davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The true Democrat. [volume] (Bayou Sara [La.]) 1892-1928, 1897-01-09
WOMEN AFRAID OF WOMEN.

Jinks-'Hayo you over noticed
what spiteful things one woman will
say Of another 2"
Blinks (married)-"Ics; and I ncv.
or could understand why they are
afraid to make digsat woman except
behind her back, and yet the! rip
out anything they please to q man. -
New York Weekly.
The true Democrat. [volume] (Bayou Sara [La.]) 1892-1928, 1897-01-09
DESPERATE WAGER,

'1f you haven't been taking a bath,
III cot my hat" declared Mr.. Weary
Watkins.
StGuess I'll have to own up" assent.
ed Mr.. Dismal Dawson.
"Whut dye mean by it,"
''Eloction bet; that's oil. Indian.
apolis Journal.
The true Democrat. [volume] (Bayou Sara [La.]) 1892-1928, 1897-01-09
uEE0 OF TIE GRID1ROS.

Visitor-''Poor fellow! What hap.
pened to him? Was he in o railroad
smashup or did motor run over
him."
Nurse~-'No, it was his magnificent
tackling and the two touchdowns he
made that saved the day for the Poly.
technics. "-Cleveland Leader,
The true Democrat. [volume] (Bayou Sara [La.]) 1892-1928, 1897-01-09
HAD TO DO IT,

New Roomer (sarcastically) "Is
this all the soap there is in the room ?"
Landlady (decidedly)-"Yes, sir;
all will allow you"
New Roomer-"Well, I'll take two
more rooms. I've got to wash my
face in the morning. Baltimore
News.
The true Democrat. [volume] (Bayou Sara [La.]) 1892-1928, 1897-01-09
A BOARnING HOUSE SCHEME.

Hashly--;T wonder what we can do
with that girl who is continually
pounding the piano every night?"
Wheeler Er-don't you think we
could talk her into buying o bicyc!e??"
Truth.
The true Democrat. [volume] (Bayou Sara [La.]) 1892-1928, 1897-01-09
EASILY EXPLAINED.

Mr.. Hungerlord-I wonder why
love and war are so frequently asso-
ciated in proverbs"
Miss Wallingford-"I suppose it is
because engagements are common to
both. "-JudSe.
The true Democrat. [volume] (Bayou Sara [La.]) 1892-1928, 1897-01-09
10 TIME TO DIE.

B|yth-"Won't you join our Suicide
Club, old man?''' :"
Boyd-"Haven't time, thanks. It
keeps me hustlins to maize a living
nowadays" -
The true Democrat. [volume] (Bayou Sara [La.]) 1892-1928, 1897-01-09
A CHASTITY PUN.

h'NOAoAAA ICN' q
"Tho King Of the Cannibal Islands
he'd letter held for postage, and got
mad and roasted the postmaster. What
time was it?'
''Give it up"
cato P. M."-Lile,
The true Democrat. [volume] (Bayou Sara [La.]) 1892-1928, 1897-01-09
STEADTAST.

"Colonel Crime" said the man who
knew him, ''changes his political
opinions as often rs he does his shirt"
"Oh, come now" said the other
man, who knew the Colonel. "He
changes them oftener than that,
doesn't he? I never took him to be
SO hide:boun as that. "-lndianapolis
Journal.
The true Democrat. [volume] (Bayou Sara [La.]) 1892-1928, 1897-01-09
SHE WONDERED.

She-''What fine, broad shoulders
you haveI"
He-"TheY're necessary for half
back"
She "My! how broad tho full
backs must be. Judge.
The true Democrat. [volume] (Bayou Sara [La.]) 1892-1928, 1897-01-09
TIE REASON,

''There was only one thing that
prevented Hobbins from walking upon
the water."4
"What was that?"
''Every time he attempted it he
would sink. '-Norristown Herald.
The true Democrat. [volume] (Bayou Sara [La.]) 1892-1928, 1897-01-09
BUDGET OF FUN.
HUMOROUS SKETCHES FROM
VARIOUS SOURCES.
Grumbling Never Out OF Season-Shc
Wondered-Easily Explained
~ Boarding House Scheme
~Steadfast, Etc, Etc.

The man whose nature tits to sigh =
Can always find Il reason;
Midst frost he says that GOALS too high,
! While warmth Is out Of season.
Detroit Free Press,
The true Democrat. [volume] (Bayou Sara [La.]) 1892-1928, 1897-01-09
A WARNING

A WARNING.
"When she promised to marry me. F"
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-04-09
nR. Z. 7. JONts, JR.,
>iill on Trial in the United states Distri''
I...LIL-

'0NAAs
The United states District Court recon
vcned yesterday mOtnlns al "a CLOS"
ana the trial OF L. r. Jones, j., was re
sumcd.
The accused was arrested several weeks
ago uy rOst-Omce Inspector irving. Inc
Inspector marked a lot OF bills, taking
the serial numbers, cnecN marks, etc'
and addressed the letter containing them
10 Lena Crump, PaynviIle. Va.
For some time the authorities had been
on tho lookout Tor some one VINO ndd
been pillerng the mails, ana Mr.. IRVING
went 10 the OlIce and arrested Jones. it
was searched thoroughly ana the lN-
succtor went and searched "a trash hat-
rel and found tne marked money Wniet
ue claims ~ nave enclosed lu the lcl.ri.
The letter was never found
Jones was taken into custody ana Dep
uty United States Marshal a. Janney
Peasants teiegrapned for. TO-.
The officer responded ana TOOK Jones
into custody, bringing him 10 TINS city.
Jones says bee was roughly handled by
Irving. but this Was denied by Irving
Several witnesses were examined, ia
which the testimony c0nhictcd consider
ably.
Mnen the testimony was concluded the
counsel submitted instructions 20 the
court. which were argued and read 10
the jury.
llr b. Rand Wexford. Assistant United
States District Attorney, opened the at6u-
ment for the prosecution. lie VIII De
followed by Hon. W. III. Flournoy and
Mr. a. NJ smith. Dr.. and District Attor-
nev vs.. III. White will close the argument
for the government.
When Mr. Wexford closed his remarks
al Z.a0 court adjourned until to-day az ID
o'clock. the accused being released on
bail.
r. T. Branch. one Of the witnesses IN
the case was inclined 20 Doe trihe OBJ
streper0us. and used some uncompiimen-
tarv language about Postofiice Inspector
Irving
He was arrested and turned over 10
Mr.. A. Jannoy Peasants and baied DO
the sum of $780,
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-04-09
NORTH CAROLINA NEWS.
FIRE COMPANY HOU>E BohNhD
UITH HOhNLS dND dPPARdItS.
Twelve Companie. Of Military VIII Attend
the Nashville Exposition-An Inns
portant Election Decision


RALEIGH. y. g., April S.-Special-
Last night. shortly after o'clock hre
broke out IN the onrine-house Of the Vic
tor Fire Company Ocolored, both watch
men being away. and the city lost TWO
elegant fire horses. besides damage 10 the
reel wagon, and two hundred feet OF
hose. and the house. 80 alarm was turn
cd in until the house was nearly ready
to fall.
Yesterday Governor Russell pardoned
two conyict5 out Of the penitentiary-
Henry Harris. OF Granville and Joe VIII
lams of Wake.
AlJutant-General Cowlos IS pretty sure
he Will succeed Minister Ehen Alexander
as Minister 20 Greece. The salary IS
$500
The Marlboro House yesterday put a new
"bls' Oh the streets 10 serve the patrons
of that hotel. 1t IS a herdic
80 SUMMER ENCAMPMENT
There VIII be no encampmont of the
State Guard this summer. as it IS hoped
most Of the troops Will 90 90 the reunion
OF Confederate veterans 40 Nashville,
Tenn. June DIST Already about twelve
ccmpanics have decided 90 attend.
There were 22l0 special delivery letters
received by the Raleigh postofice during
the past fiscal year. ending April 9Th.
Reports from Southern Pines say the
large orchards there Dad about half The
peach crop killed by the heavy fr0sts. but
100 other damaee was done
irhe North Carolina state Dental Assoc
citation VIII meet boz Charlotte. May 18th.
Rev. Dr. Eugene Daniel OF this city.
has been chosen hy the knights Temp.ar
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-04-09

Manager ~ G.. Lcath of the Academy
of Music OF this city yesterday COM
p.eted deal by which be assumes control
or the management OF Van Wyck's Acad-
envy of Music. in Norfolk, Tor term OF
three years
This deal viii give Mr. Leath the the
atrlcal control OF the State. and will en-
able him to furnish his patrons with only
Tie best ana strongest attractions.
AN of Mr.. Leaths friends wish him
success in his new venture Mr.. Dues
berry VIII have charge of tho Norfolk
house for Mr.. lcath.
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-04-09
In Honor Of The Onecn.

The coming anniversary Of the Goth year
OF the reign OF Her Majesty Queen Vic
toria. OF England. which occurs i'm June
next. viii be appropriately celebrated
here.
The British Association OF Virginia will
have charge of the celebration. which will
include dinner with toasts.
Mr. Alex. Cameron is president OF this
association, Mr. Frank NJ Woon. vice
president. and Mr. +. A. $ Brine. secre-
tary and treasurer.
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-04-09
7 ANcAsHrRE INSURANCE COMPANY.

YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 3D. ~ con-
LANCASHIRE
MANCHESTER, THE LAWS or rf.
BRITAIN MADE PUBLIC ACCOUNTS or
COMMONWEALTH PURSUANCE OF THE Laws W
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-04-09
children at tcstators death. must be

children at testator's death. must be
affirmed
g. IN clause 6. testator directs his execu-
tors TO distribute equally among an my
neiccs and ncphews" the residue or ms
estate They are the following cnli-
drcn OF my sisters. &c. Besides the
persons mentioned in this clause testalor
had brother and a deceased sister, VINO
had five children. who are appellants here
claiming that the words "au my neices
and ncphews' must extend 60 them. ana
tho specific enumeration does not exclude
them. but that their names we're omitted
through iuadvcrtcncc.
Held. The object Of courts in constituting
Wills Is 90 arrive at tho true intent Of tho
tcstatOr, but that intent ls 10 he gathered
from the language used. Conjecture cam
not usurp the place OF judicial conclusion
nor supply what the testator has failed
sufficiently TO indicate. The intention
must be collected from the words Of the
VIII. for the object Of construction SIS not
90 ascertain the presumed or supposed. as
tho expressed intention Of the testatOr;
that SIS. the meaning which tho words OF
fhe viii. correctly interpreted. convey.
Warning SIS. Bosher. q Va 2S9 There SIS
n0 error in the decree excluding these
appellants from the sixth clause OF the
Will
ANf 'arH'0 appear lr Itefl on
clause I'm the viii directing the payment
10 Anne T. Casey Of testator's note for
$1,000 The note and the only note She
bad. or ever had. given her bv tesfator
was for $4,000. This Was a negotiable
note. OF which She was AN cudOrser. and
The endorsement showed that only $3.50
OF 90 was 90 be paid 20 her. the note
being payable 10 her "and uthers" The
contention OF appellants is that the will
gives her legacy of $1,000 an ademption
OF The debt due on tie note only 20 the
extent OF her interest there viz.-Sft00;
and not merely a direction TO pay this
note ~ $4,000 as held by the trial court
Hold. This clause was rightly construed
90 mean that she should Dee paid what was
due her. which was The debt MS evidenced
lr the note the amount duo on 10 at tes-
TORS death. or when 10 should ne paid
Rules Of Interpretation VIII not be in-
vokcd. except when The language used
hy testator is Of doubtful constructions
Decree affirmed.
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-04-09

have fO stand fuOu fnn SOIL of Tennessee
and fIa soufI Inn his lDld is iu the
Icnpyfean where 4n0t. fhD rocion of tla
clouds Ie lrrafnos only the uura ether.
and with Vision un0UeruIed looks into
the heart and marrow OF things and men.
CA efafi.n like tho herald Mercury
Ne,g-ucbfDl ON a heaven kissing liiI"
Though round his breast the rolling
rInlds ara erread
Eternal SIM. rina 'slfflrs on his haal"
loves and rcvercs bis Mother State. Is
written down Oh his title page. civilian
j. Trent NJ a. Professor in tie Iui-
vcrsitv Of Tie south. Author OF William
Gilmore Sims. etc.. and Doc BIAS lately
published "a volume of Lectures under the
title given ln tile caption.
u NAV ho that ha Is sfiI emlrfinc under
the acatIiu4 reviews of bus former Nol-
ume. and that the venom Of the later one
is his method and measure OF revenge. 10
is certain that. Washington only excepted.
anybody. anything. south Of Mason and
DIXON luc-uule-s ID Doe lis own per-
e0uaItN-nuls scaut favor ln his sight.
Edmund Burke said Doe knew not iNe
method OF drawing up du indie ImtIl
against whole people. our author docs
know. and levels bis anatncmas at eleven
Con monWcalths. and had not Na-uin1
tom lFcd-an1 Dee belongs 90 the world ana
not tO thc Soutn-it is doubted Do they
would have been deemed of sufficient dis
nifty even % Doe abused.
Alr Trent is one of the apostles 0f tle
"Ncw South" of which 500 much BIAS been
heard ANA $50 little seen and tle new
apostles creed is t0 cruelty alresh tAe old.
Lear PRAYED that Doe mIeht Doe touched
with % noble anger" The old timers az
tie war ncedl.tf no such aspiration. ln
every fibre of heart and mind they feel
revuislon for home bred defract0rs of
their section. Perhaps lf ouElt rather f1
Doe uity-f0r tie noble impulses of that
period would be strangers t0 barren souls.
They know mott lor could have known.
"the mettIe OF the pastures chat bred
the men of 'l6 and '6l Time servers and
seekers of a market f0r detrlotiou have
been bonn South OF the Potomac since
that time. before Tie 'nar they were an
exotic growth.
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-04-09
IT. ASSETS.
owned by the company

ACCOUNT OF BONDS THE UNITED STATES. AND OF THIS
STATE AND OF OTHER STATES AND Also. OF az BoNpS
INCORPORATED CITIES IN THIS STATE AND OF All,
OTHER BONDS AND STOCKS. OWNED ABSOLUTELY ~
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-04-09

Milton p,rqan Manager Atlanta Ga
b. residence, RhmonJ.
business JUNG '-
H. ASSETS.
The Pascagoula democrat-star. (Pascagoula, Miss.) 1878-1920, 1897-10-15
THE SILENF MARCH.

When the march begins IN the morning
Aud the heart and the foot are light,
When the flags are all a-futter
And the world Is gay and bright,
When the bugles lead the column
And the drums are proud In the van.
It's shoulder to shoulder, forward, march!
All! let him lag who can!
For It's easy to march to music
With your comrades all In line,
Aud you don't get tired, you feel inspired,
And lite Is draught divine.
When the march drags on at evening
Aud the color bearers gone.
When the merry strains are silent
That piped SO brave In the dawn,
When you miss the dear old fellows
Who started out with you,
When it's stubborn and sturdy, fOrwar(
march!
Though the ragged lines are few.
Then it's hard to march In silence,
And the road has lonesome grown,
And life Is bitter cup to drink;
But the soldier must not moan.
And this Is the task before US,
A task we may never shirk,
In the gay time and the sorrowful time
We must march and do our work.
We must march when the music cheers US,
March when the strains are dumb.
Plucky and valiant, forward, march!
And smile, whatever may come.
For, whether lifes hard or easy,
The strong man keeps the pace,
For the dcsOlate march and the silent
The strong soul finds the grace.
The Pascagoula democrat-star. (Pascagoula, Miss.) 1878-1920, 1897-10-15

The ORIGIN OF PTOCowA.-Jesse
B. Porter, Of Pattison, this State;
gives the Charleston Herald the fol.
lowing version Of the origin of the
name "Ptocowa," about which there
has OF late been considerable discuss
sion:
"Being one OF the first settlers In
the Chickasaw nation while the In
dams were here, learned something
OF their language. Much of it have
forgotten, but l we'll remember the
word 'Ptocowa," concerning which
place there has been much discussion
through the columns OF the Herald
recently. The word as used by the
natives meant medicine, medical OF
healthy. The old Indian who lived i'd
the hollow below the spring, in speak.
log to VIM. Boyles and the undersign.
ed, said IT was 'Opa chickamaw-
ptocowa'-'opa,' water; 'chichamaw,'
good; 'ptoc0wa,' medicine-Or good
medicine water. l have been inform.
cd that there has been much talk as
tO the meaning Of the word, which
has induced me to write this to you
for publication. IwOuld add that the
sand rocks that form the wall around
the spring were placed there by VIM.
Boyles and the old Indian, the latter
having made the request that they
might always remain there In memory
OF him."
The Pascagoula democrat-star. (Pascagoula, Miss.) 1878-1920, 1897-10-15
HORSE DICTIONARY.

Western Rural.
A white spot in the forehead is q
star.
A white face from eye to eye is q
bald face.
A white stripe In the face Is blaze.
A stripe between the n0strils is a
snip.
A white eye Is glass eye.
A horse has gasterns, not ankles,
and there is no such joint as hind
knee or fore shoulder.
White below the pastern Joint Is q
white pastern. Above the pasterns, a
white leg.
White around the top of the hoof Is
q white cor0net.
A star, blaze, or bald face can't be
anywhere except on the face.
A snip can't be anywhere except on
the nose.
Amble, a gait like pacing, but slow
or, In which the two legs on the same
side are moved together.
Appel, the gentle tug on the rein
given by the horse at each step.
Group, that part Of the horse back Of
the saddle.
Bore, to bear on the bit,
Bucking, lcaping vertically into tht
air with four feet and coming to
gether on the ground.
Elbow, joint Of foreleg next above
knee lying next to horses side.
Forearms, that part Of the leg be
tween the elbow and knee.
Forge, 10 strike the toe OF the for
foot with the toe Of the hind one
very often the result Of bad shoeing.
Hand, one-third Of q f0ot-f0u
inches.
The Pascagoula democrat-star. (Pascagoula, Miss.) 1878-1920, 1897-10-15
Chancery Court I'D Dist.

In the cnnnty of Pearl River ON the arst
Monday OF January and July and continue
six days.
continue ak days. In the second district
on the third Monday Of January and July
and continue six days.
In the county Of Hancock on the fourth
Monday Of January and July and continue
In the county OF Harrison on the ars,
Monday Of February and August and con-
In the county Of Jackson on the socond
Monday Of February ~ d August aud con-
tinue six days.
In the county g. Way, Q on the second
Mo~day Of June .ad Decem 'or. and continue
In the county OF Jones on ne Rrst Monday
of March and september ano continue six
days.
In the county OF Jones on the a:st Monday
OF March and September and continue six
IN the conntv Of Jasper on the second
Monday Of March and September and con-
In the connty Of Perry held in Augusta
tho First District. on the third Monday Of
March and september and continue six days.
In the town Of ilatticshurg. the Second Ms
trict. on the first Monday OF June and Dece IL
her and continue six days.
IN the county Of Smith on the fourth MOa-
day OF March aud September and continue
SIX days.
IN the county OF Greene on Thursday aftef
thc second Monday of April and October and
continue three days..
In the county of t'oyngton on the fourth
Monday Ia April and Octobcr and continue
SIX days.
In the county Of Newton on the first Nom
day OF April and November and continue six
DAYS.
In the county af Laudcrdalc on the first
Monday of May and November and continue
twenty four days.
In the county Of Clarke 0n the third Mon
day 0f Aprll and November and continue six
DAYS
The Pascagoula democrat-star. (Pascagoula, Miss.) 1878-1920, 1897-10-15
WHAT is A PRINTER" "

The following are some OF the ans
wers to The Printer and BOokmaker's
inquiry Of "What is a Printer ?" The
first quotation is by Mr.. A. A. Stew
art, Of Salem, Mass, which was Sc
lected as the first prize quotation:
One who sticks truths on end and
stamps them with a mighty impress
sion upon the consciousness Of his
race.
One whose mistakes arc put under
cover gilt edged and richly bound !;
yet read, reviewed and Endorsed when
beyond correction, and treasured for
many years.
Thomas q. Brinkley,
Cleveland, Ohio.
An enemy OF ignorance destined to
batter the visage OF superstition to
perforate the vitals OF oppression, and
make way for enlightenment with
shooting sticks. ". II. Winn,
Columbus, Ga.
A man possessed Of devil, who In
the distribution often gets pi when
he needs phat, which keeps him out OF
sorts. George ID. Fetter,
Louisville, Ky.
One who places at the disposal OF
the humblest the knowledge acquired
by all generations. Al. Stemple,
Turner'S Falls, Mass.
He who stamps thoughts and deeds
upon the lcttered page; preserves his
art and by that art preserves the
memory OF men and nations.
J. +. Dunlap,
Lincoln, Neb.
A rhetorician who, justifying a
means to an end, makes many pointed
remarks, producing an impression Of
ten needing correction and revision.
JOS. G. Afford,
San Francisco, Cal.
A printer is a type whose face and
form make an impression that his
lines are not always cast in pleasant
places. Chas. f. Evans,
St. Louis, Mo.
The link between the genii Of the
past, present and the future; his en-.
ergy their means Of disseminating In.
telligence throughout the world for
all time. John Crawford.
One who takes other peoples busi-
ness and has the devil to pay, swears
for you, and gives proof Of 1t, yet he
justlflcs his work.
Thos. c. Brinkley,
Cleveland, y.
A person competent to convey,
through type, ink and paper, the
thought and purpose Of, or informa.
tion desired by Others.
Morton V. Brokaw,
New York.
A type o. man who supports himself
with q stick, endeavoring to make q
living in one form or another, but
always in a press.
George ID. Fetter.
Louisville, KY.
One who thoroughly comprehends
and can intellectually and mechanic.
ally put into practice the combination
for an artistic effect VI type, paper
and presswOrk.
w. G. p. BrinklOe,
Eden, Pa.
The Pascagoula democrat-star. (Pascagoula, Miss.) 1878-1920, 1897-10-15
THE OLDEST IN GEORGIA.

The New York Etenl6g Journal
prints a picture OF what Is called "the
Oldest printing press in America. Un-
til recently this press was In the ofiice
Of a Vermont newspaper, but is proba:
bly, 10 dime museum nov, paradinR
itself under false pretenses. The
"oldest printing press in America" Is
In the State OF Georgia, and once did
service in the Smithville News, Lee
county, this State. The date Of its
birth Is lost In antiquity, but there
has never been any doubt Id the minds
Of the editors who have manipulated
1t was old enough to know better. 1t
is cross between the handptess IN.
vented by Washington and a neglect.
cd cOrnsheller, and Is curiously In
scribed with the desperate hiero.
glyphics Of ancient and I0ng-sufleiing
editors. Its joints creaked; as With
the rheumatism, and when the paper
went to press 1t had way Of falling
down and So mixing up the railroad
schedules that the trains never knew
what time to leave. Every blacksmith
10 the country had exhausted his skill
upon 1t, and 1t is a mere remnant OF
its former self. Wien Sherman pass
ed through Georgia to the sea his med
used portions Of its for battering
rams; but when he started to print d
few Official orders on it, it proved itS
loyalty to lost cause by falling down
and distributing the type all over the
room. 1t has been burned out SIX
times, and in the earthquake Of 1883
it was dismembercd and thrown on
the railroad track, where 1t wrecked
the cannOnball train five minutes af.
terwards. The sheriff has levied on 1t
twenty times, only to pay the editor
to take 1t back, and from the perch II
used to occupy in the lowlands Of Lee
it overlooked the graves OF fourteen
editors, and old and ailinQ as 1t is, II
is destined to 60 rumbling down the
corridors Of time US long as an editor
needs groceries.
The Pascagoula democrat-star. (Pascagoula, Miss.) 1878-1920, 1897-10-15

In this country, where Inventive
genius prevails, 10 there no Inventor
who can devise safe, convenient
pocket for women's clothes 60 that
the snatchIng Of pocket books from
the hands Of women cannot be pur.
sued 90 successfully as has been Of
late In our strcets9 The dressmake'
who will study on this problem and
succeed 10 introducing such poke,
ought to MAKE Zoe profit.
The Pascagoula democrat-star. (Pascagoula, Miss.) 1878-1920, 1897-10-15

"Our modern young lady has almost
as many superstitlons as the maid of
ancient days." remarked Dr.. G. Court.
ney Phillips, Of San Antonin, Texas,
a few days ago. "Not long since / had
occasion to be walking through one OF
our parks with three pretty young
summer girls. We were chatting
pleasantly and laughing, when sud-
denly q black cat happened to cross
the path ahead of us. The girls all
stopped still and refused to move un.
til had rumaged through my pocket,
found o bit Of cardboard and tore 1t q
tri6e. l was surprised and amused,
and asked them why they should in.
sist on the cardboard being torn.
They told fne that IL was awfully Ill
luck to have cat cross . path 10 front
Of one, and that the only way TO avoid
the evil that would otherwise result
was to tear bit Of paper. They did
not know what magic was 10 the pa.
per, but insisted that some subtle
force dispclled the bad luck"