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‘m-flfifi, sic "' Puâ€" f . dinand of Bulgaria. - man had been the means of secur- E+u+n+n+scs+n+n+n+n+mrem+n+n+n+n+n+n+aci +§£+Bii+£i+ A Hausa Of Mystery is W +n+a¢sm+mac£+ nmmmwa +n+o+nm+n+u+c+mn+ on, THE GIRL iN .BLUE CHAPTER XXV.â€"(Oont’d). I remembered that Gedge had, shown me some official parchment’ which he had explained were con- cessions obtained from Prince Ferâ€" That this weâ€" ’ing to me the greater part of the enormous profits which I had ap- parently made within the past five years was certainly surprising. I “On the day I recovered consci- ousnessâ€"the day of my departure from Denburyâ€"I was shown some- documents, but took but little heed of them,” I said. ' “You admit, however, that the employment of British capital inl Bulgaria has realized a very hand- some profit, and that the greater part of it has gone into your own pockets.” ‘ I “I suppose that is so,” I respond- ed. “It is to you that I am in- debted for those concessions?” “Certainly.” “Are you, then, an ambassadress‘ of the Principality of Bulgaria ‘3” “Well, yesâ€"if you choose to put? it so.” ' .“Then, as I understand, it is With some further financial object that you have sought me this even- ing'?” “Exactly. ’ ’ This latest development of the af-. fair was certainly most remarkable. I had never dreamed that to this hitherto unknown woman I had. been indebted for the unparalleled success which had attended my ca- reer during those last six years. Yet, from the facts she subsequentâ€"| ly placed before me, it would seem that it was at her instigation that I first dabbled in finance. She, or rather her agents, had obtained for me the negotiation of a substantial1 loan to Prince Ferdinand, and this had been followed by all sorts ofl concessions, not one of which had turned out badly. " The mysterious Edna, whom I had always believed to be a typical: blouse-andâ€"bicycle girl of the truel Kensington type, was actually a po-l litical agent of that most turbulentl of all the European States. I sat looking at her in wonderâ€" ment. She possessed a superb ear- riage. a smart, well-dressed figure, even teeth. a complexion just a trifle dark, but betraying no trace of foreign birth. Her English was perfect, her manner purely that of the patrician, while her surprising tact possessed all the finesse of. an accomplished diplomatist. “I confess that I have all along been in entire ignorance of my inâ€" debtedness to you,” I said, after listening to her while she explain- ed how obediently I had followed the instructions contained in the letters signed “Avcl,” and how I had so materially advanced the in- terests of the Principality that the thanks of the Bulgarian President, or Sobranje, had been tendered to me, and the Prince himself had a me the highest distinction within his power. . Yet it was more than strange that while this shrewd grey-eyed Wo- man, the possessor of the secret of that puzzling crime, hcld aloof from me, she had ingeniously contrived that I should become the unwitting catspaw of an unstable State. I was thinking of Mulml my thoughts were always of my lout loveâ€"and I was wondering how I might obtain from this woman the secret of her whereabouts. CHAPTER XXVI. “Well,” I inquired at last; “and your reason for seeking me this evening?” She hesitated, as tain in what manner to place her project before me. She moved unu, easily, and rising, drew forth a. large desputch-bcx from its loath-l ern “use and placed it upon thei table. I noticed that the outeré case bore a count’s coronet with ai cipher beneath. Having opened the box with a tiny geld master-key which hung] upon her bracelet, she drew forth: some official-looking papers, andl then returned to her chair. l “You have already been entrust-i ed with a secret, which you have though uneer- l fortunate occurrence on the even-: ing when accident first brought us a smiling intelligent face, white‘ couple of years ago conferred n n . + f i 31% 338W. m. “Therefore I feel convinced that any further confidence placed in you will not be abused.” “I am honC red to think, madam, that.you‘ should entertain such an opinion‘of me,” I said, not, how- ever, w1thout a slight touch of sar- casm. I did not forget that she had only rescued me from my enemies in re- turn for my silence. She was not a. woman to act without strong mo- tives. Moreover, she had admitted lknowledge of that strange midnight crime at The Boltons, and was, therefore, an accessory after the fact. .“You are the Prince’s confidenâ€" tial agent here, in London, and I come to you on a mission direct from His Serene Highness.” “From Bulgaria?” I inquired. “Yes. I- left Sofia a week ago,” she answered. “It was at first pro- posed to place the matter in the hands of Guechoff, our diplomatic " representative at the Court of St. James’s, but, on consideration, His Serene Highness, knowing that with the present state of high feeling in the Sobranje a single hint leaking out might prove disastrous to the dynasty, and perhaps to the nation, resolved to place the matter unre- scrvedly in my hands. The Prince did me the honor of referring in terms of praise to my previous deal- ings with you, and instructed me to lose no time in seeing you and invoking your aid.” “In what direction 2” _ Was it not amazing that I should awake from my years of unconsci- ousness to find myself so powerful in the world of finance that reign- ing princes sought my assistance? “I have here a letter from His Serene Highness;” and she handed me a note, which bore the Bulgarian royal arms, and had apparently been written by the Prince’s own sponded coolly, indicating the pa- pers. . “There is not a financial agent in the City of London who would not be only too delighted to, w1thout its intentions being known. “But you say it is all a secret,” I observed. “How do you think it poss1ble that I can raise such a lean w1thout its intentions being known ’2” She laughed outright. “The money, you will find from the documents here, is ostensibly foi the construction of a new railâ€" way from Philippopolis, by the Ship- ka to Rustchuk. The plans are here, properly prepared, so that you need have no hesitation in showing them to any railway engineer.” . I saw that she had been trained 1-1 a school of clever diplomacy. “And you say that security will be given '2” , .“Certainly. The proposal is to give the customs receipts. They would be ample. Failing that, it is probable that the Princess’s jewels, winch, as you know, include some of the finest pearls in Europe, might be available. Of the latter, howâ€" ever, I am not sure.” . I remained silent, turning over the papers she had passed across to me. They were mostly in French and, therefore, easily understood. The documents related to “the long pi ejected scheme of constructing a railway from Philippopolis to Eski Saghra, thence across the Shipka to Rasgrad, joining the line already i i operation between Verna and Rustchuk.” Appended, were officiâ€" al declarations from the Bulgarian Minister of Finance, signed by the Prince himself. The documents were certainly very ingeniously contrived so as to conceal the real purpose of the loan. I remarked this, and my companion, laughingly lightly, 'saidâ€" 1 some extent, is “Deception, to delicate diplo- always necessary in niacy.” ’ The discovery that the mysterious womanâ€"whose name she had with- held from incâ€"was actually a se- cret agent of the autonomous Prin- cipality created by the Berlin Treatyflthat turbulent State most- ly notable for the assassination of its Ministersâ€"was entirely unlock- ed for. On the night when acci- dent had thrown us together. and she had soothed my brow with her cool hand, I had believed her- to be a young girl who had taken pity upon me in my helplessness; but the revelations she had made durâ€" hand. It was merely 2L formal note ing that halfâ€"hour showed that there asking me to consider the secret proposals which would be placed be- fore me by the bearer. l I had been some firm purpose under- lying it all. She alone knew the truth of that “Well?” I inQUiI‘ed, When I had trag'e occurrence at The Boltons, read it. Explain.” “Briefly,” she said, “the are as follows: The throne of Bul- never very safe owing to the garia, eternal bickering between St. Pet- ersburg and the Porte, is at this moment in imminent danger. The People’s Party in the Sobranje have been defeated, and the police have learnt of a projected popular uprising against His Highness in favor of a republic, the agitation being, of course, caused by paid agents of Russia. It is an open secret that Russia, at the first sign of an outbreak, would endeavor to arnex the country. hence the posi- tion of the throne grows each mo- ment more perilous. Fear of givâ€" ing offence to Russia prevents or- ders being issued for the arrest of the secret agitators. and it seems therefore as though a revolution cannot long be delayed. It is your aid His Serene Highness seeks ~â€" your aid to negotiate a loan of half a million sterling.” “Half a million!” I ejaculated. “A large sum!” It seemed incred- ible that I should be a dealer in millions. . “A large sum, certainly, but. you mm easily obtain it,” she quickly uncured me. “I have all the neces- nary preliminaries of the securities lu-rc;” and she pointed to the pile of papers at her side. “I take it that the money is re quired for the Prince’s private purse ‘1” “No; solely for defenceâ€"to pur- chase arms and ammunition; to pay the army the arrears due, so as to secure their support in case of an outbreak, and to pay certain heavy sums as secret-service money. All this is imperative in order to save the country from falling into the hands of Russia. he done, of course, in strictest sec- recy. His Highness, as I have al- ready explained, hesitated to on- trust the matter to his recognized ninister ‘here because the spies of Russia are everywhere, and if any I l I l l and«,I saw that in this matter I had facts todeal with a very clever and in- genious woman. I had now a double purpose in lifeâ€"~to discover Mabel and to elu- cidate the mystery of the crime. Towards that end I intended to strive. and as I sat with my glance fixed upon those mysterious grey eyes, I endeavored to form some plan of action. “Madam,” I said gravely, at last, “as you appear not to place sufficiâ€" ent confidence in me to tell me your name. I regret that I can place no confidence in these documents.” “My name 1” she laughed. “Ah, of course; I had quite forgotten. There is no secret about it;” and from her purse she drew forth a folded, muchâ€"worn blue paper, which she handed to me. It was an English passport, hear- ing the name of “Lucy Edna Grain- or.” g “Grainger!” I repeated. “Then you are English?” “Yes, I am legally a British subâ€" ject, because my father was Engâ€" lish. I was, however, born abroad.” A silence fell between us. The rear of the traffic in Piccadilly came up from below; the summer night was warm, and the window stood open. At last I determined upon a bold course. “Now that we have met,” I said, “I wish to ask you one or two ques- tions. First, I am desirous of knowing the whereabouts of Mrs. Anson and her daughter.” I was watching her narrowly, and saw her give a distinct start at my mention of the name. Next instant, however, she recovered herself, and with marvellous tact repeatedâ€"â€" “Anson? Anson? I have no ac- quaintance with any person of that But it mustl name.” I smiled. “I think it unnecessary that you should deny this, when the truth is so very plain.” I observed sarcas- tically. “You will, perhaps, next deny that a young man was foully klleedge 0f hm mtenl‘lons leakedl murdered within that house in The 0“}; It would be fatal to hlfi Plans.“ Boltons ; that you were present, and And so he truStS me! I Salli that you are aware of the identity smiling. _ “He does, absolutely.” of those who couniiitted the crime ?” The pallor of her cheeks showed (find! thijl‘e (10:5 liqflglmeslsi plainly that I had recalled unwel- tiin tiat am 0 ge' ia a mi- -' , , M. N _ _, _ . ‘ a V ICUmG memoiies. “Of harmed “‘6 58”“ "l tll‘ll’ u“ then of money irom at a moment si notice. pray ’3” I asked with a smile. “With these in your possession «â€" l I ‘ u I togmher’ She Commenced gr‘wel-V‘ there Wlll be no difficulty.” she re- _r.- :u. 1 , a. . J... 4"- “Thc unfortunate affair is all of the past." she said l‘oarscly. need we discuss-it !" “In the interests of justice," I “Why I answered, with firm determination. “Have you not agreed to remain silent? Have you not, as recom- pense, received back your sight, and become enriched beyond your wildest dreams? Surely you, at least, should not complain.” “I complain of the manner in which the secret of the crime has been preserved,” I said. “I have determined, however, that it shall remain secret no longer.” “You would inform the police!” she gasped, for the moment unable to conceal her alarm. “If you have no knowledge of Mrs. Anson. then I intend to in- voke the aid of Scotland Yard in order to discover her.” ‘ (To be Continued.) .1._ TOO RISKY. Although the tramp had seen a great deal of life, he was no judge (I character, otherwise he would never have said what he did to Miss Cornelia Hawkins. When she said that she would give him a good din- ner if he would saw and split wood enough to pay for it, he attempted to appeal to her sympathy. “Madam,” he replied sadly, “I’d be lad to saw and split the wood, I’d e glad to do anything, but I’m not physically strong. have a weak heart, madam, and I have to look out for it. You see, I carry my life in my hands, as it were,” he said, with what was meant for a wan, pathetic smile. “Indeed!” and Miss Hawkins gave an incredulous sniff as she glanced at the palms outstretched for aid. “I suppose that’s the rea- son you don’t wash ’emâ€"for fear of getting drowned?” % STARTING EARLY. I’Vangles was married recently, and there was a regular hail of rice, confetti, and old shoes, for good luck, as he got into the cab. More- over, on turning round, he was struck above the eye‘ by a friendly shoe with rather a heavy heel. As the cab immediately drove away, no notice was taken of the accident, and, despite the large handkerchief tied by his sobbing bride over his injured optic, the blood still flowed down Wangles’ face. When they arrived at their des- tination, the newlyâ€"created Bene- dick went out to a doctor to get the bleeding stopped. “How did you come by this, my I man 2” “Well, you see, doctorâ€"awâ€"I got marri’d this morning, andâ€"” commenced Wangles, when the doc- tm broke in: “What, has she started already?” *-..â€"â€"__â€" SATISFIED. “Please, sir,” piped the tiny cus- tomer, whose head scarcely reachâ€" :.d the counter, “father wants some oak varnish.” “How much does your father want, my little man i” asked the shopman. “Father said you was to fill this,” said the little fellow, handing over a half-gallon can. It was duly filled, and handed over. “Father will pay you on Satur- day,” said the recipient casually. And then the face of the shop- man grew dark. “We don’t give credit here,” he said. “Gimme back the can!” Meekly the little lad handed back the can, which was emptied, and handed back to him with a scowl. “Thank you, sir,” he said. “Fa- ther said you’d be sure to leave enough round the sides for him to finish the job he wants to do. And I think you have, sir.” g â€"â€"-â€"â€"»+â€"-â€"-â€" _ LEFT ON HIS HANDS. A little girl of seven or eight years stood one day before a clos- ed gate. A gentleman passed slow- ly. The little girl turned and said to him, “Will you please open this gate for me?” The gentleman did so. Then he said kindly, “And why, my child, couldn’t you open the gate your- self?” “Because,” said the “the paint’s not dry yet. your hands.” little girl, Look at is BREAKING IT GENTLY. Foreman (at the door)â€"“Did yer husband hev a new suit av clo’es ,Mrs. O’Malley~â€"â€"“Hc did." rooined on r Foreman-m" ‘They’ re ltirely.” Mrs. O’Malleyâ€"“How did ut hap- ings. l pen l” 3“ this m0r_,.nin’, Mrs. O’Malley '2” weight” WW WASHING PIGS. Pigs glory in wallowing in the mire, and the most filthy holes pro- vide themwith conditions which ap- pear to give them the greatest de- light, says W. R. Gilbert. Some assume that when they roll in the mud they are desirous of getting dirty: I am not so sure of this. Judging from what I have seen, the reverse seems to be the case. No pig I'have ever owned has gone on enjoying having a crusty coat on any part of its body. When hamp- ered with such they soon rub and scratch with the object of getting it off, and they find peace and relief in this. I believe they often take to the mucky mud-holes to roll and get the hardened softened. I have always noticed that a pig with a. thick layer of dirt on it will roll on the slush much sooner and more often than one that is clean, and I have satisfied myself by practice thatpigs that are kept clean are more contented and thrive much better than those that are always cn fidgets with an irritating coat. In warm weather they will rush in- .‘o the pools and streams and have a bath, but there is nothing objec- tionable in that. How they do enâ€" joy a good scrub and they almost seem to take pride in avoiding dirt afterwards, but the clean skin does not suggest a return to the addi- tion filth. When pigs are being turned out on the clean grass, I would urge that all be scrubbedibe- fore they go out. Use a liquid com- posed of one gallon of hot water, half a pint of parafin oil, and two ounces of soft soap, when all paraâ€" sites will be killed, dirt removed and clean, sweet skin supplied. Ex- tra feeding may cause pigs that have come to a standstill to develop more freely, but I can say a good wash whenever necessary, will move them on wonderfully. I have often admired the pigs shown at the big shows, for their skins. What a difference if they were all l‘ll'oli No doubt much good food is given to them in such prime condition, but the finishing touch is the clean coat, and to this alone I give cre- dit for their superiority. .‘TouAcE 'or POTATOES. In a community that produces many potatoes, storage houses be- come a necessity. Potatoes stored in an ordinary storage. room lose weight rapidly and soon_become shriveled and of poor quality. The underground storage combines all the qualities for keeping potatoes in the best condition. Possibly the most important reâ€" quisite is to keep down the temper- ature of the cellar. These cellars should be built lengthwise with the currents of air so that in the fall when the potatoes are put in, a draft through the cellar can be es- tablished at night to carry off the heat brought in with the potatoes during the day. The practice is to fill in the. bins in layers of not more than one foot each day and let. this layer cool down during the night. After the potatoes are all in, the ventilation is regulated so that the temperature is kept as near freezâ€" ing point as possible without‘freezâ€" ing the potatoes. This ventilation is necessary, not only to regulate the temperature, but to keep the air pure and dry. If the air beâ€" comes foul and damp, moulds Will grow and dry rot or Fusarium will develop. Many potatoes are sped- ed in the stores and in the store rooms of dwelling. The potatoes are stored near a furnace with more or less light. Before the sack or barrel is all used the potatoes be- eome greened by light and are not only unwholesome, but to a certain extent, poisonous. *â€" HOG WEIGHT AND SHRINKAGE Hogs shrink from live to dressed weight 18 to 20 per cent, according to weight. Heavy, solid hogs shrink the least. Most packers estimate 20 per cent. shrinkage, and this is about the average. This is on a lot basis, of course. There is a further shrinkage of about 1% per cent. in chilling. A test of a large number of hogs averaging 23.21 pounds live weight, showed a shrinkage of 18.84 per cent. from live to dressed This, of course, was the hot weight and not the chilled dressed weight; also, of course, with the head on and the ham facâ€" The net yield of these hogs was 69.51 per cent. of, the live 4 v i ___” v s ' x .1 . . . I‘0.eniaii He was blowcd up be “fight, figurmg Sldesa hams, Shoup a charge av dinnymite.” 34.- HER sHAiis. l (.‘oiisinâ€"“So the lucarly all the estate. get anything?" George-~~-“Oh, yes! 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