davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Cooper's Clarksburg register. [volume] (Clarksburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1851-1861, 1856-10-24
A Crocodile and se,Fipelt Eight.


"A writer in Metry,s Museum thus de-
scribes fight which he Witnessed be,
tween boa constructor and crocodile in
Java: sS"It was one morning chat Istood
beside small lake, fed by one of the rills
from the mountains. The waters were
clear as crystal, aud everything iconld be
seen to the very bottom. Stretching its
limbs close over this pond, was a gigan-
tic teak tree, and It's thick shining, ever
Lgreen leaves lay huge boa, in an easy
fcoil, taking his morning nap. Above him
was a powerful ape, of the baboon spe-
cies. leering race of scamps, always
bent on mischief. Now the ape. from his
position, saw crocodile in the water, ri.
sing to thehtop. exactly beneath the coil
of the serpent. Quick as thought. he
jumped plump. upon the snake. which fell
with q splash, into the jaws of the croco-
die. The ape saved himself by, cinging
to the limb of tree, but battle royal
Immediately commenced in the water.-
The serpent, grasped in the middle by
the crocodile, made the waters boil by his
furious contortious. Winding his folds
round and round the body Of his antago.
mist, he disabled his two hinder legs, aud
W htS tbAS -SSoASS NAAAH
bones of the monster crack. The water
was speedily tinged with the blood of both
combatanIs,- yet neither Was. disposed to
yield. They rolled over and over; nei-
ther being able to gain a decided adyan-
tage. Allthis time. the cause Of the mis-.
chief was in state of the highest ecstacy.
He leaped up and down the branches of
the tree, came seVeraltimes close to the
scene of the fight, shook the limbs of the
tree. uttered a yell, and again frisked
about. At the end of ten minutes a si>
lence began to come over the scene. The
folds of the serpent began to be relaxed,
and though they were trembling along
the back. the head hung lifeless in the
water. The crocodile was also still, and
though only the spines of the back were
visible, it was evident that he too was
dead. The monkey now perched himself
on the lower limbs of the tree, close to
the dead bodies, and amused himself for
ten minutes in making all sorts of faces at
them. This seemed to be adding insult
to injury. One of my companions was
standing at short distance. and taking
stone from the edge Of the lake, hurled
it at the ape. He was totally unprepared,
and as it struck him on the head, he was
instantly toppled over, and fell upon the
crocodile. A few bounds, however,
brought him ashore, and taking to the
tree, he speedily disappeared among the
thick branches. tua
Cooper's Clarksburg register. [volume] (Clarksburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1851-1861, 1856-10-24
saddle Courtsbip.

Mollie was saucy, witty and mischie-
vous girl at all times, but doubly SO on
horseback. High-spirited; handsome and
graceful, she rode as though she had a
West Point training. David Downy, who
was a soft-voiced little. fellow, was CON
stantly by her side. Though not afraid
to follow 'Mollie over the fences, yet
somehow he always blushed when he
raised his gentle eyesto hers. Pointing
over the tield, he timidly said, as though
he possibly had some meaning in it:
'H"'"There's the Parsons, Mollie." a--. q
10 The wicked little mimic only pointed
her riding whip to a garden-patch, and
said go, -, ! ....r. .,...,. .'..r,..., .-..r
g There's parsnips, Davy." 10,
Drops of perspiration stood on his fore
head like the early dew still on the grass,
but persevering, he said /: - ,.f Hs .ataw
!" don't doubt my, ability to provide
for wife, and tho you are so young, 1
know you could manage a household"
"Certainly, and my husband beside !;
l'dlhave his beard grow the most approv-
ed style by my correct and tasteful eye,
it had TO scissors it into shape; ;. he
should wear the coat thought becoming
if | had to put paddock through the butt
ton holes and fasten him in. II, in the.
summer, when wanted to travel, he per-
versely insisted itywas too hot, and plea.
SAINT enough at home, I would not SQUAD
BILE with him, but unknown to him, ii
kindle a fire in the cellar furnace, opn
the 1ues. and heat the house until his
stubbornness would be forced to take Inns
self off to cooler quarters. Oh, mos pos
itively sure and certain, I could n,nage
him. telbyou, and the biggest kid OF
household" -, ..... ....'-- ......
Said excited Dayy:
Z" You may even lather and shave off
my beard, when l get one ~ not inter
fere with your spending your summer at
the north pole, if you wish III submit
to any number of padlocks r any kind Of
lock, if you'll only consentto wedlock."
Mollie only said "NoF, Davie, when
we are married, don't foget all this pro.
missing"
Enough for happy NJ, Downy, Over
the parsonage fence tley jumped in fox>
hunting style, and in ler riding dress. the
mad.cap Moll was nIrried.
Cooper's Clarksburg register. [volume] (Clarksburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1851-1861, 1856-10-24
A "KiIling,, widow.

Mrs was pretty widow Of twen'
ty-eight, left rich by her husband. re-
spectacle and wealthy farmer Of s., in the
county of Oakland. who iudiciously died
about the age OF fifty. b, sighing
swain Of twenty, fell in love with this
charming widow during school vaca-
ton, and was thereby distracted from
study and nearly frantic. His father,
who " designed him for the ministry .
had peculiar horror Of the sweet widow
whom he regarded as little better than
one of the wicked. Her black eyes, her
heaying bosom, and her elastic tread, were
to him only the symbols of Old Nick.
He was in despair, and in his despair
he visited the widow. and besought Of
her, if she had particle of mercy, not to
ruin his son. In vain the widow protes-
ted that she had used no arts-had only
seen the youth few times. and was en-.
tirely indifferent TO him; the father still
insisted. and the pretty widow promised
that if the boy came again TO see her, it
should be his last visit.
Not many days passed, when then en-.
amored youth made his arrangement for
visit. of which the widow had notice.
Tue few previous interviews had taken
place under circumstances peculiarly ia.
YorabIe to romance and sentiment. upon
moonlit wales. or in parIor tsts tete.-
This time the limid youth was told that
Mrs. B - was at the barn. Vhither he
went, and found his belle ideal with skirts
knee high. dressed In mans bots, and
covered with mans hat, pipe IN he,
mouth. mug Of cider in her hand. su
perintending her men-kiilingAogS. HI
never came again-it was too Killing.
Cooper's Clarksburg register. [volume] (Clarksburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1851-1861, 1856-10-24
For.aeEgisater.
LINES,

1
'i ny Y>vlNoAs.:
I've been thinking all theeveni<' SAM OF -Oy-
afgr gone days of yore,, II r'-.'
And all our happy school dss' my intno mas
wandered DER; -...-.
Each pleasant scene, each .loo1mate lace, each
? s.. friendship there we 'rmed
I've sat and unused this ening' SAM I'LL hear'
and soIl arc warrSdr:g ~ ....-... s.I
o, don't you stilIrep nbor' Sam how we toll
,.-.- ed from day.tt lay, ~. H.. -...,.-:-. rg
And strove to bend llr stubborn minds to books
-'@-' and not top1y; ~
For problems haT we had to solve, big lessons
M too, to lear',J Jas,y.r r.
Hard Question: Lhen to answer-effeets from
cause di>ern.
o, but VIC latsed hard, Sam, nt blackboard, slate
At flowers and shells and lovers, too, so trying
5..' to then; -9F -'.---
And WIN we stored few small truths into our
tIder brain, ~ .r,..5. r-.r .,r.E... .....I
We tlsught twas strange, such small heads like
ours, such knowledge could contain.
Tl,te was the sulphur spring, Sam, hard by tho
. sugar BFoNe1 -.sr- -....- .-I o. .. ...
where oft to cool our Parehed lips, in happy
81 groups we'd rovo '. .'@ ..' ~'"
And often, too, we "stay too long,'' tho teaoher
u-s grim would say, g.l 2. -, .4-.. ..
For well he knew that oft we'd chat and loitor
on the way.
There was tho College bell, Sam, that rang so
81 cler and SO long, .....
} its tones ofmusic haunt mo now, like well
remembered song:
And there upon tho stage, Sam, W thin that great
old hall, ... .r.,.
Iethinks SEQ thee standing now, docIaiming to
MS all.
There was tho College garden, Sam; thore grow
the Sharon rose;
There Myrtle twined about our fcet-tho Multa
flora blows.
And often at tho College We'll, fcigned thirst
would make us meet,
nd each with beaming eyes, and glowing smiles
and kindness wo would rect.
But now, whorc are they all, Sam; where nre our
schoolmatcs gay
And where is Rector College, and teachers
where arc they? ... '
Ah SOME are lying low, Sam, some scattered far
and wide, ... ..,.
tnd Rector stands aruincd hcap-though once
ourjoy and pride.
TuoKER Co., Oct. 9Th 1856.
Cooper's Clarksburg register. [volume] (Clarksburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1851-1861, 1856-10-24

ABsEScE OF MISD Is A GLERaYWAN.-
The Meridian TO- Transcript says: "The
paragraph which we published,a a week or
two ago, giving an account Of aremarka-
bic case Of Observation-Disclosures which oc-
CURED in this toWn-a minister having
gone into neighboring vestry and con
ducted the services, supposing that he
was in his own-haying taxed the credu-
lity of several of our contemporaries. We
take occasion here to youeh for It's entire
correctness. Not only was the reverend
gentleman so absorbed that he walked ip.
TO the wrong yestry and into the desk Of Z
brother of different doctrinal faith, bu
he actually opened the meeting, aud hat
proceed some ways with the service before
he discovered his error. Meantime
brother No. 2 coming in found his desl
occupied, and in puzzled mood quietly
took his seat with the congregation, de
termined to await further Developments
Phaucy the pheelinks' of brother No.
when brother No. arose and said Cha
he had come in with The expectation o
presiding over the meeting as usual, bu
was happy to see his desk so well occu
pied, and that be arose simply 10 endors
the remarks which his brother had made
The congregation of brother No. ]. afte
waiting sufficient length Of time, coneiu
/ ded that from some cause they were i
i the predicament Of The sheep without
shepherd. !. and so appointed the deaeo
Ito preside, aud had an interesting meet
on their own hook.
Cooper's Clarksburg register. [volume] (Clarksburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1851-1861, 1856-10-24
Istarted ppE I felt q heavy hand upon
my shoulder again my name was call

ed.
"what is the matter 2 Come, rouse
up, For mercyis sake what ails YOU"
1t was iEyered who spoke. was stfll
sitting upon the'stool behind the counter
but my head had fallen forward upon a
pile Of goods, that lay heaped up before
me-. l instinctively cast my eyes upon
the money-drawer, and slowly the truth
was upon my brow, a pain in my limbs,
and trembled like an aspen. s'a
What ails you. Charles % Mr.. Ever.
ed kindly asked.
"Mylsoul-such q dream 80 invol-
UNFAIRLY gasped. 80
Well, if it's nothing worse than that !
am glad. But come, I want to have fen
words with you before you CO."
was fully aroused now. looked at
the money>drawer though. many times
ere | could realize that was safe. The
tempter had come, but an angel had met
and beaten him away. The doors and
shutters were closed, aud then my en-
ployer sat down by my side.
Well, Charles" he commenced. "Ju-
liza has heen telling me this afternoon. that
you wholly supported your mother"
Yes, SIR" l tremblingly answered.
"My sister, thus far, has only been able
to support herself. and the rest come on
me-"
"But how do you get along? Surely
your salary here is not sufficient"
"It has been sufficient, sir, to find US
in food and fuel. For clothing-I have
Run in debt, eh ?'' .t..
g Yes, sir but will never do it again,
I will go ragged, if need be. but will moi
run in debt"
Fright. right. my boy But wo will
fix that ali rightnow. Ihave been think,
ing FOR some time of increasing your pay.
and l will do so now-not only SO, but
must put it back to where first thought
Of it, and that was three months ago
Let's see 81
"Three dollarsa week for thirteen weeks
would be thirty>nine dollars, said he.-
q Will that square you up 2"
90, yes, sir, and more too ?"
He said something more about making
me his head clerk. at some time, but !
did not fully understand him. received
the money and paid the tailor. and when
L reached my home. 1 had become calm
and happy told my mother and Lucy
of my good fortune. and they wept for joy.
Yet l could not help shuddering fear-
fully, whenever thought of that terrible
vision which came upon mo while the
tempter was with me. But let me say
again-'twas an angels visit.
Years have passed away since that time.
Mr.. Evered is an old man : my children
are his grandchildren, and the store that
was once his, is now half mine. He has
retired and the other half of the extensive
business belongs to Lucy's husband. My
mother still lives, and thank God, can
bless her son that he has never yet called
one drop of sorrow to her life-cup.
Cooper's Clarksburg register. [volume] (Clarksburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1851-1861, 1856-10-24
The Great Earthquake in the Missis.
Sippi Valley.

Many persons had been dete rred from
going to Illinois by the erroneous impress
sion that the country was subject to VOL
cauic action. This had originated from
the great earthquake Of 1911, by which
the Valley of the Mississippi had been
greatly shaken, the shocks having con-
Linued for nearly three months. The
country just below the mouth of the
Ohio river, would seem to have been near
the centre of the agitation. For miles
the land had been scanned withnyawning
chasms aud deep holes, the remains OF
which are still visible. The bluff on which
New Madrid had been built had sunk to
the level Of the river, and had become
soon afterward totally submerged. The
commotion in the Mississippi had been
very great the banks had caved in, is
lands had dissolved and the channel had
become changed. AT every shock the
surface Of the river had risen and fallen
like the waves of the sea.
An eye witness, who was coming down
on fiat boat, says:
After escaping many dangers, the
boat suddenly swung round in the con-
tlioting currents aud rapidly shot up the
river. Looking ahead, L beheld the
mighty Mississippi eH in tOain, and pour
ing down vast opening into the bowels
Of the earth. A moment more and the
chasms filed; but the strong sides of the
Aat-boat were crumbIed TO pieces in the
convulsiye efforts of the food to obtain it,
wonted level
The Indians had been utterly bewilder
ed by the earthquake. and could account
for the physical tumult only upon the sup
position that things generally had beer
getting drunk. It is said of one of them
who had given himself up for lost that
upon being questioned as to what The
matter was, he had replied, while at thc
same slime pointing fearfully to the heav
ems, g Great Spirit. whiskey too much =
Ferris Site and Territories of tie Rest.
Cooper's Clarksburg register. [volume] (Clarksburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1851-1861, 1856-10-24
Conn 1sels@r the Young.

4
Never be cast 4own by trides. If
twenty times 5sill he mend it again.
Make up your mind to do a thing, and
you will do it Fear not if trouble comes
upon you.1 keep up your spirits, though
the day bea dark one. n l.-.-.. .
81 Troubles never stop forever, ..
r1 The tarkest day will woar uway. a
II Lbe sun is going down, look at the
stars; f the earth is dark, keep your eyes
on heaven! With Gods presence aud
Gods promises, q man or child may be
cheerful.
70 Never despair when fog's in the al:
n sunshiny morning will come without
II warning.
Mind what you run after. Never be
content with bubble that will burst, or
a frework that will end in smoke and
darkness. Get what you can keep and
that which is worth keeping.
Something sterling that will st,y
When gold and silver fly away.
lfyou have an enemy, act kindly to
him, and make him your friend. You
may not win him over at once, but try
again. Let one kindness be followed bY
another, till you have compassed your
end. By little and little great things are
completed.
Water fulling day by day,
Wears the hurdest rock awny.
And so repeated kindness will soften
heart of stone.
Whatever you do, do it willingly. A
boy that is whipped to school never learns
his lesson. A man that is compelled 10
work, cares not how badly it is perform
ed. He that pulls off his coat cheerfully,
strips up his shirt sleeves in earnest, and
sings while he works. is the right sort of
man for me.
a cheerful spirit gets on quick;
A grumbler in the mud will stick, .-
Evil thoughts are worse enemies than
lions and tigers, for we can keep out Of
he way of wild beasts, but bad thoughts
via their way everywhere. The cup
that's full will hold no more keep your
heads and hearts full of good thoughts
that bad thoughts may find no room to
enter. '@-@.' ..'-
Be on your gsurd, and strive and pray ",
90 10 drive all evh thoughts away. ... ,..
Cooper's Clarksburg register. [volume] (Clarksburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1851-1861, 1856-10-24
a cheerful spirit gets on quick;
A grumbler in the mud will stick,

+ A DEAD SHor.-A geod story is told
HEU., Of Racine, an interchangeable and
successful sportsman, s'dead shot" at an
ythlng 10 the game kind, but particular
y-nne tned'' on wild geese, whose
neaos wereSase'to suffer ,''iest ba.k, of
the eye' IT Within range of his rifle. :
Not many seasons, since, our hero with
an equally fun loving frisnd, after @ spend. end
ing day with their dogs and Gums wers
vending their way ho@eTar5 Uui' whom were ;e
the evening twilight, the WSSrish 10 oonn ~
panion discovered the neck &c. II III,
goose Peeriug through neieSSorinaa :
fence. .-a -
Stop your d-n noise" said o., ..ana
wait bit. I'll have him jest back Of n,
eye-you can bet your life on that
Stepping back pace, and bringing tn
old rusty to his face. U. blazed away.
"Hallo, there r. followed back the re
port; /" what are you shooting here for
Don't you know the difference betwee
the handle Of a corn plo,O. and a goose
, neck 2"
Twas enoughl U. had shot the ha,
die of corn plow. "jest back of Il
tey9
Cooper's Clarksburg register. [volume] (Clarksburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1851-1861, 1856-10-24

Jones found a latin word in his
newspaper Of which he did not know the
mes1fnr so he appealed to Brown, who
Is a scholar, and-more's the shame.a "a
nunster, 80 What is tie Iaeubi g said
Jones. Maynard & Noyes.' replied
Brown isn't that the ink you buy q
Jones felt that Brown had somehow eva
ded the question. but he didn't see the
point, aud never will. Brown ehuckled
over the atfocity at Thompson
-andis still at large.
Cooper's Clarksburg register. [volume] (Clarksburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1851-1861, 1856-10-24

Those '' PEskY HooPs.''-A late Lon
don paper says" Young gentlemen gi-
ven to promenading with ladies. nov wear
tight strip of steel. stitched on the out
er seam of their pantaloons from the knee
down. This prevents entirely the exco-
ration of the skin from the friction of the
ladies' hoops. Without such protection
walk of mile or two, arm in arm, is
sufficient to establish a raw on the mas
culine leg. a. -
Cooper's Clarksburg register. [volume] (Clarksburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1851-1861, 1856-10-24

= 81 ssgH u y
SINGULAR MARRrAoE.-A, young n1a1.
residing 10 BordentoWn. who was. under
an engagement Of marriage with young
lady. died on Friday last, Both the gem
temen and lady. as weIl as their families,
were firm believers in the doctrine Of lid
spiritualists. and Notwithstanding the
death of the former. il was deteTmiued1
the marriage should take place between
the spirit Of The disembodisd young man.
and the living breathing body Of his afR.
anced bride.
Accordingly. on Sunday. the mar Iiage
ceremony was performed between the
clay cold corpse and The warm. blooming
bride. Ills understood that this was. n
compliance with tho direcfIons Of the
spirit Of the bridegroom. The devotion
Of the lady to the spirit or memory OF her
lover, carried her through this trying
ceremony without falteriGg; but II musf
lead 70 unhappiness; for she, no doubt.
considers herself as the wife Of one whom
she shall meet in the body never more.
Her heart lies buried in the grave with
one who should have been her guide. and
protector. Among all the singular things
recorded Of the spifilnalistS, we have
met with nothing parallel 70 this. '.''fE
....+ tl2hR. Journal.
Cooper's Clarksburg register. [volume] (Clarksburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1851-1861, 1856-10-24


HERo1sM OF YoUNa LADY. The Bos.
ton Courier, speaking Of tho Burning Of
the steamer John Jay, on Lake George.
says:
S' The nobility Of Miss Kate Cores con-
duct during the eexcitement and the stfug,
gle for life on board tho John Jay. rises
to the dignity and supremacy of poetry.
She was travelling under The projection Of
her friend and neighbor. Me-. PritchardT
and when danger was immineut. she
turned to him, 'Sir. tako care. of Mrs.
Pritchard: oan swim, Thus saying,
she ripped forward. with a mind conpos-
ed and determination fixed, aud passed
over the side of ;he burning vessel. Phe
distance from the shore was then over a
mile !; but she, relying upon her own
strength and courage and being unwilling.
to embnrrass others who might av6 dear
er charges, undertook to tayes herself..
She swan milo, and became exhausted.
A good boatman observing that she failed.
pushed to her relief, and reached her in
time. He took her into his skit, and
laned her safely. She, m htFansPoft Of
JOY, and true 10 that nature which Is ai>
ways grand, rewarded him with a gift.
more precious 10 his manly hear. than
gold" asa ,an-
Cooper's Clarksburg register. [volume] (Clarksburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1851-1861, 1856-10-24

'FAsn1osABIE CoaroRr1oas.-A fascina-
ting sight il is to see young lady walk
ingsas though-a flea was biting her on
each hip. She is almost match for the
l;Iandy who steps like an open-winged tur-
Il. ;.iss-S.,,:.Iinrsso eyer a bed of hot ashes.
Cooper's Clarksburg register. [volume] (Clarksburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1851-1861, 1856-10-24

PaoeREss1yE.-. Glass in middle aged,
geography. stand up. What is a pyra-
mid q
A pile of men IN . circus. on the top Of
Hothef.,,
Where is Egypt p
Where It alters was
Cooper's Clarksburg register. [volume] (Clarksburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1851-1861, 1856-10-24
Wm0LE 80. 256
How 70 az MIsE.Rs E.Rs AMI: Open the win-'

4 ~ 11,fHa
How 70 BE MrsEEA ABIE Open the win-
dow. and look over the way 20 your
tneishbof' excellent mansion, which he
has recently built and paid for. and sigh
out, ia o. that was rich man Get
angry with your neighbof aud think that
yon have not asfriend in this worlds shed
atear or two, and take a walk IN the bus
rial ground, continually saying to your
sell, a'When shall i be buried here q,
Sign a note for your friend and never for.
get your Kindness; and every hour in the
day, whisper TO yourself, / wonder ii he
will pay that note = Closely examine
every bin you take and deubt' its being
genuine nntilyou have put the owner 70
4 great deal OF trouble Believe every
shilling passed 70 you is but sixpehee
crossed, and express your doubts about
getting rid of it. If you should take it:
Put confidence in nobody. and believe evS
cry man you trade with to be a rogue
Never accommodate, il you can possibly
helpit. Never visit the sick or afflicted
and never give a farthing 90 the poor.
Buy as cheap as you can, and screw down
to tho lowest mill. Grind the faces and
the hearts of the unfortunate. Brood over
your misfortunes' your lack of talents, and
believe at no distant day you viii come
to want. Let the work house be ever IN
your mind, with all the horrors Of distress
and poverty. Then you will BIO miserable
to your hearts content, if-we may so
speak, sick at heart and af,yarianoe with
all the world Nothing will cheer or enS
courage you nothing will throw a gleam
OF sunshine ora ray Of warmth into your
hGhrt All will be as dark AMI eheetless Z
as thesgravc. t.7ai =. = , ,'... Z
Cooper's Clarksburg register. [volume] (Clarksburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1851-1861, 1856-10-24

A FAST HoRsB.-Tbe Nil wankee Wis.,
cOnsiu tells Of a horse that recently died
in Oregon, I'll. BE was very uglr, and.
would not be harDessed except with sd
die, and could make ke4extraordinaYy ,ifne
He conld pass over 12 miles n / ; hour.
His nsuaI line from Oregon 10 Roc sford.
25 miles. was two hours. The 6ocsor
who owned him. and WHO alone could
ride him. has been heard to say hat du-
ring six years past he has ridden him up
warls 81 twenty thousand miles. and shas
during all tits lime he was ncxer-k..<- =
to rip or stumble 90 as to =, - ~;