, but their presence here has 
 been marked by the most unscrupulous and high-handed acts 
 of injustice, spoliation, outrage, murder of helpless innocence, 
 scorn and ruin ! Therefore you are relieved from all obliga 
 tion to them, directly or indirectly." 
 
 " What would you have me do, Amby ? " 
 
 " Escape." 
 
 " If this were possible, where can safety be found ? " 
 
 " In America." 
 
 " I cannot abandon my comrades in arms." 
 
 ' ' No hope of success remains for them. The enemy is too 
 strong. Besides your death would add nothing to their influ 
 ence." 
 
 "And you, Amby ; how could I ever be reconciled to lib 
 erty if it would, in any way, compromise your position here ? " 
 
 " I would glory in the compromise. With me, any change 
 is relief. Listen. When you are again free, enjoying those 
 traits of life peculiar to good persons, unclouded by tyranny, 
 I will join you in that home beyond the Atlantic, where the 
 will of a united people is the supreme law ; but should accident 
 intervene to prevent this hope being realized, my spirit will 
 .dwell with you, wherever you go."
 
 THE GOVERNMENT APPOINTMENT 499 
 
 " Would you come alone ? " 
 
 " No. The family, as it is called, must accompany me and 
 be my escort." 
 
 " I am unable to see any means of escape from this prison." 
 
 " It is possible. We shall examine our resources systemati 
 cally. You have comrades ? " 
 
 " They have been defeated, and may not "be within reach. 
 Perhaps in the days of their strength they would be unequal to 
 the task of overcoming the strong guards that surround the 
 wall." 
 
 " Who commanded them ?" 
 
 "Tanders is my best friend." 
 
 " We shall begin with him. The troops have fallen back on 
 Fawndell. He will doubtless be found here." 
 
 " I know his place of resort." 
 
 u Give the name to me ; he must be sought at once." 
 
 Amby arose and after having been furnished with the de 
 sired address, left the cell, securing the door on the outside, so 
 as to prevent suspicion arising in regard to interference with the 
 prisoner. Even her husband must not be informed of her rela 
 tionship with Zanthon, lest the knowledge might defeat her 
 plans for his escape. 
 
 Returned to her apartments she began to write hurriedly. 
 On the face of the epistle appeared these words. 
 
 " The sister of Zanthon desires his release. His trial will 
 begin to-morrow and there is reason to believe he will be exe 
 cuted the following morning. Rally his army friends. Bring 
 them to his rescue. Force the gate in the boundary wall of 
 the prison in the gloom of the evening next after this and I will 
 have him there. I am the wife of the governor of the prison 
 and can accomplish what I promise." 
 
 Folding 'this document in a small roll and writing " Tan 
 ders," over it she called her son Philistine. 
 
 " When the provision wagon goes into the city to-day you 
 accompany it ; and deliver this small roll of paper to the pro-
 
 500 ZAXTHON 
 
 prietor of the hotel called " Sweatsons, situated at the junction 
 of Goliah and Pelican streets. Remember my instructions, 
 Philistine. The clerk at the hotel will inform the proprietor 
 that a lad wants to see him on business. After you give up the 
 paper wait until you receive some message to bring back to 
 me." 
 
 " How shall I know friends from enemies mamma ?" 
 
 " Do not attempt to solve such a question ; because it might 
 involve you in much trouble, until time supplies you with 
 pointers or explanations too clear to be doubted. Sometimes 
 there is a great show of friendship over selfish natures ; and 
 many whom you may have regarded as enemies if their false 
 opinions of you were overcome by acquaintanceship would 
 prove themselves your benefactors. You must not imagine my 
 boy that every person who offers you a so-called kindness is 
 necessarily your friend ; or a rebuff, your enemy. These are 
 delusions that originate a great amount of hardship among the 
 people who permit themselves to be guided by their dictates. 
 Therefore in the present case be silent ; because the people you 
 encounter in the city may strive to obtain valuable informa 
 tion from you by persuasion, trusting to your innocence and 
 youth." 
 
 " What shall I conceal or what may I tell them if I'm ques 
 tioned mamma ? " 
 
 " Say nothing about the business of the prison , but you 
 might give your individual opinions regarding the weather and 
 the prices of produce in the markets, if desired." 
 
 " If they ask me how the sympathies of my parents tend ; 
 whether towards the royal troops or the patriots, must I still 
 be silent ? " 
 
 " Reply Philistine, the parents will answer for themselves." 
 
 " But should they yet go further and inquire to whom would 
 I give my support in case of need, tell me mamma how I ought to 
 speak ? " 
 
 " Be outspoken in vindication of justice and fear not to speak
 
 THE GOVERNMENT APPOINTMENT 501 
 
 truth. Answer : ' He who loves not his kindred, race, or 
 country, is unworthy the name or fellowship of man. The 
 unknown will brand him with iniquity and the void afford him 
 no relief. In the unseen record of time his reckoning will be 
 in line with despicable forms and destructive elements j and 
 in life the sweetness of nature closed against his desires. In 
 the country of the royal troops I would admire their discipline, 
 but the patriots are my people and it is my duty to defend 
 them. This invasion and usurpation of my country is not in 
 the order of unseen law : therefore an outrage. Look well to 
 it. The institution which gives it strength will be stricken 
 with decrepitude when those in other nations acquire power, 
 like the sun ascending the meridian. 
 
 It will cry aloud for mercy unheard. The disease of wrong 
 doing will make it appear odious ; and the world demand its 
 removal, lest civilization should suffer injury from contact with 
 its contagious nature. 
 
 Nothing in ancient or modern times is so significant of 
 national disintegration than the spectacle presented in the 
 enemy's home of a clever statesman being obliged to condone 
 the crimes of a prince. 
 
 All the laurels he had won in scientific debate favorable to 
 the interests of the crown ; all the fame arising through his 
 individual ability ; all the aspirations entertained for the 
 nation's progress, withered and became ineffective in the pres 
 ence of this woeful necessity. 
 
 Now Philistine be careful, and when you return we shall 
 have an entertainment enlivened by further conversation about 
 our patriot friends." 
 
 At the appointed time the boy departed and Amby busied 
 herself to avoid notice until his reappearance. She appeared 
 pale and careworn. The present undertaking involved fearful 
 consequences which she did not wish to examine. If it failed 
 on account of Tanders' absence or inability to act according 
 to her plan she must try some other method. She was fortu-
 
 502 ZANTHON 
 
 nate that no suspicion of her relationship with Zanthon had yet 
 been aroused. Boggleton was too dull to notice their resem 
 blance and she cautioned Philistine not to mention the cir 
 cumstance to any one in future. Hence the escape must take 
 place while his enemies are ignorant of the real situation. 
 
 The boy did not come back immediately. She imagined the 
 course of time had stopped so tardy was its passage. Gazing 
 through the window at intervals, every minute seemed to pos 
 sess the length of an hour. 
 
 Yet on reflection the delay indicated there was hope of Tan- 
 ders' presence in the city ; for the message would have been 
 sent to him and the boy detained. This view proved correct. 
 Philistine came in after three hours' absence. He was excited, 
 good-humoredly ; and disposed to dilate on what he had seen 
 and heard since leaving the prison, but his mother stopped 
 him. 
 
 On the small piece of brown paper which she received as the 
 reply to her note, were these words unaccompanied by any 
 signature : 
 
 " I will be there ! " 
 
 Then she knew there was hope.
 
 CHAPTEK XXXYI. 
 
 COMPLETING THE RECORD. 
 
 ' I 'HE remnant of the Crowfoot Regiment had fallen back on 
 * Fawndell at the time of Zanthon's capture. Tanders 
 the original colonel and Hordance his successor still lived, but 
 Taffies and a majority of the officers fell in battle. 
 
 As disaster appeared on all sides making it evident the 
 Republican power was suspended at least for the present, the 
 survivors of this famous regiment, about one hundred and 
 fifty in number, received orders to return to their homes. 
 
 The gallant fellows had exchanged the uniforms for civilian 
 clothing ; and were resting quietly in the houses of sympathizers 
 in the city, when news reached them that their services were 
 again demanded. Tanders and Hordance made the preliminary 
 arrangements and advanced the proposition of Zanthon's rescue, 
 to which every man responded in the affirmative. 
 
 At the appointed hour the men repaired to the place of 
 meeting indicated by the officers. They moved singly or in 
 umall squads to avoid notice. Each soldier carried a brace of 
 revolvers celebrated for their efficient work in the battle of 
 the boundary. These arms were easily concealed in their 
 clothing. As the duty to which they were called involved the 
 most serious consequences yet encountered, a final settlement 
 of worldly affairs became the order of the day, and one by one 
 the men parted with their friends as if no hope of return was 
 possible. 
 
 (503)
 
 504 ZANTHON 
 
 The street in front of the prison was flanked on the south 
 side by a number of cottages having gardens behind them. All 
 the families residing in these domiciles were friendly to the 
 patriots, and it was here where Tanders' command assembled. 
 
 The government cavalry, one hundred strong, paraded on the 
 road between the houses and the boundary wall, this number 
 being deemed sufficient to guard the prisoner in the absence of 
 hostile troops. A little distance above the point where the 
 guard wheeled to return, which was identical with the western 
 line of the prison grounds, the patriots congregated behind one 
 of the cottage gardens, where they stood concealed from view. 
 
 It was decided that Tanders would accompany Zanthon in 
 his flight, but Hordance volunteered to lead the troops as of 
 yore. His bravery never flagged for an instant, nor his fierce 
 defiance of the enemy's rule. On the present occasion he was 
 dressed in a suit of light clothing, as if he intended going to 
 an evening party or entertainment. 
 
 After exchanging some words with Tanders when the men 
 had all reported for duty, he stood erect and silent a few min 
 utes, doubtless reflecting on the nature of the subject he was 
 about to disclose. Then he spoke with the calm deliberation 
 of a stoic. He said : 
 
 " Comrades, we are going to engage in our last fight. When 
 it is finished your record will be complete. You have been 
 faithful to duty. All our expectations concerning your action 
 in battle have been realized. 
 
 The enemy fled before your bullets like dust seeking shelter 
 from stormy winds. 
 
 The opinions which your conduct as civilians formerly 
 invoked gave place to wonder when the world read of your 
 achievement in the battle of the boundary. 
 
 The fire from our guns awoke the subtile adjudicator of the 
 unknown, and commendation arose to crown our efforts; 
 because we attempted to establish the liberty of mankind in 
 conformity with the dictates of unwritten law.
 
 COMPLETING THE RECORD 505 
 
 To-day you will bring additional lustre to the success 
 already won. In behalf of country and home our lives were 
 first offered ; now they are voluntarily imperiled to save a good 
 man from death. The perishable wealth of the world would 
 be insufficient as a reward for such greatness of soul ; but the 
 glory of a soldier, which never dies, will be your portion. On 
 the pages of history it will endure with a brilliancy as tangi 
 ble as the magnanimity of Cyrus, the intrepidity of Alexan 
 der, the perseverance of Hannibal, the boldness of Napoleon. 
 
 As civilians, society ignored your relationship. You were 
 dragged by circumstances through degraded situations, so as 
 to create phases of low resort in a world already full of 
 crime. People kicked you when convenient, imagining it 
 good ; but hereafter the light of your fame will dazzle the 
 eyes of the multitude in the political heaven of our country 
 while time rolls on to unknown periods over centuries of the 
 future , 
 
 Think not unkindness will pursue you when lying alone in 
 the cold earth on the floor of the silent narrow house designed 
 for man. The roar of the cataract, the voice of the storm, the 
 deep reverberation of the thunder, the shock of final dissolu 
 tion will be unable to disturb your sweet slumber ! 
 
 Come, therefore, once again, unloose the fastenings of the 
 lightning and hurl the deadly thunderbolt at the enemy, that 
 we may uphold the rectitude of God while vindicating the jus 
 tice of his law in making the tyrants tremble." 
 
 Drawing two pistols from his belt Hordance wheeled to the 
 left and stepped lightly into the street, followed closely by his 
 men. 
 
 The twilight had not yet disappeared. Objects could be 
 readily distinguished in the street. One-half the patriots moved 
 4n single file forward, occupying the whole width of the street ; 
 the others kept near the south wall, so as to elude the fire of 
 the enemy as much as possible and save their own ammuni 
 tion.
 
 506 ZANTHON 
 
 Hordance was on the left of the line. The cavalry were com 
 ing back, and evidently had seen the men form, for they 
 brought their horses into a brisk trot. Hordance, seeing it, cried 
 out : 
 
 " Ready ! " 
 
 Then running in front a few paces he shouted to the advanc 
 ing troop : 
 
 " Halt ! " This was to prevent bloodshed if possible. He 
 was answered by a wild cheer as the cavalry men, in obedience 
 to orders, drew their sabers and dashed forward at full gallop. 
 
 In an instant Hordance regained his position. 
 
 ." Fire ! " he cried, as he discharged his own weapons at the 
 enemy. Then ensued a terrible fusilade. Fifty saddles were 
 emptied at the first fire. 
 
 The commander of the troop, the individual who had 
 arrested Zanthon, was dead before his body reached the 
 ground, with a bullet througli his heart and a bullet through 
 his head. The next officer aspuming charge, ordered a retreat, 
 seeing he was outnumbered and surprised. This movement 
 was executed quickly, and in a few moments the remnant of 
 the cavalry was making all haste to the town for reinforce 
 ment and to apprise the authorities of the new symptoms of 
 rebellion which had broken out so unexpectedly. They were 
 followed by the patriots, who intended to hold the street clear 
 until Zanthon regained his liberty. 
 
 Tanders, who, up to this time, remained concealed, now 
 came forward, accompanied by three men with heavy axes, and 
 laid siege to the wicket of the gate in the boundary wall. 
 
 While these thrilling events transpired, Amby made active 
 preparations within the prison for Zanthon's escape. She 
 secured the key of his cell, examined the door leading out of 
 the prison near it ; and arranged her own dining-room, opposite 
 the office, so that her husband could be locked in, when she 
 started to execute the final movement of release, without notic 
 ing anything unusual, perhaps, until her return.
 
 COMPLETING THE RECORD 607 
 
 When the firing commenced Boggleton, Philistine and Amby 
 were seated in the dining room. Amby understood its signif 
 icance ; but Boggleton and the boy were stricken with terror. 
 Ham had grown corpulent since flourishing at Dawnford Cas 
 tle. The governorship of the prison suited his condition 
 admirably, especially as he performed little or no service. As 
 seen now he was dressed in broadcloth, had his hair parted in 
 the center, wore the accustomed jocular air of a person of con 
 sequence ; and carried a silk handkerchief in his pocket satur 
 ated with perfume so as to impregnate the atmosphere around 
 him with delicious odors. 
 
 The late news promulgated through the papers was discour 
 aging to him ; because his friends had to fly before the fury of 
 the mob in Kindleton ; and this fierce contest in front of the 
 jail might signify an -attempt to destroy himself. Indeed he 
 actually imagined he heard persons call his name. 
 
 Whatever his failings Boggleton loved his wife. He was one 
 of a class who by fraud, cajolery or force bring about a marriage 
 with a handsome woman ; never ceasing in the pursuit until 
 all opposition is overcome. These individuals are characterized 
 principally by thick-necked, stubborn selfishness, or effeminate 
 animal longing. 
 
 " The duece take the rebellion, Amby dear," said Ham rising 
 and looking through one of the windows at the smoke floating 
 lazily on the calm evening air. 
 
 " I believe, upon my honor, I think, perhaps, the war has 
 begun afresh." 
 
 " The firing is indicative of trouble," answered Amby. 
 
 " Do you think, my dear, the people, that is the rebels, will 
 attack the prison, us I mean ? " 
 
 " It appears as if the work had commenced." 
 
 " How terrible all this is. Not a safe place to retreat to on 
 my honor. You will be treated well I know ; but I, where can 
 I go?"
 
 508 ZANTHON 
 
 " You might conceal yourself in one of the prison cells until 
 the government troops came to your relief." 
 
 "Upon my honor, yes ; no ; that is, it might be dangerous ; 
 if some one should take me for a prisoner, you know, it would 
 be deuced unfortunate." 
 
 " Then remain here with Philistine while I examine the part 
 of the institute liable to be forced." 
 
 " No, Amby, on my honor, no ; I'm afraid without you, 
 really. I tremble." 
 
 " Does conscience disturb your peace so much ? " said his wife 
 with a little severity in her voice. 
 
 " It is the rebels, my dear, the deuced villains that will not 
 be quiet." 
 
 " Ah ! I should not have mentioned it. Animal instinct 
 designed merely for self preservation needs no conscience. 
 Where ignorance is exercised for intelligence selfishness is law. 
 Stay, the combatants are moving in the direction of the city." 
 She arose suddenly and continued : 
 
 " Philistine, keep your father here until quiet is restored on 
 the outside. He needs attention. Do not leave him for an 
 instant and for yourself be not afraid." Amby left the apart 
 ment. 
 
 In a few moments she reached Zanthon's cell, opened the 
 door and entered. It was at the instant when the cavalry 
 retreated past the gate pursued by the patriots. 
 
 " The time for escape is near at hand, my brother," she said, 
 lt your comrades are brave men." 
 
 " Aye ! they have the true instinct of soldiers," he replied. 
 " Nay, their friendship is like a divine gift, the longer it endures 
 the more brilliant it becomes. Tanders is as faithful to me 
 and rectitude as sunshine to the earth. Hordance resembles 
 the stern aspect of a mountain reared to defend its country 
 from the invasion of strangers. The other men of the old reg 
 iment, for doubtless they are the persons concerned in this 
 undertaking, are heroes worthy of all praise."
 
 COMPLETING THE RECORD 509 
 
 " Hark ! They have assaulted the gate. Come Clare ; we 
 must hurry or the government troops will return and your 
 escape would then be impossible." 
 
 While saying this they stood at the outer door from which 
 they could see the wicket just then burst open and two men 
 securing the old gate-keeper by locking him up in his box. 
 
 " Quick ! " said Amby, taking Zanthon by the hand so as to 
 run across the intervening space that separated him from 
 liberty. 
 
 " I will go alone," said Zanthon; "you will be in danger. 
 Remain here. Good-bye my sister. God bless you until we 
 meet again." 
 
 " I will not leave you until safe beyond the wall," she 
 replied. 
 
 "I can hear the tumult re-awaking this side the city. Your 
 friends will be slaughtered without mercy. Do not disappoint 
 their last brave effort in your behalf. They are yielding up 
 their lives so that you may enjoy liberty in a free land. Now 
 run. Keep close to me." 
 
 They bounded forward hand in hand. 
 
 While thus engaged the patriots were sorely pressed by the 
 enemy. Being afoot, the horsemen sent for re-infprcements, soon 
 gained the desired station and fresh troops sallied forth to the 
 relief of their comrades. 
 
 Then indeed did the few remaining friends of Zanthon show 
 the courage with which they were animated. Where the street 
 joined the town they sought temporary cover and drove back 
 the cavalry, which had been re-inforced by a full troop, at 
 every attempt to proceed in the direction of the prison. See 
 ing this the enemy ordered a regiment of infantry to the scene 
 of the action. This coming up, it was ordered to carry both 
 flanks of the Republicans while the mounted troops charged 
 the center. 
 
 At this double movement the patriots gave way slowly.
 
 510 ZANTHON 
 
 Hordance fell mortally wounded. He said to one of his men 
 even with his last breath : 
 
 <l Let no man fail to complete his record." 
 
 It was about this time Amby and Zanthon were running 
 towards the open wicket. As they went, loving words of fare 
 well were exchanged between them. Amby had said : 
 
 " God be with you, Clare. Remember me ! " 
 
 Suddenly their ears were assailed by a terrible voice coming 
 from the place they had quitted. It sounded like a death warn 
 ing, or a blast from the last trumpet to sinners. Sternly it 
 rang out : 
 
 " Halt ! " 
 
 Again it repeated : 
 
 " Halt ! " 
 
 Amby had forgotten. It was one of the inside guard which, 
 as will be remembered, had been stationed near the infirmary 
 so as to permit its members keep watch for prisoners attempt 
 ing escape. The truth flashed upon her in an instant ; ytt 
 she would not be 'defeated in her purpose. Dropping behind 
 her brother she pushed him forward just as the sentinel's 
 second command reached them. Finally the last moment had 
 come. Zanthon urged by Amby turned from the direct line into 
 the custody of Tanders, as she with clasped hands was saying: 
 
 " It is finished. He is safe," when the report of the sentinel's 
 gun was heard, the bullet intended for the brother sped through 
 the loving sister's heart and beautiful, faithful Amby fell in the 
 roadway, within the gate, a corpse ! 
 
 Then the commotion in the street increased. It came to 
 wards the prison gradually like a thunderstorm approaching a 
 climax. 
 
 Volley after volley of musketry sounded through the air ; 
 and the loud shouts of command commingled with the groans 
 of the dying. When the cavalry reached the gate their oppon 
 ents were not in view. The firing ceased. The Crowfoot regi 
 ment had been mustered out.
 
 COMPLETING THE RECORD 611 
 
 The remnant of it which distinguished itself so nobly in the 
 late contest was no more, for its members lay dead in their 
 tracks. The night wind came out from the gloom and cried 
 sorrowfully over them ; the stars looked down from heaven, in 
 pity at their helplessness and nature, regardless of praise or 
 censure extended her hand above their heads, sealing up each 
 individuality in eternal slumber ! 
 
 Tanders delayed not an instant after Zanthon emerged 
 through the prison-gate. Favored by the absence of troops as 
 well as by the increasing darkness the two friends hastily 
 passed into one of the houses near the street, according to pre 
 vious arrangement, then through the garden and mounting two 
 horses which had been waiting for them rode rapidly away in 
 the direction of the coast-line west from Fawndell. No one 
 knew the difficulties and the safety of this route better than 
 Tanders. In youth his footsteps were directed frequently over 
 passes of the mountain range which, coming from the interior 
 terminated at the coast in high peaks and bold headlands. He 
 was bred a mountaineer. Every glen and gorge, every road 
 and byway, every spring and river in this wild district were 
 familiar to him. 
 
 He knew the situation of the movable rock, the ghost's hid 
 ing-place, the peak of the miser, the giant's hunting-ground, 
 the ford of the foxes and many other places of curiosity. 
 
 It may be seen therefore how well qualified he was to be 
 Zanthon's guide from imprisonment to liberty. 
 
 The ride from Fawndell westward was over the public road 
 thirty miles, before the friends reached the mountainous coun 
 try. As the enemies' guards at two or three places along this 
 way, had not yet been replaced, since their withdrawal, before 
 the battle of the boundary, no danger was apprehended from 
 that source. However but little was said by the horsemen, as 
 they sped over the road until the desired point was gained. A 
 noticeable feature of the journey was the noiseless tread of the
 
 512 , ZANTHON 
 
 horses due to the fact of their shoes having been covered with 
 strips of leather designed to deaden sound. 
 
 From the highway Tanders and Zanthon turned to the left 
 into a trail shaded by low trees. 
 
 It was then about midnight and the calculation was to 
 travel uninterruptedly across the spurs of the mountain before 
 taking rest or refreshment. 
 
 Feeling secure in their new situation Zanthon questioned 
 Tanders regarding the salient facts connected with the defeat 
 which they had sustained recently in the interior. 
 
 " I commanded a brigade of five regiments," he replied, and 
 as in the first battle became the aggressor. I attempted to 
 turn the enemy's flank ; but was met by heav} T round shot and 
 shell obliging me to retreat with great loss, the old regiment 
 having been almost destroyed. 
 
 Hefton calculated on reinforcements which did not come ; 
 and to tell you the truth the small army he did command was 
 partly demoralized from various causes, such as want of food> 
 clothing, drunkenness, sickness and desertion." 
 
 " Did the pike men afford much assistance ? " 
 
 ''Yes; but they suffered terribly. All our positions were 
 shelled at long range. We could not therefore bring the pike- 
 men into action until chance offered a prospect of success at 
 close quarters. As the cavalry did not charge we ordered the 
 pike men to storm a breastwork held by infantry. They failed 
 to capture it and left their dead on the field in the retreat ; for 
 in "addition to its known strength that earthwork concealed a 
 battery which tore our ranks to pieces. 
 
 " Where is Hordance ? " 
 
 " He fell with the last of the Crowfoot regiment fighting for 
 your liberation ! " 
 
 " What noble men they were, my dear Tanders, and your 
 self the most remarkable of them all." 
 
 "My dear boy, the incidents of the war were sources o 
 amusement to me. A diversion from the dull routine of every-
 
 COMPLETING THE RECORD 513 
 
 day life : a kind of picnic that created a side show wherein I 
 saw the realties of life illustrated to perfection." 
 
 " And what do you propose doing now ? " 
 
 " Get into the old rut of living as usual. I have a wife and 
 six children to look after, or rather they look after me, which 
 ever way you wish to take it. I will settle down in Philadel 
 phia where the wife has friends. She will join me soon after I 
 arrive there, coming out on an emigrant ship." 
 
 " Then we travel together to America ?"' 
 
 " Yes, my dear boy, we are on the way. It is a rough one 
 to be sure, but quite safe. The three men who forced the gate 
 when you were released are the only survivors of the Crowfoot 
 regiment. A s I needed their services afterwards they did not 
 join in the fight but awaited my orders. One I dispatched to 
 a powerful friend of ours who owns a yacht. This will bring 
 him and his craft round to the point we are making about 
 to-morrow evening. He is as true as steel. We will sail for 
 France and thence to America. 
 
 The second man I sent to Kindleton with a letter to my wife, 
 informing her of our destination and requesting her to transfer 
 to the place indicated without delay. The last man I set free, 
 giving him money to bear his expenses to foreign parts if he 
 felt desirous of going." 
 
 " We, too, will require expenses, my dear Tanders." 
 
 "Why that reminds me, my dear boy, of something I was 
 charged to give you by a lady about two days ago. I was seated 
 outside the bar at Sweatson's, when a little woman dressed in 
 black tapped me on the shoulder with a riding-whip, accom 
 panying her action with the inquiry : 
 
 ' Is your name Tanders, my good gentleman ? ' to which I 
 mildly replied : 
 
 'Yes, ma'am, to the best of my knowledge, that is it.' 
 
 'And did you happen to know Governor Zanthon in your 
 time ? ' she said, tremulous like, as if afraid to speak boldly. 
 
 ZANTHON 83
 
 514 - ZANTHON 
 
 ' Hem ! haw, why, I believe so, ma'am/ I answered, half 
 suspecting she might be a spy in disguise. 
 
 ' You are his friend ? ' 
 
 ' Well, I am everybody's friend in time of need.' 
 
 ' Don't be afraid. I want you to take a message to him if 
 possible. You are the only man who can do it, and I'll trust 
 you. If there's a chance for him give him this,' and she 
 placed a purse of money in my hands. I was astonished and 
 pleased, being then engaged in making arrangements for your 
 escape. The woman continued : 
 
 ' My name is Figbit. Tell Zanthon this is the money I bor 
 rowed from him on purpose, so as to return it when he required 
 it most. I knew the revolution would fail and that his young 
 life would be sacrificed for the sake of others.' 
 
 'He will not die,' I said, to comfort her, for she began 
 weeping. 
 
 ' Tell him Nancy will get rich on the calves, and we are both 
 doing splendid business. She wanted to sell them and send 
 the money with me, but I would not let her do so, as I knew 
 Zanthon would sooner have the original plan carried out than 
 disturb it in his own favor.' 
 
 'You are a wonderful woman, Mrs. Figbit,' I remarked, 
 'and far-seeing besides.' 
 
 ' Thank you, good man,' she responded. ' I have my reasons 
 for seeing the world as it is. Many a thing I could change for 
 the better if people followed my advice ; but when they go their 
 own way they see both sides at last, sometimes sore and sorry.' 
 
 1 Your forethought has resulted in great benefit to our friend 
 on this occasion,' I resumed. 
 
 'Well, he deserves it,' she continued. 'A good man deserves 
 all that can be given him. His gentle manners gave me great 
 comfort when I suffered from mind troubles. Tell him to 
 remember me when far away. If he gets off safe I will die 
 content; and tell him God bless him wherever he goes.' Then 
 she disappeared."
 
 COMPLETING THE RECORD 515 
 
 Zanthon, touched by this story of faithfulness in the woman, 
 related to Tanders what he knew of her kindness and mag 
 nanimity, ending by saying : 
 
 " I will never forget her disinterested goodness, and the les 
 son which it teaches will stand near me as a guiding light, 
 illuminating dark pages of my study of the future." 
 
 The journey of the travelers was tedious. As day broke the 
 wild grandeur of the mountain region relieved them somewhat 
 of the distress they felt on account of the want of sleep. Far 
 ther on, while winding through a deep ravine the sun arose ; 
 but it was noon before they reached a house, where they pro 
 cured refreshments. 
 
 Tanders spoke to the mountaineer in a language known only 
 to themselves, which had the effect of bringing out the best 
 food in the house for their accommodation. When the horses 
 finished feeding they resumed the march, and before sundown 
 came in view of the sea and a few fishermen's huts on the 
 beach. When within a short distance of this village Tanders 
 alighted, threw the reins to Zanthon, desiring him to remain 
 there until his return, then strode afoot to the houses. 
 
 His mission was to negotiate with some of the men for 
 transportation from the beach to the yacht, which would 
 stand far out at sea to avoid recognition by government coast 
 guards. 
 
 The fishermen knew Tanders well and felt themselves bound 
 to prove their patriotism by giving all the assistance in their 
 power. They would accept his offer of the two horses to pay 
 all hands concerned in the trip, for they could be readily sold 
 for high prices if returned to Fawndell. 
 
 As he had received intimation from the owner of the yacht 
 a few days before that it would be in readiness to convey him 
 and his friends to a place of safety, Tanders felt certain they 
 would not be disappointed on the present occasion. 
 
 Hence, when the sun went down preparations were made for 
 the voyage. The craft was a heavy open yawl, pointed at the
 
 516 ZANTHON 
 
 ends and shaped somewhat like a lifeboat. \Vith four men on 
 the oars and a helmsman it went frequently twenty miles to 
 sea in perfect safety. Now it was similarly manned. Tanders 
 and Zanthon taking seats in the bow and the others being 
 ready, the helmsman gave the signal, and the boat moved from 
 the shore swiftly, as if anxious to glide over the surface of the 
 waters where it was designed to play. 
 
 Gradually the receding land was folded up in gloom. Zan 
 thon felt this to be the last time he would ever again behold its 
 outline, and with his hands crossed over his breast, sat gazing 
 at it, meditating in the meantime on his strange fate. He was 
 going into exile. All that was dear to the heart of man had 
 been wrested from him unceremoniously, and he was now 
 adrift on the high seas, as helpless almost as a bird which 
 needs no more than the shelter of a leaf to protect it from the 
 wind. 
 
 It appeared as if mysterious agents were at work clothing 
 the mountain peaks in night robes and spreading dark mantles 
 above the plains. 
 
 He saw the changes going on and wished they would cease 
 until he feasted his eyes once more on the land that gave him 
 birth. How vain was the thought. 
 
 Nature was operating in her accustomed way far above the 
 interference of individual demands. 
 
 The gloom thickened, the dark mass reaching into the sky ; 
 the seething of the sea began to predominate over everything 
 else. It resembled the breathing of a monster. A faint light 
 struggled to maintain itself around the boat. 
 
 The land was blotted out. Then he heard Tanders say : 
 
 " Our yacht is in view," and turning he saw the light of a 
 stately boat some distance ahead. 
 
 A few minutes brought them alongside. The captain greeted 
 them warmly as they sprang on deck. The yawl pushed off to 
 return, and wearing round to catch a fair wind, the vessel con 
 taining the exiles set its course toward France.
 
 CHAPTER XXXVII. 
 
 AMB Y DEAD. 
 
 news of Amby's tragic death filled the minds of the 
 people with consternation and sorrow. 
 
 Soon after the occurrence of the fatal incident, rough hands 
 raised the body and "carried it to the prison, where carefully 
 tended, it was laid on a couch covered with crimson cloth in 
 the center of the room opposite the office in which she had here 
 tofore labored so assiduously. 
 
 When the night- watchers retired from the scene, the morning 
 entered pale and full of melancholy ; but friends came also 
 carrying a profusion of flowers to decorate the apartment and 
 the casket where the remains would rest. 
 
 Then the sunshine peered through the windows, coming at 
 first in minute quantity, but before noon it filled all the space 
 around the bier with golden light. 
 
 Amby, its counterpart, was there. It seemed appropriate that 
 such meeting, the incomparable with its prototype, should pro 
 duce wonderment, startling and grievous, in beings endowed 
 with inferior perceptive power. 
 
 Her hair, exquisitely adjusted, gave back the tinting of the 
 sun through points of lovely sheen, as if intent on producing 
 excellence never previously witnessed. Certainly the aspect of 
 the one and the responsive nature of the other appeared gifted 
 with a mysterious consciousness peculiar only to themselves. 
 
 Sympathetic and beautiful, affinity induced them to play, 
 even in the presence of death, apart altogether from the consid 
 er?)
 
 618 ZANTHON 
 
 eration that their action while united had been justified by 
 Divine privilege. 
 
 Both were heavenly, and therefore need not suffer grief. 
 
 The countenance was radiant with a joyful expression, the 
 one entertained for her brother at parting. 
 
 Triumph was inscribed in its folds. Exultation could be 
 readily perceived amid the lines. 
 
 Something great had_ been accomplished, and her soul fixed 
 the record of it on the features above the interference of death ; 
 its origin, no doubt, securing for it this exalted power. 
 
 The freedom of her brother became sufficient reward for all 
 her life adhesion to duty, suspension of animation, and conse 
 quent loss of earthly things. 
 
 It was apparent she was satisfied. The long yearning ex 
 changed for unconsciousness, the toil for quiet, the heartache 
 for oblivion. 
 
 Tranquillity rested on her face this first day of her decease 
 like the glory of the sun in the morning after it has forced the 
 night to fly beyond the western horizon. 
 
 Those who came to pity her wondered at what they beheld : 
 happiness in death. The smile of an angel in league with the 
 divinity of God meeting the look of the observer, and giving 
 assurance that the dread destroyer of human life was incapable 
 of producing terrors in all his victims. 
 
 Hard-hearted men, sinners, criminals, those who had not 
 shed a tear in half a century wept at the sight. 
 
 It was so beautiful and terrible ! 
 
 Like nothing on earth in reality, but the semblance of that 
 which might be seen in some of the golden chambers of the sun 
 where superior beings sleep a thousand years before transmis 
 sion to eternal glory. 
 
 The careworn tracing observable during life in the last years 
 had wholly disappeared. The full measure of beauty and 
 benignity were there without the presence of the most trifling 
 irregularity to mar the effect, like the sea beneath a glassy sur-
 
 AMBY DEAD 519 
 
 face, or the sun on the meridian. Even as time fled the expres 
 sion grew richer, more delicate, deeper dyed in the tinting and 
 heavenly. 
 
 Child of nature ! the day of her departure from human cares 
 seemed like a carnival with the powers, for they spread around 
 her remains grandeur more sublime than all that wealth could 
 bestow on the bier of a monarch. 
 
 A marvelous softness overspread the cheeks despite the death 
 rigor ; and her brow appeared decked with some peculiar glow? 
 wonderful in aspect as if the touch of divinity was present. 
 
 The eyelashes lay expectant above the junction of the lids, 
 their dark curves being tinged with grief for the orbs that would 
 shine no more. A smile encompassed the lips, the chin grew 
 daintier than in life, and the neck full and rounded assumed 
 the likeness of alabaster after the chiseling of a master hand. 
 
 Oh, no doubt, beings of another world came to witness the 
 transformations enacted for Amby before the work of final 
 destruction began. Had they confined themselves to their own 
 spheres, a light would have been extinguished in the firmament 
 to indicate the withdrawal of a beautiful life from earth. 
 
 With her hands by her sides above the exterior covering it 
 appeared as if she slept and was dreaming of Clare and their 
 prospective meeting in America. 
 
 Amby dead ! the world lost a portion of its rectitude, which 
 it would take years of time to recover, for the niceties of right 
 and wrong were familiar to her, and the justice of law the guide 
 by which she had been directed. 
 
 Amby dead ! virtue decreased, honor lessened, the glory 
 attending the life of a good citizen grew faint, and the depths 
 of the unknown were shocked at the profound catastrophe. 
 
 Amby dead ! a light was removed from the dark sphere of 
 earth to illuminate the heavens in the eternity beyond time. 
 
 Amby dead ! it is suitable our theme should end after due 
 regard has been paid the ends of the threads \\~ have been 
 weaving, that she may sleep sweetly undisturbed by further
 
 520 ZANTHON 
 
 debate ; with the grass and the wild flowers blooming over her 
 grave and the wind singing for her a pean of eternal rest. 
 
 The government officials did not succeed in getting the whole 
 truth regarding the recent street fight and the causes which 
 lead to its enactment. 
 
 It became known in a general way that the remnant of the 
 Crowfoot Regiment rescued Governor Zanthon from imprison 
 ment ; but his relationship with Amby remained a secret. 
 Hence it was stated she had lost her life while attempting to 
 prevent the prisoner's escape. Thus it transpired that even the 
 enemies of her brother praised her ; and no one was found who 
 did not act in a similar manner while referring to the subjects 
 of her life and death. 
 
 At the funeral an immense concourse of people attended. 
 
 It was believed at first the remains would be sent to Kindle- 
 ton for interment with the family of the owner of Dawnford 
 Castle, but the idea was abandoned in view of recent events at 
 that place and they were deposited in the cemetery at Fawn- 
 dell. 
 
 Next to the incident itself nothing excited public sympathy 
 so much as the grief of Ham Boggleton and his son Philistine. 
 
 That part of his history involving Amby's abduction was 
 unknown, but it had been quite apparent to every one who 
 saw them during their married life that he loved her to dis 
 traction. 
 
 When the news of her death was circulated in the prison ; 
 when Philistine came running to tell his father of the dreadful 
 occurrence ; "when borne by the attendants the body of Amby 
 passed through the hall into a reception-room to be prepared 
 for the bier and that Ham Boggleton saw her and the beautiful 
 smile on her face, he fell to the ground, sick at heart, his limbs 
 refusing to support him in the upright position. 
 
 He was carried upstairs to his bed-room, where after he had 
 wept considerably and been examined by a physician the case 
 was called dementia or a loss of the mental powers.
 
 AMBY DEAD 521 
 
 Philistine's efforts to bring him back to reason proved inef 
 fectual. 
 
 " We will meet mamma again," the boy said while holding his 
 father's hand. "This cruel separation will be mended some 
 time ; because people see each other after death. 
 
 We have only to wait a little while. 
 
 Remember she told me to look out for you. 
 
 Now be strong. 
 
 Talk. 
 
 Look at me how I bear up against trouble. I ought to be an 
 example for you." 
 
 Ham made no response to these assertions. 
 
 Of course the authorities were not slow in placing competent 
 persons in charge of all the departments of the prison where 
 required. Hence when preparation was made for Amby's 
 funeral Philistine lead his father who had recovered sufficiently 
 to walk, into the open space in front and secured a conveyance, 
 but when the ceremonies were concluded at the cemetery ; 
 when the coffin was covered up and the people began hurrying 
 back to their homes father and son abandoned the carriage and 
 joined the crowd of pedestrians who had followed the sad cor 
 tege and were now returning to the city. 
 
 This movement was explained by Philistine's language 
 spoken to his father on the supposition that he was understood 
 although Boggleton's mind had become a total wreck. 
 
 " We will never go to the old place again now that mamma is 
 dead. I couldn't bear to stay in it ; and I'm sure you wouldn't. 
 In the best of times it was a dark hole. I only wonder we ever 
 were satisfied to remain there, long as we did. 
 
 What will we do you think ? 
 
 / know very well what to do. 
 
 Pll beg our way. That's how. 
 
 The people will give me something when they see that you 
 are not strong.
 
 522 ZANTHON 
 
 I'll get lots of things for us ; turnips and potatoes, hard 
 bread, onions, sour milk, and maybe a half-penny. 
 
 I'll tell you what I'll do though, we will keep the potatoes 
 until they come to a stone weight, then sell them. 
 
 When scarce they're worth six half pence for the stone. 
 
 I will roll the money up and hide it in niy clothes. 
 
 We'll be rich. 
 
 Keep your mouth shut that way. Nobody will know our 
 business when you can't talk about it. Better it is no worse. 
 
 While I'm managing our affairs, people won't be the wiser. 
 
 They'll think a boy don't know anything. That's what will 
 make us safe where there are so many thieves." 
 
 The programme sketched by Philistine was literally carried 
 out. The late governor of the prison lead by his son wandered 
 through the country in search of a livelihood, professional 
 beggars ! 
 
 Boggleton submitted placidly to the ordeal, knowing 
 instinctively perhaps, that his son would take care of him. 
 
 In a short time Philistine became quite expert at the busi 
 ness. No one interfered with them as they were harmless and 
 honest. 
 
 They slept in all kinds of places ; stables, barns, hay-lofts, 
 old coaches, deserted cabins, empty lime kilns, the floors of 
 poor people's houses, sidewalks, garrets, public stairways and 
 such like. 
 
 They had no settled place of abode. 
 
 From Fawndell they traveled to Kindleton. Here the son 
 found that his father was well known and concluded it would 
 be wise to leave the place, so they moved forward taking an 
 easterly direction towards the mountains through which they 
 passed. In the country they traveled from house to house on 
 their line of march, seldom failing to gain shelter at night for 
 the rural folks were hospitable and Philistine repaid them by 
 information gathered on his travels.
 
 AMBY DEAD 623 
 
 One day being anxious to find a route by which they could 
 return homeward the boy and his father came to a well appointed 
 cottage surrounded by shrubbery and flowers. A gorge opened 
 from the place westward between the bluffs of high land through 
 which also a river ran. A woman was standing at the door of 
 the cottage. She appeared thin and angular, was slightly bent 
 at the shoulders, had hard features, iron-gray hair and keen 
 penetrating eyes. 
 
 The reader may recognize her as Mrs. Timbertoe, but Philis 
 tine had no knowledge of her personality or connection with 
 any of the characters described in this history. 
 
 Seeing the demented man and the brave boy attending to 
 his wants she invited them to rest saying : 
 
 " The place is getting more lonely than it used to be. My 
 husband is dead. My sons have married and gone into the 
 mountain glens to make homes for themselves j but the girls, 
 my daughters, are finding husbands on the plains. Only one 
 is left with me and she too is married, bless you ; and her 
 children are beginning to come around me like the old ones." 
 
 " You are lucky," remarked Philistine after meditating on 
 the import of her words, and he continued : 
 
 " We were well off once." 
 
 " And what may your name be, young sir ? " inquired the 
 woman. 
 
 "Boggleton, ma'am. My father is Ham Boggleton and I am 
 Philistine." 
 
 Mrs Timbertoe looked surprised; nay turned pale as she 
 resumed : 
 
 " Did he ever live in Dawnford Castle ? " 
 
 " Yes. I heard him say so many a time." 
 
 " And was your mother the beautiful woman that resided 
 there also ? " 
 
 " I heard that too. She was beautiful. No one could be better 
 or grander. My father never recovered after her death." 
 
 " How did she die, my boy ? "
 
 624 ZANTHON 
 
 '* Shot, ma'am, through the heart during the rebellion." 
 
 Mrs. Timbertoe groaned aloud. 
 
 " I thank God," she said, " I had neither act nor part in it," 
 alluding to Ham's marriage to Amby, which being unknown to 
 the boy he said : 
 
 "We found out it was one of the guards that shot her, not 
 anyone else ma'am." 
 
 " My boy, don't you know " she was going to reveal all 
 she knew of the history of Philistine's parents ; but restrained 
 herself by a great effort. Then she left her seat and walked 
 nervously around the room uttering exclamations of distress.. 
 Continuing she was heard to say : 
 
 " This is the end of the plot, a man without reason or 
 understanding wandering helplessly through the country 
 equipped as a beggar ; and the woman cold in her grave. Oh 
 dear ! Oh dear I You had an aunt, Mrs. Rinser, where is 
 she ? " 
 
 " Drowned in the waters of a great flood that swept past the 
 castle the night it was burned." 
 
 " And Antony Pirfag, the old huntsman ? " 
 
 " Died like her. They were in the same boat." 
 
 " The Lord be praised," resumed the woman. " He knows 
 what is right." 
 
 Then she procured food for the travelers, the best in the pan 
 try ; and while they were eating she went into one of the corners 
 of the apartment and kneeling down prayed ; but neither the 
 words nor the nature of the petition became known. It is pro 
 bable, fearing calamity might overtake her on account of the 
 advice given Mrs. Rinser, as related in a previous chapter, she 
 endeavored to avert it by this means. Nor did she stop here. 
 Philistine and his father were invited to remain a few days at 
 the cottage during which time their clothing was repaired or 
 replaced by comfortable garments provided by Mrs. Timber- 
 toe. 
 
 She showed them the well of the world's end, the collection
 
 AMBY DEAD 525 
 
 of rare shrubbery, as well as other curiosities within and with 
 out the house ; and when ready to depart carried them in her 
 own dog-cart through the windy gap in the direction of Kin- 
 dleton. 
 
 Philistine was well pleased with this treatment. He felt 
 new life within him ; but his further progress was very tardy 
 on account of his father being unable to travel much. Indeed 
 Ham exhibited signs of weakness which threatened complete 
 prostration. 
 
 Under these circumstances the boy was obliged to solicit 
 transportation from farmers going to market on the public 
 roads. On one occasion, during this period, he was surprised 
 while resting in front of a house on the roadside, by a woman 
 coming up to them and saying : 
 
 " Why this is my brother, Ham, if I'm not greatly mistaken. 
 Poor as he looks I know him. Are you the son there was so 
 much talk about ? " 
 
 " I am Philistine and this is my father, Ham Boggleton," 
 said the boy. 
 
 Then the woman announced her relationship still further by 
 saying she was Miss Mussy Boggleton, Ham's sister and Phil 
 istine's aunt. 
 
 When the mutual understanding grew up between them she 
 related how after being thrown on the opposite bank of the 
 river the night Mrs. Rinser and Antony Firfag were drowned, 
 she was found by a couple of fishermen and rescued from 
 death. Then she procured work in country houses ever since, 
 getting very little money in return, but principally food and 
 shelter. 
 
 Mrs. Tuberfoot and Mrs. Aloes encountered many difficulties 
 during the night of their escape and both soon after died. As 
 Miss Mussy and Ham were the only members living of the 
 once famous family she would accompany them in future and 
 attend to her brother's wants, thus relieving the boy of a great 
 burden. She had an idea that Ham might be restored to rea-
 
 526 ZANTHON 
 
 eon if brought into the neighborhood of Footford where he 
 first saw Amby. Hence when they reached Kindleton, Miss 
 Hussy hired a small two-wheeled wagon drawn by a donkey 
 and drove in the direction of Footford. Coming by the moun 
 tain road to the river, a point between the old fort and the 
 ruins of Marlband's house the party stopped to refresh them 
 selves, as the place was secluded and inviting being covered 
 with soft grass. 
 
 What was their surprise on hearing Ham exclaim hysteri 
 cally : 
 
 " It was here ! '' then see him fall back in the wagon and 
 struggle a little while in convulsions. 
 
 They held his hands but he moved no more. They called 
 but he did not answer. The name of Amby was mentioned as 
 if to force him into animation ; yet this powerful stimulant 
 availed not for he was dead. 
 
 The eye of nature heheld the corpse of the wretched man, 
 calmly. 
 
 The spot selected for his decease was that on which the crime 
 of Amby's abduction had been perpetrated. 
 
 Equity appeared where secrecy was thought to prevail with 
 out interference. 
 
 Justice seemed slow in all these years, that intervened 
 between the two incidents ; but it was terribly accurate and 
 merciless in its judgment finally. 
 
 The invisible executioner struck when it was time. 
 
 The witnesses were powerless to ward off the stroke ; youth 
 had fled, the glory of other days departed, the generation to 
 which Ham belonged scattered over the earth or in the grave ; 
 and he, deprived of mental capacity, lay at the mercy of the 
 void and the powers therein. 
 
 Like the worst kind of criminals he was carried on a common 
 cart to the scene of his crime and executed. 
 
 A new period had changed the appearance of the place. 
 
 Signs of a little industry were perceptible where desolation
 
 A.MBY DEAD 527 
 
 had reigned. Young people born since the famine were playing 
 on the hills and the sun was out in full strength, as if exulting 
 over the vindication of supreme law in his case. 
 
 Mussy and Philistine did not proceed to Footford but re 
 turned immediately to Kindleton with the remains of Ham, 
 when after consultation with the authorities they had them 
 buried in the potter's field. 
 
 Mussy found employment as a scullion and Philistine went 
 to work in a stable. 
 
 During this time many changes transpired. 
 
 Zerlin, the owner of Dawnford Castle, disposed of all his 
 property through his agent to a merchant of Kindleton and 
 remained in France until his death. 
 
 His sons joined the French army and were killed in the war 
 with a neigboring power. 
 
 Mussy Boggleton did not long survive her brother. The 
 harshness of his death and the fearful ordeal to which the 
 entire family had been subjected including the removal of Zer- 
 lin's interests from the country produced a mental depres 
 sion in her which brought her to an early grave. Thus 
 Philistine was left alone. 
 
 As he was attached to his business he grew in favor with his 
 employers and on their recommendation became driver of the 
 mail coach running between Kindleton and a seaport town, on 
 the northwest coast, about forty miles distant. 
 
 Besides the mails in the boot of the coach he carried a great 
 deal of local news in his head. For instance at the several 
 stations on his route he told of the deaths, marriages, births 
 and accidents occurring in Kindleton and the other towns dur 
 ing the few minutes left him while changing horses. 
 
 In the list which he furnished in this way, were found the 
 names of Mr. Gangpond, Mehill, Earing, the grocer of Lenna- 
 bean, Mrs. Fishpot, Mrs. Figbit, Big Nancy, Mrs. Timbertoe 
 and many others of their contemporaries. 
 
 Still Philistine drove his four-in-hand and whistled or sang
 
 528 ZANTHON 
 
 joyfully on the box-seat of the mail coach one of the happiest 
 individuals in the world. 
 
 The sadness which pursued him for years after the death of 
 his mother blended into gravity ; and while making him reflec 
 tive gradually disappeared to make room for the contentment 
 which an honest, reasonable, painstaking soul is sure to possess 
 sooner or later. 
 
 On one of the return trips to Kindleton about twenty miles 
 out a stranger climbed into the box-seat near the driver and 
 began conversing with him. 
 
 "There's a cousin of mine," said he, "living within six or 
 seven miles of your town that I want to take home with me. 
 He has earned a little bit of money that may come in handy 
 some day on the farm such as it is." 
 
 " What was his business ? " inquired Philistine. 
 
 " Why, you see he was driver or coachman in a family for a 
 long time. Everybody knew them in that neighborhood. 
 They were called the Flippingtons." 
 
 " To be sure," replied Philistine, " I often saw them in Kin 
 dleton with this very man you speak of, driving. I think he 
 is known as the knight." 
 
 "Sure enough that's what they say; and he is the person, 
 my cousin." 
 
 " Why is he leaving so good a place ? " 
 
 "Mrs. Flippington, the last of them, is dead and buried. 
 First Miss Cora went. She was older than the others by nigh 
 on to twenty years or more. They had a big funeral and the 
 man and wife seemed to take her death greatly to heart. 
 Still they lived on, contented like, for a couple of years, when 
 Flippington himself died. My cousin, the knight, told me it 
 was as good as a play to see the inside of the house at the 
 time. 
 
 The man was foolish before death and ordering things done 
 that had neither rhyme nor reason in them. The serving 
 woman was trying to stop him but he used to laugh at her and
 
 AMBY DEAD 629 
 
 call her 'the shadow' as well as other names no one could 
 recollect. Then he used to send his wife for my cousin and 
 keep him sitting near the bed for hours, telling him he was a 
 great man and raving about things he could not understand ; 
 but at last he fell into a sleep and never woke afterwards. 
 
 The big woman though, they called her Mony, looked after 
 Mrs. Flippington well. She was never seen away from her a 
 minute and very often carried her through the house in her 
 arms. It is thought she left this woman a lot of ready money 
 that no one is the wiser of." 
 
 " What will become of the property ? " 
 
 " It's going into Chancery, they say, until relatives are found 
 to come by it. My cousin will have plenty of clothes the bal 
 ance of his life ; but for the matter of that, he's old enough to 
 die himself without fear or favor." 
 
 " Wonder your cousin, the knight, never attempted marriage 
 with the serving woman," said Philistine in that lofty air pecu 
 liar to stage-drivers. 
 
 " That's what would lay him low in earnest," returned the 
 man. 
 
 " She is a terrible hector, I have heard ; there's no standing 
 to her. 
 
 Her tongue is as heavy as her fist and that's like a sledge 
 hammer. Oh, everything in the world possible and impossible 
 might occur but that." 
 
 " Where will the woman go ? " 
 
 " Like my cousin to some relative in the country where she 
 can live for a trifle and lose nothing in the long run. People 
 like her and my cousin are thought much of ; and its only rea 
 sonable they should, for they give a lift or a helping hand in 
 times of black want." 
 
 " I believe Mrs. Flippington was highly esteemed." 
 
 " Her funeral showed as much. It was the longest ever seen 
 in this part of the country. Big and little were at it. If it 
 was an inch it was seven miles long and no end to it then. 
 
 ZANTHON 34
 
 530 ZANTHON 
 
 The people came from all parts and went home satisfied they 
 had done a good act." 
 
 At the desired place the stranger alighted from the coach to 
 join his cousin in the village near Flippington lodge and Philis 
 tine proceeded on his journey to Kindleton reflecting on the 
 changes incidental to life. 
 
 Feeling the loneliness of his position he soon married and 
 fared ever after somewhat like the rest of mankind.
 
 CHAPTER XXXVIII. 
 
 IN AMERICA. 
 
 ^ANTHON and Tanders along with other political refugees 
 ^* reached the United States of America in safety. 
 
 Landing at New York they were entertained by friends, but 
 Zanthon's enthusiasm was surpressed when the account of 
 Amby's death became known through dispatches received 
 shortly after their arrival. Nothing heretofore produced such 
 emotion in him as this deprivation of his sister's love. The 
 sacrifice she had made on his account smote his heart with the 
 keenest sorrow, and appealed to his generosity for a correspond 
 ing act of faithfulness, that in the estimate of divine judgment 
 would perhaps endow her memory with some reward. Hence 
 he said to Tanders: 
 
 " Hereafter my dear Tanders I shall live with the spirit of 
 my dead sister. It will inspire me with the desire to do good 
 while in search of conclusions pertaining to earthly things. It 
 will be a companionship I shall cultivate without ceasing, 
 mysterious no doubt ; but to my heart like the genial influence 
 of a summer's evening when a heavenly glow pervades the 
 atmosphere and the winds are at rest upon the mountains. 
 
 I shall neither permit its departure nor do ought to cause its 
 desertion from me. I must live as one who belongs no more to 
 earth ; but a visitant intent on penetrating the dark caverns of 
 philosophy where lie concealed the principles on whose con 
 ditions mankind may rise to eminence in all the departments 
 pertaining to life." 
 
 (531)
 
 532 ZANTHON 
 
 Tanders shook his head dolefully, as" if the course sketched by 
 his companion was something to be regretted saying : 
 
 " I understand my good Zanthon and appreciate your feel 
 ings ; but for my own part, my dear boy, I must journey to 
 Philadelphia to meet the wife and children. Philosophy is 
 excellent in its place ; fighting has charms ; a sumptuous 
 repast, washed down by old liquor fascinates the soul to an 
 alarming extent, but for a common man the greatest of all 
 earthly acquisitions is the family. Not that it proves in real 
 ity the most pleasing ; but merely the safest place in which to 
 confine him to the business of earthly cares. It is there the 
 strokes of misfortune are felt the least ; the whips of conscience 
 easiest concealed and the double thongs employed in the bind 
 ing of him most pliant and readily borne." 
 
 Thus while each recognized the justice of the other's right to 
 hold opinions suitable or pleasing to him, they agreed to sepa 
 rate. It seemed necessary under the circumstances stated. 
 
 They would be of more service to their fellowmen apart than 
 united, like two lights ; besides each claimed exclusive atten 
 tion for his special duties. 
 
 The parting was cfiaracterized by sadness, fortified, however, 
 by manliness befitting men of noble minds. 
 
 u Good-bye Tanders." 
 
 "Good-bye Zanthon." 
 
 " May your wealth increase with the family until both become 
 recognized additions to the nation's strength." 
 
 " Let us hope, my dear boy, that the light of your knowledge 
 may never be extinguished." 
 
 " You will always be dear to me, in whatever part of the 
 world I may reside and your generosity and honor associated 
 with my recollection of those stirring times we two have met 
 together." 
 
 " Don't mention it my dear boy. I regret to lose your com 
 pany, and hope to meet you again at no distant day."
 
 IN AMERICA 633 
 
 Tanders settled in Philadelphia where he engaged in business 
 pursuits and ultimately acquired fortune and distinction. 
 
 Zanthon became a resident of New York. He was given a 
 good position which afforded ample means for the comforts of 
 life. 
 
 His leisure hours were devoted to the pursuit of literature 
 and scientific research connected therewith. 
 
 Many men courted his friendship. 
 
 While taking no part in politics he studied American institu 
 tions from the standpoint of organic law. 
 
 The progress of the Republic, he thought, was retarded by 
 men's opinions founded on ignorance of the questions at issue ; 
 and sustained merely by self conceit or party interests. 
 
 These persons permeated all ranks of society. 
 
 The order of the universe, or unwritten law, sometimes also 
 called the truth of first principles, he defined as the standard 
 of right. 
 
 Every question pertaining to mankind, directly or indirectly 
 must be referred to this source for solution, if not otherwise 
 understood. The capacity of nature is unlimited as measured 
 by human minds. 
 
 Like precious metals, law applicable to all cases lies con 
 cealed in nature, having been made before the beginning of 
 ages of time, and needs only to be defined to be understood. 
 
 The successful operation of this rule requires the assistance 
 of knowledge, sound reasoning and freedom from prejudice. 
 
 Experiment can accomplish much, but is not wholly reliable. 
 
 Law with men must have its counterpart in the universe or be 
 accounted false. Rule may operate beneficially for a period. 
 Truth is concealed in knowledge. As movement promotes and 
 sustains material, so industry is the foundation of civilization 
 among mankind. 
 
 Any theory tending to lessen the operation of labor, based 
 on the hope of relief from it wholly in the future, is delusive 
 and vicious. Labor deserves a full measure of reward, regu-
 
 534 ZANTHON 
 
 lated according to the quantity and quality of the work per 
 formed ; but attempts to make capital subservient to its 
 dictation is mere waste of energy without the achievement of 
 favorable results. 
 
 As capital and labor are equivalent to pillars that uphold 
 the prosperity of a State, whosoever recommends or engenders 
 antagonism between them is an enemy to the nation, mankind 
 and God. 
 
 Coercion on either side will never relieve the labor question 
 of any of its difficulties. A so-called concession gained by this 
 means will not endure long. Let it be remembered that the 
 basis of a settlement must ber founded on justice to capital 
 and labor ; that the representatives of both content themselves 
 until the law or the justice of each case be fully determined. 
 Persons qualified to perform this duty should be selected for 
 the purpose, not on account of party bias, but knowledge. 
 
 Labor will gain more by the success of capital than other 
 wise. To enable the people to understand the proper applica 
 tion of law, education should be fostered and encouraged with 
 the greatest possible care. In this connection it would be in 
 order to establish schools for the teaching of common sense to 
 old persons of both sexes. 
 
 Institutes for training mechanics should be maintained by 
 the State. 
 
 To endow the government of the republic with superior pow 
 ers, so as to control the operation of railroads and other busi 
 ness managed by corporations of the people, would be to aim 
 at the return to monarchy and the re-establishment of a sub 
 serviency which a free nation should never tolerate. 
 
 Persons with healthy minds and bodies, willing to work for 
 their financial independence, do not need or desire a poorhouse 
 system of economy to maintain them. 
 
 While on this subject Zanthon came to consider the great 
 law of variety, and that portion of it relating to mankind 
 called individuality.
 
 IN AMERICA 635 
 
 The care of the individual ought to constitute or sum up the 
 whole business of life. 
 
 Nature indicated its purpose towards this end in the human 
 race as in other departments of the physical world. 
 
 Human beings are each specially endowed, distinct and une 
 qual as a whole, but designed to move harmoniously among 
 each other like the globules of water in the" ocean, or steadfast 
 on their own ground of self-interests like the trees in a forest. 
 
 All law in relation to mankind in the custody of the uni 
 verse contemplates the fulfillment of this harmony. 
 
 It appears strange that ignorance has opposed at all times 
 the designs of nature calculated to bestow benefit and espoused 
 error instead of truth. 
 
 Where she has displayed individuality ignorance has recom 
 mended combination. Where freedom was contemplated men 
 have fallen into slavery. 
 
 Instead of having the government, general and local, only to 
 support, the individual is burdened with a number of collateral 
 issues on the understanding that they have been formed for 
 his aggrandizement ; whereas, in reality, it is he who supports 
 them, and cannot therefore gain anything desirable. 
 
 Thus, besides paying for the demands of his vicious habits, 
 he is persuaded to subscribe to the club, the stock company, 
 life insurance, secret societies and infatuations which induce 
 him to gamble, besides many others due to taste or surround 
 ings. With all these burdens on the individual, liberty is a 
 myth. All that nature and ingenuity devised through the 
 ages since the world began for man's emancipation from slav 
 ery is as a dead letter in the face of this condition. 
 
 Duty contemplates no more than this, obedience to the gov 
 ernment of the country and God through the observance of law 
 and attention to the business of one's station in life. 
 
 The protection of industries is one of the best methods known 
 of increasing the wealth of a country, and therefore beneficial 
 to poor and rich.
 
 536 ZANTHON 
 
 The spirit of the times should be shaped so as to attend more 
 strictly than heretofore to the necessities of the human race 
 through the individual. 
 
 If great results be regarded with favor, every good citizen 
 deserves free education, free training for a position in life, and 
 ample opportunity to earn his independence or support. 
 
 To begin with, e~very city, town and hamlet should have a 
 permanent employment bureau fostered by the State. 
 
 When we are induced in reality to act towards each other in 
 the spirit of just principles, showing that we have discovered 
 where the law is to be found, the troubles of the times will be 
 settled. 
 
 Superstitions will die, impositions cease, tlie light of intelli 
 gence shine brighter than heretofore, and knowledge multiply ; 
 nay, the discontented element now crying out for plunder, 
 incendiarism and distribution of property will disappear like 
 dark masses of mist rectified by the glory of the sun. 
 
 In this case let it be fully understood a^ classes must share 
 equally in the observance of the laws which will bring about 
 this state of things. There must be an honest day's labor given 
 for good wages. 
 
 It is easily explained why people are, for the most part, unable 
 to determine a right from a wrong course in the pursuit of for 
 tune or other benefit. They concern themselves more with 
 incidents than principles. Incidents or the transactions of 
 every-day life originate opinions ; while principles, concealed 
 beneath the surface of things requiring reason to draw them 
 forth, are generally unknown. 
 
 The Republic of the United States of America is the greatest 
 institution the world ever beheld. 
 
 Like the ocean into which many streams flow it is the recip 
 ient of the oppressed people of all nations, the white races pre 
 dominating. Despite the vicious intrigues of a European 
 monarchy, and the carelessness of a large number of its own 
 people, its powers have become so conspicuous as to tincture
 
 IN AMERICA 637 
 
 the earth with benign influences, and stand like a bulwark 
 between spoliation and the interests of its citizens. Its growth 
 in jurisprudence and political economy is not complete, but 
 new periods of time will bring improved resources and a lessen 
 ing of the misunderstanding that carries so much trouble to the 
 people of our day in these departments. 
 
 The constitution is the foundation to be maintained, and the 
 structure of republicanism from which all mankind may draw 
 hereafter political power and individual prosperity, should be 
 permitted to rectify itself through increased knowledge. 
 
 The great questions awaiting solution at the door of the nation 
 might easily be solved if prejudices were suppressed and more 
 attention paid to scientific research ; but when high classed 
 publications appeal to men of money or notoriety instead of 
 men of knowledge, there is little hope of reaching the truth. 
 
 The field is too barren. 
 
 The republic is the evidence that a new era beneficial to man 
 kind has begun. 
 
 It is the pivot on which revolves human interests from 
 bondage to freedom ; idleness to activity ; from poverty to 
 competence ; from degradation to equality ; from darkness to 
 light. 
 
 Every era has its conditions and peculiarities. The incapa 
 city of human thought will always make it necessary to strug 
 gle for right or justice even against persons otherwise good. 
 The crude obstinacy associated with ignorance appears as if 
 designed to remain until death, in order to exemplify the law of 
 variety in human minds. Like the formation of rock, or disin 
 tegration of a mountain true scientific progress is slow. 
 
 The same may be said of republicanism. 
 
 Its destiny to supersede feudalism, monarchy and serfdom in 
 general is certain. To effect this desirable end all free men 
 and women should give a helping hand, not from the product 
 of their labor on which there are so many demands ; but by 
 eulogy, obedience to its laws 'and the diffusion of knowledge.
 
 538 ZANTHON 
 
 Zanthon lived a single life. 
 
 His studies brought him contentment and peace. 
 
 He saw enough of the universal plan to prevent repining on 
 account of the inevitable, well assured that the supreme power 
 would take care of him in the hereafter. 
 
 Like one wearied after a long journey, he sought rest in 
 retirement. Hence he remained unknown to the great bulk of 
 pushing, struggling humanity. 
 
 Time tempered the memory of the past. Like a skillful 
 physician it removed the pains created by disappointments and 
 healed the wounds left by the death of his friends. It sur 
 rounded him with pleasant attractions, brought trains of new 
 ideas to relieve monotony and health to prosecute the business 
 of the world. Thus when his own end approached it had no 
 terrors for him. 
 
 On the day of his final departure from earthly cares every 
 thing in view wore a bright character. The sky was clear, the 
 Hudson rolled solemnly, but majestically to the sea, the land 
 scape smiled, the birds sang ; there was music coming from the 
 open windows of the dwellings in the neighborhood and nature 
 bending herself to listen to the last sigh of a favorite child in 
 the struggle with death, assured him by these signs that the 
 frifmite was pleased with his work on earth. 
 
 There were a few friends near his bedside. 
 
 His face was turned towards the west ; for through the win 
 dow he could see a great distance in that direction. 
 
 The beauty of the prospect seemed the counterpart of his 
 peace. 
 
 His placidity resembled a part of the glory of the day. 
 
 In a quiet voice he said : 
 
 " When all the associates of my youth are gone, it is time 
 that I, too, should depart. 
 
 How admirable is the law that regulates life and death. 
 
 How sweet to be at rest I "
 
 IN AMERICA 
 
 539 
 
 He closed his eyes in slumber. 
 
 The sleep deepened into coma. 
 
 Zanthon was no more. 
 
 His friends began to weep and being asked by strangers 
 when they went into the street the cause of their distress 
 answered : 
 
 " A good man is dead."
 
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