davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Mena weekly star., 1897-09-29

to De r..e to death by the convicts, but -.ssr . man had even harsh word for them. If the fellows had had liquor there is no telling how free they nigh, have made with the brig, but as it was no lot of passengers could have be- haved better One of them had a few hot words with the cook one day, and the leader of the gang walked up to him and said:
 Julius, we are not here to make trouble, but to regain our liberty. Stop this thing at once. If you can't res. content, will give you six inches of cold steel and throw your carcass to the sharksi"
 The one sailor among them offered his services and insisted on doing sailors work, while the rest of them were al- ways at hand whenever there was pull ing or hauling to be done. Not ques- ton was asked as to the direction we were steering; they took 1t for granted that the captain would keep his word. The leader paced the deck with me for two hours one night, and asked many questions concerning the United States.
 
 He declared, and he seemed sincere. that his crime was the killing of a man under extreme provocation. and that he intended 10 make an honest living in the states. He said there were others with the same intentions, but that about half the gang were bad men and would soon land in prison. Not one of the fellows had penny, and all were still in convict dress. How they were to manage without stripping forcastle and cabin I could not figure out The captain had $500 aboard, and 1 think he expected to be asked for it when the convicts were ready to depart. Per- hsps he would have been but for his own sensible action.
 When we were within 20 miles of Abacoi island. off the southernmost point Of Florida, he called three of the con. victs into the cabin and had long talk with them. He advised them to land on the island and remain for day or
The Mena weekly star., 1897-09-29

"Ahi mol She IS smaller than the Drlg and a poor sailer; we do not want her."
 For an hour the schooner was held captive. Then she was tended off, and after she had drifted half mile away her people appeared on deck and were very brave. They wasted good many cartridges in long-range firing, and finally lowered boat and sent the lieutenant of marines to us with de- mand that the convicts surrender. They did not fire upon him, as he was under a flag of truce, but they hooted and
 ieered; he finally rowed away, but soon returned with an offer to grant them immunity if they would return with the
 schooner to the colony. This proposi- ton also was booted at, and the lieu tenant was ordered off. When he had
 been taken aboard, the schooner headed away for the coast.
 The dead were simply cast overheard, but the convicts asked our assistance to care for the wounded. That we gave them. They had made such good fight for their liberty, and had shown such moderation after the heat of the
 
 toward them. They did not swagger about, as one might expect, but uttered q cheer as the schooner turned tail, and had but little to say. When the dead had been launched overheard and the wounded attended to, the leader of the convicts said to Capt. Bright: ''I think you had better now proceed .rrxra<ra hat xr<a,, x.yiIi 1oxxyr, the coast until the schooner is out of sight. If overhauled again we might not be so lucky"
 We ran to the south for ten miles, then came about and headed up the coast, at the same time edging further
 out to sea. None of us wanted another fight on his hands, and the captain
 was anxious to reach the Florida coast ard get rid of his visitors. As was after ward ascertained, two other craft
 were sent out from Cayenne in search.
 but neither sighted us. From one of tine wounded soldiers I gathered the
 particulars of the escape of the con
 victs. They were loading vessel at
 the wharf when the yawl was pulled in i by some sailors from bark at anchor a mile away. There were six soldiers
 guarding the convicts. some on the wharf and some on the ship, and at a signal all were attacked. Only two were killed, but the other four suffered se- we're injuries. Before an alarm had reached the prison sheds, half mile away, the convicts had seized the yawl and put to sea. They were pursued by other small boats, but the yawl out sailed them.
 The wounded soldiers at first expected
The Mena weekly star., 1897-09-29
THE MOUTH ORGAN BAND.

when the firenies dance where the roses And lilies bend low to the breezes' ca- ress, When the cinnamon vine all tho air Is per fuming And Evening has donned her most beau tiful dress Oh. then, as the stars in the Armament glisten And Night spreads her mantle abroad o'er the land. Iris pleasant to rest in the moonlight and TO sweet serenades of the mouth-organ band. II isn't pretentious--ths organization: It's members are few. There is Skinny. the Kid" The blacling of boots is his humble voca- ton, But musical genius can never be hid. There's "Bob"-he sells papers along with his fellows; He's short just leg and he's minus a hand, But he's chock-fuli of song and with lungs like a bellows, He plays the loud bass for the mouth-or>- gan band. And there's Widow McGann's little boy ''he's a daisyi" So all his companions declare with . smile. And add: why. dat kid he kin jus set you crazy When he gives you dc music in trsmolo style" George Washington Jefferson Franklin Bo- zarro-- He's colcred-the alto is in his com mand, And all through the air runs a ribbon of sorrow Whenever he plays with the mouth-or- gan band. When they come up the street playing Star-Spangled Banner" ''The Last Rose Of 5ummer.' or Sweet By and By" Though strangely grotesqae is the music and manner, A tear all unbidden may moisten the eye. Tor Music is holy-"the daughter of Heaven''- Her wonderful meaning we all under stand. And she gladdens our lives when with mar velous leaven She touches the hearts of the mouth-or- gan band --Nixon Waterman. in l.. A. w. Bulletin
The Mena weekly star., 1897-09-29

Rawlins, the chief mate, nor myself left the deck for a time. The Comet had all plain sail on her, and we war Led to watch the wind as well as tf .e seheoh- CT. The breeze was lig..c, with flo signs that 1t would strengthen right away, and as it reached us the brig was head ed up to lie on the port tack, while all the convicts worked to haul the main sail yard about
 "This Is good" said the spokesman. as he rubbed his hands together. 'I would rather fight her standing still than when running away. Seei She is coming right down on us. but I don't believe she has over a dozen soldiers on her decks.'
 We then left the decks to the coDvicts. Those armed with muskets were ranged along the bulwarks, and those without were looking for other sorts of weapons. What followed we gathered by hearing instead of seeing. The schooner was satisfied that the convicts had boarded the brig. and knowing that they would make fight for it. she steered boldly uOWn ana ldlu us ADOaIu. IAcTe WtTt 12 soldiers and seven or eight sail ors on her decks, and armed with cut lasses and muskets and pistols they swarmed over the rails in fierce at tack. For ten minutes there was a lively battle above us. When at last we heard loud cheering we rushed up in belief that the convicts had been overcome. To our surprise. we found that they had driven the soldiers back. The odds had been heavily against them but they had fought like demons. One of their number had been killed and two badly wounded. In addition the convicts had secured three more mus kets and two or three entlasses and pis- tols, and were firing down upon the schooner's decks. compelling her people to keep under cover. Had they desired they could have boarded her and made everyone prisoner. When I saw how things were, l suggested this to the leader, bat he smi,ingly replied:
The Mena weekly star., 1897-09-29
Strange Indian Vengeance.

In the course of his investigations Dr Calmette has discovered the nature of { mortal poison which some of the na, tives of India employ to kill the catt!s of their enemies. The poison is applied to little pointed rods inserted in the end of short stick, which can be con cealed in the hand. Approaching the cattle, the poisoner slightly scratches them with the venom-charged points. The ends of the little rods break off and remain in the wounds, which ara barely visible. Dr. Calmette found that the poison was extracted from kind of bean, growing on legumlnous plant known botanically as abrns prsca torius. This poison is called abrln. :sad is almost ss fatal in its effecta ID .ias most violent serpent veEaza.
The Mena weekly star., 1897-09-29

two. then proceed along the coast in tteir boat. He gave each man of the gang five dollars in silver, and from the slop chest, the cabin and the fore castle he rigged them out in such gar ments that they might pass for ship wrecked sailors. When they came out of the cabin they held a general talk and agreed on the story they were to tell, and as fast as they could change their clothes the prison dress was thrown overheard.
 At three o'clock one afternoon we ran in close to Abaco, and the big yawl was lowered and provided with water and provisions. Each and every con- vict shook hands all around and ex- pressed his gratitude; then one by one they dropped into their boat in an or derly manner When the last one was in the boat showed off, the gang gave US cheer, and we were not yet out of sight when they landed on the island. I never heard of any of them after wards, though something must have been published in the papers about their arrival at some port; but they had dealt so fairly by the Comet that, convicts though they were, l have al
 ways wished them good luck.
The Mena weekly star., 1897-09-29
Webster,s Lnst Word..

Webster's last words were: 'I still live.~ ~ A teacher in one of the East side schools had been reading anecdotes of the great lexicographer to her pupils, and the next day, catechising them on what sine had read, she asked:
 What were Webster's last words?"
 There was deep silence, and she repeated the question. Finally little fellow with squint iH his left eye held up his hand.
 Well, Mulvaney," said the teacher, kind. ly, !" ,aie dc you know?'
 "Yessum," said Mulvaney, confidently. He said I ain't dead yet "-N. Y. World.
The Mena weekly star., 1897-09-29

his fists, and moved towards the spokes- man as if to strike him. Then common sense came to his aid. There were ten of us to 14 of the convicts, and we stood no show. They were as good as in pos session of the craft, and would not hesitate at killing us all if provoked.
 "So you are conyicts?" said the cap tain at last.
 We have that honor, sir" replied the leader.
 Where do you wish togo to?"
 ITO any spot on the American coast. We are sorry to trouble you, but under the circumstances it cannot be helped" {"
 You have big boat here," said the captain, as he stepped to the rail, "and why don't you make use of it to go where you wiIl?"
 For the reason that there is only one sailor among us, and because it is a pretty long run up to the American coast. We have our plans, and they cannot be altered. With all respect, I say that you must land us where we wish"
 You have possession" said the cap tain, as he paced back and forth, ''and I am forced to do as you wish. Let there be no trouble. will agree to land you or the coast of Florida, and you shall agree to preserve order among your fellows, and to leave the ship with out act of violence"
 "Sir give you my word that it shall be so," replied the leader; and that ended the talk.
 The convicts had no dunnage, but were to berth under the topgallant fore castle. Their boat would be wanted to set them ashore, and it was hoisted on deck. This job had just been concluded when a sail was sighted in the east. She had breeze with her and was headed in our direction. She had approached within two miles before we got the first puff. She was a coasting schooner, but we could not make out her nationality until she flew her flag. Then we saw that she was French, and had no doubt that she was sent in pursuit of the con- victs. The men began to mutter and curse as they realized her mission, and the leader asked for Capt. Bright and said to him:
 That schooner has been sent in pur- shit of us. and is probably aware that we are on board. We have six muskets and plenty of ammunition, and we shall fight her. You will please order your crew below that none may be harmed. 2
 The captain nodded to us to dispose of ourselves as we saw fit and retreated to his cabin without a word. He probab bly, hoped, as we all did, that the schooner would have men enough aboard to make short work of the convicts. Neither Mr.
The Mena weekly star., 1897-09-29
BY DAVID wEcHsLER-
Copyright. iss7.J

ON THE morning of June 20, 1871, U the brig Comet, bound from Charles ton to Bahia, was off the coast of French Guiana in dead calm, which had set in at midnight. As far as could be seen from the deck not sail was in sight, and after breakfast the watch on deck turned to at various jobs and the captain remained in his cabin. At about nine o'clock, and without our having suspected her presence. ships boat touched our port bow, and next moment a gang of men came tumbling in board. The entire watch happened to be in the waist of the brig at that mo- ment, and the fellows. to the number of l4, reacEsa the uevn without oppo- sition or question. No sooner ha1 caught sight of the first one than rec ognized the uniform of the French cas,- vlcts at the penal settlement of Cav enne. but .ae last of the gar.g was over the rail before l stepped. forward to ask what was wanted. A burly big fel- low, who was SGrely a Frenchman, but spoke excellent English, advanced a step or two aud replied:
 We are convicts, as you perceive. We escaped yesterday mofping. We do not mean you any harm, and if you will do as we wish all will be well. If you are not the captain then please call him.
 There were six muskets among the 14 men, and one had but to glance at the faces to realize that they were des- perate. I looked over the rail and saw q large yawl. provided with mast and sail and oars. and a breaker of water and box of bread were slowed in the bows.
 We had plenty of wind yesterday and up to midnight" said the spokes- man After that we took to the oars. Let us see the captain and come to an understanding as soon as possible"
 I sent the boy down for Capt. Bright, and if l had been astonished at sight of the convicts pouring in over the bows he was dumbfounded at finding them drawn up in line across the deck He was trying to ask for an explanation when the spokesman doffed his cap, bowed, and said:
 My dear sir. you see before you IA convicts who escaped yesterday from Cayenne. We were all serving life sen tences. In making our escape we had to dispose of six guards. and these muskets belonged to them. We sailed down the coast, and then changed our course, but it is likely that we shall be pursued. Your ship is ours. but we only wish to use it to convey us to some safe and distant place. It is for you to say whether We shall shed more bIoedn
 Capt Bright was a frey old fellow and l expected to hear him call upon the crew to attack the invaders. He grewred and white with anger. clenched
The Mena weekly star., 1897-09-29
BEDS OF EUROPEAN SOLDIERS.
National Characteristics Reflected in the Different Military Regulations.

National Characteristics Reflected in
 the Different Military Regulations.
 The soldiers bed differs notably in the different European armies, the principal varieties being given below, and in them may perhaps be seen the reflection of national characteristics. says the London Mail. In England the bed is hard; the soldier lies on a thin mattress that rests on canvas stretched over frame. In Spain the soldier has only straw bed, but he is allowed besides this a pillow. two sheets, two blankets and covered quilt, sometimes even a cover for his feet. It is almost sybaritic. In Germany and Austria he has a simple straw bed, with one or two covers. neither sheet nor mattress. Tn Russia until recently the soldier slept with his clothes on, on camp bed; but now ordinary beds begin to be used-the result of contact with more civilized countries. After this 1t can not be doubted that the French sol dier's bed is the best of all, with it's wooden or iron bedstead, straw bed, a good mattress, sheets, a brown woolen coverlet and an extra quilt for cold weather. Thus the bed of the French soldier is the softest of all soldiers beds, as that of the French peasant is acknowledged also to be the best of all European countries.
The Mena weekly star., 1897-09-29
ReaI Rest and Comfort.

There is a powder to be shaken into the shoes called Aliens Foot-Ease, invented by Allen s. Olmsted. LeRoy, N. Y, which druggists and shoe dealers say is the best thing they have ever sold to cure swollen, burning and tender or aching feet. Some dealers claim that it makes tight or new shoes feel easy It certainly will cure corns md bunions and relieve instantly sweating, not or smarting feet. 1t costs only quar- ter, and the inventor will send a sample free to any address.
The Mena weekly star., 1897-09-29
THE CHIEF THING
In MoIntdiplna Good Heolth Is Pure, Rich
 NourlshIpg Blood.

The blood carries nourishment and furnishes support for the organs, nerya and muscles. It must be made rich and pure if you would have strong nerves good digestion, sound sleep, or if you would be rid of that tired feeling, thoss dlsagreeable pimples, eczema, or scrofula No medicine is equal to Hoods Sarsaps rilla for purifying the blood. It is a meds cine of genuine merit and will do yoa wonderful good. Try it now
The Mena weekly star., 1897-09-29
CHEAP EXCURSION RATES WEST
Via Burlington Route.

One fare plus g % for the round trip to Nebraska, Kansas, St. Paul Minneapolis, Black Hills, certain portions of Iowa, Col- orado and Utah September 7th, 2lst. Octo- Der 5th and 18th. Ask your ticket agent for additional information. L. W. WAKELEr, General Passenger Agent, St. Louis, Mo.
The Mena weekly star., 1897-09-29

Fits stopped free and permanently cured. No fits after first days use of Dr. Klines Great Nerve Restorer. Free S2 trial bottle & treatise. Dr. Kline. 933 Arch st.. Phiia., Pa.
The Mena weekly star., 1897-09-29

A woman should never accept a lover without the consent of her heart, nor a hus band without the consent of her judgment -Ninon de PEnclos.
The Mena weekly star., 1897-09-29

piso's Cure cured me of Throat an Lung trouble of three years standing-I Cady, Huntington, Ind, Nov. l2, 1894.
The Mena weekly star., 1897-09-29

The old maids soliloquy: "At r years of age inquired which is he? At 20, who is he? At g, what has hey And now, where Is ?"-fliegende Baetter.
The Mena weekly star., 1897-09-29
Halls Catarrh Cure Is taken internally. Price ,75c.

Mistress-"What t. the world are you putting ashes on che floor for, Brdget% ,Shure, ma am, an didn't yez say to dooss the parlor" "'-Brooklyn Life.
The Mena weekly star., 1897-09-29

Many woman can do exquisite en broidery, but cant darn sock Washing ton Democrat.
The Mena weekly star., 1897-09-29

What is the age of chivalry, Aunt Penel opev Those good old times when mel fell in love with women over forty y."-Tlt Bits.
The Mena weekly star., 1897-09-29
To Cure a Cold in one Day

Take Laxative Bromo Quinine Tablets A druggists refund money if it fails to cure. 25
, 1897-10-06

The next morning every man, woman
and child in Au Sable Forks was at the
chasm. Sure enough. in the soft sand
OF the road there were foot prints O: a
horse. and the trail led from the string,
er across the chasm up to the tavern
porch. One young daredevil walked
across the stringer and made a startling
discovery.
There was a similar trail on the 9th.
er side!
The stranger had told the truth. In
the darkness OF the night his horse had
crossed the chasm on a single beam.
But that was not the srrangest part
Of the story. When that forenoon the
stranger rode down to the Au Sable
chasm to settle his wager with the keep
err OF the tavern and he saw the perilous
path V e which he had travelled the
night before. 1t is said that he was
stricken with a trembling that never
left his limbs until death, and that with
in the space OF 60 seconds his hair turn.
ed from a jet black to the color of the
driven snOw.-Chicago Times-Herald.
, 1897-10-06
NOT TALL

Just at the time when vague reports
were beginning to creep abroad that
Germany was meditating fresh extern
sion Of her frontier at the expense OF
Holland, a Dutch official Of high rank
happened to be visiting the court OF
Berlin, and among other spectacles go,
up to amuse him a review was organic
ed at Potsdam.
what does your excellency think OF
our soldiers?" asked Prince Bismarck,
as one OF the regiments came marching
past in admirable order.
They look as If they knew how to
fight" replied the visitor, gravely. but
they are not quite tall enought."
The prince looked rather surprised,
but made no answer, and several 9th.
er regiments filed past in succession
but the Dutchman's verdict upon each
was still the same-"Not tall enough
At length the grenadiers of the guard
made their appearance magnificent
body of veterans. big and stalwart
enough to have satisfied even the giant.
loving father Of Frederick the Great
but the memorable critic merely said,
Fine soldiers. but not tall enough"
Then Prince Bismarck rejoined:
These %grenadiers are the finest men in
u whole arm. May | ask what your
excellency is pleased TO mean by say,
my they are not tall enough"
The Dutchman looked him full in the
face and replied with significant empha-
sis: Il mean that we can flood your
country IL feet deep."-Tondon Tit
Bits.
, 1897-10-06
JUST '.PUTTING" Him ON,

The father of a charming girl OF this
city has many admirable qualities and a
few faults, among the later being a
great interest in and respect for the
game Of poker. The young man who
has laid his heart and a first mortgage
on the fortune he hopes TO get some
day at her feet was consulting her as
TO the ACCESSIBILITY of breaking the news
to her parents.
Il have already preached the subjec,
to father" she said. 80 as to make it
easier for you
That was very cOnsiderate."
You played poker with him the oIher
EVENING""
Yes, but you mustn't think that ] a...
addicted to the habit. He asked me to
play. and l complied merely to accom-,
modate him."
You opened a jackpot on a pair OF
tens. didn't you?"
Yes, but l drew a pair of queens. So
1t CAME tut all right. / thought it would
De Just as well to let him know about il
after the game was over. Hasn't he FOR.
gotten 1t YETI"
He has talked about it a great deal
Perhaps it wasn't just right, and I
ought to apologize"
mo He says that il you did it on
purpose you have more nerve than he
| y N,Srht ,N., knI d. 3 ,,~. IA 4. H.
cause you didn't know any better you'll,
never do for his son-in-law."-Washing-
ton Star.
, 1897-10-06

Elsewhere in this impression Is print
ed q communication from n resident Of
Albany county which deserves The care
full consideration Of every man, woman
and child Interested in the welfare Of
this community. Something must be
done to bring wealth TO this city. The
fair cuisines is the most profitable I'M
dertaking that n city can engage in and
there is no reason why our e~nterprising
citizens should not organize and take a
hand.