davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1892-12-29

It was nearly midnight. and a dim
light burning in the post Office assured
him that something must be wrong.
Jumping from his horse, he flung the
door wide open, and stood staring at
the unexpected picture that met his
gaze
Tom Hartley, with his right arm in a
sling, sat on a table, which had been
placed directly over the trap-door.
Bessie with her fathers trusty Win
chester stood beside him. Strange,
muttered curses came from the cellar.
tom Hartley! You here?' cried the
postmaster. recovering his speech.
.sYes; 1 thought I was needed, so /
came" Tom answered
s'What does it mean? / feared some
thing was wrong"
Some villains tried to rob the post
office. but have them trapped" and
Tom pointed significantly toward the
cellar.
In as few words as he could use Tom
related to Fowler how he had over
heard the plot. and how he had hast
ened to the cabin and prepared things
for the reception of the robbers, send
ing them headlong through the trap
door the minute they had entered
through the window.
'sTom,'' and the old mans voice was
husky as he grasped Toms left hand,
you've saved US. 1 haven't words to
| thank you. But it's all right. Seer
and he pointed to the old clock on the
wall. 1t was ready to strike twelve,
the midnight hour. 1.-THE Old Years
dying; let the old fuss die with it,
Amen said Tom and Bess together.
as their hands joined
And the old bitterness passed out
with the Old Year, and the dawn of the
New smiled upon the revival of the old
| friendly feeling between the Hartleys
| and the FowlerS.
! The robbers We're turned over to the
proper authorities, and the Hartleys
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1892-12-29
s.How did you find out Old Tompson
had a registered letter at Big Elm?"

s.How did you find out Old Tompson
had registered letter at Big Elm?"
'sFrotn his cow puncher, Rum Char
lev. We're good friends, and I met
Charley as he was riding back from
Big Elm this afternoon. He was
swearin' high at Old Fowler for not
lettin' him have a registered letter
that had just come in for the boss.
Fowler said he'd deliver it into no
hands except Tompson's own He
wouldn't accept Rum Charley's receipt
for it, and that's what made him so
mad. It's an important letter, contain
in one thousand dollars from Hepley's
bank In payment of a check old Temp
son had there"
ssMaybe Old Tompson will post right
over to Big Elm this evenin' for his
letter."
Bother, man, Old Tompson's away
from the ranch and won't be home for
two days. 1 got everything straight
from Charley. A half pint of brandy
in my pocket did the work. The
moneys at Big Elm, Old Fowler's on
his way to Gray's. and all we've got to
do is to help ourselves"
'sBut what if the women give us
trouble?''
.sWe'u wait till they're in bed, before
we raid the post office. l know the
ground well. It'll be easy enough, but
| if Bess and the old woman give us
bother, I know how to silence them.
Come on over to the cabin, Pete Well
need something to brace US up The
nights gettin' cold.''
| So the plotters walked away. leaving
Tom to digest as well as he could what
| he had heard.
1.-THE post Office to be robbedn' he
repeated to himself, as he crept
cautiously away from the bluff. ''Fow-
Ter summoned off by false message,
and Bessie and her mother alone! He
| told me I wasn't needed at Big Elm
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1892-12-29
( EERa 1.t41R>aalE&R
A sELF-CLosINe GATE.

lucky. This gate closer will not only
close the gate every time it is opened
to the usual width, but if the gate is
swung completely back to the fence, it
will also hold the gate open This is a
great convenience, as all realize who
have tried chains or ropes with weights,
and self-closing hinges or springs
With seif-closing gates, the careless
ness of children and callers Will be
overcome, and the trees and. plants
saved from injury by trespassing cat
tie and swine--American AgricuI-
turiSt
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1892-12-29

but rather think am now, and as I'm
nearly five miles away haven't min
ute to spare" and, despite the pain in
his arm, Tom walked briskly away
across the prairie.
He recognized in the leader of the
plotters Dave Mowley, a new settler of
questionable character, who had a
small cabin near those bluffs. BY some
few persons he was secretly suspected
of having some connection with an out
law gang of Indian Territory; but he
had managed to keep up a semblance
of responsibility by working part of
his time for Gray, a wealthy stockman,
some twenty miles from Big Elm.
'Mowley has appeared in his true
character at last Tom remarked, as
he hurried along toward Fowler's ca bin.
but I'll foil him.
Then he remembered his injured
right arm. He could not use his revo1-
yer easily with his left hand. What was
he to do?
''I'n prove poor match against those
two villains, my arm this way" he
said. There's not house along this
trail where 1 can stop for help, and it's
too far to go home and tell them. The
least delay now is dangerous. I must
save Bessie or die in the attempt
Bessie Fowler was putting out the
light, preparatory to retiring, when a
gentle rap on the window-pane startled
her.
''Oh. Tom! What's the matter?"
''Hush! Don't alarm your mother
yet. Let me into the kitchen at once"
She quickly complied. AS she closed
the door behind him. she cried:
''Oh. Tom! Is something wrong with
father?''
''He's all right, believe, only gone
on a false Grand"
False errand! What do you mean,
Tom?"
mo matter Is there a valuable let
ter in the post office TO- Ranchman
Tompson?" he asked.
Yes"
''You must be brave. Bessie, and help
me. Mowley and another villain will
make raid on the post Office tonight
to get possession of it," and he briefly
related the plot of the robbers whom
he had overheard
What can we do?" said the girl,
| with white face "We're so far from
all aid, and your arm hurt that way
Never fear, Bessie; we'll battle
them some way. Let us go into the
post Office. 1 want to take some
! notes"
j The post Office of Big Elm was kept
! in room which had once been used
as the Fowler kitchen. A long table
surmounted with a box divided off into
rude pigeon holes for holding the mail
stood in one corner. The table had one
large drawer, which contained the
| postal supplies and all valua bic letters
! coming to or leaving the Office.
The room had only one window,
while just beneath it was large trap
door, leading into the cellar. Tom re-
ceived an idea
Bessie, is the outside cellar door
locked?"
Yes; securely"
swell, you take Tompson's letter
and all the stamps and hide them in
your room. See that all the windows
are secured, then put out the lights
and get quiet I'll stay here
Halfway to Gray's ranch, Fowler
met one of the cowboys who told him
that Mr.. Gray was not at home.
Guessing at once that he was the vic
tim of false message. he rode frantic
ally back to Big Elm.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1892-12-29

Is the keeper of the keys.
Once in the year it opens,
At the solemn midnight hour.
When the children sleep, and the old CLOCKS
keep
Awake in the tall church tower.
And then, as it swings on it's hinges,
Whoever might peer inside
Would catch glimpse of the centuries
That behind in the silence hide
Egypt and Rome and Tyre,
All in that mythical place
Where the old years rest that were once pos
sessed
BY the wonderful humah race.
The shadowy door swings open,
And a pilgrim enters in,
Bowed with a tweive-months' struggle
In this world of strife and sin
Watt him a farewell greeting!
He will pass no more this way
This weary year who must disappear
In the haven Of yesterday.
The door still swingeth open,
And outward another comes,
With stir of banners and bugleS
And the beat of friendly drums;
His hands are full of beauty
The cluster, the song, the sheaf
The snow fakes wing, and the budding spring,
And the foam on the crested reef
This is the New Year, darlings,
OH haste to give him cheer.
Only the Father knoweth
The whole of his errand here.
This is the New Year. darlingS;
A year for work and play,
For doing our best, and for trusting the rest
To the Maker of night and day.
Margaret E. Sangster, in Harper's Young
People-
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1892-12-29
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
THE RUSSIAN THISTLE.
Its introduction and Occurrence in Sew.
eral Western Sfates.

Its introduction and Occurrences In Sew
eral Western States.
Prof l. II. Pammel. Ames. Ia,
writes to the Orange Judd Farmer:
Not long ago there was some discussion
concerning the introduction of the
Russian thistle in the northwestern
part of this state 1t has appeared in
several places In Iowa and is causing
some alarm. 1t was stated that IL Is
the common saltwort found along the
Atlantic coast, but it now appears that
E$this weed is not the native Salsola
kali, but variety, and is known as
Salsola kali var. tragus, which Is
shown in the accompanying illustra-
tion reproduced from the report of the
department of agriculture issued for
the year 1891. 1t is not native of the
United States but of Russia In some
way it was brought to this country.
How will never be learned. It has be-
come q formidable pest in the wheat
fields of the Dakotas- Mr.. S. W. Mar
regang, president of the Dakota Irri-
CATION Company, writes in the depart
ment of agriculture report for 1891. in
| response to an inquiry from DIR. J. N
Rose: They grow much longer than
the specimen, often three times as
| large, forming plants which are six
! feet in diameter-as large as large
| wagon wheel IN reply to your ques-
| ton as to the time of first appearance
I would say that we first saw it three
years ago. Since that time it has
steadily increased. until the greater
| portion of South Dakota east of the
Missouri river is infested with the
thistle. particularly the strip OF
country extending from Eureka, Camp
bell county, southeasterly to Sioux
Falls, which is covered thickly with
this weed The same writer states
| that SOME farmers haze left their land
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1892-12-29
smart Man.

Twynn-I headed off Bawler nicely
= at the Cumsoes last night
Triplett-How did you manage it?
Twynn-He was determined to sing
g 'Thy Sentinel Am l." but 1 took him
= off to a corner and explained that there
wasn't solitary person in the company
who had any ear for music. and that it
was pity to display his great talents
before an inappreciative audience.
Brooklyn Life.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1892-12-29
A Sure Remedy.

Mrs Jones-William, 1 read an adver-
tisement in one of the papers stating
that for dollar in stamps the adver-
tiser would send by return Taail sure
way to get rid of rats in the house
Mr.. Jones-Well?
81 sent dollar in stamps, William,
: and received an answer"
What is it?"
William, the old cheat told me to
move?"-Texas Siftings.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1892-12-29
He stood Corrected.

The New Yorker-My rooms are on
the fourth floor. SO when you come to
see me you must take the elevator up.
His Boston Cousin-That we could
hardly do. We will, however, ascend
in the car-T<Eth-
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1892-12-29

came over to Big Elm to celebrate the
reconciliation by partalking of a good
old-fashioned New Years dinner with
the postmaster's family.
''Accordin' to my thinking" said
Fowler, carving the wild turkey
Drowned to a turn, folks who keep
nursing old fuses throws away lots of
golden time to do good to each other. :"
AID. I'll. GIBSON.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1892-12-29
THE OPENING YEAR.

Your hand, New Year, since we must comrades
be
Through the strange circles Of the seasons four
Flooding in lonely paths mid drifting snow
When days are dark, and whirling tempests
roar,
VIII your strong guiding arm be round me
pressed?
And when the ice bars melt, and warm blue
streams
Laugh in the sun. and leap toward the sea,
viii you. then, share my happy spring time
The waking songs that birds and poets know:
And when red roses burn on Bonded sprays
And lovers roam through shadowy woodland
ways,
WIN you keep kindly pace. And last when
Lie the sweet fields, and faded leaves come
down,
And We tired, both, and fsin TO rest
Win you be friends with me, still true and
near?
Then take my hand and heart, dear comrade
year.
Madeline s. Bridges. In Ladies' Home Journal
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1892-12-29
Good Butter katfons.

Here are two butter rations: !. En-
silage. forty pounds: cut hay, six
pounds; cornmeal, three pounds; wheat
bran, four pounds; new process Enseed
meal, four pounds. 2. Grind an equal
weight of corn and oats together, and
with them MAKE up the following ra-
ton: Fifteen pounds of clover hay,
nine pounds of ground corn and oats.
two and half pounds of linseed meal
The butter produced viii be rich in
butter fat Clover hay is a good basis
The fat in this ration comes mostly
from the clover, corn and oats--Farm-
er's Voice.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1892-12-29

''Why not be good boy all this
week, Robbie?''
"Twon't pay, sis. Didn't 1 hear
papa tell mamma Christmas had fat
tened out his pocketbook so'st he
couldn't do much in the way of New
Years presents? So what's the use
trvin'o''
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1892-12-29

Maid Servant-"Professor oh, pro-
fessori just think, / have swallowed
pin!'' Absent Minded Professor
Never mind, here is another ons. ~
F1iegende Halter.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1892-12-29
Retxeen the Years

A minutes pause while DER the face. OF night
solemn silence reigns, and far and near
A million tongues are hushed, ere wings his
fight
The spirit of the old and dying year.
A moments pause, and on the city's heart
pail has fallen, and mufaed bell
Proclaims the hour Of midnight as the dart
OF Time descends-then dies the old years
knell
Then, changing wildly TO the listening ear.
From spire and steeple comes the joyous peal
OF bells that welcome in the infant year.
Fraught with the wish Of happiness and veal;
And. ere the shades of night again descend,
The spoken wish has PASSED from friend to
friend
Walter Sedwin, IN Once Week
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1892-12-29
SURE GATE CLOSER.

a Continuance That VIII Prevent q Great
Many AnnOyances.
The annoyances resulting from open
garden and lawn gates can be avoided
by the continuance shown in the &C
eompanying illustration drawn from a
sketch sent us by r. C. Hollins, of Ken
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1892-12-29

AFTER the ducks begin to lay it is
safe to count upon an egg every "a
hours, but as they do not lay in nests,
the safest plan is to confine them every
The enterprise. [volume] (Wellington, Ohio) 188?-1899, 1892-12-14
A VIGOROUS KICK.

New orleans Citizens Making an Effort to
Prevent the Occurrence OF Any More
Prize Fights o. That city.
New ORLEANS, Dec. 8.-A determined
effort is to be made to prevent any Of
the big prize fights coming off in this
city on or about February 4, when the
carnival is held. On Tuesday promi-
nent members Of the various carnival
societies waited on Mayor Fitzpatrick
and requested that he refuse TO grant
any permits for glove contests immedi-
ately preceding or after that date.
Owing TO the rough characters drawn
hither on such occasions it would seri-
ously interfere with the attendance Of
respectable people who annually flock
to the Crescent City in great numbers
This action was taken owing to the
general belief, although no positive
date has yet been announced that 1t is
the intention Of the Crescent City club
TO have the Fitzsimmons-Hall fight
take place just before the carnival fes-
tiyities. The Olympic, foreseeing the
probable objection on the part OF the
carnival society, has arranged its triple
event March 1, at least fortnight
after Shroye Tuesday.
The enterprise. [volume] (Wellington, Ohio) 188?-1899, 1892-12-14


States carried in American and foreign vessels,
and submits tables and figures showing that In
1902 but per cent OF the commerce was car
ried In American bottoms out OF total value
Of H,7S4,732,54S
'The figures, he remarks, exhibit lament
able condition OF affairs, 1t would seem that
we were well hemmed in by the subsidized
steamship companies and subsidized railroads
Of the British government monopolizing trade
legitimately belonging to our own people. The
amount paid per annum for the transportation
OF freight and passengers between the United
States and foreign countries is stated TO be
more than S2OO'OOOOOO; TO nearly equal, year by
year, our collections from the customs, and to
be more than four times the value Of our annual
exports OF wheat Tor the four years prior TO the
fiscal year OF 1871
The serious questionof OF immigration comes In
Tor exhaustive treatment and while Secretary
Foster says that the doors OF immigration
should not DO closed, stiil he admits that II ID
The enterprise. [volume] (Wellington, Ohio) 188?-1899, 1892-12-14
INTERSTATE COMMERCE LAW.
Judge Gresham Renders n Decision AZ
Ieoting Its Constitutionality.

Judge Gresham Renders n Decision Az
IeotIng Its Constitutionality.
CHICAGO, Dec. s. = Judge Gresham
rendered yesterday the most important
decision which has been hand down
since the interstate law was enacted.
Last July w. G. Brimson, Sumner Hop
kins, Henry Walker, w. Z. Sterling and
other railroad officials charged with
having given unlawful advantage TO
the Illinois Steel Company, Of this city,
in the matter of freight rates, refused
to answer certain questions propounded
by the interstate commerce commits
sion or to produce books declaring that
the interstate commerce law did not
give TO the commission the functions Of
grand jury and that 1t had no right
to carry on such an investigation In the
absence OF formal complaint
United States District Attorney Mil
christ concluded that something should
be done to make witnesses answer
questions as to the jurisdiction of the
commission and he filed petition in
buO ClECulb COulb bS4OlS ~ uhkC 0ACohdhA
TO require the refractory witnesses to
answer questions and produce books
asked for. Judge Gresham, in long
opinion, refused TO grant the petition,
holding that the interstate commerce
commission Is an administrative and
not judicial body and that the court
could not be exercised In aid Of an In
vestigation before such a tribunal
The Jurisdiction OF the courts Of the
United States are limited, the Judge
says, and It Is not competent for con-
gress TO confer upon them authority
which is not strictly judicial and near
ly within the grant found In the third
article Of the constitution.
District Attorney Milchrist at once
gave notice that he should apply for .
review OF the case by the supreme court
Tho railroad lawyers are jubilant, feel
ing .hat they have virtually established
the unconstitutionality of the act
The enterprise. [volume] (Wellington, Ohio) 188?-1899, 1892-12-14

Both the method and results when
Syrup of Figs is taken; it is pleasant
and refreshing to the taste, and acts
gently yet promptly on the Kidneys,
Liver and Bowels, cleanses the sys-
TEN efectually, dispels colds, head
aches and fevers and cures habitual
constipation. Syrup of Figs is the
only remedy of its kind ever pro,
duced, pleasing to the taste and &C,
ceptable to the stomach, prompt in
its action and truly beneficial in its
effects, prepared only from the most
healthy and agreeable substances, its
many excellent qualities commend it
to all and have made it the most
popular remedy known.
Syrup of Figs is for sale in SOC
and 81 bottles by all leading drug
gists. Any reliable druggist who
may not have it on hand will pro-
cure it promptly for any one who
wishes to try it. DO not eccept any
substitute.
CALIFORNIA FIC SYRUP co.
saw FRANCISCO. CA.
LOUISVILLE kY. NEW r0eS. ny.
The enterprise. [volume] (Wellington, Ohio) 188?-1899, 1892-12-14
TERRIBLE SCARE.
A. Detroit, Over the Discovery OF Ma
lignant Case OF Leprosy.

A. Detroit. Over the Discovery OF Ma
lignant Case OF Leprosy.
DETROIT, Mich, Dec. ga genuine
case Of malignant leprosy in this city
frightened half of Detroit out Of It's
senses Tuesday night The afflicted
one is woman named Lizzie Fleming.
domestic in the home Of. Gotlieb
Schwarzel. According TO the story
Schwarzel told the city physician the
woman about week ago complained
OF excruciating pains in her limbs which
forced her 10 keep her bed. Fora whole
week she ate nothing and refused 10 see
n physician. Schwarzel at length be-
came alarmed and informed the city
physician Of the case. Monday night
DR.. Dumas pronounced the case one OF
genuine leprosy.
When he called again yesterday the
woman had fed no one knows where.
She said several ays ago that she lost
q sister through the same disease and
also had brother suffering from IL
The enterprise. [volume] (Wellington, Ohio) 188?-1899, 1892-12-14

ATLANTA, Tex, Dec. s.--Tuesday af-
ternoon a disastrous cyclone passed
three miles east OF here, sweeping away
farm houses and leaving death aud gem
eral destruction In its path. The resi-
dence OF Sam McAdams was destroyed
and he and three children were fatally
hurt One child was found three hun
dred yards away dying. Charles Casey's
gin house with all It's contents was de-
stroyed. The house Of Wesley Dawson
was demolished and several children
fatally injured. The path OF the storm
was about 100 yards wide.
The enterprise. [volume] (Wellington, Ohio) 188?-1899, 1892-12-14

Last evening person giving the name
OF G. r. Thompson registered at the Hunt
bor.l, aud desired to be called IN season
,omtke the 10 p. m. train for Chicago be-
iha unable to awaken HIM the room was
entered by means of the ventilalor over
the door and the gentleman was found TO
bA dead. He was advertising agent toi
sulphur Bitters, which has an extensive
sale. The coroner returned verdict OF
death by hcar disease. Tue body will be
sent east imnediately.-Cin. Commercial.
The enterprise. [volume] (Wellington, Ohio) 188?-1899, 1892-12-14
Divorce Notice.

Isabel Fllnck, Plaintiff,l
VS.. In court OF common
Adolph Flinck, Defend'tJ pleas.
The defendant, Adolph Flinck, will take no
tiee that on the 18th day OF November. A, ID.
1892, the plaintiff filed her petition In the
court Of common pleas, Lorain county. Ohio,
praying divorce from said Adolph Flinck, on
the grounds OF drunkenness and gross neglect
of duty, and custody OF minor child. Said pc
titiOn will be for hearing from and after six
weeks from the first publication OF this notice.
ISABEL FLINCK.
BYW d. THOMPSON. her attorney. II
The enterprise. [volume] (Wellington, Ohio) 188?-1899, 1892-12-14
IF YOU ARE GOING TO
florida

BE sure and get your tickets by the QUEEN and
CRESCENT and {. 7. Va. AGA. Rys. u SUest eoIfyes
any morr. YeE viii ssf hSyV 9Eieker. You will
meet and travel with the very best class ofpeople.
Your surroundings will be as luxurious as money
can procure. We have FIVE complete and really
magnificent trains running daily between CINcIN-
MATT and ST AUGUSTINE. These trains are the
only Complete vestlbuled Trains from Cincinnati to
the SOUTH. You will save nearly half day In time.
This line ls no Miles Shortest There are no extra
charges on limited trains and you get the best TO
be had. DON'T pay the same piice and put up with
tnfericr servicc For rates or further particulars
sddrcss d. O. EDWARDS, g. p. Agt. 2. a G. Route,
Cincinnati. O. or ask your home Ticket Agent for
Scket VIA OUEtN ard CRESCENT ROUTE.
The enterprise. [volume] (Wellington, Ohio) 188?-1899, 1892-12-14
NV Mite Said

~ To nae the other night; How much do
N you suppose we have paid ont for doctors
and medicine in the past yeary | told
her did not know To doctors | have
paid nothing aud 50 worthof Sulphur
Bitters has Kept health in our family. 90
L. ANDREWS, 10 Bowdoin ST., Boston.