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\ The Price of Liberty OR. A MIDNIGHT CALli CJIAi'J'l'at XXXV.â€" (Cuiitiiuind). Tho qunint and somewhat oxdusive town of Moreton Wells wun reached in <lue course and tho street where tho Ilov. James Meiritt rosided lo- cattHl at length. It wiia a niudest two-storeyod tencmpiit. and tho oc- cupier of tho rooms was at homo. Chris puj^hod her way gaily In, fol- lowed by Hell, lieforo tho occupant could lay down the foul clay pipe he was smoking and button the un- accu.sU)med stiff white collar round his thi-oal. Mcnitt whipped a tumbler under the table with amaz- ing celerity, but no cunning of his could roniove tho .smell of gin that hur.ig i>ungontly on the murky at- mosphere. Merritt dodged his hoad back de- fiantly a.s if hiilf-e.xi>ccting a blow. His eyes were strained a little anx- iously over nell's shoulder as if fear- ful of a shadow. Bell had seen the typs l)eforeâ€" Merritt was uncon- sciously looking for the police. "I am .so glad to tind you at home," Cliris said, sweetly. Merritt mullerod .something that hardly sounilod complimentary. It was quite evident that he was far from retu^iing the compliment. lie had recognised Hell, and was won- dering fearfully if the latter was as Bure of his identity. Bell's face be- 1 trayed nothing. All the same he was ' following Merritt's uneasy eye till it rested on a roll of dirty paper on tho mantelshelf. That roll of paper was the missing Kcmbrandt. antl he knew it. "Won't you offer me a chair?" Chris asked, in the sweetest possible manner. Merritt sulkily emptied a chair of a pi!o of cheap sporting i>np('rs, and demanded none too i)olitely what business the lady had with him. Chris proceo^dod to oxjilain at consid- erable length. As Merritt listened' his eyes gleamed and a broadening j grill spread over his face. Ho had done a great deal of that kind of thing, he admitted. Since llenson had taken him up the police had not been anything like so inquisitive, and his jiresent poso was fruitful ot large predator.,' gains. The latter fait Merr.'t kept to i.'nisolf. 0\ llie whole the prospect appealed to his imagination. ilenson wouldn't like )t, but, then llenson was not in a po.^ition to say too much. "I thought perhaps if you came over with us and dined at the cas- tle," Chris suggested. She si)oko slowly and thoughtfully, with her eyes on the ground. "Bay to-iii;;ht. Will you come'!"" Merritt â- grinnc<l e.xtonsively once more. The idea of his dining at the castle appealed to his own pecu- liar sense of humor. He was at his ease, seeing that Itell failed to recog- nise him. To dine at tho castle, to note the plate, and get a ndnute geographical knowledge ot the place from personal observation! His mouth watered tit the thought. "They ought to bo more careful yonder," he suggested. "There's plate and there's pictures." "iVothiiigha!-, ever been stoloEi from Llttinier t'astlc," Hell said, crisply. Hi' read the leer tn Merritt's eyes as he spoke of iiictures. "Nothing whatever." "What, not lately?" Merritt aaked. "iJidn't hear tell of a " He paused, conscioiis of saying too much. Hell shook hia head again. An utterly puz/.lod e.\pression crept over Mr. Merritt's engaging counten- ance. At the present 'moment, an art treauure ot price stood in that very room, and hero was a party from tho castle utterly innocont of tho robbery. Chj-is glanced at Dell and Bmiled. "1 love the pictures," .she said, "especially the prints. That Ueiu- bi-andt, 'The Crimson Ulind,' for in- Btnnce. 1 found a fresh light in it this morning and called Lord Litti- mer's attention to it before we start- ed. I should lock that up if it wore mine." Merritt's P.Ves fairly bulged as he listened. Mad ho not half suspected some deep "plant" he would have been vastly amused. Hut then ho had got the very i)icture these people were speak in-g about close to hand at the very moment. "T(dl you what," lie said, .ludden- I.V. "I ain't used to swell six'iety ways, but I'm always ready to sacri- fice myself to the poor fellows who aint't found the straight path like me. And if you gets up your baz- aar, I'll do what I can to 'elp." "Thtn you will dine with us to- night?" Chris asked eagerly. Don't say no. I met a man once with t past llko yours nt Lady Uos- lingliam's, and he wa.s so interest- ing. Wo will call tor you in an hour's time with the wagonetto- 'llien lie can sotllo half our plans be- fore dinner." Merritt was graciously pleased to he agreeable Moreover, ho was ut- terly puTo.led and absolutely con- suincj Tvith an overpowering riuios- Ify. It seeinml also to him to be a sheer waste of pro»id«i«t to discard such an olTor And tho plate at I..it- timrr '^•witle was a«perl>! Mean^wTiO Chris and IleU Walked <k)wn the street fcogcther. "He was puzzled over tho Kcmbrandt," t^hris said. "Seeing that ho has our pic- ture " "No doubt about it. Tho pic- ture was rolled up and stood on tho maiitelnhelf. I followed Merritt's gaze, knowing perfectly well that it would rest presently on tho picture if it was in the room. At the same time, our interesting friend in chuck- ling over the way ho lias deceived us clean forgot tho yellow pawnticket lying on the table." "Dr. Bell, do you moan to say that " "That I know where your diamond star was pledged. Indeed I do. Mer- ritt had probably just turned out his pockets as we entered. The pawn- ticket was on tho taldo and related to a diamond aigrette pawned by one James Merritt â€" mark the simple cun- ning of the man â€" with Messrs. Uiit- tcr and Co., 117 High Street. That in itself is an exceodinly valuable discovery and one we cab affoitl to kee|) to ourselves for the present. At the same time I should very much like to know what Butter and Co. arc like. Let me go down to the .shop and make some nimple pur- chase." Butter and Co. jirovod to be a very high-class .shop indeed, despite the fact that that there was a iiawnbrokiiig branch of the business. The place was quite worthy of Bond Street, the stock was brilliant and substantial, the assistants quite above [irovincial class. As Hell was turning over some sleeve-links t!hris was examin- ing a case ot silver and gold cigar- ette-cases and the like. She picked uj) a cigar-case at length and asked the price. At the mention ot fifty guineas she drojiped the trifle with a little moue of surprise. "It looks as it it had been used," she said. "It is not absolutely new, madam, the iussistant admitteil, "therefore tho price is low. But the gentleman who sold it to us proved th.it ho had only ha<l it a few days. '^I'ho doctor had ordered him not to smoke in fu- ture, and so " Chris turned awny to something else. Bell coin[ileted his purchase, and tog-ether they left tlu' shop. Once outside Chris gripped her compan- ion's arm excitedly. "Another great discovery," she said. "Bid you see nic looking at I hat cigrar-caseâ€" a gun-metal one set with diamonds? Vou recollect that Ruth (iates purchased a case like that for thatâ€" that foolishness wo thoiig-ht of in connection with Mr. Steel. The ca.so ha<l a little arrow- shaped scratch with the head of the arrow formed of the biggest dia- moiul. Knid told me nil this the [light before I left Lon^xlean Grange. Or. Bell, I am absolutely certain that I have had in my hand just now tho very case bought by Kuth from Loekhart'.9 in Brighton!" CHAPTIOK XXXVI. Bell was considerably imiiroMsod with the importance of Chris's ilis- covery, though at the same time he was not dispo.-.od to regard it in tho light of a coincidence. "It's a useful discovery in its way," ho said; "but not very re- markable when you come to think ol it. Somebody with an eyo to dam- aging Steel changed that cigar- case. How the change affected Stwl you know us well as I do. But the ciguiwase purclmsed by Huth Gates must be somwhere, and wo are as likely to tind it near Ueginald Hen- son as anywhere else, seeing that ho. >s at tho bottom of tho whole busi- ness. That change was made either liy himself or by somebody at his instigati<m. Onco tho change was made he would not bother about tho nparc cigar-case. His ally probably came hero to sco Henson; tho latter as likcdy as not threw him over, knowinjr that tho fellow would not dare to talk; hence tho thing is turned into money. I am merely speculating, of course, under the as- suniirtion that you are quite sure of your facts." "Absolutely," Chris cried, eagerly. "Two long, irregular scratches lead- ing up in arrow-headed shapo to tho big diamond in the centra. Buth told Knid all about that the very last time tliey discussed tho matter together." "How camo Huth Gates to remem- ber it so clearly?" "Well, she did it herself. She was rubbing some specks ofT the case at tho last moment, and tho scratches were made accidentally with the stones in one of her rings." Bell was fain to a<Imit that the discovery wa.s an important one. "VVe'll leave it for the pnacnt," ho said. "In a small place like this so valuable an article is likely to re- main in stock for some lime. I'll call in again to-morrow an the pre- tence of getting further goods and obtain all tho informnticm there is to be gained as to who sold the ca.so and what he was like. There l.s just lime for a little lunch before we take up our reverend friend. Where shall we go?" Chris would like to see the Lion Tliore was a marvellous coffeo-room there with panelled walls and a ceil- ing by Pugin, and an Ingle-nook ail- ed with rare Butch tiles. Thoy had the beautiful old place to them- selves, so that they could talk free- ly. Chris crumbled her bread and sippetl her soup with an air of deep abstraction. "A great idea is forming in my mind," she said. "What, another one?" Bell smiled. "In it tho air of the place or what? Bcally, there is a brilliancy about you that is striking." Chris laughed. She was full of the joy of life to-day. It is tho freedom," she said. "If reached the hall. The former polish- ed his eyoglase and regarded Chria critically. "My dear young lady," ho said, smoothly, ' originality is a pa.ision with me, eccentricity draws me as a magnet; but as yet I have refrained from sitting down to table with ticket-of-leave men. Your friend hos 'convict' writ large upon his face," "He has been in gaol, of course," Chris admitted cheerfully. iTo be Continued.) COLOKS TO WRAIt Afternoon guwns are among tho most characteristic clothes in a you only know what it is to feel free , wotnan's wardrobe. Almost anyone after tho dull, aching, monotonous 'â-  can manage to plan a good-looking mi.sery of tho last few years. To be tailor suit, and the very lightness con.stantly on the treadmill, to bo and grace of ovoning gowns make in the grasp of a pitiless scoundrel. ! oy^,.y „„„,,,„ ,„^,. j,^,,. ,,j.,^j ,5^,^ ^,. At first you fight against It pasfl.on-iternoon gown.s require a different atel.v- with a longing to be doing ^^^t of consider.'Uio. . .lomething, and gradually you give m„„, r .v, 1 ..1. , way to despair. An.l now the weight i.^^":!.''' lh«'" fre -nade with long is off my shoulders, and I am free t ,^ ,'""^ ""I "^''^''l '-"°' ^'^ to act. Fancy the reward of finding '"'/"'• ^" '^. ^reat extent about the Beginald Henson out!" ilt.'' 'â- ^*' treated 30 as to suggest "Beginald Henson is tho blight l^^^'f '^f" °' fullness, without hejng upon your house. In what way?" 1 actually very full, about the hips. "Ah, I cannot toll you. It is a I "'"n''cloth is the favorite material secret that we never discuss oven i '°'' them, being a stufT thnt carries among ourselves. But ho has the I ". l""'"^*." 'ittle air ot formality and power over us, he has blighted all | '^''^"''y in its .smooth surf.ice, hut our lives. Hut if I could get hold <>'>'.v tho softer, more supple broad- of a certain thing tho power would cloths â€" the kinds that drape into be broken. That is what I am af- statuesque folds â€" are used. V HEALTH ? tor, what X am working for. And it is in connection with my endeavor that the new idea came to nie." Velvet is good. â€" especially in gray â€" 'but tho richest of colors in cloth is H clear, beautiful red, with a strong "Can't you give mo some general: hint of coral in il^ colur-^piality. idea of it?" Boll ankod. j and that red conues in a dozen var'v- "Well, I want to make Merritt my ing lints, friend. I want him to imagine that j For the rest, light colors are wom I am as much ol' an adventuress as (.vcti more than white, with a stroiis he is an adventurer. I want to let , tendency to the pale, exquisite blue him sec that I could send him to . thnt the texture of broadcloth seems pris-im " esjK'cially lovely in. But e certain is exlrMnely popular. So you can by telling the police s^ff rose-coloi of the loss of of .your star." 'too ".'Vnd getting Merritt arrested and; i.-,,.,-,.! i,.„„ :, » „ ^ ..'',. 1 ii.t â-  i'<vers thins js trimmed a good sent to gaol where 1 couldn t make hooI i.m* ..^t 1 , â„¢ .^ u=o of him? No, no. The thing is ' f '''''„,"'^, ""'• /'^ ""'" ""'''"^- , '"^*» pretty vague in my mind at prest-nt. 1 '^''„'^'""""^' "' U-in«nmg that nn I have to work it out as one would ^^ '-"'.'.'; K''^" i:<^^'"« ^" require. For a storv; as David Steel would work ^" '"tlefo-^h of .seventy that b.v it out, for instance. Ah!" I ""«•'' to broadcloth, no matter how Chris clapped her hands rapturous- '*''"'• ''t''K"t "• '"ay be, is best sot ly, and a little cry of delight cscap- ''y ^ simpler, loss profuse amount of ed her. "Tho very thing," she exclaimed. "If I could lay all tho facts before Mr. Steel and get him to plan out all the details! His fertile iraagina trimming. Irish crociiet has carried styles (by storm this season, especially tho new Irish crochet, which is the old dominated by French ideas, and rich lion would sco a way out at once,"''th "c"' dosign.q. A touch of it But he is far away and there is no time to be lost. Is there uo way of getting at him?" Chris appealed almost imploringly seems to bo on almost everything. In strong cuatrast^ are the lino, light lacesâ€" as airy and dolicato al- most as veil.s â€" which come in every to her companion. She made a color of a very delicate rainbow, pretty picture with the old oak cn-j Furs are used, by way of trianjuiing gravings behind her. Boll smiled too, in little rows that give a rich, as ho helped himself to asparagus, j wintry touch to tho costume. "Why not adopt tho same method j Five out of ovcrv ton g^owns (por- by which you originally introduced haps more) are ' made with elbow yourself to the distinguished novel- 1 sleeves, with-' a deep trill of lace or ist?" he asked. "Why not use Lit- of the materialâ€" tucked and trickeo out prettilyâ€" to end them off. But all sorts of cuffs aro evolved, too. for the Woman who isn't content to her elbow. timer's telephone? Chris pushed her plate away impe- tuously. "I am too excited to eat anvi„..n, ti,„j , „ „ t » u c , ,, u 1 ..I /-11 J -^i With that long stretch of crlove more, she said. "1 am filled with • - ^ ^ t, ^ '^ tho new idea. Of course, I could use 1 » â-  . , . the telephone to speak to Mr. Steel, I '^?<\ *''!=,Vr^ ^„^^« come in, to,v_ and to Endid as well. If the scheme "^"tTfSt ht He alTa.rs of lace that works out as I anticipate I shall I <^°""'\""'y '''^'^-^'ay belwem throat have a long conversation with Enid.''"'' '''''""'''^^â- "; ^nd aro too shallow a dangerous thing so long as Begin- 'â- " Pose as yokes. aid Henson is about." ^hc Napoleon ro.sette is a favorite "I'll keep Henson out of the way. ["''th tho milliners tor the fur hat. The best thing is to wait till every- for tho plainness ami a certain de- body has gone to bod tonight and .4'"''f "f stitTness that inevitably ac- calf Steel up then. You will bo companies the uso ot fur in imilliiiery certain to get him after eleven, and favors the military dosigiis. A there will Jjo no chance of your be- smart ermine turlian shows a mill- ing cut oft at that hour of the night tnrv rosette, just three rows of stiff in consequence of somebody clso quill inus with a button centre, and wanting the line. The same remark three stiff loops about a finger depth each dangling at the side. applies to your sister." Chris nodded radiantly. "Thrice blessed telephone," she said. 1 can get in all I want without committing myself to paper or mov- ing from tho spot whore my presence is urgently needed. Wo will give Mr. Steel a pleasant surprise to-night, and this time I shall get him into no trouble." Tho luncheon was finished at length, and an intimation sent to Merritt that hia friends were wait- ing for him at the Lion. As his powerful figure was seen entering tho I of the day big Norman porch Henson came Keep iii the along the street driving a dog-cart at a dangerous rale of speed. "Our man is going to have his trouble for his pains," Bell chuckled. "Ho has como to interview Merritt at dinner-time." Merrill shamblotl in awkwardly, obviousl.v supprensing a dosiro to touch his forelock. There was a sheepish grin on his face, a sup- pressed triumph in his eyes. He had been recently shaved and his hair cut, but despite these improvements, and despite his clerical garb, he was not exactly the class of man to meet in a dark lane after sunset. Chris, however, showed nothing of this in her greeting Littimer Castle was reached she had succeeded in putting Merritt quite at hia ease. He talked of himself and his past exploits, ho boasted of his cunning. It was only now and again that ho pulled himself up and piously referred to the new life that ho was now loading. Hell was study- ing him carefully; he read the other's mind like an open book. When tho wagonette I'nally pulled up before I the castle Littimer strolled up and stood there regarding Merritt quiet- ly. "Ho this i.s the gentloinnn you were going to bring to dinner?" he said, grimly. "I have seen him before in the company of our dear Reginald. I also " Chris shot Littimer nn iiindoring glanrt'. Merritt grinncil in friendly fashion. Boll, in his tactf'il way, piloted the stianre gu.'it ti) tho lil>- rary before Littimer and ('hi is had TO KEEP YOUTHFUL. Exl>oct a good, long, useful lite. Hold your thoughts porsistently. Simply refuse to grow old bj- counting your years and anticipating your old age. Retrain .from all kinds of stimu- lants and sedatives. They will shorten your lifo. One of the best preventives ot ago is enthusiasm and interest in affairs sunlight. Nothing beautiful or swe<.>t grows or ripens in the darkness. Avoid fear in all its varied forms of oxpre.ssion; it is the greatest en- em.V of the human race. Nature is tho great rcjuvenator; her .spirit is over young. Live with her, study, her, love her. Contemplate, beauty in all its forms, and you will drive eivorything that is ugly out of your lifo. Hon't allow yourself to think on your birthday that you aro a yoar oUior, aiTd so much nearer the end. Cultivate tho spirit of contont- ment; all discontent and dissatisfac- tion bring ago. furrows prcanalurely Long betoro to tho face. Keep your mind yoimg by fresh, vigorous thinking ami your heart sound by cultivnling a cheerful, op- timistic disposition. BKIGIITS DISEASE. From tho Health Bulletin, of Chi- cago, wo copy the following signifl- oanl item: "It is not i-eassiu-ing to learn tfaat nearly 6 per cent, of Chicago's mal« population in early manhood is af- flicted with Bright's disease; and yet such is the inference warranted by the results of the examination mad« during the week by Department phy- sicians of 489 applicants for ap- pointmc^nt to the City Fire Depart- ment. Of t-his number 29 (or 5.9 per cent.) were rojettod for kidney trouble. When it is reflected that the principal cause of such trouble is exjx)s-ure to cold and wet 'after a drinking bout,' tho figures do not speak well for the habits of Chica- go's young men." But we feel compelled to add that there are many other causes of Bright's disea.se and other alToctiona of the kidneys thaai "expo.'Juro to cold and wot after a drinking iKjut." The evorlasting habit of gxiTizling of btxjr, "orange phosphate" ntinoral waters of every grade of sloppy fizzinosB, is no doubt chargoab,le with much of the univonsal crop of renal com- plaints. If everybody would get back to simple drinks as well as to a "simple life," we should hear less about Bright's di.sease. HOW TO STAND. You can make or mar your figure yourself. Do not lay all the blame at Nature's door, for it is more your own fault than hors that you are not a good figure, be it of the stout or sliiu order. The minute a woman stands lig'ht- ly on her feet, with knees straight, chest well out, stomach flat, should- ers bat'k, and the btydy from waist up lilting ever so lightly forward, she has acquired at once a certain smartness of elTect, that no amoimt of beauty or fine clothies c<3ukl give. The smart girl is never round- shouldered or hoUow-dhested, and by standing properly she breathes pro- perly. Every full, deep breath sho draws straightens tho muscles of hor sides and abdomen. She is bound not to grow into a fat, ungainly woman, who can never catch her breath or a train, for a prcxper poiso of the body means good digestion and good health. How many women sink into a lit- tle heap the minute they sit downâ€" shoulders drooping, cliest sunken, the whole weight of tho body tlirown on the end of the spine. The smart girl sits in tho .same erect, alert way that she stands, and if sho wishes to rest she leans back against hor shoulders, and not the middle of her back. In bending, whether at a desk or a disbpan, or a dinner-table, she bends from her waist, not from her shoulders, and she not only looks well, but avoids fatigue and the ac- tual injuries that Come from any strain on misplaced muscles. OPENING FOR A YOUNG MAN. "Yes," said Mrs. Malono, to the old friend who was picking up the thioads of family history, "my Hob- by, he's travelling with a circus now," "Pretty hard work, isn't it?" in- quired tho interested caller. "Never a bit of it," retamwl the proiNl mother of Bobby. "He's liv- ing Ilko a gontlemun, he is â€" hand.s in his j)ockcts, as ye might say, -for it's a haiwlsomo salary ho gets, and every ble.5.sed thing ho has to do is to lay his head in the lion's i(iout!i a matter o' some two or three times a day or theronbouts!" USEFUL ODDS AND ENDS. If you do not try to make your- self look as pretty os you can you neglect one of your duties. It is worth while to make the most of all" the good looks you possess; but that does not mean that j-ou should revel in powder or purchased bloom, or speivd hoiirs ir.i frivolous decora- tion. To have a clear skin, remombor that you must have good health, and to have good health and a rosy complexion jou must wear thick- soleil !;hcH<s, and .spend a pai-t of every day out of doors. To keep your skin from roughon- iivg, find by trial what kind of soap suits you boat, and use no other. I'Yequont changes of soap are bod for tho complexion. Beware of those which are highly scenled; as a geti- cral thing they arc of poor quality, tho scent being used to destroy odour of tho other ingredients used. If you would kt>ep your face and hands unwrinklod use tepid water; very hot or cokl water is injurious. Also avoid burying the face in a soft pillow at night, which always produces wrinkles round tho eyes. Keep your combs and brushes sweet and cU>cn Wash them in toptd water containing a few drops of am- monia. The grease and oil will dia- appt<ar, as if by magic. Place the brushes down, to dry, arid the handle will not be injured. HUNOEU FOB HEALTH. A prolific cause of chronic indigea- tion is oating from habit, and sim- ply because it is mcal-timo aiwi others aro eating. To cat whim not hungry is to ©at without relish, and food taken without relish is worse than wostdd. Without relish, the salivary glands do not act, the gas- I trie fluids are not ti-eely secreted, and the best of foods will not be digested. Many perfoctly harmless dishes are severely condemned, for no other reason than thoy were oaten perfu'm.-lorily, and without re- lish and duo insalivatlon. Hunger makes the plainest foods enjoyabta. It causes vigorious socrotion and outpouring of all tho digesftion fluids, the sourivs of plyalin, fiopsin, tryp- sin, etc., without a plentiful supply of which no fooda can bo perfectly, digested. *