davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1896-02-15

HE mild air of mid
F e b r u airy was
perfum ed w i t b
violets. From a
yard across TIL e
way their odor
fl d a t e d even to
where old Caleb
sat on the court
house steps. Above
the gray old n G.
gro cleaned the
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1896-02-15

The majors bare little room was
dark and cold, for it takes all the sun
shine to keep February warm. The
major himself was fractions, for Caleb
had not been inattentive before in over
quarter of century. But when the
note was in his hand. when Caleb had
found his glasses and held the smoky
lamp near for him to read it, he was as
exultant for moment as sehoolboy
on an April day, rich with his loves
first kiss.
It was the answer to his own loves
urgency; he knew it as soon as the
first words met his old eyes. In that
moment of ecstasy his cork leg. his
poverty, his sorrows-a1l were forgot
ten. And even when, an hour later.
he sat by Miss Lorena's warm fire, her
plump hand held charity in his thin
one, and all the years and all the griefs
that had sundered them remembered
and talked over, surely In all the low
ing world. on that blessed ST. Valen-
| tines day. there were not two happier
hearts than these.-Martha Young, In
n. Y Independent
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1896-02-15
HOMEMADE SIRUPS.
The Most Delicious Are Made of Common
Sugar.


The most delicious sirups for buck
wheat cakes are those made at home
from sugar. Either maple sugar, gran
ulated or pure brown sugar may be
used. When the pure brown sugar of
the cane can be obtained as it can on
sugar plantations in the south, this Is
as delicious as any maple strip. I'm
fortunately, it is no longer an article
of commerce. The only brown sugar
we have is the refuse of the cane sugar
which will not become refined. The old
fashioned brown sugar was the pure
cane sugar, from which the white sugar
is made. 1t is still valued in the south,
and is sometimes sent to the north to
special customers in boxes of oranges
or other southern produce. If the pure
brown sugar cannot be obtained, it Is
cheaper to use granulated sugar, be-
cause it is considerably sweeter than
the refuse brown sugar of to-day. Add
to five pounds of sugar about pint OF
water, or only enough tosmelt it. Boil
it three minutes, SO it will mot go back
to sugar This will make a delicious
heavy STrup. If you wish it thinner use
more water, but it is not as good as
when Thinker.
The prettiest s1rup cups for light
sirups are those of old-fashioned wedge
wood with a silver top. They cost much
less thar vulgar-loOking pitchers of
snowy plated ware, and with care will
last lifetime. An English majolica
cup or pitcher, as some persons prefer
to call them, is a picturesque piece.
1t seldom costs over dollar, and is
heavy, glossy ware, richly colored and
without the raised figures of the COM
mon maiofica of the shops. 1t is not
easy TO find in this country, even in
the large cities. There are certain
shapes in Flanders girls, intended for
merly for covered beer mugs, which
1nallcycry strong and picturesque sirup
holders. This ware is never expensive,
and can always be found in large city
shops where German wares are sold.
The only objection to the use of this
ware is it's rough surface and raised
figures, which unfit it for any general
use in the Kitchen or on the table.-N.
y. Tribune
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1896-02-15
HOME HINTS AND HELPS.

To decorate a CRATE that is not re-
CURED for use, place in it some small
pots containing ferns. Collect small
fir cones, varnish them and throw
around in the CRATES so the pots shall
be hidden.
hinged Potatoes.-Peel large pota-
toes, cut them round and round in shaw
ings, as you would pare an apple. Fry
with clean, sweet lard in a frying pan
till brown, stirring so as to brown all
alike, drain on sieve, sprinkle fine salt
over them and serve.-Orange Judd
Farmer.
Ham Toast--Mix with one table
spoonful of tinely-chopped ham the
beaten-up yolk OF an egg and little
cream and pepper, heat over the fire and
then spread the mixture either on hot
buttered toast, CIR on slices of bread
fried quite crisp in butter; served very
hot.-Western Rural
Potato Omelet.-Beat four eggs,
yolks and whites separately. very light.
Have some Irish potatoes. mashed per-
fectly smooth, and add to the eggs I'M
til about the consistency of pound cake.
Season with salt, pepper and n little
onion, if liked. Drop on n well-greased
griddle spoonful at time Turn and
cook quickly. This is delicious.-N. Y.
Ledger.
Crochet bags to be used in boiling
dumplings are a useful addition to every
kitchen. The bag will keep the dump
ling in proper shape. 1t is made OF
heavy cotton IN plain crochet stitch.
Begin with chain and then widen until
the right size. Finish at the top with a
scallop and through this run a tape.
Put the dumping in the bag, draw the
tape to hold the dumping in and then
let it boil.
Scotch Eggs.-Boil six eggs until
hard. Remove the shell. Cook one
third cupful of crumbs and one-half
cupful of milk together until it forms
a paste, add to this one cupful of lean
boiled ham minced fine, one-half tea
spoonful of made mustard, and one salt
spoonful of cayenne pepper; mix well.
Cut the eggs in half lengthwise, or leave
them whole, rs preferred. Cover them
with the mixture and fry in hot fat for
two or three minutes.-H ousekeeper.
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1896-02-15

chill north on prison cot, and Caleb
leaned over him to ask: ''MarSe Travis,
mus send the letter now?''
"No, no, no" groaned Calvert; II am
broken up. l am worthless now. Not
with all my wealth, not with all my
lands, would l ask her now"
When at last prison doors were flung
wide, when hundreds upon hundreds
Of crippled, manned southern boys
turned their prison-paled faces home
ward, young Calvert found Caleb wait
ing for him.
Freedom and honor had been Caleb'ss
in the land of Calvert's captivity, and
these he had used to the utmost of his,
power for the comfort.and succor of his,
master. Now together they turned
their faces to the warm, sweet south.
That was returning that was no
homecoming Calvert's father was
buried, his mother crushed with sor-
row, his home burned, his negroes freed,
his lands mortgaged.
In a little cottage at the park gate he
found his mother, and this they made
their home; there Calvert managed to
exc out On existence for himself, his
lslother, and the ever-faithfu! Caleb.
In those first days of Homecoming
Caleb had asked, seeing that Lorena in
her girlish beauty looked kindly on the
MANNED hero: Shall / give de letter
| now, Marse Travis %
"No, no! what have to offer a worn-
amp" Calvert would exclaim.
At intervals in all those long years
when Miss LOrena was left sole heir to
goodly fortune, while Calvert scuffled
with only the salary of a chancery
clerkship and swelling current of
mortgages with no brealxwater of pay
ments to check their progress, Caleb
| had continued to ask, when violets were
sweet and japonicas bright: "Marse
| Travis, mus give the letter now?"
i Since the mothers death Calvert had
lived alone in a bare little hired room
over a shop. Wire-pulling politicians
had Unanswered to thrust the major out
of his Office, and now with clear honor
| ever his and hard chance ever against
him, he made meager sum by copying
and accounting.
Caleb lost neither his posi- non at the
courthouse nor his place as Calvert's
housekeeper and man of all work Just
now the faithful creature lived in con
slant terror lest the major should dis
cover that oftentimes his own earnings
went to help out the meager sums the
major gave him for the frugal house
keeping. He well knew if ever a sus
picion of this reached the brave major
himself was forever banished, and tbs
major given over to utmost poverty anC
unmitigated discomfort.
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1896-02-15
IN THE DEPARTMENT STORE.

How the Charming Buyer Got to the
Windward of the Merchant.
What wont merchants nowadays
do in order to gain business advan-
tage?' asked the drummer from Chic,
and then. partially answered his own
question by saying:
81 went into big department store
last week. i found that the buvez for
my line OF goods was a woman, a
mighty handsome woman. / made an
appointment for her next moraing,
and when l arrived with my samples
l found, half dozen statesmen ahead of
me and had to wait my turn.
The buyer was busy just then with
fellow who sold cheap jeweIEy. He
was a. susceptible youth and the girl
was stninging him for all he was worth.
You'd have sworn she was dead in love
with. him. She called him bx his first
nama, leaned her head confdingly
against his as they looked over the
samples and insisted on ginning the
goods into his scarf and shirt front.
to. see how they would lock. AS a re-
suit, she bought all she wanted for a
song. That young fellows EMPLOYERS
are probably wondering yet how he
came to sell so cheap.
Some male buyers are just as IN
scrupulous, though" continued the
drummer from Ohio, though not al
ways on their employers side. ] went
into store in Providence, r. /. The
buyer shivered and remarked that it
was very cold day and that he didn't
have any coal at home. l excused N.Y.
self, obtained his address and sent him
five tons of coal that afternoon. rhe
next day called around at the store
and took big order at my own RQ,
ures. Buffalo Express.
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1896-02-15

rs he proceeded to remove the impede
inents from the two corner seats and,
speaking with the utmost respect, he
continued: IL your party arrives even
while the train is moving out, we Will
Jump off and hold the door open for
them to enter. don't much mind miss
ing a train myself; L could do with an
other day in Paris. Its most charm
ing city"
The old man grunted, and the lady
smiled aerass at US. 1t was quite evil
dent thaa she was his second wife, and
that the honeymoon was drawing to a
close 1t was also evident that the lady
was Just a little tired of the old gentle
man. and welcomed an accession to the
party, but the old man was mad clear
through; anyone could see that. He
mu.tered 20 hi1aself that il was an
outrage ard ought not to be permitted
in any civilized country. a man had q
r.erfect right to a carriage taken for
his friends; this was always recognized
in England. and no gentleman, nor
anyone calling himself gentleman
would force his way into compart-
raent where he was not wanted.
II quite agree with you" said my
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1896-02-15
10 Travis; what yo' ma

killed, Marse Travis; what yo' ma
gwine to say to that?"
'eMe being killed would break 'em up
at home, wouldn't it? But" continued
the young soldier, 81 am going to have
no more shilly-shally about this letter.
1 love that girl. 1 always VIII, always
have loved that girl, and am going 20
tell her so'-al his young breath froze
on the keen, cold air as he talked of the
warmth in his young heart; iii be the
happiest man if that girl loves me. My
name, my heart, my fortune, every
thing is hers if she will marry me-" de-
clared this young aristocrat, heaving
his shovel.
Caleb had said: "You talk bout
1na'yin' de daughter of de man what
oversee for VEAL in yo' gran pas time ?,
What yo' ma gwine say to dat?"
''That would break 'em all up at home,
too, wouldn't it? But l love her, and
that letter I write as soon as this shovel
is out of my hands"
1t was the gray dawn of another day
ere Calvert found time to write that
letter full of loves assurances and ur-
eency; SO it happened that it was dated
February Ii, the day sacred to sweet
hearts, pink hearts. and the arrows of
Cupid. OF this, however, Calvert had
no thought, among the ringing of the
enemies bullets across the earthworks,
and the sound of the plunging fire of
the confederates against the gunboats
on the river.
For the next two days there was no
way out of the besieged camp, and
Caleb was too busy lodging shells to
think of the letter he carried.
On the nth, that day of ferc est fight
ing, Calvert's leg was cut clean away.
That awful night, when 1000 dead, and
dying, and wounded of both armies lay
on the ground and literally froze out
right, it was Caleb who got Calvert
place in an ambulance of the enemy.
Il fortnight later Calvert walked to con-
seriousness. He lay somewhere in the
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1896-02-15
shape Of the Moon.

Is perfect ellipse, its figure being
nearly exactly one-third longer than it
is broad. This elliptical theory of our
satellites shape is founded on the we'll
known fact that certain side lend.
rather) of the moon is always present
ed to our view. This is caused by the
moon revolving once on her axis in ex-
actly the same period of time that she
revolves around the earth. Her elon.
gated shape was probably caused by
the attraction of the earth when both
planets were young and soft.
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1896-02-15

These thong hts. together with the
dreams of what might have been, were
too much for Caleb. He resolved to
make one more effort to gain permits
sion from his master to deliver the let
ter. He rose from the steps of the
Doric portico-all the bangles and
chains tinkled on him as he started
across the street to the major-but a
sudden decision stopped him short;
wheeling about, he struck off IN the
opposite direction as fast as his old
legs could carry him.
It made no matter that the major
called to him querulously. He pre-
tended that he could hear nothing.
He stopped nor stayed until he had
reached the broad door of the Banks
mansion and had tapped an apologetic-
al tap under the electric bell thereon.
At the door he had trembled; but his
knees verify shook and bowed under
him, and all his brazen adornments
tangled on him like bells on q shaken
tambourine when he stood before Miss
Lorena.
She was so utterly different in APP
pearance from the girl he had been
III C1AA411ISo VI 4OI Ills UldSL0T ) Sake nc
felt ready to swoon, too, for the room
smelled SO strangely and diffusely of
old, very old rose petals, of simmering
tea, of dried sweet fern, that one would
have fancied that there was never a
fresh violet or a day of gay youth in
the whole world. But there was no
drawing back now; for Caleb held the
yellowed missive abroad in his hand,
and Miss Lorena was already eying it
curiously. So, bowling and bending
till he tinl1led like a rattle in a baby's
fist, he laid the old letter in the hand
held out for it. While she fumbled with
the ancient seal Caleb's hand fumbled
with his blue-checked shirt as if it
would tear it into shreds.
The Anticipated paper told faithfully
young loves story-n sweet, fervent
tale. For q moment the reader was
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1896-02-15

friend as smoothly as sweet oil. 'sIt in
an outrage. / asked the officials, or
rather my friend did, whether they
would not put ON an extra carriage,
and they refused to do so. In England
we do these things very much better,
for such overcrowding of carriages
would never be permitted on any first
class line"
II was not addressing you, SIR said
the old man. peevishly.
''Oh. then, / beg your pardon; i
thought you were. I hope you will ex-
cuse me, for j know how annoying, it
is to be waiting for a party, and then
have the party turn up too late"
The lady smiled again at the polite
Young man, and the old gentleman kept
on muttering, but not so loud that we
could hear what he said
A gong changed, and the porters ran
hither and thither shouting to the pas
sengers to take their seats Ny friend
put his head out of the window and
called to one of the railway men; a por-
ter came to the window.
II see, SIR" said my friend to the old
gentleman, that your porty is going
to be left behind. Now if you will tell
me which articles belong to them will
give them in charge of this porter who
will return the articles to them when
they arrive
He picked up the portmanteau which
had been in the place he now occupied,
and thrust it through the window to
the porter, telling him in French that
a party was coming who would be left
behind.
will you leave that alone?" cried the
old gentleman rising and snatching
the baggage.
But, my dear sir" said my friend.
protestingly, you are surely not goins
to carry the other folks luggage with
you? Think of them left in Paris with
none of the comforts of life
They will come by the next train, -
said the old gentleman, placing the
portmanteau up in the rack again.
''They nEy have made up their minds
to stay wtga&,' said the young man.
The lady puS tire book she had been
! reading up to her face and laughed
outright. Her husband looked at her
with an expression of disgust on his
highly colored face.
1T is no trouble to me at ALL" con-
tinued the young man, blandly, Ito put
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1896-02-15

out the luggage and give it in charge
of porter. It will be all right. have
seen it done a hundred times, and the
train is just about to depart"
''Wih You oblige me by attending t.
your own business?" exclaimed the ole
gentleman.
"Oh, certainly" said the young man
settling back into his place as the train
moved slowly out of the station. There
was a hook of baff1ed benevOlence on his
face that was most touching.
'But- you see, 1 know what it is to be
left without luggage and 1 merely
wished to be of service to your party"
Hang your service! 1 don't want
any of it,"
mo, probably not; but those that are
left behind, sir; you should think OF
them; you should, indeed, sir; but
then it must be consolation for you to
know that through your kindness two
persons have obtained places in this
train;, many another man who had a
party coming would have bundled us
bodily out of the compartment.
cit is what should have been DONE -
c-ied the old gentleman.
"Oh, don't say that, [ beg OF you" said
the young man, looking inexpressibly
hurt. But the old man was not to be
drawn out any more. He took the Eng
fish paper that he had pail three times
the London price for, and began read
ing it. The young man after several
fruitless, attempts to engage him in
conversation and learn some of his
opinions ON the news of the day, no
ticed that the second wife was reading
a book whose pages were uncut, so he
took fH0m his inside pocket a small
ivory papeF-knife that he always car
ned with him, and sitting opposite her
offered her the use of 1T. She thanked
him, and, greatly to the old gentle
mans, annoyance, talked In friendly
manner with him until we came to
Calais; here the young man insisted
upon shaking hands with both of them,
and again mentioned his deep regret
that the party had been left behind,
but his expressions OF sympathy were
en'lHely thrown away, for the old gen
tleman took his second wife under his
wing, and, ordering all the luggage to
be, taken on the boat, departed. The
second wife looked over her shoulder
and smiled at the young man, who had
helped to beguiBe tedious railway
lourney.-Detroit Free Press.
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1896-02-15

Mace occupied. Twice we walked the
| length of the train, but without seeing
q spot available for two. l asked one
If the officials if they intended TO put
on another carriage, but he replied that
there was room enough for all who
wished to 60. "Then," said I, 1--WE shall
be obliged to you if you find US two
seats in the same compartment. The
official shrugged his shoulders and said
that we could easily find them if we
| looked for them. This was about as
much satisfaction as one can get out
of a French railway official, who doesn't
know much, anyhow, and cares less.
Again we walked the length of the
train and I noticed one compartment
out Of the door-window of which leaned
a very stout elderly gentleman. The
| curtains on the two side windows were
! drawn, and we could not see whether
there was vacant places there Or not.
My friend, who is very suave and po-
lite gentleman, said to the elderly man:
| "Will YOU excuse me mOment?" and
he proceeded to open the door.
'All the places here are takezzr -said
the elderly individual, hurriedly.
That's Just what want to see, said
my friend, and gently, firmly, but
politely, he opened the door to the
great danger of the old gentleman fall
ing out. A lady Of perhaps rs sat in one
corner seat; ali the other places were
vacant but piled with portmantcauN,
yalises and what not.
"Ah,' said my friend, "there seems
| to be some vacant space here"
81 tell you," replied the elderly gen
| tla1ran, getting red in the face, that
all these places are taken. There is a
party of us, and I'm looking for the
others, who may arrive at any moment.
You will miss your train if you wait
here, for you will undoubtedly have to
get out"
| My friend glanced up at the big clock
placed in the center Of the arch at the
end OF the huge station, and said:
1.-The train leaves in two minutes, SO
it seems to me your party is cutting it a
little close"
The party is all right" observed the
old gentleman, testify. "They know
that [ am reserving places for them.
and they will be here in plenty of time"
at my friend, and he with some ~eluct-
ance closed the door, for there was moth
ing more to be said, without calling the
old gentleman liar, which we knew
very well that he was. Once more we
walked the whole length of the train.
Il wouldn't stand it," l said, impa-
tiently, for I always get angry when
see man monopolizing a whole COM
partment, except when | do it myself.
IL should have gotten in and taken
place in the corner. He is evidently
waiting for no party"
Gently, gently said my friend, "all
in good time. / will leave them half a
minute to CONNIE, and then we will quiet
" wander back to the old buffers car
rage and step in
We did this and my friend once more
opened the door in spite of the pro-
testations on the part of the occupant,
who got redder and redder in the face
as he saw the attempt to force the posi-
ton.
Il tell you," he said, that it's no
good. My party will be here and then
you will have to- go out and you will
miss your train
1--WE have made up our minds to
chance it, said my imperturbable friend,
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1896-02-15
THE SECOND WIFE.
nx LUKE SHARP.

HE French have a
habit of filing
their railway car
riages too full for
conlfort,and when
my friends and
myself reached the
station in Paris to
take the express
for London, we
foundnearly every
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1896-02-15
Clear Case.

Papa ION the top of the stairs)-T
that young man gone, Mamie?
Mamie--Yes, papa; awfully
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1896-02-15

herself young again, 80 years well for
gotten; but, suddenly remembering
those 80 years and more, she turned
sharply on the cringing old negro 20
ask: whoever gave you this?"
"NTarse Travis Calvert"
"When did he give it to you? say
WHENEVER?
Nigh as / can git de count it were
30 odd year ago." stammered Caleb.
And you'll" she cried; ''you kept it!''
She saw the cause of her youths dis
appointment, and she felt it anew and
most keenly. You! Why didn't YOU
give it to me? You"
Caleb was frightened now of no I'M
certainty, of ne imaginings of his own.
He was desperately frightened of Miss
Lorena, and he made all haste human
tongue could make to tell the story
Of the letter and it's long delaying.
He dwelt especially on his own re-
peated offers to deliver it; he spoke
with especial fervency of his determine
ton OF that afternoon to consult with
the major NO longer about the matter,
but to- fetch it to her on his own re-
| sponsibility.
Full dark had fallen before Miss
Lofen3 sent for Caleb from the kitchen,
where he had been warming and feed
ing, to- lay crisp new note in his hands
with the injunction: Give this to Maj
| Calvert immediately"