davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1891-12-25

"Oh. yes he is. Truel Don't lose heart
so.' she sought to encourage. him.
Il hadn't ought to. | know. when you
are so kind to me, and wait on me as If
was a baby But amt much better;
I've been penned up here so long with
this sore foot" he said gloomily.
Don't fret. True Well have nice
Christmas yet"
IL ought to be ashamed to worry when
you are SO patient. and will try not to
fret any more.
here on Rocky Ridge this Christmas.
Now try to sleep, True" And kissing
him softly she smoothed the covers over
him. You'll feel better when you wake
UP. then I'll give you some supper"
She sang softly about her simple house
hold tasks. until the boys regular
breathing told her that he slept
Poor True!" she said to herself. II
wish had something nice to cheer him
up on Christmas. Not being well makes
him feel more disappointed like. do
wish
She laid aside the old stockings which
she was mending for True, then she
arose and went to the little window and
looked out. Far up on the Rockies
barren heights were the vast accumula-
tons of eternal SHOWS. The sun, well
down the western slope, touched them
into dazzling opalescent colors. Some
thing OF the beauty and sublimity of the
mountain scenery stirred the soul of
the little girl, and she murmured to her
self:
''It is Christmas eve, and he was poor,
book says. But how lovely he has made
the whole earth!"
Then her thoughts returned to True.
"If just had something good for
True's supper I'd feel sight better. He's
weak and discouraged like and don't
relish potatoes, cornbread and dried
beef, and that's the best there is in the
cabin. l might ride down to Bufies'
store and ask him to let me have an
apple or orange. expect they're awful
dear now and he's mighty close, but
maybe il I'd go and ask him he'd let me
have something for True. hate to face
old Buffles, he's so crusty; but it's for
True, and Ill Co."
Putting few sticks of wood on the
fireplace she wrapped an old faded nubia
around her head and prepared to leave
the cabin.
''He won't wake before get back"
she said, looking toward the sleeper.
"I'n make Bonny travel her best"
The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1891-12-25
"An sorter pint out his duty to him"

"An sorter pint out his duty to him"
IAN show him how er citizen o. Their
United States should conduct hisself to-
ward them as is orphans indeed"
IAN specially on Christmas times,
when Their angel KEN down from Beth
lehem an writ erbout peace on yearth.
good Will TO men, yer know"
''Isley allus was powerful on cotin
Scriptur, remarked Spiker, admiringly
"Jack, yer missed yer calm when yer
tuck ter cowpunchin Std o preachin
make er motion that us galoots rides
down to the settlement an that lsley de-
livers Christmas sarmon ter ole Josh
Bullles"
For reply the cowboys tossed up their
sombreros and gave three shouts for
ether parson, Jack Isley."
"Hyer, Snowdrop." said Spiker to Ivy.
"yer must ride bAhind me back ter die
Buffles. We're justice an jurisprudence
combined, an Yer wrongs air ter be
righted. It's Christmas eve, an Parson
Isley will open sarvices in jiffy fur
Their benefit Of ole skinfint Bufles."
So saying, Ivy was assisted to seat
behind Spiker, and they were soon riding
rapidly toward the settlement.
"Look hyerl" commanded Jack Isley,
as they approached the store, don't let
me ketch airy galoot o yer siangin round
old Finders swill tubs while meetin's in
progress. The parson has spoke!"
When they reached the store they dis
mounted and entered, lsley and Spiker
wit TUx in, Ea f,,11 hxrf ha
rest of Murray cowpunchers.
"Hello, Ole Buff greeted Isley. "It
bein Christmas eve we thought we'd
drap in an hold er leetle missionary sar-
mon an sort o prayer meetir with yer,
an wrastle er bit fur yer conversion, Eff
any man has need O. the prayers O. Gods
folks it's an ole galoot like yer, who kin
take the last crirter two pore orphan
children has on or ole ercount tibet they
couldn't help. Why, tho heart O. the
meanest galoot in the canyon orto half
way be throbbin an cavortin with some
good Christmas impulses"
$50 syith Their parson!' cried Spiker.
"Selah" and the building shook with
hearty applause.
Pinder and his drinking gang came
rushing out Of the saloon, and stood
around the store door to SEQ what "Mur-
rays outfit was up to-"
Buffles hung his head sullenly. He
knew Murray's cowboys, and thorough
ly realized how valuable was silence be-
fore them.
flyer, Duke" lsley called to one of
the cowboys. You mosey round ter
Their stable an fetch Snowdrop's critter
out"
The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1891-12-25

had evidently not taken bath fcs
twelve months or more.
yer Nil. Fishers leetle gal, hain't
yer?" he askel. ignoring her reference to
the uncleanliness of his establishment.
"Yes, sir" she answered, conscious
from the expression Of his countenance
that she had appealed to him in vain.
Yer dad owed me. and it's high time
yer kids was doin somethin ter settle
the ercount," he said sharply.
II never heard my pap say he owed
YOU" she retorted
II hol ercount agin yer Fishers fer
thirty dollars. It's fer fittin yer Uncle
Jim up when he went up ter Wyoming.
Yer dad went his security fer ther traps
Jim got was er plumb fool ter take
SIGH security, but yer dad was allus so
burned sartin o strikin gold on that
claim O. hisn in the canyon that kinder
believed in him. The note orto been
paid two months ago, but I've been
kinder waitin ter give yer kids chance
ter settle without dunnin. But reckon
yer bout as dishonest as yer dadw
"My pap wasn't dishonesty Ivy cried
spiritedly. 81 s'pose pap thought Uncle
Jim would be back and pay it himself.
He ought to have been four months
ago."
Eyer Uncle Jim has shelled out fer
good, and yer not likely ever ter see him
back in these parts agin. But yer dads
property stands good fer my thirty dol
lars worth O. traps that Jim Fisher got
off with. Is tibet critter ye- rid up hyer
bit ago yer OWN"
Eyes. sir; it's all the horse we have
left"
"Waal, Ill take the critte- and call it
squar'."
"Oh, please, sir" pleaded Ivy, unable
to keep the tears back, ''don't take
Bonny! She's all that's left True and
me. We couldn't live without her, in
deed we couldntw
Tears and pleading, however, were Of
no avail in moving the f1inty, miserly
heart of old Josh Buffles Calling the
lean boy from the soap box. he ordered
him to lead Bonny away.
AS the boy left the store to do his bid
ding, Buffies turned to Ivy, saying;
Come, sissy! Dry mp now. Gus
toners will be comm in soon, an ! KANT
be annoyed by cryin gal. Yer'd best
rack out home now"
Without turning her head to look at
the shelves laden for the holiday trade,
Ivy walked out of the store. She paused
on the steps to take q last look at her
favorite, but the boy had already disap-
peared from view with her.
With her young heart in n tumult of
fresh troubles, she hurried away from
the store. 1t was bad enough to return
to True without a thing for his Christ
mas, she thought. but ten times worse
to have Bonny taken on a debt of which
she knew nothing.
The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1891-12-25
! II.

About n half mile from Buffies' store
she sat down on rock by the mountain
trail to give her tears full vent. How
could she go back to True and report tho
loss of Bonny? She knew the intelli-
gence would nearly kill him, so much
did he love the pony.
Down the trail came half dozen
horsemen. Their reckless manner OF
riding, as well as their general costumes,
proclaimed them cowboys. They be-
longed to Murray's "outfit," in charge
Creek valley, and were on their way to
celebrate Christmas eve in "roaring
style" at Finders saloon, next door to
Buffies' store.
Suddenly Jack Isley and Ben Spiker,
who were riding ahead, came to halt.
Springing from their saddles they rushed
toward an object by the trail.
When their companions rode up they
saw Jack and Ben bending over small
figure by the roadside.
"Wot is it,"
"a leetle gal, an she's tainted dead
away" answered Spiker, who was trying
to restore the unconscious child.
Presently she recovered, and, sitting
up, glanced wonderingly at the rough
but kindly faces bent over her SO full Of
sympathy.
Don't be erfraid. Snowdrop, yer be
ermongst friends" Spiker treasured her.
Ivy was trembling with the cold, and
Jack Isley took his coat off and wrapped
it snugly around her, saying:
"Thar, Snowdrop, thet'll keep you a
bit more comfortable. Now, tell us
whar yer was goin?"
Home" she answered simply.
can whars thet?"
son Rocky Ridge"
"Ohv' with u whistle. Eyer Milt
Fishers leetle gal, 'low?"
Eyes, sir"
"Wot brings yer out hyer a-foot an
erlone 80 fur from home" inquired
Spiker.
my brothers sick ut the cabin, and l
went down to Buffles' store to get him a
present for his Christmas" she strove to
explain. 81 rode Bonny, my pony,
butt and she broke down and began
to cry bitterly.
The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1891-12-25


''Nuver mind erbout change" Jack
replied. "Thet's nothin ter reward sech
man as yer. Mr.. Builies. vartue orto
be recognized Now this meetin's done
with yer fur the present, but rs er sort
o doxology TO wot's gone before, want
ter warn yer ter be lookin out. Their
big S'preme Court that sets across Their
Divide won't tresa@, yer case SO all fired
leniently. Christmas is mighty good
time ter practice charity an git sorter
limbered up fur ther great roundup on
the other shore. Yer hear mey Then
heed Now wrap us up some'o' yer best
oysters. crackers. white sugar, lemons,
raisins and canned goods We be amin
ter go up ter Rocky Ridge and have q
Christmas with them Fisher children,
III sorter act like white folks with souls"
AS "the parson" started away with
his men, carrying their various stores,
they encountered u man riding n jaded
mule. He was headed toward Buffies'
store.
Hello, stranger" greeted Isley.
"Whar yer be amin furY'
"Bein as yer SO civil, Two Il good no.
ton ter tell yer" returned the man, halt
ing and pushing his hat back
why! Hang my hide, Of it hain't
ole Jim Fisher!" cried isley, riding for
ward and taking possession OF his hand,
which he shook heartily. when did
yer land?"
"Jest now. Jest heered O Milt's
death few days ago, and racked right
out. was trappin up in Wyoming, got
nearly froze to death last winter, an was
mighty puny long spell, an beiu a good
hundred an four mile from the post
Office l was nearly six months gettin the
word. sold ont my furs, an lit right
out for Rocky Ridge. cause know them
kids is needin me-"
"Yes, they're needin yer powerful bad,
Jim. We've jest started up ter their
cabin ter hev sort of Christmas jubilee
ter cheer 'em up"
"Good for yer, Jack Isleyl Jest wait
till l ride over ter ole Bufilcs' an fix up
debt promised ter pay him the minute
I landed, an I'll jine yer"
"Hold on, Jiml Tibet debts iquer-
dated, and ole Buff has Christmas
grin mile long on his purity features"
1t was indeed happy Christmas re-
union that took place between jim Fish
err and his brothers. children. Rocky
Ridge resounded with robust, kindly
cheer, and the cowboys felt that they
had missed nothir; by foregoing their
purposed celebrate at Piuder's saloon
to give pleasure to Il Little girl and her
sick brother
Kind hearts are more than coronets,
And simple faith than Norman blood.
Glad angels must have smiled over
Rocky Ridge that Christmas, while
down in the valley Josh Buffles caught
view of his.own soul, dwarfed and grasp
ing and shuddered at the revelation.
Milton Fishers faith in the valuable
ness of his claim had not been misplaced
Jim devoted himself earnestly to the
interests of his young charges. Gold
was discovered in the canyon, and be-
fore the dawn of the next Christmas on
Rocky Ridge True and Ivy had comforts
in abundance.
THE END.
The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1891-12-25

Bonny was grazing in the canyon,
where the sturdy shrubs aud grasses
managed to resist the chill of winter up
on the ridge and the heights above the
cabin. She was easily caught, and Ivy
being an expert rider was soon speeding
along down the mountain trail which
led to Buffles' store.
Josh Buffles was n crusty old fellow,
who kept II grocery and general notion
store next door to saloon in the out
skirts OF the settlement in the valley.
The Fisher children had never dealt with
Blflles He was so close listed and re-
CURED such great profit on all his sales
that they had been obliged to do their
trading at the small mining town seven
miles distant from Rocky Ridge.
The air was sharp, and Ivy's thinly
CLAD figure felt the chillness keenly, but
the thought of how glad she was going
to make I've sick boy made her almost
dumb to the discomfort of her long, cold
ride down the mountain.
AS she approached Buffles' store she
noticed that the saloon next door was
filled with rough men, drinking and pro-
flaming in shocking manner.
She shuddered at the sight, and her
first impulse was to ride away as fast as
Bonny could carry her. But she remem-
bered True, and disnounting she hitched
the pony near the store and entered.
The store was quite deserted, save by
the unprepossessing proprietor himself
and tall, lean boy who occupied an
empty soap box by the rusty stove.
Buffles stood behind the counter, and
as Ivy came toward him he fixed his
hawkish gray eyes upon her with stare
that was repellent.
ooh, sir!" she began, nervously finger
ing one ragged edge of the nubia, anxious
to dispatch her business and hurry home,
my brothers laid up in the cabin-he's
been sick long time-andI want to get
something nice for his Christmas, an
orange or APPLE" and she looked long
ingly at the display Of fruits and candies
ARRANGED ON the shelves.
"Have you any money!" the merchant
asked shortly.
"No, SIR" and her face fell despair
ingly.
"Then how'd yer 'spect ter git any
thing? I'm done doin any credit bust
ness" he announced savagely.
Ivy's face flushed hotly, but lifting her
blue eyes appealingly to the mans hard
ened visage she said, "You might let me
have one o. them big oranges, and ]
could pay you in work for it,
"rd like to know what yer could do
fer me-" he remarked scornfully.
II could come down here and scrub
your floor, wash your windows, clean up
your stove and do lots of things If you'd
let me-" she returned, looking at tho
dirt berrimed floor and windows. which
The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1891-12-25
ChristmaSon Rocky Ridge.
By A. H. GIBSON.

lCopyrightcd, 1891, by American Press Associa-
ton.
The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1891-12-25
| V.

LARGE REVOLVER.
AS Duke hurried OFT to obey 1.-The par
sons orders Isley again gave his atten-
ton to the morose storekeeper.
eyer never was knowed ter make err
Christmas present in all yer skinfiint
life. III give yer Jest five minutes ter
present Snowdrop hyer with tibet note
yer hold agin her dad, who's dead. Be
spry erbout it too. don't want any
Waterbury movement erbout this thing!
You time him, Spiker"
Ben drew out an old silver watch at
tached to a leather string, while Jack
Isley covered Buffles with n large re-
volver.
He dared not refuse to comply, and
marching in logged manner back OF
an old safe he drew out piece of paper
which he handed Isley, who examined it
carefully.
'Its the genuine dockynent," ap-
proved "the parson." "Now give it to
this leetle gal an make o. presentation
speech. Hurry up! This is one O. them
new kind o uncomfortable shootin irons,
an KANT hold it,"
Thus forcibly persuaded, Buffles took
the note, and giving u stubborn jerk to
each word said:
"Thar, sissy, is q Christmas present
fur yer"
"What is it?" asked the little girl as
Buffies thrust the paper into her hand.
"Take keer o tibet, Snowdrop," said
Isley; with tibet ter show, old skinner
hyer KANT ever KEN onter yer for tibet
debt"
"Hyer's yer critter at ther door, Snow
drop" announced Spiker.
Ivy waited to hear no more, and con-
cealing the note in her dress she ran out
to claim Bonny, her heart too full for
utterance or thanks.
Presently Spiker followed her. his arms
full of various packages.
"Wots themY asked the cowboy who
had brought Bonny back.
christmas fixins fur Snowdrop an
her brother. I'm ordered ter scort her
safe ter Their cabin. The parson' says
we're all ter celebrate Christmas eve up
ter Rocky Ridge and help cheer up them
lone children std O. cavortin round down
hyer at Finders"
Ben assisted Ivy to mount Bonny, and
then they rode away together.
Meantime Jack Isley prepared to close
"the meetiu held fur ole Josh Buffies'
benefit"
"See hyer," he said, approaching the
discounted storekeeper who was lean
ing against the counter, his countenance
lowering and detected; "don't go to
sullxin cause yer done one good deed in
yer life. How much was Fishers debit"
"Thirty dollars" was the crusty an
swer.
Jack tossed a crisp fifty dollar bill to
him, saying, "Thars ter pay yer fur
Fishers note an Their notions Ben made
yer wrap up. Take it, an let's see a
Christmas smile ON yer countenance
bout Their size of err broncho's kick"
Buffies took the bill, mumbling some
thing about change.
The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1891-12-25

Eastward No. 12 has Pullman Sleeper Chica-
go to Detroit No. IA has Wagner Chair and
Buffet Car, Grand Rapids to Detroit. No. IS has
Chair Car Grand Rapids to Detroit. No. so has
Wagner Sleeper Grand Rapids to Detroit.
The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1891-12-25
GECRGE FOLMER,
BUILDING MOVER

All kinds of buildings moved and raised
on short notice. Boilers, machinery wind
mill towers etc. moved and raised. Salts
faction guaranteed. Orders can be left at
200 Adde street, or with s. G.. Gum, fore
man, 727 N. Park street.
The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1891-12-25

n LEEIIlE dlII, nv SHE , FAINIED DIsAD
AWAY"
Those rough fellows knelt on the frozen
ground by her side and spoke soothingly
to the poor child. She became calmer,
and by degrees they succeeded in draw
ing the whole story from her.
When Ivy had finished the simple but
pathetic recital of her troubles, Jack
said:'
"Fellers, O man who'll treat leetle
orphan gal SO ALFRED mean ought to be
taught a lesson"
"Thet he hadl" agreed his companions.
HE orto hev committee ter wait on
him"
The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1891-12-25
TRAINS NORTH

TRAINS NORTH
Bay City and Maclinaw Express leaves G:12
q. m, arrives at Bay City $40 a. m. arrives in
n Macknaw 700 y. m.
Marquette Express leaves Owosso 7;1i p. M,
arrives at Bay City 9:25 u. m arrives In MaclSi-
nav 1885 q. m.
Owosso Accommodation leaves Jackson 9:i3
arrives at Owosso III '45 d. m.
Way Freight leaves 2 :2J p. m. and arrives at
Saginaw 5:35 p. m.
All Trains Daily except Sunday.
Il. v. SMITH, Agent, Owosso.
o. w. RUGGLEs p. G.. ST.. A., Chicago.
The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1891-12-25
PATENTS
MICHIGAN Central
"The Niagara Falls Route"
SAGINAW DIVISION.
OWOSSO TIME CARD.s
TRAINS SOUTH.

TRAINS SOUTH.
Chicago Express leaves $3.50 a. m. arrives in
Jackson IL :05 o. m, Chicago 3 :55 p. m.
Evening Train leaves Owosso 9:32, arrives in
Jackson II 80 p. m, Chicago 80 n. m. Through
Sleeper bay City to Chicago.
owosso Accommodation leaves 80 p. M, arriv
ing In jackson AS.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1891-10-31

1t is said that but three golden eagles
were ever shot In Maine, the last one
being captured at Holden Wednesday
by AlonzO Tasker, farmer of that
town. Mr.. Tasker first saw the eagle
in the field feasting on lamb Two
foxes came along aud attempted TO cap
sure the birds prey, but the eagle could
fight them and still carry on its feast
Mr. 1asker took his gun and went into
the field where the affair was in progress
and shot the bird He brought it to
Bangor and will have it mounted The
wings spread six feet and the bird z
claws are two and three inches long A
more royal specimen of the national
bird was never shown in Bangor.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1891-10-31

Mr.. C. Il Crxmp In his article In the
November Forum takes substantially
the view Of our shipping IS that ex-
pressed by Mr.. Di9gley at the recent
shipping convention In Bath This IA
laous ship builder says; There is no
lack Of raw material. no lack Of skiii to
fashion it into the instruments Of COM
MERGE We have the iron and the steel !;
we have the men TO work them into the
finished forms OF stately ships; we have
the money to promote the most colossal
Of enterprises by sea All we reed
ia the assurance OF q steady national
policy Of liberal and enlightened eneour-
skement, based upon patriotic common
consent, and elevated above the turmoils
OF politics, or the sqaaboles Of parties
one decade Of such policy would make
Us second only 10 Great Britain on the
high seas. either for commerce or for
defence and two decades OF it would
bring uz fairly Into the twentieth cen
fury a. the master maritime nation OF
the globe
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1891-10-31

wheat alone are even more remarkable
In September Of 1890 thirteen bushels
Of rye were exported; In Sepsem-
Der OF this yea the value Of this grain
exported was d, 9ss. 500. This enormous
increase from nearly nothing TO almost
three million dollars was, o. course,
due 10 the failure Of the rye crop abroad,
but it is something gained, II the expor-
tation should continue only during sin
gle year. When foreign "corn du'ies'
and those on meat and cattle are removed
or reduced and reciprocal trade treaties
shall be effected through the efforts Of
the administration the American farmer
Is unlikely to lack markets for either his
barrels of flour or pounds Of pork
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1891-10-31
VOICES OF THE PRESS.
A Cause for Generalization.
Boston Herald.

There is great Indignation reported in
Virginia over the neglect of the officials
of Congress to take any notice of
the recent death Of Congressman Lee
of that state. 1t is customary for
the sergeant alarms to notify a
certain number Of congressman to attend
the funeral when a member dies, bat
it appears that this official was away last
week aud the delicate duty was neg
lected 1t ought to be possible for the
first families of Virginia to survive the
omission, however. The funerals of
dead senators and congressman have
been made the occasion of a good many
baechanalian sprees in times past by
members appointed to represent Con.
gress on these occasions, and the friends
of the deceased ought, perhaps to con-
graduate themselves that another exhi-
bition of the usual sort bias been avoided
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1891-10-31

Augustus East Side, which has lain
dormant for years under the shadow Of
the big Insane Hospital. ia now growing
so fast that the population boomers are
counting up 10000 for the capital city's
next census. It's more easily done in
this way than by enumeration, however.
Lewiston Journal.
Wait few years and we will show
you that the paper count will be correct.