davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1897-02-11

Jerks, however, was a smart man, and
he managed, in the end, to engineer
his scheme. He vast may be added
-prOyidentially 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
III reference to Shanks, the butcher.
Shanks had a sirloin returned to him,
on the ground of its being cow-beef
II was cow-beef. But Shanks 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 Uobb. And each was led
by his dislike for the vicar to believe
that the vicar himself had purposely
insulted him. Perks rejoiced 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. If 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 a lesson.
He would teach him to be careful how
he insulted honest tradesmen.
Grocer Hobb and Butcher Shanks
liked the idea of the vicar being taught
that lesson. But they made it ''sinc
qua non' that if they did this thing the
other creditors of the vicar in Whin-
field should do likewise.
Perks undertook to see the other
creditors, and, if possible, to secure
their compliance. He saw them; lc
talked to them in his most insinuating
way; he worked upon their unqualified
hatred for the vicar. The end of it was
that the solicitor was instructed to col
lect the seven largest accounts owed b.
the vicar in the place. They amounted
Jointly TO about 200 pounds.
1t was then the end of the first week
lit February. and Perks intention was
that the vicar should receive his agree
able communication on the morning Of
Valentines day. Perks had a tolerable
notion of effect; and ne considered that
The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1897-02-11

best of times, and to his dearest friends,
the wears manner was scarcely agree
able. Where he felt dislike it was pos
itively 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
enemies.
There was scarcely a tradesman in
Winfield who was not to be numbered
in this category. From Grocer Hobh
downwards every one of them had his
grievance against the vicar. threats
me like a dog, he does" said one
''Never calls to see me when I'm ILL.,
said another. "Is always grumbling at
my meat" said third-the local
butcher. And so forth. While in ore
common grievance against him all con-
curred-namely, his tiresome habit
(already mentioned) of keeping them
waiting for thoir little accounts
"'Tisn't as if he was hard up" was the
unanimous complaint. 'IIe has plenty
of money. He simply does it to make
himself disagreeable"
Ofcourse, Perks heard these grumblas
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 &c
forget slight or to pardon a Snub
Tie meant to give the vicar a Roland
for his Oliver when he saw the chance
and it occurred to him, after some re.
Election, that he might, perhaps, sec
that chance in this aforesaid matter
of the Wears little accounts.
1t was getting on into February and
the Wears Christmas bills still re-
manned unsettled. Perks conceived q
wish that the tradesmen to whom the
bills were due would put them into hi:
hands for collection. The wish strength.
ened into a longing, the longing into 7
fixed resolve. He began, by a gradual
and insinuating process, to get the
tradesmen in the mind to cooperate
This was not such very easy matter
For though the Winfield shoplleepers
crOwled at and disliled the vicar in 10
measured degree, still his custom was
d considerations; and, glad as they
would have been to 10 him nasty turn
they nevertheless were not prepared
to take a step which would drive him
away altogether from their shops
The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1897-02-11

the vicar would be doubly incenked If
he received the dunning letter ih the
form of a valentine. He had not told
his clients the exact strain in VIII ~ he
should write, nor the extreme pc mpt-
oriness of the demand he should pike.
But the letter which he posted the
vicar on Valentines eve was as good
specimen of the sharp-practiceso solicitors
composition, when Intentionally hin
sclent, as could be well desired. The
gist of it was that unless the whole
amount due on these seven accounts
were paid to him, Sidney Perks, by re-
turn of post, he should issue process
against the vicar, without further no
tice or delay.
There" said Perks to himself, tri-
umphantly. as he sealed up the envelope.
81 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 OF
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
vtcarage. The fact was, there had long
existed a sort of attachments between
the cousins, of which the vicar was I'M
aware. 1t had not, however, deve Jed
into an express engagement until that
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 sin
gularly appropriately declaring a pas
sion which he could not any longer con-
ceal.
Amy had answered his proposal with
a blushing acceptance; STIMULATING.
however, that Frank should inform her
father of the circumstances immediate
ly, 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.
In the first place, he knew that his uncle
had a prejudice against first cousins
marrying; in the next his own worldly
circumstances were not, at present, such
as would commend themselves to a
prospective father-in-law. He had, in
deed, little money of his own; and
The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1897-02-11
Hitting Home.

Lawyer-Now, Mr.. Thrift, describe to
the court the chickens you charged my
client, the defendant, with stealing.
Farmer Thrift goes into the details,
hut he is interrupted by the lawyer,
who eXclaims: Il have some chickens
like those myself"
Farmer Thrift (resuming) - The
chickens he took are not the only ones
l have had stolen!-N. Y. Herald.
The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1897-02-11
Stndied Anront.

"The impudent thing" exclaimed
Miss Giizzard, still quivering with
wrath. Il met that young Peduncle
on the street a few minutes ago for the
first time since we had cur quarrel
After he had passed me l heard him
whistle just Tell Them That You
Saw Me- And / hadn't even looked at
him!,-Chicano Tribune.
The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1897-02-11

Chumpley-That hypnotist is fraud.
He couldn't control my mind at all last
night.
Pokely-Of course he had some ex-
cuse.
Chumpley-Yes; he said there was no
material to work on. You ought to
have heard the audience give him the
laugh.=DetrOit Free Press
The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1897-02-11
A Natural Mistake,

"Oh, look" 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 Trar
script.
The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1897-02-11

Cant you give me credit for pail
of knee pants?" asked man of a clerk
in a clothing store.
My dear Sir" replied the affable
young man, you have mistaken the
place. This is not the office of the
Knickerbocller Trust compatibility
City Chat.
The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1897-02-11
In His Own Coin.

This quahtah has a hole in it, sah,"
said the sleeping car porter, with a
rapid series of bows.
so had that blanket you put over
me last night" snapped the baldbead-
ed man as he yanked on his skull cap
Detroit Free Press.
The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1897-02-11

Louise, do you consider Isabel true
friend?"
Yes, indeed; she has promised me
that if l die suddenly she will come
right over and straighten up the house
before my husbands folks get here
n. Y. Truth.
The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1897-02-11
Getting Along.

Have you made any progress in you8
lessons on the bicycle?"
Yes" replied the man with a gentle
disposition.
do you ride into the country yet?"
sob, no. don't ride anywhere WORTH
mentioning. But l don't think l Iur.
myself so much when l fall off,
Washington Star.
The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1897-02-11
Suspicious Circumstance.

She-Here's Il letter from Aimee ask
ing me to send her money, and I'm just
positive that it is forgery.
He-O, imagine thatit's all right.
She-I cant believe it. There's not
the sign of a postscript.-Detroit Free
Press.
The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1897-02-11

Brother James-Harriet, Jimmy loves
yer, but he's too bashful to tell yer 50:
he's willin' to devote hisself to you if
you'll on'y say the word!
Jimmy (asde)-Speall to her of my
wealth; tell her I've got quarter saved
up. Money talks!-N. Y. Truth.
The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1897-02-11

Tommy Kutun-Papa, what is repair
tee?
Mr.. Kutun-Repartee, my boy, is a
very clever answer, when you say it t.!
anybody, but a very rude answer whey
anybody says it to you.-Punch.
The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1897-02-11

do you really wear corset through
necessity" she asked.
"Oh, no." the other girl replied, "sim
ply as matter of form."-N. Y. Trb-
Nne.
The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1897-02-11

"She treats her baby as though it
we're a dog"
us that possible?"
Yes, she's hugging and kissing it
all the time. ''-Chicago journal.
The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1897-02-11

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 a pos
sibility by promptly clearing out of
town. Curiously enough he had be-
taken himself to the very place of which
Franks uncle was vicar.
Armed with these irresistible argu-
ments, 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.
o1d, that he should leave Winfield
within - hours. Upon these conditions,
he should be left to escape and lose him
| self, unmolested. Frank was ineXora-
bic, and Perks was not in position to
resist. So both demands were complied
with.
Franks next step, two days later,
was to go round and see the tradesmen,
informing them that the vicar had duly
paid their accounts to Perks, and pro-
| ducing the receipts; he also advised
them lin friendly way) to look sharp
after their money, as ugly rumors were
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 (his servant told them)
he had quilted hurriedly two days be-
fore. where had he gomez" HE
hadn't left no address," Then, indeed,
was bitter lamentation and cutlery heard
among the swindled shoplSeepers. Then
it was that the vicar (all unknown to
HIMSELF had "acted so honorable and
like 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 had
descanted, in rather strong terms. upon
this truly Christian return of good for
evil.
Frank did not acquaiD* 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 it, at
tifis late hour, by any useless dis
closures.-London Truth.
The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1897-02-11
A Hint Not Taken.

She-What a beautiful day for a
drive.
He-Yes, it's too bad your father
hasn't a horse.-Town Topics.
The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1897-02-11

"Why do they speak of it as the
hungry sea?'
at takes the dinner right out Of
persons mouth "-Brooklyn Life.
The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1897-02-11
FUTURE THE BE REMOVED


He-Miss Flipp says she had nearly
100 proposals at the seashore last sum-
ner.
She-That is true.
He-She must be very popular.
She-Oh, don't know. You see, Mr..
Softly proposed to her every day for
= rec months.-N. Y. journal.
The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1897-02-11

Artist-How do you like the portrait?
"Well, l don't exactly like the nose"
Artist-Neither do but it's yours.
N. Y. Tribune.
The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1897-02-11

OF ali the great composers known,
There's one will always keep
A prominence that's all his own
The great compensatory.
Harlem Life.
The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1897-02-11
Courage.

None but the brave deserves the fair
To this we credit give;
But add, none but the brave would dare
With some of them to live.
Bay City Chat
The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1897-02-11

do owe The money, of course And
was going to pay these seven accounts
this week. Still, to have the money de-
manded in such an impudent way is in
tolerable. l shall certainly leave all
these tradesmen who have instructed
Perks"
Il 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 persuading
him that it would be far more dignitied
for him to have no personal communica-
ton whatever with Perks or with the
tradesmen. And so the affair was
placed, unreseryedly, in the young bar
rister's hands.
The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1897-02-11

ton whatever with Perks or with the
tradesmen. And so the affair was
placed, unreseryedly, in the young bar
rister's hands.
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 gratifed smile. But
still he was puzzled.
The letter was as follows:
and The Broadway. Feb. IS, 1S9-.
Reverend Sir: In thanking you for your
most generous and honorable behavior, I
take the opportunity of apologizng, with
all my heart for what has occurred in
reference to my account. The truth is
reverend sir, that l was enticed by the
deceiving arts of cheat and swindler; and
need not say that L shall be only too
pleased to cooperate in any steps that may
lie taken for his arrest and punishment.
Your grateful and obedient,
HEZEKIAH HOBR.
The vicar opened a second letter which
had arrived by the same post. 1t was
from Shanks, the butcher, and was even
more effusively apologize than Hobbs.
1t also referred to your having acted
50 honorable and like the gentleman"
The vicar looked still blander and more
gratitied, but still decidedly puzzled.
There were five other letters from
local tradesmen, and all ran in much the
same strain, not one of them emitting
TO eulogise him for his honorable con-
duct. Never in his life before had the
reverend gentleman received seven such
flattering communications. He did not,
in the least, understand what they
meant; but still they put him in an ex-
cellent humor. Honorable? Certainly,
acting on his nephew's advice, he had
given him checks for distribution
among the seven tradesmen on the pre-
vious day; but, that was only a. settle
ment-rather tardv one into the bar
eain-of his just debts. There was
nothing extraordinarily honorable in
that. Still it is always nice to be ac-
knowledged honorable, especially by
your enemies. And when the vicar had
finished reading the seventh letter he
was in very good temper indeed.
At that fortunate moment a knock
came at his study door, and Frank en-
tered. Seeing the expression on his
uncle's face, and auguring therefrom
the best results, he lost no time in MAX
ing his momentous confession about
Amy. The vicar exclaimed. He
hummed and hawed. But he was in
heavenly temper; and he ended by CIV
ing his consent.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1897-11-23
A True Maxim.

Nothing succeeds like success, is a
maxim well applied to DR.. Bulls
Cough Syrup, for this famous remedy
succeeds in curing every case of Group,
cough and cold which it undertakes,
and to this alone is due its wonderful
popularity. Mrs. f. w. Richards,
j22l4 E. Cumberland St., Philadelphia,
Pa, states II have had DR.. Bulls
Cough Syrup on my bureau for the last
nine years, and have found it certain
and safe cure for Group. I have also
found it eficacious in extreme men,
braneous Group, and would advise all
mothers to use it," DR.. Bulls Cough
Syrup costs only Is cents, aud you
should bear in mind, that substitutes
simply benefit the dealers purse. In
sist on getting DR.. Bulls Cough Syrup.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1897-11-23
DURHAM NEWS.
Concerts, Marriages and Other Pleas
ant Evening Events.

Durham. N. G., Nov. 22--(Specinl.)- -
Prof. Edwin Minis will lecture before
the Epworth League of Trinity church
tonight. The subject of his lecture
will be Tennison.
The graded schools win observe
Thanksgiving with appropriate exercises
Wednesday. DR.. Alexander, of the
University, will deliver his lecture,
Greece and the Greeks" at that time
To these exercises the public ID cor
daily invited.
Wednesday OF this week Is the day
set for two marriages, which will be
of much interest to Durham people. On
that day at o'clock ut the First Bap-
fist church Miss Matte Carlton will
be married TO Mr.. Claude l.. johnson.
Al o'clock at the Presbyterian church
Mrs. Dora II. Ileartt will be married to
Mr. William Jones, OF Spartanburg, SO.
The remains of Miss Lizzie Guthrie
were buried from Trinity church yes
terday afternoon at 2:30 O'clock, the
funeral services being conducted by
Rev. Jno. 10. Cole, the pastor.
The grand concert, in preparing for
which the Durham Choral Society has
spent much time will be given at the
Opera House Tuesday night. The
choruses have been carefully drilled and
are said by those who have heard them
to be magnificent. In addition to the
local talent, Mrs. II. ]. Simmons, nee
Miss Lessie NJ. Southgate, will grace
the occasion with her presence. and
add her voice. 1t will be a concert
which very few professional companies
can eeXcel.
The literary societies of Trinity Col
lege will run special train to Raleigh
on Thursday in order to enable the
many friends of the college to enjoy the
Thanksgiving debate.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1897-11-23
COURT IN NASH,
The Noted Case Against J. B. Barnes
to be Tried.

Rocky Mount, N. O., Nov. 22.-(Spe.
ciaD-Nash county Superior court con.
venes to-day ut Nashville, Judge Tim.
berlake presiding. All of Rocky Mounts
attorney (eighO will be present. During
the week will be heard the noted case oil
the State vs.. j. Is. Barnes for alleged
criminal assault.
Rev. James Battle Averitt and family,
OF Petersburg, Va, are the guests OF
Mrs. Mary L. Battle ut her home near
here in Edgecombe county.
Mr.. and Mrs. Cox (nee Miss Ella Ben
netD have returned from their bridal
tour and are stopping at Mrs. Yaughan's
on Railroad street East.
Mrs. Thomas II. Taylor and Daugh-
ter, Miss Mamie, OF Brinkleyville, in
Halifax county, are visiting friends on
Church street.
Yesterday afternoon the remains OF
Mrs. Martha Nicholson passed through
town en- route to the ancestral home OF
the Nich0lsons at Glenvien, in Halifax
county, where to-day they will be en-
tered in the family plot.
Mrs. Nicholson, who was an aunt OF
Hon. Walter Clark, OF the Supreme
court, died at her daughters home near
Newbern, Alabama.
A newspaper, owned and edited by
colored men, will make its advent here
this week.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1897-11-23
MIR. RONDTHALER's SERMON.

Rev Waiter Moore VIII Deliver the neXt
OF the University Series.
Chapel Hill, n. c.. Nov. 22.-(Special.,
Last night in Gerard Hall, the Uni
versity chapel, Rev. Howard e. Rond
thaler, of Winston-Salem, preached the
regular monthly sermon before the Y. NJ
G. A. Mr.. Rondthaler is one of the
ablest and brainest of the younger
Alumni Of the University, and his sermon
last night, presented in his eloquent man
ner, had great influence upon the 47c
students who heard him. Rev. Waltz
Moore, of Hampden-Sidney, Virginia
will deliver the December sermon.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1897-11-23

Ask for Vick's Little Liver Pills. The
best family pill-never gripes. rs cents,
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1897-11-23
THE GREATEST DISCOVERY YET

w. NJ. Repine, editor Tiskilwa, H.,
"Chief," says: "We won't keep house
without DR.. Kings New Discovery for
Consumption, Coughs and Colds. Elk
perimented with many others, but never
got the true remedy until We used DR..
Kings New Discovery. 20 other rem
edy can take it's place in orr home, as
in it we have a certain and sure cure
for Coughs, Colds, Whooping Cough,
etc" 1t is Idle to experiment with other
remedies, even if they are urged on you
as just as good as DR.. Kings New Dis
coyery. They are not as good, because
this remedy has a record of cures and
besides is guaranteed. Ii never fails
to satisfy. Trial bottles free at any
drug store.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1897-11-23
LOSS BY FIRE.
A Scotland Neck Banker Has His Barn
and Other Valuables Burned.

A Scotland Neck Banker Has His Barn
and Other Valuables Burned.
Scotland Neck, N. c., Nov. 22.-(spe-
c:al.-Mr. Frank p. Shields, cashier of
the Scotland Neck Bank, had the mis-
fortune to lose valuable property by fire
Saturday morning about 2 o'clock. A
force of hands had been threshing pea
nuts at one farm and hauling the vines
to another and packing them away.
They worked until about II o'clock at
night and Mr.. Shields thinks perhaps
spark from the smoke-stack lodged
in the vines and was carried and COW
cred in the stacks. He lost horses and
stables, thirty barrels of corn, fifteen
stacks of fodder and a large quantity
OF peanut vines. BY the side of one
of the horses burned were a yoke Of
oxen and COW that were burned. Mr..
| Shields said he regretted the manner
of death for them as much as he did
the loss of his property. There were 80
head of horses stalled which would
have been destroyed had the fire not
been discovered as soon as it was, or if
the wind had been unfavorable. All
the wagons, carts and other farming
utencils were saved The loss is about
| 5000, with no insurance.
Mr.. K. II. Pierce, whose stroke OF
paralysis was mentioned some days
ago. has since died. He never rallied
from the first stroke but lived week.