davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1888-12-21
ICHABOD UNTHANk.
ICoYrINUEp FROM FIRST PAsE.I

tCoYTINUED FROM FIRST PAGE.] sp
Hours follow-hours never to be forgot
ten in this life; nor am not afraid to say,
in the life to come.
As the grateful warmth of the waters IN
the shining zinc-lined tub-an perfumed
with the dainty yet spicyinsistence of bar
of pretty pink soap-enters the pores of tho
grimy little body, infusing therein strange,
sweet sense of fresh, new life, so the liv-
ing waters of love lave the hitherto bruised,
uncherishcd soul of Christopher Unthanki
There is donning, soon after this bap-
tisn, of hastily purchased garments, fol-
lowed by a feast Of plenty at a neighboring
restaurant. Then comes n regular shop
ping expedition when mittens are bought, a
warm, thick overcoat, some fancy bordered
haldkerchiefs, a little pocket-book, big
pocket-knife, some toys, some books and a
dangerous stock of goodiesl
Frown he ever SO hard the whole Of this
blessed Christmas Day, happy tears, in spite
Of all he can do, well up into Cop Unthank's
homely eyes whenever little childish hand
creeps into his, oh, so lovingly-sO trust
fullyl
And at last the early twilight comes. For
the hundredth time the new Christopher's
eyes go rowing, in a state of sweet intoxica-
adopter's home. From the silver-gilt alarm
clock in the center of the high, painted man
tel to the tall blue vases, each filled with
paper 'hghters;" from the old-fashioned
canopied bed to the colored print of q f1orid
Southern beauty, who, holding big mag
nolia blossom within five tapering, graceful
fingers, seems to enter into the gladness of
the happy hours AID smiles, and smiles, and
smiles: from the royal lion woven in the
big, soft rug before the fireplace to the,
rosy, glowing shade upon the lamp.
All these admiring surveys are keenly
noted by the owner of the place, and after
watching and comprehending the boys de-
lighted gaze-each article growing in worth
as the bright eyes dwell upon them-he
calls him to his side. Full of q gladness
too great to find expression in words he
lifts his new son upon his knee, folds his
arms about him and looks and looks across
tho now fair HAIR into the sparkling fire
light, until the very flames burn dimly and
the sense of sight is drowned in happy tears
Atlast he speaks.
"And so it all pleases you, Christopher
And you'll never want to go away and leave.
me? Yes, my child, this room is full of love
ly objects to you, no doubt; but, lovely as.
they are, you must tell me which you like
best and it shall be yours. Don't be back
ward, Chr.stopher-speak up boldly, my
son. OF all the pretty things in this new
home OF yours which to you seems the
most beautifull''
The boy looks up into the ugly face now
so near his own, and, with eyes brimful of
love, says, simply:
"You. "-Dctron Free Press
The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1888-12-21
.You'rs looking tip-top, Miss Rogers"

"You're looking tip-top, Miss Rogers"
Bub put in.
"They include some Bonheurs and Meis-
soniers, Benjamin" said MIR. Prouty .dazedly.
If you will come into the back parlor-"
Bub rose to his limited height with .
violent jerk. Mr.. Prouty wiped the per-
SEPARATION from his forehead.
"There is portrait and biography, Sell
kirk" he gasped, with Bulbs fierce eyes
upon him. "Shall we 60 up to the
ibraryl"
"What do you mean by not going, STRIP
Bub demanded, cycling his tall cousin Zero
ciously.
"To whom are you speaking, sirl" Sell
kirk rejoined, rising with stern dignity.
Miss Rogers, may request you to &C.
company me to the further end of the rooma
desire to speak to you privately; without
interference"
"Will you go into the hall with me, Miss
Rogers" Bub demanded, glowing with
wrath.
Polly. standing with futtering breath and
clasped hands, was timidly, shrinkingly
silent.
Bub glared at Selkirk
"You're q cad, ~ he remarked, with
savage force.
"You're a puppy" Selkirk responded,
with equal ire
MIR. Prouty mopped the anguished beads
from his brow, and gazed at Polly. Polly's
eyes were lifted to his. Her lips were
parted TREMENDOUSLY; her color came and
went swiftly; her soft eyes looked into his
own with timorous fright and sweet appeal
and yearning trustfulness-and-
Mr.. Prouty stared at her in breathless
wonder, in wide-eyed bewilderment, in
dazed incredulity, and delirious joy. A
great light burst over him. He felt his face
paling and his limbs trembling and his
! strength forsaking him; but he opened his
The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1888-12-21

removed its wrappings, and placed Il In IN
advantageous light against the hat-rack.
"How'a thatf" He rubbed his dangling
glass with his scented handkerchief, and
seized Mr.. Prouty's lapel. "See here, /
want to see her when she comes; want to
have a confab about little matter. Keep
the gang OF and give me a chance, will you
-ehi''
Mr. Prouty hesitated, bewilderedly. Buds
impulsiveness, his off-hand spontaneity,
struck him with fresh force, and favorably.
Perhaps Polly's clinging sweetness-Mr.
Prouty was certain that Polly's nature was
one Of clinging sweetness-would crave
more warmth, more demonstrative ardor
than Selkirk would be likely to lavish upon
her; perhaps-yes, surely-Bub would
make her happier.
"Eha' Bub repeated, sharply.
"Why, yes; to be sure, my bot," said Mr..
Prouty, with dazed cordiality; and Bub
sauntered into the parlor, yawning.
The bell jingled again, this time with a
gentle timidity. Mr.. Prouty felt thrill,
half of poignant pleasure and half Of painful
apprehension, tlngle through him. he went
forward at an unsteady pace.
Nes-it was Polly. She met Mr.. Prouty
with pleasant smile, and pretty flush,
and laid her gloved hand in his, with her
blue eyes swiftly raised to him; and COW
cred his agirated silence by chatting bright
ly of the day and the weather, as she laid
aside her jacket, and rolled up her gloves
and put them in her muff, and pinned her
vail to her hair, and pressed her dextrous
hands to the shining blonde aureole above
her charming face, and went with her host
| nto the warm, fire-lighted, fower-scented
parlor.
She started back in shy alarm at the sight
| Of the two masculine figures within. Selkirk
rose hastily from the chair in which he was
! half doing. Bub bounded from the sofa
The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1888-12-21

tary; he was fully conscious Of It What,
then, could he 20 much desire for her ~ an
eventual comfortable settlement He was
aware that, were his showering hand with
drawn, q settlement with Bub Todd or Sell
kirk Prouty would not be comfortable; but
he had no intention of Withdrawing It Ap-
parently, as the situation promised, he
should be able, by proxy, to provide for Polly
all the rest of her life; and the thought was
a pleasing one. But whether he should pro-
vide for Mrs Bub Todd or Mrs. Sellkirk
Prouty was mystery which, though Mr..
Prouty had made some few delicate and
hesitant attempts to tighten it, was as yet
unsolved.
His bronze clock struck twelve; Bub and
Selkirk detached themselves, slowly, from
the secretary's desk.
''How shall you spend Christmasl" Mr..
Prouty inquired, accompanying his nephews
to the door, with his usual cheerful cordiali-
ty, and, quietly inserted an Endorsed check
into the hand of each-an attention which
Sellxirk received with bow IN which there
was an element of condescension, and Bub
with nonchalant wave Of the hand.
81 shall join friends at Old Point Com
fort" Selkirk rejoined, adjusting his red
silk handkerchief.
"Geoff Smith going to have some Of US
fellows up the river somewhere" said Bub,
putting his hat on q corner Of his head.
"Where will you bei" he added, incidental
", with his head in the hall
~ shall dine at home,'' Mr.. Prouty re-
piled. 81 have invited your Aunt and Uncle
Tfbbals to dinner, ami Miss Rogers. Her
boarding house dinner would not be cheer
full one, you know"
"No" cried Bub, shortly.
"Indeedw said Seikirk, with ironical en-
phasis, closing the door with a snap Mr..
Prouty, abashed and bewildered, turned
back. Polly was standing in the doorway
The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1888-12-21

Right beside it Helen's small stocking was
hung on Christmas Eve, and, for fear it
might not hold all Santa would bring, il
was put over q chair.
When the long night was at last ended,
Helen's delight was unbounded, and as
she found the presents, she would go to
the register and say: "Tank, tank, Santa
Clausl"
A few days afterwards plumber was
called in to repair the pipe leading to this
same register, and just as he was drawing
himself out of the opening Helen came into
the room.
The man was large and good natured,
with o long gray beard. He smiled at sight
Of the little two-year-old, who looked at
him doubtingly for q moment, with her
hands clasped behind her. His smile re-
assured her, and, going up to him, she said:
as you dot any doll-babies in your potet"
With kind reply the man took his de-
parture, and to this day little Helen is sure
that she has seen and talked with old Santa
Claus himself.-fOu.hs Compa1ts0n.
The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1888-12-21

"I do not doub. it, Mr.. Prouty," said
Polly, sweetly.
"They would make good husbands-they
would make good husband, Miss Rogers"
said Mr.. Prouty, speaking hoarsely in tho
difficult embarrassment of his effort.
81 am sure you are right" said Polly.
She raised her blue eyes in faint alarm, and
spoke soothingly.
Her jaunty checked jacket and her high
feathered hat hung on hook near. She
put the latter on, and smiled up timid y at
Mr.. Prouty from under a scrap Of vail
| which stopped at the tip of her straight lit
tie nose. Mr.. Prouty helped her int) her
jacket, and restored her fallen haIidker-
| chief, and stood looking at her with the ad-
hiring thrills and the gentle comfort which
the sight of her always gave him, while she
pulled on her yellow gloves and buttoned
them with an extracted hair-pin. and tucked
her hands into her monkey-skin NUT, and
tripped away.
At twelve o'clock on Christmas Day Mr..
Prouty, his fine form clothed in holiday at
tire and his handsome face flushed with
eager anticipatlons, awaited his three ex-
pected guests in his study.
Below, the parlors were thrown open, a
| long vista of comfortable elegance, with
flowers in fancy baskets and leaping CRATE
fires; and the darKened dining-room shone
with the bright array of silver and the
| sprinkling Of tinted fairy-lights and the scin-
| tillations of the laden sideboard; and the
odor Of the little pig patiently roasting in the
range mingled with the aroma of the plum
pudding steaming above it, and gently
| floated in.
The bell rang, and Mr.. Prouty, pacing his
study floor with an lrregularity of pleasure
BILE emotion, hurried downward:
Selkirk Prouty was resuming his outer
| garments before the hall mirror. He wore
The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1888-12-21

and Mr.. Prouty, with q sudden startled re
membrance, turned hastily to Bub.
Ill have seine engravings think YOU
have not seen, Benjamin." he said. "They
are in the back parlor.'
Buo had slapped down chair at Polly's
vacant side.
Jolly day, Miss Rogersi' he observed.
"They are from recent French paintings,
Benjamin." said Mr.. Prouty, anxiously.
''You will be interested in examining
them"
"rm awfully glad you're on hand, Miss
Rogers" said Bub, turning upon Mr..
Prouty with an amazed and threatening
glare.
at is day Of bright associations and
blessed hopes" Selkirk proceeded.
Il have not shown you my new edition Of
Carlyle Selkirk," Mr.. Prouty faltered,
struck by q wave of confused recollection.
IF you will come upstairs for moment to
the library"
at is a season Of peace and love-" said
Selkirk, with a stern gaze Of wrathful con-
sternation at Mr.. Prouty.
The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1888-12-21

with his manuscript in her hand. her slender
form and peachy face and soft, light hair
charmingly outlined against the half drawn
portiers. Mr.. Prouty forgot his perpiexity in
the sight
II am 80 sorry 1 have not been able to
finish il" she was saying 81 Will take it
home with me, if may" Poily's hours
ended at twelve; in the afternoon she cop
led in downtown Office.
"Ne, no; will not allow it, Miss Rogers -
her employer responded, quite warmly. at
is through no fault Of your own; you were
interrupted - he added, with pleasant jocu-
larity.
Polly smiled in return.
"They are agreeable fellows-my neph-
ews," Mr.. Prouty pursued; /" rather attract
i've"
NThar seern nleasant . Pollr resnonded
The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1888-12-21

a turn-dow collar Of some width, coverel
| in the rear by his falling locks, and joined
in front by blue silk scarf; and he CARR et
a package. He greeted Mr.. Prouty, stand
ing in speeches. establishment, with a era
cious smile.
Il altered my arrangements" he eI
planned, with benignity, sand resolved Il
Join rou at your Christmas dinner. All
rather cosy" he admitted. rubbing his
hands before the CRATE, with an unbendine
Of compliment benevolence. "Miss Rogers
has not arrived have q slight token To
present to her" BE unwrapped a volume
of his poems and placed it at q conspicuous
point on the mantel
Mr.. Prouty opened his lips forcibly, with
a gasp, and. strove to speak He assured
himself, strenuously, that nothing more
gratifying could possibly have occurred. II
would be an excellent opportunity for the
furtherance of his hopes regarding Polly
possibly the occasion would bring about q
happy elimination. He reproached him.
self for having omitted Selkirk from his
primal arrangement
II wish to see Miss Rogers privately, by
the way" Selkirk continued. 81 have o
matter to discuss with her which has been
for some time on my mind, and it occurred
to me to embrace this opportunity"
notwithstanding" Mr.. Prouty muir
INJURED. He looked at his nephew hopeful
". His well-poised dignity. his self-centered
manlness, had never appeared to greater
advantage, surely. II there Were q choice
between his nephews as regarded their fit
ness for Polly, Mr.. Prouty believed that
Selkirk was that choice.
"f some little management proves neces-
sary for my seeing Miss Rogers privately"
Selkirk added, spreading his blue scarf, ~
may depend on your assistanoew
"Assuredly, assuredly," Mr.. Prouty re-
sponded, with hurried warmth.
"Ah, thanksr' Selkirk sank into chair,
in languor Of self-recoliection.
The bell pealed; Mr.. P-outy fastened into
the hall with beating heart-and stopped
in amazement
It was Bub Todd, and q messenger-boy
carrying large and very carefully en-
veloped burden.
didn't look for me, eh!" said Bub, re-
his pale gloves. "Well, changed
my plans and concluded I'D drop in. Just
put on another plate, Molly" he remarked
to the retreating girl
1.-TWO, Mary" Mr.. Prouty faltered.
Bub glanced into the parlor; frowned at
the disclosure of his cousin, and lowered his
voice.
"She amt here yeti Brought her little
present; little thing I've been doing" He
The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1888-12-21

"They are unlike, to be sure" said Mr..
Prouty, musing.y. "Selkirk has dignity
and repose Of manner. Benjamin, with
equal stability of character, am sure, is
more impulsive-more effervescent Which
style do you consider the most engaging,
Miss Rogers!"
II have not thought Of it." said Polly,
meeting his eyes serenely, and with some
gentle surprise.
"They are estimable young men, both,
Miss Rogers" sand Mr.. Prouty, desperate
ly. II believe them to be of deep intrinsic
worth, with possibilities of warm affections
and protecting strength. should should
there be occasion fog Il"
The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1888-12-21

II is said, but one can hardly believe it,
that the most acceptable Of all holiday pres
ents to a lady from her husband or brother,
or any friend who has right to give it, is
long, narrow strip of tinted paper on which
is written :"Pay to the order $4,000"
The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1888-12-21

You may laugh at the size Of the feet Of
the Chicago girl, but it must be renem-
bered that when Santa Claus is filing
stockings, those that will hold grand pianos
and house lots can not 60 amiss.
The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1888-12-21

upon which he IVES unconventionally reclin-
ing. They hurried forward simultaneously,
and Polly bowed to them each, with a
sweetly impartial smile. Bub looked ut
Selkirk frowningly; Sellsirk returned the
look with naughty GOODNESS.
at is delightfully."- beautiful day, Miss
Rogers" he remarked, drawing chair
near to her.
1T is very pleasant" said Polly.
1.-THE glad Christmas tide-who does not
welcome itr' Selkirk demanded. He looked
suggestiyely and severely at Mr.. ProutY,
The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1888-12-21

arms wide And his little secretary, burst
ing into a soft shower of tears, tripped into
them, and threw her own snugly about his
neck. and buried her tcrderly fearful, smil-
ing fIce upon his breast.
There was a pause of some duration. The
rattle of a confcctioncr's wagon outside,
and the thud Of an ice-cream pail on the
pavement, resounded with a startling dis
tinctness. The roast-pig- and plam-pudding
odor wandered up, and mingled with the
fragrance of the flowers. The brass dog
on the mantel looked down in impassive
calm. Bub Todd emitted a long, low
pitched whistle; strolled up and down the
room for space, with his hands in his
pockets; sauntered into the hall and placed
his painting with its face towards the
Dashboard and sauntered back. Selkirk
Prouty cleared his throat; mechanically re-
arranged displaced lock; went to the
mantel and deposited his volume Of poems
behind largo vase; and sat down, reflect
lively. The bell rang loud and cheerful
peal, and the maid came up to admit the
two remaining guests, and to announce the
readiness Of the Christmas dinner
Cufy3co n IN cav that civ ,vaalyo Jofor NJ
The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1888-12-21
A DEAR LITTLE ScHEMER.

THERE " as o
little daughter
once, " b o 9 .
feet were-oh,
% smanl
That when me
Christmas Eve
came round,
they wouldn't
do at all,
At least Q b .
3 ala n o y
wouldn't do,
and SO 9 b Q
trie d anoth-
er's,
And folding her
W ee stocking
up, she slyly
took her moth
er's.
+" I'll pin this
big one here"
she said-then
The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1888-12-21
A CHRISTMAS DINNER.
Two Unexpected Guests with
But a Single Thought.

7 wanted three days
till Christmas. Mr..
Prouty, loo kin G
through his window
into the street be-
2Sth street
caught a vibration
of the coming festi-
val in. the flux of
shoppers from the
houses opposite, the
profusien of mes
senger-boys and eX-
pressmen, and the
rafting rush of dry
goods delivery
wagons. At the
present moment Mr..
The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1888-12-21

ING out, o bells,
ring silversweet,
o'erhill andmoor
and fell
In mellow echoes
let your chimes
their ope flu ]
story tell.
Ring out, ring out,
all-jubilant, this
joyous glad re-
frain:
The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1888-12-21
HOW HELEN SAW SANTA CLAUS

N THE dining-room
chimney was a regis
ter which opened and
shut like a door, and
when it was open it
made the best kind Of
q place for Santa
Claus to com g
through.
The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1888-12-21

anyyne interested in the matter, and
If it seems best, make sor,s -eoye
The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1888-12-21

rug nrru Iast week. VIII taKe mold OF
the matter and see what can be done
toward orO~n;1;n0 n oor,ponv r.. 900
The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1888-12-21

tries ears In Allen and adjoiripS
counties. Satisfaction guaranteed OF
The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1888-12-21

s.-S Ns.."sv e"sOo, vscI - COiuI,IuS
are embellishments of home mer-
chants No wonder ChanuIa in Iho
The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1888-12-21

Sufice it to say that six weeks later Mr..
Prouty's secretary became Mrs. Prouty,
and sailed with her late employer on a
European wedding tour.-Leslics Illustrated
Newspaper.
The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1888-12-21

We have more Christmas cards than
lpy BODY and will send them cheaper.
The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1888-12-21
AUOXXVAAAA

D. Ewart, lola, Kansae> cries safes
IN Allen and adjoining oounties. sat.
Los Angeles daily herald., 1888-04-25
After Recess.

1t had been suggested, prior to the
adjournment for recess, that the vari-
ous committees could finish their work
before o'clock, but this was not the
case. The Credential Committee
found that it had large contract on
it's hands, for there were many who
had been duly elected but who had
not had the forethought to supply
themselves with the necessary bits Of
paper giving them the authority to
act. It was known that these had
not presen ed them selves without hav-
ing been properly elected, but the
le1mmittee decided to allow the Con-
yention to settle this matter. The
Committee on Permanent Organiza-
tIon found but little difficulty in set
Hing upon : programme for the guild
nnco Of the Convention affairs, but the
1nembeKs Of the Committee on Resi-
lions found themselves almost showed
under with documents which they
wexe forced to peruse, digest and put
y preeentable shape. IN the mean
0imo the lobbyists kept up
: continuous line Of argument each for
Los Angeles daily herald., 1888-04-25
Convention Whispers.
Was it harmonious?

w 40 ~ hshi ulOAlOuS
Which faction is on top?
The county delegates got left.
The Times candidate was showed
under.
What faction does Henry 7. Gage
represent?
Colonel Boyce declined the nomina
ton before his name was mentioned
Major Bonebrake and the Time,
went down with the "aag a flying
Major Bonebrake said he was nc
faction candidate before he had beer
SO charged.
Was the gentleman who placed
Henry Gage in nomination a member
of one of the factions?
Captain Seamans opened the pro
ceedings by announcing that peace
and harmony was desired.
Col. Banbury said he was surprised
to hear that he was a possible candi
date. Was the anti Times faction?
Gov. Gosper advised the withdraw.
al of both faction candidates. Did
they withdraw?
1t was whispered that Col. Ban
bury's nomination was the result of a
Sunday drive to Pasadena of one OF
the faction leaders.
Judge Magee said there never was
time when harmony was needed SO
badly in the Republican party as now.
Does he think SO still?
1t was whispered that Colonel Otis
did not congratulate the delegate at
large for the reason that he suspected
that all was not fair as it seemed.
Col. OTIS absence from the hall after
the result was announced, was consid-
cred as significant OF his displeasure
at the election of the opposion candi-
date.
The selection of Judge Magee, of
Pasadena. as chairman was straw,
showing the opposition Of the major
ity OF the Convention to the Times
faction.
After the excitement died out the.
county delegates did not appear SO
enthusiastic as before. Did they sus-
pect that they had helped to elect
faction candidate?
Ex- Mayor Spence nominated Col.
Banbury in the interests of harmony.
F. P Kelly nominated Henry T. Gage
for the same reason. Why was the
Times candidate nominated?
) The leaders of the county delega-
ions announced early in the day that
hey were opposed to faction candi-
iates, yet it was rumored that they
lad been led into voting for one, and
bat the wool had been pulled over
heir eyes.
Los Angeles daily herald., 1888-04-25

6LEEPLEss NIGHTS, made miserable by
that terrible cough. shiloh's Cure Is the
remedy for you. Sold by G. F. Heinzem IN.
Los Angeles daily herald., 1888-04-25

Red Letter cent cigar leads them all.
Give them trial.