davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
People's voice. [volume] (Wellington, Sumner County, Kansas) 1890-1917, 1892-10-14

was there. grew nervous and impa-
tent and eagerly watched the progress
Of the letters, hoping that when he had
completed them he would remember
me and proceed to place me where
was to work.
Finally the last letter was read and
fled away, but Mr.. Bernard did not
turn his attention to me until, after the
lapse Of minute or so, l addressed
him, asking if I could not begin work
at once.
"You must be very Industrious" he
replied, whirling about in his chair so
that we were face to face.
mo, sir" answered. 81 do not make
any pretensions to a special love of
work, but if | am to earn my living |
wish to begin to learn how to do it."
"Ah, that's the idea, Ell? Well, that's
all very well, but in this case you need
not be in haste. Your salary COM
menced this morning and it goes right
on whether you are at work or not. If
| keep you here in idleness, it is my loss
and not yours"
ut is very kind of you," l replied,
but yet I'd prefer to try to earn my
salary. have no right to your money
if | do not work for it,"
"Ah, that is all mistaken idea" he
said, with a smile. "We are related.
you know, and between kinfolk it is not
necessary to draw the line of business
SO closely. If you wish you need not
work at all to-day, but put in the time
idling about the store and seeing what
kind Of place we have here"
Thanks" / answered, 81 would pre-
fer to work"
He sat there for some time watching
me in silence. / grew restless under
his gaze, and began to fidget, and am
sure he could not fail to notice my EN-.
barrassment. Yet he seemed in nc
hurry to continue the conversation, nor
did he appear 70 mind my annoyance.
Well" he remarked at last, having
evidently read my features to his hearts
content, "Since you are so anxious to
People's voice. [volume] (Wellington, Sumner County, Kansas) 1890-1917, 1892-10-14

81 can easily guess what you think"
he continued, directly. "You did not
find her manner the most pleasant,
know, and her reception was not exact
ly what one would like. Your cousin
is queer woman, Miss Owens, a very
queer woman. You are relation, and
for that reason do not mind speaking
to you as l would not to a stranger, or
to one not connected with US. | will
say to you that Laura is not only a
queer woman, but she is a disappoint-
ment to me. 1t hurt me to see her treat
You so coldly, because know how you
must feel. Iwant my wlte's people to
feel welcome at my house just as mine
are, and do my best to make them feel
SO. | try TO make up what she lacks,
but you know it is impossible for one TO
remove the unpleasantness another's
conduct creates"
lie paused, but did not look at me. |
thought his face very serious and earn.
est; and his appearance, together with
the sadness Of his tone, touched my
heart. lpitied him, and forgetting the
liberty he had taken with me a moment
before, | increased my esteem for him.
believed that he was a good man, and
that in his attentions to me he was
striving to make up for the cold indif-
ference of his wife felt truly graft
he'd to him, and tried to thank him for
his consideration Of me, but he waved
my words away, saying:
You owe me nothing, Miss Ovens
have done nothing more than it was
my duty to do. You are entirely alone
in the world, and of course somebody
must take an interest in you. You came
to Laura expecting her assistance and
friendship, and failing to receive them,
why, then it devolves on me to, in some
manner, make good what she with
holds. l am very glad to have the
power OF favoring one who is connected
with my wife, and do not want you to
feel that you are under any obligations
to me, for you are not"
was deeply sensible of Mr.. Bernard's
kindness, and ] resolved that ! would
avail myself of every opportunity to
show my appreciation of it. would
exert myself to the utmost to aid him
with my services, and on every occasion
| would make such return as could for
his benevolence. resolved to tax his
generosity as little as possible, and to
lose no opportunity of showing him
how truly grateful ! was for his good
ness.
With this feeling for my employer
began work for him. ! found my duties
light and pleasant, and when | had
learned to adapt myself to it my posi-
ton proved as agreeable as | could
wish. ! was Independent of charity,
and out Of the reach of abuse, and
was quite happy.
L.
People's voice. [volume] (Wellington, Sumner County, Kansas) 1890-1917, 1892-10-14

corsage is also trimmed, sometimes
with a band OF the velvet going over
the shoulders, like suspenders.
Plaided costumes are made with the
plaid ION the straight" and a cloth
coat Of plain goods matching one of the
colors in the plaid Some of these
coats are belled and buttOned under a
fold down the front, while the back has
wider Vatican fold that reaches to
the belt-line only on some costumes,
on others going to the hem of the coat.
Lovely picture hats of black velvet
trimmed with scarlet velvet flowers
are en- suite. Dark green velvet picture
hats are also very fashionable.
For elegant uses are imported some
charming costumes Of very light-col.
ored cloth, trimmed with olive-green
velvet, or very rich shade of nastur.
tium red, dahlia, magenta, or auburn.
brown, pale fawn color, English pink.
dove gray and tint of cream that is
almost white are the leading shades
These gowns are, of course, for special
wear, and en- suite are hats of soft vel.
vety French felt to match.
Cream-colored felt sailor hats
trimmed with cream feathers, black
velvet ribbon and jet aigrettes are
noted among becoming and elegan,
chapeaux at the thsater. CD.F.
People's voice. [volume] (Wellington, Sumner County, Kansas) 1890-1917, 1892-10-14
John Chinaman Who Hit the Center /
Every Time He Drew a Bead.

John Chinaman Who Hit the Center
Every Time He Drew Bead.
Bang! bang! bang! and three bullets
went into the center of the target as
accurately as though the eye of the
deerslayer was looking over the rifles
sights instead of the yellow optic of a
meek and understood Chinaman.
Satisfied with his prowess with the
heavier weapon he exchanged it for a
revolver, and the way in which he
plunked pellets into the vitals of the
swinging royal Bengal and peppered
the heart Of the iron-plated soubrette
at the end of the twenty-five yard range
was sight for Creedmoor
A party Of sportive jack tars, who
had been repelling imaginary boarders
with much enthusiasm before the
Celestials arrival, put aside their guns
and gazed upon him with admiring sur
prise.
After using up a dollars worth Of
powder and ball the Mott street marks
man laid down that amount, stuck his
hands into his pockets and Joined the
current Of humanity that drifted south
ward through the Bowery.
"Whew," whistled the youngest OF
the sailormen, "but that Chinee's a
likely one on the shootr'
The man who ran the gallery
smiled. "You bet!" he answered.
There's darned few in the whole OF
your bloomin' navy that kin stand up
again him on short range, an maybe
you'll be took aback to hear that he
amt in it with some Of the other john
that practice in this place"
ut must cost 'em a lot" said the
youthful salt, "afore they get good at
it."
at does. They don't mind that,
though, it's business with 'em. Every
one Of them fellers what shoots here
belong to the Wang Goo, or the Yen
Hoe, or some or other of them assassin
atm Chinese secret societies, an IT
pays him to be handy with pop. Now,
you jes' keep your eye on the murder
columns an you'll notice that every
time John shoots another John he
takes him in vital spot first crack.
"a highlander with a gun is as sure
death as heart disease If he gets one
chance to use it, an when you see
yaller man reach for his hip, be foxy
and skip."-N. Y. Advertiser.
People's voice. [volume] (Wellington, Sumner County, Kansas) 1890-1917, 1892-10-14
CHAPTER XIII.-CoTTrNUED.

And resolved to seek work immedi-
ately, and, if possible to avoid it, not
spend night under my relatives roof
Having come to this sensible conclusion
arose, smartened myself up as well as
could, and descended to my cousins
room. She was still reading when
entered. and only stopped long enough
to cast glance in my direction.
Can | speak few words with you,
Mrs. Bernardo" asked, stopping just
inside the room.
She closed her book, fixed her eyes
on the ceiling. and apparently resigning
herself to an iniiction, said
"Weu?"
was momentarily disconnected by
her nonchalant air, but | recovered my
courage directly, and proceeded with
the business had in hand.
Mrs. Bernard" I began, 81 am very
anxious to have employment, and am
not particular what kind it is so long as
1t is honorable and will bring me liv-
Ing. Would it be presuming too much
on your kindness if asked you to assist
me in obtaining position?"
Certainly not, p" she replied, with her
characteristic calmness and indiffer-
ence. g! am very glad to devote my
life to the poor and needy"
A flush Of resentment swept over me,
and felt strongly inclined to say some.
thing not at all complimentary to nv
relative. Why need she continually
twit me on my poverty and add insult
to injury by making such uncalled-fol
references?
well" remarked, keeping my feel
ingS in check, If you can make any
suggestion calculated to aid me | shall
be very much obliged to you for the
kindness"
81 should be very glad to aid you
indeed | would" she replied, "but an
sure | don't know how | could do so.
know nothing at all unemployment
nor do know who has any to give
That is quite outside my sphere"
Perhaps" | suggested, you may b.
able to refer me to some one for in
formation"
81 am sure cannot" she answered
with the same studied Indifference. 81
know nothing at all about such things
You might speak to Mr.. Bernard about
1t. He will be at home within an hour. )
She brought her eyes from the ceiling
and reopened the book, so | knew she
had ended the conversation and that i
was tine for me to withdraw. wen
back to my room, and for an hour wait
ed with such patience as | could for tn,
return of Mr.. Bernard. At last hearc
him enter the house, and every momen
after that expected my cousin to SEM
for me to meet him. But she did moth
ing of the kind, and finally descende,
to her room once more, at the risk of in
curing her displeasure, determined t,
speak to Mr., Bernard before he wen
out.
He was sitting at the window oppo
site his wife reading a newspaper whel
came in, but he glanced up quickly
then arose, and for a moment stoo
People's voice. [volume] (Wellington, Sumner County, Kansas) 1890-1917, 1892-10-14
81 AN GRATEFUL FOR YOUR KINDNESS. "

casting inquiring glances first atMrs.
Bernard, then at myself. Mrs. Bernard
continued to read, never deigning to
look up for an instant.
Laura" Mr.. Bernard finally re-
marked, there is lady"
She gave a Just perceptible nod of
her head to signify that she heard, but
offered no other reply. The gentleman
was rather puzzled to account for such
strange conduct, ! think, for his face
evinced some surprise as he continued
to stare at his wife. | saw that ! must
speak, for the situation was becoming
extremely embarrassing, so, advancing
step or two nearer Mr.. Bernard, said:
"You are Mr.. Bernard, | presumed"
4'Yes, ma'am, he replied. And your
''My name is Owens. am seeking
employment, and as my mother, who is
now dead, was once an acquaintance Of
your wife, | have taken the liberty Of
coming here to ask for assistance. Mrs
People's voice. [volume] (Wellington, Sumner County, Kansas) 1890-1917, 1892-10-14

begin work, and refuse to be satisfied
with anything else, suppose we may
as well talk business and get this mat
ter settled. Let me see some of your
writing, will you?"
81 have none,' ! replied.
well, then, copy a sentence from a
paper here" and he handed me pen
and paper.
Ibid as requested and handed him my
work for inspection. He examined it
critically, nodded his head time or
two, and appeared to be very well salts
fed with it. 1t was quite well done,
I'm sure, for was not bad scribe and
| was very particular and neat.
THAT will do" he said, presently.
ct is better than l expected. see you
have a pretty fair general education,
and think you are inclined to be care
full and correct. Now, I'll tell you
what | have in mind. I'm going to give
you desk in the Office here, and your
duty will be to read and answer letters.
In other words, you will be my private
secretary. That will be better posi-
ton than the other, because it will not
be half so hard work, and then it has
other advantages"
He paused, and looked at me as if for
reply, but l made none. Secretly I
was greatly pleased with his PROPOSE
ton, but | had decided to accept with
good grace whatever he gave me, doing
my best to fill the position satisfactorily.
"How does that arrangement suit
you?" he finally inquired, finding that
was not disposed to speak my thoughts
on the subject.
ut is perfectly satisfactory" I re.
piled.
Then you accept the placer"
Eyes, sir. l am willing to attempt
the duties if you think me capable"
very well. Ibelieve you will give
satisfaction. At first the duties NAV
come little awkward, but you'll soon
adapt yourself to them, and in a short
time you'll have perfect understand.
ing Of them. shall be here the great
er part Of the day right along, and shall
be glad to help you with advice and in.
struction. Don't hesitate to call on me
for help when you need it."
Thanks" | said, you are exceeding
ly good to me-"
Not at all. You are more to me thar
common employee" he answered, with
a smile, laying his hand on my shoulder
famlliarly, an action that caused me Il
start in alarm. "We are relatives, anC
believe that relatives ought to be in
terested in each other. What's the use
In people having relations If they arr
gong to act toward them as they would
toward strangers?"
still felt little uneasiness on ac
count of his act of familiarity and die
not vouchsafe any reply to his remark
II he understood my feelings he chos,
to ignore the fact, for seemingly taking
no notice of my embarrassment, h,
went on:
u presume you have Dot been over
whelmed with attentions from your rel
atlves, for understand YOU hay,
known very few and that those few
have not been extraordinarily kind I,
you By the way, how did you like tn,
reception Laura gave you yesterday?
was surprised beyond measure b,
the abrupt question. and | could no
have answered it if had desired to d,
SO. Besides, had no wish to answe
it. because could not in truth say any
thing favorable, and did not want /,
either speak unfayorably or utter
falsehood. So l maintained silence
feeling as uncomfortable as possible.
People's voice. [volume] (Wellington, Sumner County, Kansas) 1890-1917, 1892-10-14
a SLUMBER SONG.


I'll dream you stand outside the window,
My old whispering trees;
III dream you hum outside the window,
My old honey bees,
Till my peaceful spirit drowses
With your pleasant hum,
In and out your little houses,
As you go and come.
Gather me the honey Of sleep,
Through the old, sweet, sunny light,
Where your hum is soft and deep
Softer than this barren night
Little, humming, golden bees,
Humming bees,
Hum me to slumber
To slumber
And from the sweet old summer garden,
Flashing to and fro,
And from the bright old summer garden
Where the lilies blow,
From the hOllyhocks high chamber
Humming loud and low,
Where the morning glories Chamber
AS you come and go;
From the old days fly to me,
Hum dream around my brain,
Hum old sweetness drowsily,
And my old, soft sleep again;
Little, humming, golden bees,
Humming bees,
Hum me to slumber,
To slumber
Irene Putnam, in Good Housekeeping
People's voice. [volume] (Wellington, Sumner County, Kansas) 1890-1917, 1892-10-14
Faster and Faster.

Father-A rolling stone gathers no
moss, my boy.
Son (who is that kind But, pop. It
gathers momentum.
Father (sadlyl-Yes, my boy, have
observed that II gets faster as II nears
the bottom Of the hill.-Detroit Free
Press.
People's voice. [volume] (Wellington, Sumner County, Kansas) 1890-1917, 1892-10-14

low. There are three sleeves just at
the moment that lead in favor. The
first is close coat model, tight on the
forearm, but fully draped from the
shoulders down for about ten or twelve
inches. There are endless ways of ar
ranging this drapery-in a huge puff,
in jabOt folds, in broken folds, in vel
vet stripes, sewed only at the top and
bottom, etc. The other models are the
leg-o-mutton and the full Empire
sleeves gathered into very long cuff
that reaches nearly to the elbow.
The welcome announcement is made
that street skirts are to be cut several
inches shorter in the back. Princesse
People's voice. [volume] (Wellington, Sumner County, Kansas) 1890-1917, 1892-10-14

and brocaded velours in rich autumn
dyes. Serges, vigognes and cheviots
come in with diagOnals, and pretty
borders are woven along the edges Of
fine camel's hair serges of dark colors.
The borderings are used for edging the
skirt, bodice and sleeves. Fancy
black and tan cheviots are used strict.
ly for utility tailor gowns, while for
more elaborate costumes are soft,
beautiful ladies' cloths in brilliant col.
orings, to be made up with velvet coat
and skirt trimmings.
Most of the new costumes are mere.
ly notifications Of the styles with
which we are familiar. Round and
stylishly pointed waists, with girdles,
corselets, short Elton jacket, fronts and
People's voice. [volume] (Wellington, Sumner County, Kansas) 1890-1917, 1892-10-14

suitings,c checks,
also plain dark
gre en- a n d
brown, are less
common. TX
yards Of the
very wide dou-
ble-width goods
are ample for a
bell skirt with
fitted princesee
or r u S ia n
coat, and the
neatly stitched
edges do away
with any ex-
pense of trim
ming. Mixeds silk
and wool fab
rics that have a
repped surface
are largely i'm
ported, an d
among the nov.
elites are
creped, striped
People's voice. [volume] (Wellington, Sumner County, Kansas) 1890-1917, 1892-10-14
FASHION LETTER.

Admirable and Attractive Autumn Tailor
Gowns-Charmlng Costumes In Great
Variety.
Special New York Correspondence
The style, quality, fit and finish of
the new autumn tailor gowns are
more than ever admirable and attrac-
tive. The cheviots, tweeds, repped
woods, carmelites, broadclotb and
camels hair fabrics, used for these cos
tunes, are fine, beautifully woven,
they are more artistic in point of col
or-blending than they have ever been,
and the trimmings for handsome tailor
gowns are distinctly novel and elegant.
In selecting autumn fabrics, serge,
cheviot, tweed and camel's hair are
commended for travelling and walking
costumes. Navy blue still remains
favorite color for these suits, but mixed
People's voice. [volume] (Wellington, Sumner County, Kansas) 1890-1917, 1892-10-14

cOdIS Ope nlHS
over fancy vests
continue in IA
vor. TIL ere is
n o W a very
strong tendency
toward the short
Empire waist, in
preference tothe
slender models
we have so long
favored. Long
narrow tabs are
cut at the back
of some of the
bodices, Will e
o t h e rs h We
strai G hit coat
skirts with bre-
telles of velvet
that spread out
widely over the
shoulders, taper.
to the belt-line,
then expand be-
People's voice. [volume] (Wellington, Sumner County, Kansas) 1890-1917, 1892-10-14

dresses will be
worn both upon
the promenade
a n d in t h e
house. Som e
Of the ne W
skirts are made
with six cores,
and wide velvet
ribbon covers
e a C h of the
seams. A frill
of the drass yro.
t serial, or a
ruche, finishes
the skirt at the
bottom, a n d
velvet ribbon is
used for a girdle
with bows and
ends, either in
the back, or at
one side of the
front, usually
the left The
People's voice. [volume] (Wellington, Sumner County, Kansas) 1890-1917, 1892-10-14
IN A SHOOTING GALLERY.

To BE CONTINUED. |
The prison mirror. [volume] (Stillwater, Minn.) 1887-1894, 1892-04-28
Was Columbus a Pirate?

The Sunday school idea of christopher
Columbus has recently suffered considerable
mutilation. The fact that we are soon to
celebrate the 400th anniversary of the dis
cOvery of America has naturally set the his
tOrians fresh upon the trail of the great dis
cOverer. New sources of historical infOr-
nation have been found in the archives of
Europe; and instead of being a sanity in.
dividual. who proceeded to discover this
country on the most approved Sunday
school literature plan, Columbus was as
wild a blade as ever sailed the seas over.
In the first place it is very doubtful whether
Columbus was his real name.
In the next. it has been shown cOnclu-
sively that he was pirate. and that he be-
longed to one of the most merciless bands
that ever scuttled ship. Later on in life
Columbus was Shipwrecked on the. shores
of Spain, and he was induced by circum-
stances to give up his piratical profession
and marry. 1t is freely charged that in the
New World he plundered the Indians in Or
der to satisfy the rapacity of his patrons in
Spain. and he also became slave trader.
In short Columbus was the product of his
time. and not much better or worse than
the rest of his contemporaries.
The attempt of one of his critics, Mr..
Justin Winsor, to make him out mean
spirited creature, however, falls entirely to
the ground. The man who conceived the
grand project of sailing round the world of
waters. penetrating that mysterious and il
limitable ocean. and continuing until he
came to India on the other side, was no
coward. 1t was the most adventurous con-
ception that has in all the centuries dawned
upon the mind of man, and it will forever
a. r. ~c
craven spirit. No matter how many dark
crimes he was engaged in in that dark age.
no matter how many Indians he sold into
captivity. that splendid dream of adventure,
which resulted in the discovery of America,
will always entitle him to be ranked among
the worlds greatest men.-Memphis Ap.
peal-Avalanche.
The prison mirror. [volume] (Stillwater, Minn.) 1887-1894, 1892-04-28
On Self.Culture.

The first requisite to self culture is con.
centratiOn of mind-the ability to bring all
efforts of the mind to bear on one particu'
lar subject to the exclusion of everything
else not connected with the matter in hand.
This is only another name for patience, and
"patience," said Michael Angelo. ''is
genius"
1t is worthy of note that many of the
names now famous in the world of letters,
owe their position. not to youthful precoc
ity or genius. but that to ordinary qualities
of mind they added extraordinary applica-
ton. If Poe. with his genius. had possessed
one half the industry of LongfellOw there
would now be no question as to his place in
American literature.
The old story of the hare and the tortoise
is exemplified daily between men in the
race for success, and the tortoise wins
everytime. "Swift. is good dog in a
fight, but Holdfast is better.'
Walter Scott was pronounced Ounce by
his schoOlteacher, and was nicknamed the
Greek blOckhead by his classmates; yet.
how far his name is ahead of those OF his
contemporaries! Rousseau wrote Emile"
nineteen times over. Goldsmith spent three
years on 'The Deserted Village" and
Tennysop re-wrOte 1.-THE Garden Song in
Maud" fifty times and spent seventeen
years in writing I'm MemOriam." Hand
and labor are the two factors that produce
wealth. and without labor nothing is ac
-complished. ''TOil is the price of excel
lence," says the proverb.
We cannot. however, all be llterati, nor
is it desirable. A nation of book worms
would be as despcable as nation of loaf
ers. Man possesses other attributes as val
liable as the scribbling faculty, which he
needs to cultivate. In more ways than one
the world advances on its legs. Magma
Charta was signed by men who made their
''X;" and had the third Napoleon known
better how to deal with men the army con-
tractors could not have palmed off on him
cannon made of pot. metal and blackened
sawdust for gunpowder.
Most people expect too much from educa-
tion. They regard it as an end instead OF
means. The man is dwarfed in the
scholar. and often turns out to be no better
than driveling pedant with ''loads of
learned lumber in his head"
First, be man, scholar afterwards. If
you think you will make good one. In
any case. after settling upon vocation.
stick to it. ''KnOw thyself" and know your
trade: know how to deal with men. for,
after. all, men are the best books.
''This above ALTO thine own self be true,
And it must follow as the night the day.
Thou canst not then be false to any man."
LACON.