davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1896-12-25
why" he exclaimed, cts Hans Bryn-

why" he exclaimed, cts Hans Bryn-
julsonv'
Let him lie where he is" said Mrs.
johnson; "he's drunk, no doubt
well, drunk or sober, if he lies here
he'll freeze. 1t means hundred dollars
to me- said the lawyer, grimly; "ah, he's
reviving. Come, come, my man, don't
you know where you are?'
"Messer Yonson?" returned Hans inter-
negatively.
Eyes, yes; get up and follow us. You'll
freeze to death lying there. You must't
freeze, you know. 1t wouldn't be treat
ing me fair. You understand why, eh
You can sleep in my barn tonight"
The day after New Years dawned with
calm that would have been foreboding,
had not unusual weather SO far marked
the winter in Wells County.
Little Bessie Johnson went to school
in the morning and she had been gone
from home an hour when black cloud,
rifted with wind, appeared in the north
west. Like a great ominous banner,
battle-scarred and brushing it's ragged
streamers across the sky, the cloud came
on with racehorse speed. And then came
the blast in all its fury. Helter-skelter,
here and there, blew tie wild white
flakes; rushing around the corner of Law
yer Johnson's house with an angry roar,
the bits Of snow played hide-and-seek
among the caves and then skurried away
in the mad gambols of whirlwind.
Goodness me, Silas," said Mrs. John
son, turning from the window, 81 can't
see yard away. What will become of
Bessie?"
She'll be all right-don't worry. The
teacher will not let the scholars leave the
schoolhouse until the blizzard is over.''
Fears, however. if long s--.gh persist
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1896-12-25

notning is known. The lawyers daugh-
ter could not tell. She started home. She
SAID, was overtaken by the storm and
nnally grew bewildered Struggling vain
~ Tor what seemed an Unfortunately long
Tune she had finally sunk senseless and
exhausted into the snow.
When found she was snugly wrapped in
the lawyers fur coat while a pair of
thin, rigid arms folded her close as
though to protect her from the drifting
lakes. And when the snow was brushed
from Hans Brynjulson's icy face. con-
gealed tears were found in the eye-lashes.
and about the mouth-mystery unsolya-
ble-there lowered a smile Happiness
crowned with tearsi
Perhaps they were tears of joy; per-
haps the boisterous winter winds became
summer zephyrs in the ears of Hans
Brynjulson and whispered to him the
word, christina, christina" perhaps
this also was the burden of the snow
fakes as they rustled down over him and
wove their spotless wool into the welt
of his life.
Lawyer Johnson caused it to be duly
known that Hans Brynjulson had can
celled his mortgage and it was Mrs.
Johnson's own hand that gave the docu-
ment to the fre.-W. w. Cook, in Detroit
Free Press.
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1896-12-25
Nla|zlgE ?iii'7 g zRS3zs
ZAWHTglgXSEs
RI<'"<

A Dakota night. The prairie,
II wrapped in mysterious shadows
L \ rolls away to the south and van
ishes among the ghostly stars. Through
the sedges of the marsh the night wind
signs ftfully; and the frogs, from their
reedy haunts, croak a hoarse accom-,
paniment.
For Hans Brynjulson, smoking in the
door of his "shack," and looking out over
the moonlit plain and coteaux, there is
but one word in the heart, one song on
the lips Of nature.
Christina!
Well, indeed, did Hans remember her
lraids of golden hair-her sparkling eyes
the fair beauty of her northern face.
They had parted-but that was long ago.
''You will make your fortune in Amer
lea, Hans. Be brave l will come when
you want me. God be with you, my
dear one!'
Not a day passed but these words
leaped from the memory to the heart of
Hans Brynjulson. They were oftener on
his lips than were his prayers.
The first year, the dreaded southwest
wind scorched and withered a field al
most ready for the reaper, but Hans
saved enough grain to plant the land
again. The second year, crops were
backward, and the wheat was "nipped"
by frost and shriveled and blackened in
the husk. The third year crops were
beaten to the ground by hail.
How had Hans contrived to keep body
and soul together during these years of
trial? By mortgaging his possessions.
h-s claim, his horses, his farming nipple
ments-everything- been laid under
contribution to tide him over the hard
times.
In his hands he had letter. It was
dark and he could not read it-but this
was unnecessary. He had conned it
word for word until he could have recited
it, by note. The letter was from Chris
tina. She told her lover, in simple words,
that she could not remain away from him
longer. A longer absence, for her, was
worse than death. Surely, her willing
hands would prove mighty factor in
his hard life. The meanest drudgery at
his side and for him would be happiness
for her. The Stockholm sailed on the 1sr
OF December for New York Could he not
send her money to pay her passage
1t so, she would come third-class all the
way. God bless him for the faithful
lover that he was!
POOR Hans! He had never written
Christina of his heroic struggle with fate.
What should he do now? Tell her ali?
No, no. His heart rebelled against such
course. Fair, loyal Christina! He
would send her the passage money. But
where was he to get it? He started sud-
denly to his feet The moonbeams. strik-
ing his haggard face, wreathed it with a
strange beauty
"Ay skall dot" he murmured in his
broken English; "ay skall see Messer
Yonson in da mornin'v'
"Say, do you know what that ere
crazy Swede from Pony Gulch has been
up top
Chris Larkin. the blacksmith. dropre6
the head of his hammer on the anvil and
supported himself on the handle with his
barred, sinewy arms as he addressed this
sentence to Cal Higgins, a farmer.
What now?' asked Higgins. "What's
the latest?'
''Gone an mortgaged himself to Law
yer johnson for $780,
faint possiblev'
lis, too--but it can't be legal"
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1896-12-25
1e96-HoLDAY @JPPLE n1Er1T-1e9x

Dunno. He went over to the post
Office, bought money order an sent
away ev'ry plagued cent!''
Don't that beat ALP exclaimed Hig-
gins, disgustedly; that's jest ike them
Swedes Some fool spekerlatiYn, Ill bet
copper"
1t was Christmas Day
In the hooks and crannies CT Wells
County there was bare suggestion OF
snow. The white fakes were unusually
backward, that year, in taking possession
of the country and the settlers shook their
heads forebodingly as they spoke of a
''green Christmas and ''fat church
yard
Don't worry, Chris remarked the
conductor of the passenger train thai had
Numbered up to the station, "well have
regular bender to make up for this.
When the snow comes, it'll be on us all
in a. heap-see if it amt. What's the
matter, my man"
The last words were spoken to Hans
Brynjulson, who had touched the con-
ductor on the arm
"Ay been lo'kin' FIR mae little Chris
tina by dees train, but Ay can't see her,
no place" began poor Hans
"Ah," went on the conductor with a
laugh, "some girl from the States that
you're going to marry! No-there were
no passengers for Sykeston."
Hans turned with sigh. The post
master was walking off with the mail
pouch, and the forlorn Swede followed.
He had a vague thought that the mail
pouch might contain some news for him.
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1896-12-25
A Christmas Scheme.

A lady who was shopping saw her hus-
band examining pocketbooks at show
case in another part of the store. Wien
ne had gone she approached the sales
woman in that department.
Did he get the one | wanted?'
Yes, the one with the silver horse
shoe. | told him it was the hes. and
would just suit
You're jewel. l feared he would
get something didn't want. Thank YOU
ever so much.'
The husband had gone to his favorite
irug store, when he asked:
HAS my wife been here?"
Yes" said the clerk, with a grin.
Did she get a toothbrush or a box OF
cigars for my Christmas present."
She looked at cigars
"Ha! | know the brand-S2 Il hun
dred. Well, if she buys a box change
them to my regular brand, and I'll pay the
difference-see?
And the druggist-saw.
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1896-12-25


GELS had been assorted and the postmaster
began distributing them to the waiting
throng. There were Christmas presents
and loving tidings from dear ones in the
East and many pioneers face wreathcd
with happiness as the letters were read
or the presents tucked snugly away in
warm breast pockets.
Here's something for you, Hans
called the postmaster, and the pale-faced
man who had been lingering near the
door, doubtful but expectant, started for
ward with a smile and an outstretched
hand. That handwriting! The letter
was from Christina!
The envelope was hastily torn open
and a pair of happy blue eyes began
perusing the text. Suddenly, the happy
light vanished from the face. Hans
Brynjulson's limbs grew rigid and he
lurched over against the counter with a
moan of anguish.
English words, even in free transla-
ton, are powerless to catch the pathetic
vein that ran through Hans Bryniulson's
letter, but here are it's contents, done
into our own language:
On board S. S. Stockholm. Dec. 10
My Dear One: ~
When you read this, my faithful love. she
who writes 1t will be with you-but in the
spirit. | am to die. the ships doctor says,
ana thank God that have the strength to
| send you this last word / would that Orr
Heavenly Father had spared me to work for
you, but, since this is impossible, work don
| bly, hard for yourself. Be brave dear Hans.
Tor my sake Be patient and you will be
fortunate. God tempers the wind to his
| stricken children and he will not forget thee.
my darling. My strength GIBBS fasf-a last
| farewell. CHRISTTNAs a .
| As the shades of evening crept over the
sky and brought out, one by one, the
cold. clear-cut stars, the words of a
Christmas carol fioated through the doors
| OF the little Sykeston church and settled,
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1896-12-25

ed in, will shake the stoutest confidence.
Thus it was with the lawyer, and when.
some moments later, his wife suggested
that Hans be sent to the schoolhouse to
see if Bessie were there, he consented.
Hans was called in from the shed and
given his commission He bowed his
head, buttoned his thin coat tightly
around him and laid his hand on the
doorknob. The lawyer was holding in
his hands great fur coat
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1896-12-25
like so MANY spirits of peace, over the

like so many spirits of peace, over the
quiet village.
A man, Keeling through the semi-dark-
ness, heard the song and stopped to lis
ten. AS the last bar of the song died
away, its cadence was broken by a dis
cordant groan. A moment later as Law
yer Johnson with his wife and little
daughter came out of the church, he near
ly stumbled over the form of man lying
prone upon the ground.
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1896-12-25
To the Children.

Hear Kris Kringle with his bells
Christmas bells.
What a world Of merriment their melody
fOretelIs!
How they tinkle, tinkle, tinkle,
In the icy air of night!
While the stars, that oversprinkle
All the heavens, seem to twinkle,
With their stockings full Of light;
keeping time, time, time,
In a merry Christmas rhyme,
To the Naturalization that so unsteady
swels
From his bells, bells, bells, bells,
Bells, bells, bells
From the jingling and the tinkling of his
oellS
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1896-12-25
New Year Advice.

Don't wait for the wagon while the
walking is good.
Don't grieve over split milk while
there's one cow left in the pasture.
Don't say the world is growing worse
when you are doing nothing to make it
better.
Don't tell the world your troubles. You
can't borrow ten dollars on them.
Don't let the grass grow under your
feet. The cows can't get at it there.
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1896-12-25
A Small Poy's Complaint.

l don't like the month of December
AS much as l possibly should,
Because when Christmas is coming
Small boys must be awfully good.
And while long division amt easy.
And spelling is poky and slow,
This behaving for three weeks fore Christ
mas
Is the hardest old task that l know.
-Harpers Bazaar.
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1896-12-25
Measure for Measure.

SITS not the right sort of feeling, per-
haps, but at Christmas / like to give just
as valuable presents as | receive
$50 do l. Ny wife is going to give me
a hundred-dollar dressing gown, and l
am going to give her hundred-dollar
check to pay for it'-Life.
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1896-12-25

seeing 1t Shaken-if tho No.
dies fall don't take it. To trim wor
tree should be round and symmetricaI "a
form, wide around the bottom. CROWN N
a point at the top. !"
Balsam pine trees are the nratt;os.
most expensive. A handsome one ah ~ua
ten feet high. costs S.. TbaSa "oou'
come from Vermont, the Catskill Nour
taihs' Massachusetts, and New Ham
snlre. They have the largest and brirbt
est needles, while the limbs grow cIoso.
than ON any other, and are very tb;o,
up 10 the top. Spruce trees are tho mnSs
used because, being plentiful. tbcv oro
much cheaper, being half the price Of
palsam pine. In color thew are NOT :"
green. They come from Massacbnso4t" ~
vermont Maine and the Catskill Nom.
tains. 'ioun'
Ihere is nothing distinctly new in tho
tree decorations. The fancy pendants
are used in great profusion. Five brn'
ofed or assorted colors would not he r.,
many on good-sized tree. These aro
round. oval, frosted, brilliant and t;naaI
covered. Some represent birds rronos
bells, fruit, horns and fish. Stripcs 90
brilliant colored balls add greatly 70 .ba
appearance of the tree when draped from
branch to branch. Frosted icicles of diff.
terent colored glasses are effective. hung
from the tip of each branch.
"A fancy tree-top piece, either of bright
red or silver, is Indispensable. Then
there are tinsel comets to hang through
the branches, strings of tinse and tinsel
tassels. Something new is asbestos
winch, when distributed over the tree
looks like snow. There should be lots Of
cornucopias filed with candy. and span.
ping notices with fancy colored cans or
whistles and tiny horns inside. There
are many decorations in the form of
Brownies. These are not pretty. but thew
are the fad. Be sure you have plenty of
candles. Six dozen won't be too many.
After you are all through trimming take
handfuls of loose tinsel and spray it all
over. the tree.
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1896-12-25
EouaI to the Occasion.

"Oh, don't!'' she exclaimed, as he at
tempted to take kiss; "wait till Christ
mas and you can kiss me under the mis-
tletoe''
That's all right" he said; ''I'll kiss
you at Christmas under the mistletoe,
but just now I'm going to kiss you under
the pose."
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1896-12-25
A New Year Song.

Who comes dancing over the snow,
His little soft feet all bare and ROSY?
Open the door, though the wild winds blow;
~ Take the child In and make him coy.
Take him in, and hold him dear;
He is. the wonderful New Year.
Open your heart be it sad or gay.
Welcome him there and use him kindly;
For you must carry him, yea or nay.
Carry him with shut eyes so blindly,
But whether he bringeth joy or fear,
Take him! God sends him-this good New
Year
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1896-12-25
A Slight Delay.

Mrs. Pinkerly-The boy has just cone
with that lovely Christmas present got
for you today, dear. He is waiting in the
hall now.
Pinkerly-How kind kiss) and thought
full of you, dear. Kiss, kiss.) am just
dying to see what it is. Qmpatiently)
Why don't you have the boy bring it up?
Mrs. Pinkerly (embarrassed)-Tha fact
is-er-darling, it has come G. 0. D.
Life.
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1896-12-25
Is or Are.

All, Santa Claus, come in, come in,
Your welcome is beyond all measure,
We're glad to have you come and stay,
Yourchristmas presents ss. s. are r pleasure.
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1896-12-25

Ut tn1S on, NE SdIu.
Reaching the schoolhouse in safety,
Hans found it occupied by the teacher
and few frightened pupils. But Bes-
sic johnson was not there. At the first
appearance of the cloud in the northwest
the girl had persisted in a determination
to start home. The teacher had not
made a very serious attempt to thwart
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1896-12-25

Spose the Swede can't pay up when
the mortgage is due?''
"Johnson'll foreclose, s'pose."
Then he'd own the Swede, hey?"
More'n likely. Then he cd hire him
out by the day. We see, an git his money
back in that way"
When,s the mortgage due?"
New Years Day"
forY' e A1onss
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1896-12-25

4 n ~ = 4
paper. 0n'iou This
FoR SALE Cheap aud on
fro,,, = S ac,e improved farm; four miles
P f,v% onel.on, formerly owed by VIM.
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1896-12-25

that resolve, feeling, perhaps, that she
would have ample time to cover the dis
lance before the storm came. Hans
Brynjulson received the information
without comment and once more vanished
into the storm.
OF what he did after this absolutely
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1896-12-25


all earthly things must end, -,
One look into your fading eyes, my 1r U
E<o fond and dear, Old Year, Old year. r.
AEre's mild regret within my heart III
place of pain,
All that was sweet In thee snail once
again
In memory live and make me glad.
Old Year; then why be sad!
Now that we're parting, I'm impelled 70 say
What I've in secret thought for many d uay
Yet still love you. dear Old Year.
You've always worn a somewhat somDer
face, .+,r
You've never had the winsome sprlgnty
grace IT,.
That remember in your foregone Kln'
Old Year. that l have ushered In
Your stay was shorter, too, 1t seems TO me-
Than that Of former years was wont 70 De'
Oh, fond and dear Old Year, Ola year,
Mayhap for me all time Is near complete,.
And toward the end you're hast ming WIFI
glad feet
TheH speed, no longer stay.
Old Year, go swift thy way!
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1896-12-25

SECTION I. That Section 4 81 o,,;nonoo No
"a an UIalnance imposing a Street Poll Tax
Is he pa1byluang 5or the collection fhereof1 m
SEC. 2 That this ordinance sba,
force and effect from and after its pass.
testaLl0n, approval and puhIicafion in
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1896-12-25

His mind with past years away,
AS he thought Of his wife's dear presents
For which he had had to pay.
''This is sure to surprise him, daughter,
If there's anything that will
A gold watch and chain to give him
And include receipted bill"
Indigo
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1896-12-25

A Christmas Surprise.
She asked her experienced father,
Dear papa, tell me, l pray,
What shall l give my husband
To surprise him on Christmas Day."
GA present for Clarence?' he murmured
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1896-12-25

ltlzen says there is
increase in the
pat section next
claiming aban-
4 vigorously nm
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1896-12-25

CMAS
TO AL
s its = !
ellie n
16 ar
and I
n ano
rs of tn
held in
Cover
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e q Ca
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The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1896-12-25
OLD YEAR. FAREWELL

AREWELL, I a re-
( well, the best of
1 friends must part,
And as a token OF
how dear thou art.
How fond and dear,
Old Year, . l q
Year,
Here take a CLINT OF
: gold from out my
hair,
A shade of rose
from cheek and
lip. and there.
Sprinkle a touch OF
snow before you
go.
Old Year. before you
go.
h- Cod -Cnppd.
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1896-12-25

II LII 5 tree
should be carefully I sa
lected, and always h. :.
sure to get one wbiSs
has been cut after co II
W e a t h e r has set ~
sometimes those who offa a
the trees fer sale cut tham
down in the early fall. Thu
is very well if there is no dr,'
warm weather afterward,
10 determine how recentlv ,
tree has been cut insist upon
SEEING If cboI,o &c -, F"u
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1896-12-25

tueIn al
This 70
10 dry, 81,
wards.
ntly a oue
t upon sd
e nee roc,
veil, a leg,
ical in CD
fing to isi
st and Lars
about -.
trees Va :
Noun m's'
.amp. Cor y.
bright. " :,
closer G." :.
thick WI, =,
2 most ".
y are VI
e of 4 ~.
not so NJ,
usetts, N.
Noun ~,
in the 'D -,
ldants
, hun -.
be too -
Sc are
tinsel
'rapes, Ma
lgs of AZ
to the Ge,
from to5
Of diff "A y i
hung Mo
bright -
Then She
rough -
tinsel ~
'estos,
tree, u,
OTIS of =,
snap VI !
Fps or b
There wifi
IN of r
t they
lty of u"
many. tree
take s,
it all H..
Tue
: hus- 70 /
show ..d
When
sales "
Uni
fine
horse The
+ and =,
would and
k you Eli
Nor
vorite =.
Sw;
job
,ox Of che
hun l
hange ret
ny the Sch
blow; "ds
; He .
ture
NOV
y; the
in fl
IS fl
whit
were
cone -.
l got 0~'''
IN the mea
thar
'ught- turk
4 just 49,
ently) !.
it up? IN II
? fact nigh
D. Tn
tern
pose
with
road
next
nour
Christ read
attol
local
of
:, per. O'o
e just Geo.
We me we'll
and / 60.
dollar ss"F
built
casio
of til
we'll
,tav. pres
lSure.
ware
the s
- splel
Il | dies
ID thos,
~ | ing.
GANf =,
9N NOV
En- sire,
ssa littl.
ing
sNe thar
lMM siste
ltHl ford
fE long
~ SIM,
The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1896-09-30
Got Them all Guessing.

Cotton men spend most of these pleas
ant September days guessing how big the
crop is going to be. Even those Of them
who never risk their good, hardearned
dollars on the elusive but seductive future
market guess and guess and guess again
day in and day out. OF course there is
no earthly way of solving the riddle at
this stage Of the proceedings, and every
body has right to an opinion. One
mans ideas about it are just about as
good as those of another, and it is toss
OF penny as to whether the guess made
by the expert dealer is not farther off
than that of the man whose knowledge of
cotton is gathered from what he sees OF it
as it crawls through the streets piled up
on the big drays.
This season has been law unto itself.
A month or so ago everybody was con-
vinced that the biggest crop ever known
was to be made. Then the rumors of in
juriGs started, and after great deal of
reluctance everybody concluded that the
crop was going to be short and many
people thought very short. The guessing
went from one extreme to the other in
very brief space of time. The price Of
futures in the meantime had risen some
thing over two cents.
It was thought that the crop would be
placed on the market very early, and
this belief has been fully realized. The
receipts to date are phenomenally heavy.
But ltstill remains to be seen whether
the falling off in receipts will begin so
early as it was predicted would oe the
case. There is where the guessing comes
in. If the crop is really very short one
it will not be many weeks now before the
movement should show decline in vol
ume. There has been tendency in that
direction within the last few days, but
whether this is merely an accident or an
indication cannot now be said The
market is no longer as wild as it used to
be. The fluctuations are Jmall and the
excitement Of few weeks ago has dis
appeared almost entirely.-News and
Courier.