davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Van Buren press., 1897-02-13

The vicar rubbed his glasses and
looked at the letter again. He felt that
his eyes must have deceived him, But
no. There the thing was in black and
white, Enthusiastically clear and evident,
and as the vicar read it a second time,
he gave quite q gratified smile But
still he WAS puzzled
The Van Buren press., 1897-02-13
MYSTERIOUS EGYPTIAN LAKE.
Singular Body of Water from Which
Egypt Draws Its Salt.

Egypt Draws ItS chlt.
During the reign of Said Pasha a
causeway was built across the Lake of
Mareotis with the result that the west
ern portion of the lake became highly
impregnated with salt, while the east
ern part remained as formerly, only
slightly bracllish. Scientists are not
satisfied as to the source of the i'm.
mense quantity of salt contained in the
lake, and some have eonjeetured an I'M
derground passage from tie sea. How
ever there is no visible channel by
which the sea water might enter, and
as one can ride all around it, it is to all
intents and purposes lake.
Its length is about nine miles and its
breadth four, and it furnishes the en-
tire salt supply for Egypt. a minia-
tLre railway runs from the workshops
to the lake, where the salt is cut and
trucks filed by gangs of Bedouins, who,
during the season, are kept at work day
and night. At the work shops tho salt
is ground and packed and from there
distributed all over the country.
As one stands on the thick crust of
salt near the shore, which stretches as
far as the eye can see, one feels exactly
as If standing on a field of ice, and in adj
dtion to the dazzling Wilderness of the
salt, its beauty is enhanced by pink
tinge, which, at the edges of the lake,
teepens to a mauve. The cause of this
color is also a matter Of conjecture, and
has been attributed to minute organ
isms contained in the salt; whatever its
origin, it fades as the salt becomes dry,
but while damp the effect of the impris
oled color is indeseribably lovely.
10 get an entirely different phase OF
the sight one must ride over the cause
way. Here one has the ice field on the
right and on the left the ripping blue
Marcotis. About half way across, where
the lake is deeper and the salt crust has
not formed, the scene changes. The
water has the still and heavy look of the
Dead sea, but unlike the latter. which
looks like molten brass, this milky lake
with the clouds and the blue sky re-
fccted in it might be likened to vast
opal, and the setting sun, throwing a
fiery ball into its depths, completes tie
similitude.
This enchanting scene however, is
e,anescent. As the salt is formed by
evaporation, it is only during the hot
summer months that this can take place,
and with the first autumn rain the pie
ture fades away. and the sparkling ice
field resolves itself into placid lake q
london. Telegraph.
The Van Buren press., 1897-02-13

the vicar, being well off, might, if he
chose, make his only dafyhter good
allowance. But whether he would do
SO, or would even countenanee the en-
gagement at all, was decidedly doubt
full matter; though Frank believed that
il he could manage to catch his reveI-
cnce in good humor, he might be able
tic talk him round.
Franks and Amy's dismay, there.
fore, when they saw that the vicar had
been seriously put out of temper by his
correspondence, can well be under
ssood; more especially as he was man
who did not get over the effects of
prcyocation at all quickly, and had a
playful little way of venting his an
noyance on all who came near him,
whether concerned in the provocation
or not. The worst of it was, Frank was
bound to be back in London in five or six
days at the least, and, of course, his in
terview with his uncle must take place
before his departure.
After breakfast, his uncle called him
into his study.
Just read that, Frank" he said, hand
ing him Sidney Perks epistle.
by Jove! What's all this about ?
Pshai--Impertinent ass!-Hilloa, Sid
Rey Perks? Sidney Perks?" commented
young Miller, as he glanced over the
ePistle.
do you happen to know the little
cad, then?" inquired the vicar, in evil
dent surprise. "He il anewcomer here;
and no acquisition, either"
"I-I-don't suppose So" replied
Frank. 81 did come across a solicitor
of the name about year ago; but his
practice was in town"
"A short, little man ?' asked the vicar;
"pitted with smallpox? Jewish face d?
Wears glasses-eh?
"Ah, he is evidently not the same. $
answered Miller. decidedly. "My nan
was tail and gaunt, and not pitted with
smallpox. But | tell you what il is.
uncle. This fellow, from his letter, is
evidently n sharp and shady p~ac-
titioner Of the nastiest type. He wants
q lawyer 20 deal with him. just Won
turn him over to me"
IL cont know" said the vicar
aonbtfally. "Sothing caa be done. I
The Van Buren press., 1897-02-13

Perks, however, was smart man, and
he managed, in the end, to engineer
his scheme. He vast may be added
--providentially assisted in this matter
by the vicar himself. Just at the right
minute (from Perks standpoint the
reverend gentleman had complained to
Grocer Hobb about the quality of the,
bacon supplied him, and had. indeed,
sent back half a side as unfit to eat.
Something of the same sort happened
in reference TO Shanks, the butcher.
Shapks had sirioin returned to him,
ca the ground of its being cow-beef.
1t was cow-beef. But Shanbs had sold
it for ox-beef, and he felt it an unwar-
rantable insult TO have his word thus
questioned.
Butcher Shanks was not logical; nor
was Grocer Ilobb. And each was led
by his dislike for the vicar to believe
that the vicar himself had purposely
insulted him. Perks rejoieed to find
them both in this mood. He struck
while the iron was hot. lie unfolded to
them his pretty little scheme for giving
the vicar beans. II they, and the other
tradesmen in the place, TO whom the
vicar owed bills, would combine and
hand him their accounts to collect, he
would soon read his reverence n lesson.
lie would teach him 10 be careful how
he insuited honest tradesmen.
Grocer lIobb aud Butcher Shanks
liLed the idea of the vicar being taught
that lesson. But they made it "sinc
qua non" that il they did this thing the
other creditors of the vicar in Whm-
field should DO likewise.
Perks undertook 10 sec the other
creditors, and, il possible, to secure
their compliance. lie saw them; ln
talked 10 them in his most insinuating
way; he worked upon their unqualified
hatred for the vicar. The end Of IL was
that the solicitor was instructed to col
lcct the seven largest accounts owed b.
the vicar in the place. They amounted
jointly 10 about 200 pounds.
il was then the end Of the first week
in February. and Perks intention WAS
that the vicar should receive his agree
able communication on the morning Of
Valentines day Forks had tolerahle
f'0tiou ~ feet; and hc Considered that
The Van Buren press., 1897-02-13

the vicar would be dounly ineensed If
he received the dunning letter in the
form of d valentine. He had not told
his clients the eXaet strain in which he
should write, nor the extreme perempt-
oriness of the demand lie should make.
But the letter which he posted to the
vicar on Valentines eve was as good
specimen of the sharp-practiees solicitors
composition, when Intentionally in
selent, as could be well desired. The
sist of it was that unless the whole
amount due on these seven accounts
we're paid to him, Sidney Perks, by re-
turn of post, he should issue process
against the vicar, without further no
tiee or delay.
There said Perks to himself, tri-
umphantly, as he sealed up the envelope.
II calculate this will just about give his
reverence fits
1t did give his reverence fits. That is
to say, it put him into a fine state of
rage and excitement when he read it at
breakfast next morning. His angry
looks and savage frowns struck de-
cided CONSERVATION into the breasts oil
the two other persons who were sharing
that meal with him. These were his
only daughter Amy, and his nephew,
Frank Miller, q young barrister, who
frequently came down from town, when
he was not very busy, to stay at the
Nicarage. The fact was, there had long
existed d sort of attachment between
the cousins, of which the vicar was un-
aware. 1t had not however, developed
into an express engagement until TINT
very morning; when young Miller, COM
ing down early and finding his cousin
in the garden, had taken the oppor-
tunity-for which the day was SO sim
gularly appropriated declaring pas
sion which he could not any longer con-
eeal.
Amy had answered his proposal with
blushing acceptance; stipulating,
however, that Frank should inform her
father of the circumstances immediate
~, and this he had, of course, agreed
TO. He did not, however, look forward
to the interview with any great pleasure
or confidence, for two sufficient reasons.
Ia the first place, he knew that his uncle
had prejudice against first cousins
marrying; in the next his own worldly
circumstances were not, atpresent, such
as would commend themselves TO n.
prospective father-in-3aw. lie had, in
deed, a little money Of his cwn; aad
The Van Buren press., 1897-02-13

best of times, and to his dearest friends,
the Wears manner was scarcely agree
able. Where he felt dislike it was pos
itiyely forbidding. Perks put up with
several snubs from him, pour lie bon
motif" But at length, seeing the USE
lessness Of such a course, he abandoned
further attempts to win the Wears
friendship, and openly declared himself
on the side of the reverend gentleman's
enemies.
There was scarcely tradesman in
Winfield who was not to be numbered
in this category. From Grocer lIobb
downwards every one of them had his
grievance against the vicar. threats
nee like dog, he does" said one
"Never calls to see me when I'm il"
said another. as always grumbling at
my meat" said a third-the local
butcher. And so forth. While in one
common grievance against him all con-
curred-namely, his tiresome habit
(already mentioned) of keeping them
waiting for their little accounts.
"'Tisn't as If he was hard up" was the
unanimous complaint. sHe has plenty
of money. He simply does it to make
himself disagreeable.
Of course, Perks heard these grumbles
in his almost daily intercourse with the
tradesmen of Winfield. The solicitor
in spite of his bland exterior and IN
sinuating ways-was not the man to
forget slight or to pardon a snub.
Tie meant to give the vicar Roland
for his Oliver when he saw the chance,
and it occurred to him, after some re-
fleetion, that he might, perhaps, sec
that chance in this aforesaid matter
Of the Wears little accounts.
It was getting on into February and
the Wears Christmas bills still re-
NAMED unsettled. Perks conceived a
wish that the tradesmen to whom the
bills were due would put them into his
hands for collection. The wish strength
ened into longing, the longing into a
fixed resolve. He began, by q gradual
ard insinuating process, to get the
tradesmen in the mind to cooperate.
This was not such a very easy matter.
For though the Winfield shopl1eepers
growled at and disliked the vicar in 10
measured degree, still his custom was
considerations; and glad as they
would have been to DO him a nasty turn.
they nevertheless were not prepared
to take step which would drive him
away altogether from their shops.
The Van Buren press., 1897-02-13

"Oh. looll!" exclaimed Ruth, victim.
Of the passing craze. what lovely post
ers!" And she and Mabel went into
the store and purchased several dollars
worth. Pray, how were they to know
that the goods bought were not posters.
but comic Valentines ?-Boston Tran
seyiSt.
The Van Buren press., 1897-02-13

do owe the money, of course. And l
was going to pay these seven aeeoHntei
this week. Still, to have the money dc,
manded in such an impudent way is in
tolerabe. | shall certainly leave all
these tradesmen who have instructed
Perks
81 should. They deserve being made
to sit up. But, in any case, it will be
much more agreeable for you not to
have to act in the matter personally.
You leave it entirely in my hands"
This, after some demur, the vicar, at
length, agreed to do; Frank persuadng
him that it would be far more dignified
for him to have no personal commnnica-
ton whatever with Perks or with the
tradesmen. And SO the affair was
placed, unreservedly, in the young bar
risters hands.
The Van Buren press., 1897-02-13

This is how Frank Miller had worked
his little scheme. Sidney Perks was the
solicitor whom he had come across in
town; and, in certain dealings with him,
Frank had learnt some facts about
Perks, by communicating which to the
proper authorities, he could have
brought him to the bar of the Old Bailey.
Perks had tried to obviate such pos
sibility by promptly clearing out of
town. Curiously enough he had be-
taken himself to the very place ofwhich
Franks uncle was vicar.
Armed with these irresistible argu-
menfs, Frank had, on the morning of
Valentines day, gone straight to Perks
office, and, under threat of setting the
police on to him Immediately, had made
two demands, to which, after some use
less demur, Perks was fain to consent.
The first demand was, that he should
write out and hand over TO Frank re-
ceipts for the seven accounts. The sec
ond, that he should leave Winfield
within IL hours, Upon these conditions,
he should be left to escape and lose him.
self, unmolested. Frank was inexora-
bic, and Perks was not in a position to
resist. So both demands were complied
with.
Franks next step, two days later,
was to go round and see the tradesraen,
informing them that the vicar had duly
paid their accounts to Perks, and pro-
ducing the receipts; he also advised
them lin II friendly way) to look sharp
after their money, as ugly rumors we're
current about Perks, and he was said to
have bolted. Those concerned
lost no time in hurrying round to Perks
office, where he was not; and thence to
his house, which This servant told them)
he had quilted hurriedly two days be-
fore. where had he gone?' "1Ie
hadn't left no address" Then, indeed,
was bitter lamentation and cutlery heard
among the swindled shopkeepers. Then
it was that the vicar GALL unknown to
himsel0 had "acted so honorable and
like a gentleman" by writing the checks
for the seven accounts and handing
them to Frank TO distribute. This
astute young man had left the trades
men under the impression that, in order
to save them from loss. his uncle had
paid their accounts twice over; and hau
descanted, in rather strong terms, upon
this truly Christian return OF good for
evil.
Frank did not aequaint his uncle with
these little mysteries until he was just
starting on his honeymoon. And as, by
that time, the vicar had tasted the
sweets of six months popularity in the
parish, and found it exceptionally agree
able, he saw no reason to forfeit IL, n Z
this late hour, by any useless dis
cl0sures.-London Truth.
The Van Buren press., 1897-02-13

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The Van Buren press., 1897-02-13

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New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-03-08
PEEKSKILL.

II. X. W. Patterson. Of Philadelphia. is in Peeks-
kill organizing camp of the Patriotic Order, Sons
Of America. Peekskill is becoming known as the
greatest lodge town in the State of New-fork
The Rev. Angelo Ostrander formerly of st. Pauls
Methodist Episcopal Church. this village now OF
Poughkeepsie. has been engaged by the Sunday
school Of ST. Pauls Methodist Episcopal Church TO
lecture time In the early part of April.
Uriah Hill. Mrs. Hill and Miss Hill at the
Laurel House Lakewood for several weeks.
Water Commissioner Homer Anderson has re-
turned from Syracuse. where he has been attend
ing the annual session of the Grand Lodge of the
Ancient order OF United Workmen. representing
Dunderburg Lodge No. l56. A. o. L. W.. of Peeks
kill
Navigation will be resumed between Peeksk
and Newly ork to-day, and Captain Morton will
start HIS freight and passenger steamer Fannie
WoodhaN He will run his boats from the upper
pier this year instead of the lower. and in New
York viii land Pier "a. y. r. The Emene. Of
the Newburg and Haverstraw Line. will the
shird week in this month. The Chrystenah Will
resume her route on April J.
The Democratic caucus will be held this evening
at the courtroom of Justice James L. Lynch, and
a fight Is possible over the delegates.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-03-08
WESTCHESTER COUNTY.
WHITE PLAINS.

The annual election Of officers OF the i'hcoN
Republican Club will be held this evening
The annual session of the Board OF Supervisors
Is drawing to close. With the passage oi ''o
table Of equalization last week and the sc'oe'e"'
OF the disputes over the County Clerks. the Cor
oners' and the printing bills. the work OF inc
Board was practically completed. All .ha' re-
mains TO be done now is npportion the state ana
county taxes on the basis OF the equalization taoe
and an adjournment without date VIII prooao!
be reached next week One good thihg t'a' ''''
Board has accomplished Is the passage OF reso
luton approving of the erection of new JAIL anu
tho committee having the matter in charge VIII
go ahead preparing plans and specifications anu
selecting a site. all of which Will be suo''eu io'
approval to the Board at special meeting TO pe
'a Tse fooWns are the recently OfeeFs Of
ndspenden, Engine E TomPanH D asssan
mral Dot; second assistant William Armpr sccre
tsry. George Hussons; treasurer. James Murphy
steward. James Barrett. . , houses +,
this village is progressing satisfactorily: over ew
municipalities having been ordered thus iaI ibn
the numbering is completed ii is hoped thal tno
free delivery Of the mails by carriers will be m
PRODUCED it has been stated that sH ns,e em in this
village the fact that the houses "e'e "0'
Bible reading will be given by Mrs J. K I'sian
under the direction Of the Woman IN Narw
HsIa%n G SaH nex, f THURSDAY
The following certificates Of INCORPORATION Pave Rnve
Hebrew Congregation OF Peekskill incorporates
Mauritz Anesz. Bernard Bernan. Samuei ShIua-
man Harry Sieinwitz. David Haristein Abram
f. Hayman. Isaac Greenfield, Harry BensKy'
Abram Brownstein Aaron Brown M;tN f,atzei o. -
Ieyinson Max Brown and Max Grand. The Pei,
ham Electric Light and Power Company; capitai
stock 10000: principal business ONCE. In New
York CITY: operations Of the corporation to be car,
ried on in the county of Westchester and city ana
county of New-York directors. Charles W. Snhin'
John F. BOYD Thomas F. Convile, Joseph a.
Spratt. all residents Of New-York City. The ion,
kers Telephone Company. for constructing ana
maintaning lines of electric telephone wholly with
in or partly beyond the limits Of this State; capi,
tai stock $4,000 divided into l3g1 shares OF slo
each: directors. Peter G.. Kemp. Theodore - Zoe
DR. George NJ. Ball. William Fairchild. William r..
Hills. Harry NJ. George and Hal Bell all OF New
York City
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-03-08
Polite. Commissioner, will 81, a. headquarters. in

Dock-st. nam,
Mayor Peene has appointed Frank Duhy mem,
Der OF the Board Of Inspectors and supervisors Vi
Plumbing to I'LL the vacancy caused by tne resit,
nation of Patrick II. Linnehan. who was appointed
Plumbing Inspector a short time ago 'Inis latter
office was made vacant by the death OF inspector
Harry Rawcliffe, about n month ago. -,
The postponed exhibition of the gymnasium lass
Of the Young Mems Christian Association VIII take
place tomorrow evening at the gymnasium IN MAIN,
.; No charge for admission Is made. and the pubic
is invited 10 witness the exhibition. . -,
The second game In the series between the ran
SADIE Boat Club and the A G Bowling CiuD
viii be rolled this evening at the formers alleys IN
Glenwood. - ,,, c.x,.,,.,
The bowling team Of the Young Mems Christian
Association went 10 New-York City on saturday
night and rolled return games with the team Oh
the Fairmont Athletic Association. The fonkers
bowlers were defeated In exceedingly interest
ing game the basketball team of the Yonkers Am
Ietic Association defeated team from the 81
Thomas Athletic Club by score OF to l. In TINS Guy!
The Brownies. composed of members OF the roof.
ers' OF the ith Separate Company went 10 Mouhi
Vernon on the same evening and met the basket-paiii
team OF the Young Mems Christian Association OF
that city. They defeated by score OF 10 70
Al tho First Presbyterian Church yesterday there
Westminster Presbyterian Church, an ordination OF
elders and installation Of the new session: Inc KeV:
H. l.. Hastings. of Boston. preached at the FIRST
Methodist Epescipal Church. The Ren y. r..
Knapp. of the Baptist Church OF the Redeemer;
New York City. viii. conduct series or Gospel
meetings beginning this evening. IN the Neppefnan
Avenue Baptist Church. to continue durlhs the
week Meetings in the afternoon VIII pesih TO-
morrow.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-03-08
SING SING.

In reply 10 a communication received from 'he
Cuban League in the United States asking 'hat d
branch league be established in Sing Sing. the
Board OF Village Trustees has passed resolution
expressing sympathy with the Cuban cause
Irving ~ Valentine. whose mysterious dlsap-
pearance last summer aroused so much Interest as
II was thought he had gone to Cuba. has returned
home He has not been ont of the United states
and has spent most of his time In Washington
u. c.. where he found employment as clerk
Work on the enlargement of the Corporation
Building will begin at new room for 'he
use OF the Board of Trustees Will be adceo 10 'ne
present building which IS to be heated 'nro9sm n
nnnt with steam and will have all the mo0ern
improvements in the line Of plumbing and other
The Democraiic town caucus for the nomin; ton
Of candidates for town officers GWm yn 10 he
called will he held al No 2ll Ma'n-s'' on f''u"'
evening. March II. vor,, C,,v
will lecture in St Augustine's Church on Tuesday
evening March 16. Father Gosgin was forme Fl.
be- THE Cross and the shamrock ,,,u. -
regular meeting Of the oara El W be held
tomorrow evening at O'Clock. - . uuo,,
At the village election TO be held here TOMORROW
the Board of Trustees will ask for a special ap-
preparation of 5000 for Fire Department purposes
the chief engineer IN his TRerI hose n
the department and that the hook ana Ia ,br
truck is O1 me Of GATE and IS ut dcu TO ee how the
Tefg to is 'h for m h
of hose: 1900 for truck and 5000 for an engine
The Right Rev. +. Talbot. Bishop of Idaho and
Wyoming. will preach at Trinity Episcopal Church
OF The TeceIpts of the Water Commission Of this
village IN the last year for rents ana meter SAFES
A handsome plate-glass closet. costing $50. has
been given TO the Ossining Hospital by Nj and
Mrs George Fisher secor. in memory of DIT George
ana viii hold the surgical instruments bequeathed
to the hospital by DR. Fisher