davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The new North-west. [volume] (Deer Lodge, Mont.) 1869-1897, 1888-12-21

Everybody knows our trouble. it seems"
she murmureEl brokenly; even that old
tramp has heard the gossip. Oh. how the
wears have br ought misfortune and care.
and a bleak, cherries Christmas. when we
have tried 50 hard. oh. 50 hard. to make
life happy for our darling child. Janet.
Yes, pastoral tragedy was being enacted
in the lonely farmhouse. more pathetic than
those of daily fiction. Here were honest
hearts. bleeding and torn and desolate. and
old Jerry, the tramp. had struck the key
note Of the cause when he spoke that name
Marble!
Marble, miSer. hypocrite. usurer!-how
much of sorrow did the honest Gregorys
owe to him.
Ten wears previous the next farmhouse
was owned an occupied by William Tyler.
His wife had died. leaving a boy. Cecli'
eleven wears Of age. He and pretty Janet
had become warm friends and playmates.
The lonely widower was a frequent guest at
the Gregory h ome. When the children be-
came sixteen they were lovers.
One. day the two farmers did a foolish
thing. Mr.. Tyler wished ten thousand dol
lars 10 speculate in q wonderful mine. dis
covered some distance to the west. He got
Gregory excited about it. He tried e Dor
row. the money. and. going to Upton. met
the misery G Gabriel Marble.
Marble agree ed to advance the money on
conditions. TYLER was to deed his farm to
him as security. give his notes. ana OBTAIN
nc indorser I'd the same his %neighbor. John
Greoory. This was done. Tyler went away
10 the mines. He wrote frequently OF fail
:. cnccass failure, success. and finally.
after a long lapse OF sllehee' ,na' nc va
coming back TO the olu 1arlh uie = -
boon badly injured by an accident at the
.a;na had sold it out, md he wrote Greg
ory. would pay Marble. aud pass the few
rho doctor said he might live on the
farm. 49,
And now came the strange part OF II. One
dark night Cecil Tyler was awakened ps .
loud knocking at the door. ARISING ne
fo,1nd there Gabriel Marble and ms h1reu
man. Dobbs, A wagon stood at the gate
Between them they bore an lnsensloie 1orM
that Of William Tyler.
I'VE found him on my doorstep eAPla-heu
Marble. He had just come to Town. anu
7 p,ess wanted to see me on business, -,
h;s Strength failed him.. and he tainted ueau
nw,v Doctor said he was very ILL., ana 1olo
US to get himh home" r,,ar
The next d ay, at eventide. William rye,
,;ad The farmer had scarcely been ourleu
,rben Gabriel Marble seized upon tne ialu
"na an ~ belongings for debt. and ne'lheu
Iahn GREGORY that. as indorser for lyief. nc
eho,,,d hold him responsible Tor any oeu'4''
The new North-west. [volume] (Deer Lodge, Mont.) 1869-1897, 1888-12-21

at the town tavern primed me for work. I
me, and never recognized me. Finally. I
ventured to ask him for work"
And got it"
Yes. He was moving to his new man
sion. on the hill"
I know"
so he gets me to help him. By and by.
it comes to moving his desk. I shouldered
it. Once out of sight. I lugged it to a thicket.
I had a lantern of his with me. For an hour
I searched over his papers. you bet! I
broke open drawer after drawer. Then I
carted the desk to the new house, got a lot
Of abuse for delay. and a stingy dime for all
my work; and then to the tavern, and then
here"
And the papers?" queried Mr.. Gregory
~suspensefully.
They'll fix him." chuckled Dobbs. He
kept every scrap he ever had. I'm going on
to the next town to see Lawyer Roberts. It
won't be safe for me when Marble finds the
broken desk. I'm going to get Roberts to
take the papers and prosecute Marble for
forgery and fraud. Oh! Ill have my re-
venge.
Dobbs arose to his feet. He looked quite
serious as he glanced at the farmers wife.
"Missus," he said. you gave me food when
you needed it. I'm glad to be able to show
my gratitude. Among Marbles papers I
found-that!"Z
That was a time-worn document, around
which the eager quartet crowded.
The receipt for the money paid by my
father to Gabriel Marble. and stolen from
him by Marble!!" cried Cecil Tyler. tumultu-
ously. oh! farmer. the old place will be
mine again. All that Marble has defrauded
you of he will have to repay with interest.
The dawn has come at last"
Yes. light had come amid darkness: the
receipt proved everything. With Dobbs'
evidence it placed Gabriel Marble in the
dock as a common swindler and perjurer.
Upton knew the truth ere the Christmas
sun had crossed the meridian. AMI when the
county sheriff tapped the Insurer on the
shoulder. and told him that his crimes were
well known. Gabriel Marble did not delay in
restoring to GREGORY and Cecil the prop
erty of which he had robbed them. -
The tap of the tramp's hand on the farm
house door had won him charity that he
repaid nobly.
The tap of a friend at that same door later
was welcomed with loves delight. for Cecil
was never to leave Janet again.
The tap of the hands of justice on
Gabriel Marbles shrinking shoulder brought
villainy home to him, and right triumphed
over wrong.
And those three taps made the gathering
at the Gregory farm house that Christmas
night the happiest and brightest in all the
broad land.
The new North-west. [volume] (Deer Lodge, Mont.) 1869-1897, 1888-12-21

shelter you for a time"
He is no stranger!'
The words were a scream. In thrilled
amazement Mrs. Gregory gazed on Janet.
Cecil! Cecil! l know you! Oh, thank
God! thank Cod"
1T ain T." gasped Gregory, aghast.
Yes. husband. it's him"
He it was! Cecil-Cecil Tyler! He had
cast aside his wraps as best he could with
those clinging. rapturous arms OF love about
him.
She was crying, sobbing at his knee as
the bluff farmer drew Cecil to the great
armchair. The three lowered about him.
and looked at his sad face and ~threadbare
attire, and read no story Of golden success
there. But he was home again. Oh! life
was not so bitter. after all.
Farmer. I nave failed. | have come home
poorer thai when I went away"
Those were Cecil Tyler's first words.
Have you?" cried Gregory. actually smil-
ing. Boy. I'm so glad to see you alive,
rich or poor-so glad to see poor Janet's
eyes glow with hope again. that bags Of
gold would not better it. You're welcome.
and if two stout hearts can't take care Of
two loving ones. why-why. life's all a mis-
take; that's all"
How the fire glowed! How those honest
souls warmed to grateful JOY? All! Christ
mas had brought its gifts. It was heaven to
hear laughter and mirth under that old roof
once more.
Midnight" spoke Gregory at last. arts
ING to his feet. Ny! the hours have passed
like magic. The winds this way. and we
can Just hear Upton bells"
open the door. husband. I love the
chimes"
Mrs. Gregory's hand rested lovingly on
the farmers shoulder. and a gentle. far
away look was in his honest eyes as. the
door slightly ajar. they stood and listened.
while Cecil's bronzed cheeks rested against
the soft, white brow Of his affianced love.
Over the snow, mellow and echoing. came
the last runaway chimes Of the belfries OF
Upton. They died away. John Gregory.
about to close the door. murmlred:
Peace on earth! Yes. it is here"
Goodwill to men." softly rejoined his
wife.
Except Gabriel Marble, yes. a love
that enemy just yet. but l won't think Of
him."
Yes, ye will"
"Hello!"
The door was pushed back. a grotesque
form stood there.
Let me NJ"
Who are you? You have been d~rinking!'
-Mebbe, but Missus knows me; don't ye.
Missus?"
The new North-west. [volume] (Deer Lodge, Mont.) 1869-1897, 1888-12-21

al the door.
Somehow she was frightened. Gregorys
farm was five miles from Upton. and TWO
trolu any other house. She was alone. eh-
perting her husband and her pretty daush-
ter, Janet. every moment. They had driven
to-awn with some poultry. and were que
home long since. -
That kind Of a knock was no nelghDorls
tap. II must be a stranger. and Mrs. Greg,
ory remembered how a tramp had ropDeu
the house once. and stolen a horse ano.her
time. and instead OF saying Come ~ =
opening it, she n%ervously barred the hea'y
portal and ran to the window.
Who is there2 demanded her quaVeflne
The new North-west. [volume] (Deer Lodge, Mont.) 1869-1897, 1888-12-21

Had" snorted Dobbs; well. with cheat
ing estates by fraud and forgery, shaving
notes at fifty per cent. and other crimes. he
was just at the doors of the penitentiary,
and one day he come to me and told me
that he wanted me to leave Upton and
never come back again. and he gave me a
thousand dollars. and said if l ever told
any one about his shady business he would
make it bad for me, he did.
"How?" queried Gregory.
Il went to New York. I got drinking. l
lost and ~squandered every dollar I had. I
wrote Marble to send me enough to pay my
fare to California. and Id never trouble
him again. No answer. I wrote again.
threatening to expose his secrets if he
didn't. That brought him. He came. got
me drinking. and ext day. on a trumpet
up charge Of robbery. l was packed of to
States prison for three years.
What a dreadful man." shuddered Janet,
nesting closer to her lover.
Il kept quiet then; I had to-" proceeded
Dobbs. grimly. BY and by. freedom anne.
I wandered around; time had changed me.
I became a tramp. and about a month ago I
Jul Il motive in life.
And that as?"ventured Gregory.
"Revenge!"
ION Gabriel Marble?"
Who else? Hadn't he made me a thief
and a convict? worked my way towards
Upton. Yesterday. at the next village,I
learned the run Of own gossip. l was
sort of confused when stopped here for
food. Twas hungry. too. Then I remem-
bered We all and what I'd heard of We. 1t
started me thinking: for if there was one
game for which l could put the clamps on
Tyler and John Gregory"
"Ah.a at last. the brute!" murmured Cecil
Tyler. expectantly.
Man. mani! can you right my wrongs?"
cried Gregory. excitedly.
Wait and see. Truth was, the night that
Tyler came back to Upton he had $4,000
witty him. He came to Marbles. and paid
it to him..
Are you sure?"
Il saw him. Marble pretended the notes
was at the bank. but Tyler said to never
mind. to give i'm a receipt. and the notes
later. Just as he handed it to Tyler he
tainted away. Marble hooked the receipt.
and the next day Tyler died; and Marble
bribed me to silence and claimed that he
never received the money"
Why. Dobbs. your evidence alone would
bring Marble to time!" spoke Gregory.
Trust me trying it on that crafty old fox!
No. l wanted tangible evidence. When l
left here to-day l wanders into Upton.
Mrs. Gregory's food and a drink I enjoyed
The new North-west. [volume] (Deer Lodge, Mont.) 1869-1897, 1888-12-21

The scoundrel-the Villain choked
Gregory. He adds insult to injury. He
has brought us to poverty. He wishes to
disgrace US still lower!"
Speak. John! What do you mean?"
He has bought the mortgage on the farm
that comes due at New Years."
Then we will lose all"
yes, for his cruel heart would never move
him to extend it. He has also claim of
some interest on the old notes Tyler gave.
He says he will seize our stock unless they
are paid"
Can hep"
The law aids the rich!" groaned Greg
ory. bitterly. but that l expected: but when
the crafty. low-natured villain dared to ask
me to force Janet. our Janet. the bonny
darling. to marry him. price for beauty, a
bride to sell her to live with him-I couldn't
stand it. Istruck him. told him I would
see her dead sooner than his wife"
Yes. that was the secret. The miser
loved. or fancied he did. He had been re-
pulsed. Revenge now became the ruling
element Of his life.
Upon Christmas Eve Mrs. Gregory recalled
how claim after claim had so beggared them
that they had resolved to abandon the farm
a week later. and move as tenants to a mis-
cradle swamp farm many miles away.
To add to all their misery. Janet had faded
and paled. and the roses fed from her bonny
cheeks. For over six months. dead or alive.
not a word had been heard from Cecil Tyler.
So Christmas Eve had awned with gloomy
shadows over the dear old home, and gaunt.
haunting wraiths Of a happy past in forlorn
hearts.
With a sigh, Mrs. Gregory arose from her
~reverie. lighted a lamp. and set about pre-
pairing the frugal evening meal.
THEY'LL be here soon." she murmured. Il
must be cheerful, to keeppoor Janet in spir-
its. 1 declare, John has forgotten his
spectacles."
They lay across al open page of the family
Bible. Mrs. Gregory placed them on a shelf,
About to close the sacred book. she
glanced down at the open page.
A Pickering flame from the fireplace
brought out one single line 50 prominently
that she read it in a flash:
"Weeping may endure for a might
The fame died down. Then it sprang up
again, brighter. cheerier. and seemed to
fringe with gold the promise sweet that fol-
lowed in the book:
81, Jon comeM in the morning"
The new North-west. [volume] (Deer Lodge, Mont.) 1869-1897, 1888-12-21

H is a tramp: he came here for food to-
day. began Mrs. Gregory.
And ye give it to me. and I said I'd re-
member it. eh?" persisted the tramp. edg-
ing his way past the threshold. We'll. far
mer, shut the door. I'm booked for an hour
or two here"
Old Jerry was slightly unsteady. He
chuckled and winked. but. while resolute,
was not aggressive.
L don't know" began Gregory.
Yes. ye do. I've come here six miles to
tell a story. a Christmas story. and it's all
about Gabriel Marble, and-shut the door,
farmer. Time was when I used to come
here welcome, years agone. I amt old
Jerry at all. I'm Marbles old man of all work.
"Dobbs!'' uttered Gregory, startled and
interested.
Exactly. He made MI a tramp" was the
tramp's strange statement. Tonight I
make him-a pauper!'
III.
TAP THREE!-AT DAWN!
Old Jerry had taken off his ragged mufler
and his greasy cap. and the freight brought
out to the staring wondering quartette more
than one familiar feature as it glowed over
his struggling beard and bronzed face. with
its expression more Of cunning than actual
crime.
4 look rough and I've been drinking"
said Dobbs, alias Jerry. We'll, never mind
that. You'recall I mysteriously disappeared
from Upton shortly after yonder lads father
died?"
Yes. I remember it." replied Gregory.
somewhat impressed now with the conyic-
ton that Dobbs had an object in his strange
midnight visit.
Gabriel Marble was a schemer and a
thief, and for years I'd been his trusty slave,
until I knew too much abou his business,
and he got afraid I might in some drinking
bout tell what I knew" went on Dobbs.
Then he had done wrong?" murmured
Mrs. Gregory.
The new North-west. [volume] (Deer Lodge, Mont.) 1869-1897, 1888-12-21
GNBRlEk.r
The Story Of G Mortgage. in Three
cps.
BY GEORGE HENRY MORSE.
TAP oSE-AT DUSK.

m. ...-. u... ... -.
. Mrs. Gregory arous-
led from a deepreverle
with a start. For over
an hour she had sat
staring in "a dreamy,
worried sort OF way
I; at the glowing logs
in the old fashioned
| kitchen Fireplace and
did not notice that
! dusk had nearly come
until she was startled
bythe sharp summons
The new North-west. [volume] (Deer Lodge, Mont.) 1869-1897, 1888-12-21
Ap Two-AT MIDNIGHT!

TAP TWO-AT MIDNIGHT!
Husband! husband! don't complain! 1t
is wicked
But what can we do"
The new North-west. [volume] (Deer Lodge, Mont.) 1869-1897, 1888-12-21

At Christmas eve the bells were rung -.
On Christmas eve the mass was sung;
That one night in all the year
Saw the stole1 priest the chalice rear.
Then opened wide the baron's hall
To vassal, tenant, serf and all
Power laid his rod OF rule aside,
And ceremony dotted his pride
Thelheir, with roses in his shoes, -
That night might village partner choose;
All hailed with uncontrolled delight,
And general noise the happy night
That to the cottage as to the crown
Brought tidings of salvation down.
England was merry England when
Old Christmas brought his sports again.
Twas Christmas broachd the migh.iest ale,
Twas Christmas told tn nerriest tale;
A Christmas sambol oft would cheer
4 poor man heart through half the year.
Christmas carols Were markell features of
holiday celebrations in past centuries. and
the literature of every civilized country
abounds in them. They were usually sung
bv minstrels. young children. or in cathe-
dral choirs, and no Christmas morning in
village communities wa allowed to pass
without this poem of musical commemora-
ton being prominent in the exercises Of the
day:
saw three ships come sailing in
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day; =
saw three ships come sailing in
On Christmas Day in the morning.
o. they sailed into Bethlehem
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;
o, they sailed into Bethlehem
On Christmas Day in the morning.
And all the bells on earth shall ring -
On Christmas Day. on Christmas Day;
And all the bells on earth shall ring -
On Christmas Day in the morning.
And all the angels in heaven shall sing
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;
And all the angels in heaven shall sing
On Christmas Day in the morning.
Present-giving is a custom Of remote ORR
gin, and seems to nave run the course Of
the wears without fashion or circumstances
being able to Danish it. The Christmas tree
supplanted the Yule log and the mistle-
toe. but this is because Of its being more
common and convenient. and Of the decree
of the little ones, who would rather go wild
its beauties than marvel at the mys-
teries Of time-honored usages.
The new North-west. [volume] (Deer Lodge, Mont.) 1869-1897, 1888-12-21
HRl8yMF8.ar

=EMORABLE the
institution of Christ
mas. 1t is a festival
of the Christian
\ Church observed on
3December Is as the
anniversary of the
Savior's birth estab-
lished by Pope Teles-
The new North-west. [volume] (Deer Lodge, Mont.) 1869-1897, 1888-12-21

phoruS who died A. u. l3o. ana throughout
the subsequent history Of the church the day
has been one of the most noted OF Christian
solemnities. In olden times. c~onfounded
with the Epiphany. it was celebrated in the
months of April and May. In the fourth
century. however. st. Cyril OF Jerusalem
succeeded in obtaining from Pope Julian |.
an order for ascertaining the exact day OF
Christ's nativity. The great theologians of
the time took as a basis the tables of the
censors i'll the archives of Rome, and estab-
lished the day which has prevailed ever
since.
The custom of celebrating three masses in
Roman Catholic countries to usher in Christ
mas day-one at midnight, the presumable
hour of Christ's birth. one at dawn. and one
in the moining-originated in the sixth
century. It has ever been considered a day
of cheerful commemoration and merrlments
and during the middle ages was celebrated
by gay, fantastic spectacles. dramatic mys-
teries, moralities and Observation-Disclosures.
In England. Italy. Germany, and nearly
every country in Europe the day is cele-
brated with great festivities, although much
of the elaboration of the same is dispensed
with. Even to this day the Calabrian min
strels for several days preceding Christmas
descend from the mountains to Naples and
to salute the various shrines in the
churches and public places. The holly, the
laurel. the evergreen and the ivy are the
chief natural decorations employed, and in
England the college chapels are regularly
trimmed with considerable ceremony.
In the United States. since the Puritans
were at first stern opponents of Christmas
pastimes. the day was less generally cele-
brated in New England than in the Middle
and Southern States. Santa Claus (St.
Nicholas, originally introduced by the
settlers of New York. is the American
representative of the German knecht Ru-
Peninsula enterprise. [volume] (Accomac, Va.) 1881-1965, 1888-08-18
Obituary..

William S. Byrd, aged 65 years, a
well known commission merchant of
this city, whose residence was at No. 1913
Barre street, died suddenly yesterday of
heart trouble, while resting on thesteps
of a dwelling Oh Hanover street, near
Barre street. He had been complaining
for some time, but mole particularly
since Sunday last, when he was taken
sick after returning from church. He
went to his office YESTERDAY at the usual
hour, and left at about $3.50 o'clock in
the afternoon. On Ills way home he
sat down 10 rest on the steps of his SIS
ter in laws house. Some one in the
house saw him and went to the door,
but he died before lie could be taken
Into the house. He WIS n native or
Virginia. but had been i'll Baltimore for
twenty years, and doing most of the
time waSan official member of the Cal
varyMetllodist Episcopal Church South.
He was connected with number of
fraternal and beneficial orders, among
which were the Masons, Royal Arcanum.
American Legion OF Honor and the Or
der of the Iron Hall. A wife. two SONS
and daughter survive him.-l'alto.
Sun.
The subject OF the apove sketch is
well known to most of the people of the
Eastern Shore, who will learn with deep
regret of his death. In his business re-
Iations he dealt justly with everyone, rs
a christian he lived well mp TO the pro.
LESSONS he made, as husband. father,
friend he was honnred and loved by eve
ry one. He was onr friend and no tril-
ute which we could make to his worth
could show fully our appreciation of the
man.
Peninsula enterprise. [volume] (Accomac, Va.) 1881-1965, 1888-08-18
Festivals.

The following notices are published
hy request:
Conquest Methodist PROTESTANT Church
will give festival in the grove near by
OH Tuesday afternoon. August 2lst. 1885,
commencing promptly ut o'clnck. Ice
cream, cake and confectionery will be
served at moo crate rates A supper
consisting Of all the delicacies of the sea-
son will be served early in the evening.
The committee who have the matter in
charge will spare no l:ains to make the
occasion a delightful one as well as to
please the appetite. 4 we'll arranged
programme consisting of readings, dec
iamations, vocal and instrumental mu-
sic will be given at night free of cost to
all who patronize the tables. The pro-.
ceeds will be for the benefit of the church
An ice cream festival will come offat
Mappsville church on Goth of August.
and Icing for benefit of church every
one is requested who can, to be pres
cut and help the good cause.
Peninsula enterprise. [volume] (Accomac, Va.) 1881-1965, 1888-08-18
NEIGnBORH00D NOTES.
Belle Haven.

]. W. Ward has nearly completed his
new dwelling.
J, II. Nicholson of Philadelphia, has
just arrived and reports business bocm-
ing.
Our people are satisfied with Kendall
for Congress. and will not forget him al
November elect on.
Mrs. Margaret Smith, very excel
lent lady. mother of Mr.. ]. Almer
Smith. died at her residence near town.
last Sal urday. of pneumonia, in the 18th
year of her age.
The Fair Committee met at Fair
Grounds Wednesday. TO inspect build
ings, &c. They were compelled to der
25 extra stables built to accommodate
the entries this year in the horse de-
partment.
On last Saturday the Bandana Base
Ball Club of this place played match
game with the Red Stockings of Mach
iptngo, resulting in IL score of il to u
in favor of the BandanaS. A return
game WAS arranged to take place at ES
more, Tuesday. l4th. All went well
until the Bandana's came to take the
bat in the third inning, the score then
standing to in favor of the Bandalr s
when the Red Stockings persisted in
changing their pitchers, which WAS d.
rectly contrary to d special agreement
made between the two captains when
the games were first arranged. As the
Red Stockings refused to play unless
the concession was nade-the game
proceeded no further, much to the dis
appointment of Il large number Of spec.
tators, many of whom Wee ladies who
had come quite distance Ivy train
10 see the game. Your correspondent
is authorized to say that the Bandaras
,wil play the Red Stockings or any other
nineron the Eastern Shore, Va, at the
Fair Grounds any day agreed upon dur
ing the Fair.