davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1888-04-05
Welded IN A BLIZZARD

When father took up his claim in
Douglass county, Oak, the county was
new and thinly settled. Father and my
three brothers took up a section and
built their four houses on adjoining
corners. So, as two brothers were mar
ried, we formed little settlement by
ourselves. This was we'll, as our nearest
neighbor lived eleven miles away. 7
was then merry, romping lass of Is, all
tho wilder for Icing just from city life.
The first year very destructive cy-
clone visited that part of the country.
Lying as 1t does between the Missouri
and James rivers, it was feared such
visitations might be frequent, so father
and the boys dug a cave mid dway be-
tween the houses. Twice we sought
refuge there and heard the demon of
destruction at work among the fruits of
our industry. We escaped without in
jury; but father, who was returning
from the town, twenty miles away
where we got our mail and supplies, was
badly bruised by the overturning of his
wagon. As soon as he recovered he and
the boys dug cave about midway on
tho route to the town. The location
was marked by four tall, upright posts,
which could be seen for long distance.
Years passed. with no occasion for its
use, but father was always dreading
such time, and kept it in repair.
Four happy years passed, and then a
party of visitors from the east came.
Among them was Frank Hcaly. We
had been great friends in the past, and
became something more during that
long summer.
We agreed to be married in the
spring, and he would stay until that
time; but early in January he received a
summons home to Chicago, and in-
sisted that 1 go along.
So preparations were made for oul
marriage. We sent to Bunker for q
minister, but our messenger brought
word he could not get away. ''Could
we not come to himr We must start
for Chicago at once, so decided to adopt
that plan. Upon the 18th, after tear
full goodbye to all but father, mother
and Joe, who would accompany US, we
started for Bunker.
There was great quantity of snow on
the ground and only one sleigh, that Of
our messenger the day before, had gone
over the road. As consequence oul
progress was slow and laborious. Il
was dull, cloudy day, but we knew
nothing of billiards then, so did moi
hesitate to start. We had mentioned
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1888-04-05
India Ink.

From the earliest times collectors"
of choice brands of ink have never been
wanting, and ia one respect, at least,
different as eastern and western notions
may be, they both agree in this-that
we do not make as good stuff now as in
former times. 1t was in the lattor days
Of the Tang dynasty that one Li-tchao
and his son, Lifting Kouei, set up q
mandatory of ink in the small town of
Chu-t -tcheou, which was then surrounded
by magnificent forests OF fir, from
which fact we may reasonably infer that
The b lack was to be made from the COM
bustion OF that wood. Tho father had
grown old in the business without max
ing any particular rep utatiou; the son,
however, brought the processes then
employed to the highest pitch of per-
lection; but lie kept his methods pro-
Tound secret and since his time the
Efforts of all the makers have been
directed to producing an
ink as good as his Yet 1t is allowed
by connoisseurs that nobody has yet
succeeded in equaling his makes, espc-
cialy those in shape Of sword, anl Of
round cake-which are his master
pieces. We are told that an infalliblc
means OF recognizing the ink of Lifting
Kouei is to break pieco off cake and
to throw it in water. If, in month,
the pieces arc still unacted upon at the
bottom of tho vessel, we may be certain
that they arc really authentic. This
great genius made several qualities,
which are distinguished by the charac-
tcrs stamped upon them. Three arc of
the highest excellence, unapproachable
by any modern; and the fourth, which
may be considered as the ordinary arti-
Gle, bears his name, together with the
title conferred upon him by imperial de-
cree as reward for the services he had
Indirectly rendered to literature. All
| the Year Round.
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1888-04-05
A Tart RetOrt.

IT take tho world as l find it," said
one philosophical old gentleman. $50
do L" replied another, "but always
try to offer it round edges instead of
square corners" In this last sentence
lies one secret of harm onious living, for
crustiness always begcts crustiness.
A certain captain, who had for many
years commanded trans Atlantic
steamer, had the reputation OF being
decidedly crusty. 1t is said that he was
once looking through his glass at dis
tant vessel, when a passenger came up
and asked him what ship it was.
The captain gave him long stare,
and then said, deliberately, go and
ask the cook"
The passenger was not disconnected.
He stared back at the captain, and rei
Piled, calmly:
"Oh, beg your pardon; thought
you were the cook"
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1888-04-05
What Diamonds Are.

The exact mode of formation of dia-
monds is one of naturo's secrets, for
though scientists have been able to
understand the chemical nature Of the
diamond by analysis, the reserve pro-
cess, its manufacture, has thus far been
far beyond their skill. We know what
a diamond is, but how nature makes it
the careful dame has not yet permitted
us to learn. The diamond is of the
simplest chemical composition, being
pure carbon.
Charcoal is pure carbon also, but the
secret process by which nature rear
ranges the atoms Of the black, lustrc-
less charcoal into the form of the flash
ing diamond, the most perfect speci-
men of matter, is one that even long
hope on the part Of chemists, stimulated
by the honor of great gains, has not
been able to discover. Nor is it cer-
tainly known from what department
nature takes tho diamond making ma.
terial.
1t is generally supposed that it is fur
nished by vegetable charcoal, which un-
dergoes peculiar process of dccompo-
sition and capitalization, but it has also
been conjectured that the carbonic acid,
shut up from remote periods in the cal
careous rocks, may have solidified ir
this perfect form. Sir David Brewster,
from study Of the polarization of light
in the minute cavities of the diamond,
has concluded that tho substance wa!
once in soft state, and, by tho actor
of an expanding gas or fluid within, its
very small cavities, which retract the
light to such a remarkable degree, art
formed. He regards it as certain thai
the original softness Of tho diamond wa
not caused by either solvents or heat
and therefore concludes that the da
mond, like amber, is vegetable sub
stance, slowly crystallized into its pres
cnt form. Il Inter Ocean.
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1888-04-05
The Largest Silver Nugget.

The biggest silver nugget in tho
world was recently on exhibition in
New York. 1t weighs COG 1-2 ounces,
and was found at the Greenwood group
of mines in the State of Michoacan,
Mexico. Fifty-ninc Others, weighing
from one to thirty-five pounds each,
were found there at the same time. Tho
big nugget was found on the surface,
and in its original condition weighed
twelve pounds more. 1t is almost pure
silver. Mr.. Watson OF the United States
Assayer's Office, says it is the finest
specimen he ever saw.
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1888-04-05
Two Coyote Stories,

A farmer up in the Capay valley, CAL
ifornia has just made the champion
slaughter of coyotes. These animals are
a great pest to the sheep owners, and,
though extremely hard to catch or kill,
make serious inroads upon the hocks.
The sheep owners have offered reward
of $40 per coyote scalp, and Frank
Hambleton the farmer in question, has
Just pocketcd in bounties $500, the re
suit Of one ingenious bit of work. He
had large straw stack on his farm
which had been standing for several
years. He noticed not long ago that a
good many hole, had been made in it,
and that coyotes were quite numerous
around it at night. So one evening he
set fire to it and hid near by to watch
developments. The straw was so
damp from recent rains that the fire did
not get to the inside of the stack until
after dark ana good many Of the
beasts had smclled danger and escaped.
But as it was he raked out OF the ashes
the carcasscs Of 40 coyotes, old and
young that had been burned to death.
Another coyote story is from stock
man, who has on his cattle ranch pair
Of superb staghounds which he brought
from Scotland, from their native kennel
at the foot of Ben Nevis. They are
wonderfully docile and intelligent, feet
as the wind, and possess marvellous
amount of strength and endurance.
The wolf they consider a foe worthy of
their skill, and whenever they find one
enter contest from which they soon
come off victorious. But they seem to
consider the coyote an animal so des-
picable as to be worth only the most
contemptuous notice. For one to ap-
pear within their sight is to bring swift
punishment upon itself. But the noble
hounds feel so much contempt for the
animal that they will not take its des-
ricablc life. They always bite off its
tail close to the rump or pull it out by
the roots, and having thus set the mark
of their disdain upon Mr.. Coyote, they
let him go while they carry home the
tail as their trophy of the chase. Tc
such an extent have they carried on this
contcmptuous warfare against the
coyote race that their owners ranch is
'trcwn with caudal appendages, and
bobtail coyotes are the rule---[New York
Sun.
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1888-04-05
WOrShip of a Log.

There is log of yellow color standing
Just outside of Chi Hua Gate of Pekin,
where it has been since the fall of the
Ming dynasty. commanding the respect
of all classes of people. 1t is in perfect
condition. The insects have not made
any raids upon it as they do on other
logs. The people believe that the log
must be the residence of some god, so
they annually worship it, On October
/ the emperor commanded the board of
ceremonies TO appoint a few officials to
pay respects to the deifcd log.-IChi-
cago Herald.
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1888-04-05
Exploded Theory Regarding Badness.

Exploded IneOfy Regarding badness.
'Is badness increasingly" barber
was asked.
Il think it is. There are moro young
men bald nowadays than l ever saw in
an experience of thirty years. More of
them too are inclined to cover their bald
pates. We sell great many toupces.
Some men own sets of six. The toupee
is gummed on, and, we'll adjusted, can't
be told from the natural hair. The
cause of badness I don't know clearly
now any more than l did years ago. As
for the medical theory that wearing the
hat does it, tits fact that men who
live out of doors and therefore wear
hats constantly-and heavy fur ones in
winter. remcmber--are the last to lose
their hair. Bookkeepers, accountants,
bank clerks, and many spectators be-
come bald quite young. Chicago Tri-
bupa
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1888-04-05
The Weight of n Heart

The average weight of mems hearts,
says the Medical News, is eleven ounces
each, and of womcn's only nine ounces.
Thus, when they give and take or cx-
change hearts, man is the loser, quality
being equal. Mans average brain
weighs forty nine and half ounces and
woman's forty y-four. Tho average
weight for both lungs is for men forty.
five ounces and for women thirty-two.
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1888-04-05
Bar ara Fritchie.

Some of the relatives of the late
Barbara Fritchic in Frederick, Nd, re-
Gently sent to Mr.. John G. Whittier,
who immortalizcd the venerable lady in
verse, number of table articles which
formerly belonged to Mrs Fritchie.
Mr.. Whittier acknowledged the re-
ceipt OF the article, some days ago and
stated il his letter that he had be come
convinced that his poem entitled 'Bar-
bara Fritchie' was blsed upon sup
poscd incident that had no foundation,
but that he was gla 4 to know. never
thclcss, that she was loyal woman
baltimore Sun.
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1888-04-05
A Great Shot.

First Nimrod-"Who are going on
the hunting partyT
Second Nimrod-"Well, Sam Peter
son is going along"
"Who is Sam Peterson2'
what, you don't know Sam Peter
sonl Why, he is celebrated shot
Every time he goes out hunting he pep
Ders some of his friends. SiftinQs.
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1888-04-05
Miseries of CITY Life.

Mrs. Muggins (who has just opened a
side window, after dusting) Ooh, dear!
This living il block just makes me
sick. Whew! The smell OF that horrid
cigar Mr.. Richman next door is smoking
just fills this whole room. l should
think people would have more sense and
decency.
Daughter-Some folks never think OF
anything but themselves.
"No, they don't. By the way, my
dear, just stop out into the kitchen and
tell Bridget it's time to put on the cab
bagc and onions and get the codfish
ready.-[Omaha World.
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1888-04-05
HUMOROUS.

A last resort-The shoemakers shop.
At the outset matrimony is tie
game.
The longest reign in history-The
deluge.
A sailor generally feels tired after a
days port.
Sticks at nothing-The theatrical
swordsman.
The woman question: "What are you
going to trim it with1'
"Another Cuban outrage" said Col.
Sozzle, after vain efforts to make 90
cent cigar draw. ...
An apartment house which does not
yield any profit must be classed among
the 'fat failures"
Dogs are excluded from good society
in warm weather because they insist in
wearing such loud pants.
"Youre man after my own heart,'
as the blushing maiden confessed when
her lover proposed marriage.
Never ask crust of a crusty man.
Ask him for meat. for he'll give you
cold shoulder with pleasure.
A lady advertiscs that she has "a
fine, airy, well-furnished bedroom for .
gentleman twelve foot square,"
Mamma" edith, can you tell me
what faith ISL" Edith aged six years.
-"Oh, yes; it is believing what you
know isn't true!H
"We've won your suit" the lawyer said,
And gleefully rubbed his pate.
Sand what ara your charges, sirr they
| said.
"O merely the saved estate"
Landlady (whose attention has been
distracted for a momenD-"Why
where is Mr.. Dumleya l thought he
was carving the duck!' Mr.. Dumley
(rom under the table)-"Its all right,
Mrs. Hen bricks; I'm after the duck"
Hanks" Don't care if lido take
drink, thank you, for am awlully
thirsty. Why, have perfect Sahara
inside me-" Banks (giving large order
to waiter)-"All right, Old man, you
shall be treated according to your des-
crt."
No change necessary. -Au exquisite,
leading dog by string, loungcd up
to ticket office of railway station,
and inquired: ''must I--aw-take spec
ial ticket for puppy9" "No; you can
travel as an ordinary passenger, was
the reply.
In an advertisement by railroad
company of some uucallcd for goods
the letter 'l' had dropped from tho
word fawfur and it read: "People
to whom these packages are directed
arc requested to come forward and pay
the awful charges on the same"
There i, story told of an Irishman
who, when he saw pair of snuffers for
the first time, examined them with
much interest. Then he took off load
ed wick with his fingers dropped it into
the snuffer box and exclaimed "Be
jabers, it's mighty convenient irwin
tion, so it is.
"Just think, darling. a week ago we
were utter strangers, and now we are
engagedw "Ah, yes, Mr.. Dc Hobson,
dear, it was case of love at first sight
'Mr. De Hobsonl Why don't you call
mo by my first name, darlinga' "Be-
cause, precious" the girl replied, shyly
81 don't know what it is"
She was pretty salesgirl,
He asked for a kiss
For he was the accepted
OF the fair and blushing miss.
She gave him one, and as she drew
Her rosy lips away,
"Is there she asked in trembling tones,
Anything else todayp
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1888-04-05
When tho Cows Come Home.

This poem, says the Chicago Farmers
Voice, appeared In the Illustrated Christian
Weekly, August, 1875. 1t has been reprinted
extensively. but inaccurately. 1t is repro
duced here with the sanction of the author,
Mrs. Agnes f. Mitchell, and the following is
corrected and revised copy. The poem
has been credited to an English writer, and
was published some months ago in an Eastern
paper, with the explanatory remark that
the author was not known.
With klingle, klangle, klingle,
Way down the dusky dingle,
The cows are coming home;
Now sweet, and clear, and faint and low,
The airy tinklings come and 60,
Like chimings from some far-oR tower,
Or patterings of an April shower
That makes the daisies grow;
Ko-ling, ko-lang,
Ko-lng, ko-lang, kolinglelingle
Way down the darkening dingle
The cows come slowly home;
And old-time friends, and twilight plays
And starry nights, and sunny days,
Come trooping up the misty ways,
When the cows come home.
With jingle. jangle, jingle,
Soft tones that sweetly mingle,
The cows are coming home;
Malvine, ana Pearl, and Florimel,
De Kamp, Redrose, and Gretchen Schell,
Queen Bess, and Sylph and Spangled Sue
Across the fields hear her loo-oo,
And clang her silver bell;
Go-ling, go-lang,
Go-ling, go-lang, golinglelingle,
With faint, fair sounds that mingle
The cows come slowly home;
And mother-songs of long gone years,
And baby joys, and childish tears,
And youthful hopes, and youthful fears,
When the cows come home.
With ringle, ransle, ringle,
BY twos and threes and single,
The COWS arc coming home;
Through violet air we see the town,
And the summer sun slipping down:
The maple in tho hazel glade,
Throws down the path longer shade,
And the hills are growing brown;
Toring, to-rang,
To-rng, to-rang, to-rinslelingle,
By threes and fours and single
The cows come slowly home;
The same sweet sound of wordless psalm,
The esame sweet June-day rest and calm,
The same sweet scent of bud and balm,
When the cows come home.
With tinkle, tankle, tinkle,
Through fern and periwinkle,
The COWS are coming home;
A lettering in the checkered stream,
Where the sun-rays glance and CLEAN,
Clarine, Peachbloom, and Phoebe Phyllis,
Stand knee deep in the creamy lilies
In drowsy dream;
To-link, to-lanl,
To-link, to-lank, tolinklelingle,
Ger the banks with butter-cups a-twinkle
The COWS come slowly homo;
And up through Memory's deep ravine
Come the brooks old song and its od-time
sheen,
And the crescent of the silver queen,
When the cows come home.
With klingle, klangle, klingle,
With loo-oo, and moo-oo, and jingle,
The cows are coming home;
And over there Oh Merlin Hill
Hear the plaintive cry of the Whip-poor
will;
Tho dew-drops lie on the tangled vines,
And over the poplars Venus shines,
And over the silent mill;
Ko-ling, o-lang
Ko-ling, ko-lang kolingleliugle,
With ting g-a-ling and jingle
The COWS come slowly home;
Let down the bars, let in the.train
Of long-gone songs, and flowers, and rain,
For dear old times come back again
When the cows come home
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1888-04-05
PRICE THREE CENTS.
{" Laugh" "


Laugh! aye laugh, my darling!
Twill ease the craving pain;
Twill fall on the hearts wild burning
AS falls the cooling rain.
Taught aye laugh, my darlingI
The world will love you more
For the after-rainbow of laughter
Than the rain of tears before.
Laughl twill light the darkness
That falls like chilling saroud.
Smilel and WOO the sunshine
That's hidden behind the cloud.
Laugh! and the dark Of sorrow
Will brighten with star.
Smilel and hope will follow
Though shining from afar.
Smile! for the pleasure of others;ii
This is the braver part.
The smiles that comfort others
viii comfort thine own heart
Laughl aye laugh, my darling!
Tomorrow will fairer be
For the bravery of the present.
And the laughter of today.
Inter Ocean
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1888-04-05
He Was HOpeful.

SMITH see you are keeping COM
pany with Miss Jones yet.
Brownies.
'Does it mean businessT
"Can't tell. wouldn't be surprised,
though. if received a proposal soon. y
[Bing ghamton Republican.
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1888-04-05

A black or blue pencil maTk oppo.
site this paragraph indicates that your
subscription has expired, whila red
mark shows that your subscription or
renewal has been received.
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1888-04-05
TEE LONDONDERRY SITTER.

w Entered at the Post>ofice a. South
Londonderry, rs second class matter
The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1888-11-23
A CLUE TO Il FieND.

Lesdsu rolice Get u Descriptions OF tho
Supposed whitechspei Hatcher.
LONDON, Nov. l4--The hopes OF the police
Of catching the WI techapel murderer,
which had almost entirely died out, were
raised TO the acme CT b%uoyancy yesterday
in consequence Of the testimony at the Kelly
inquest Of George Hutchinson, a groom, Who
had known the victim for some years, and
who saw her with a male companion shortly
before . o'clock OH the morning Of the muir
der. Hutchinson ties flied that he saw q well.
dressed man with q Jewish cast of counter.
ancs accost the woman on the street at the
hour mentioned on Friday morning, and the
circumstances OF his acquaintance with her
induced him to follow thu pair as they walked
together. He looked straight into the man
face as he turned to accompany the woman,
and followed them TO Miller court, out OF
mere curiosity. He had no thought of the
previous murders. and certainly no suspicion
that the man contemplated violence. since
his conspicuous manifestations Of affection
for his companion as they walked along
formed a large part Of the incentive
to keep them In sight. After the
couple entered the house Hutchinson heard
sounds Of merrimsnt in the girls room and
remained at the entrance TO The court for
fully th~ree-Quartsrs OF an hour. About 3
o'clock the sounds ceased and he walked into
the court, but finding that the light In the
room had been sxtinsuishsd he went home.
During the hour occupied In standing at the
entrance 10, or p~romenading tina court, no
did not see a policeman.
There h every reason to believe Hutchin-
sons statement, and the police place great
reliance upon his description OF the man. be-
lieving that it will enable them to run hun
down
The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1888-11-23
lrSu,,e and the Yationn.

PARIS. Nov. ID In the chamber OF depu-
ties yesterday an amendment to the foreign
budget was introduced. abandoning the
embassy at the Vatican. M. Goblet
opposed the amendment. saying IL was neces.
sary to maintain diplomatic relations with
the vatican for the training Of clergy, ap.
pointing Of bishops and cardinals, etc.
Moreover, rival powers dispute the French
protectorate over certain eastern countries,
and the friendship of the pope Is therefore
precious. France, he said, had no intention,
however remote, to intervene to restore the
popes temporal power, but the more the pope
was deprived Of power the more France
ought to honor him. The amendment was
rejected by n vote Of 3o7 TO al7, and the
budget approved
The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1888-11-23
The ErOnienac Horror.

PuTsBURG. Kan, Nov. l2.-The accounts
OF the mine disaster ut Frontenac have been
so largely overdrawn that it is deemed
proper for the. Information of the public
that ut least one true statementof the facts
should be officially given. There had been
up to Sunday evening at G o'clock thirty
nine dead bodies recovered and about twenty
wounded or injured. or the latter, not to
exceed Ave will die, sad probably not that
many. Experts and volunteers are still
thoroughly searching the entries and rooms
of the underground workings for any bodies
which may he possibly left there, but it is
thought they are all now discovered, and in
cluded In tho list OF killed and wounded.
There we're originally about 10 mel In the
mine at the time Of the explosion, those
over and above that number OF killed and
won ,ded hsvin escaped soon after the ex-
plosion BY way OF the air and escape shafts