davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1897-02-27

seat, whispering loudly to his next neigh
Dor: "Gee!. Circus amt patchin ter
this fun. Wouldn't take $3.50 cash
money fer the sight er Jack Talbot look.
in cross eyed at ole Top an ole Top his.
se'f actin the lovyer. Richest thing in
seben counties. He's got it awful bad.
Why, Miss Rob McGregor can make him
mind jest like he was her little flee
dawg Nice girl, she is. Always did
like her. Tween you an me an the gate
post could cut ole Top out"-
"You better hush. Eff you Lie that
away W har Jack kin hear er ole Topknot
either, it won't be good fer you" Ted
dy's gossip answered in his own sibilant
key. "Er fool an blind'd know, Ted,
Miss Rob never seen the day she'd eben
step on you, not eff you got down in the
path fer her ter walk on"
Such retorts merely made Teddy
smile. He was so much the artist in bis
lying the bare exercise Of his capacity
was joy enough, and he had not really
the least i'll mind toward Rob. He
thought indeed she looked distinctly
charming there, holding the old mans
hand and watching him solioitously
throughout the sermon. But Mrs. Win
fold, who had come late and fustered
to church, confided to her seat mate be-
fore the minister had come to second.
ly:" "That girl is doin all that fer jest
nothin but effect, maxim out like she
keers so much fer her pore blind old fa-
ther. As for my part, I don't see how
er man as we'll behaved as Mr.. McGreg.
or can bring hisself ter profane the
house Of God by settin that way on the
women's side.
The seat mate was devout, but hu-
man, and she owed Mrs. Winfold day
in the social harvest of disagreeable
speeches. Behind her fan she whispered
loudly in that lady's astounded ear:
"Why, little while back it looked
like your brother would be sittin there,
too, an fer Just the same reason-to be
by that vixen Of a Rob McGregor.
The basket meeting with which the
"protracted effort" Of Bethel church al
ways began was easily the leading social
event of Walnut Greek summer. Still
Mrs. Winfold had not meant to be there,
certainly not after she knew that Alice
would be safe for the day in the bosom
of the Talbot family. A dinner credit
able to her housewifery and her daugh-
ters meant the spending Of time and SUBJ
stance for which she saw no use. But
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1897-02-27

Rob, I'd git mad as Tucker. Twouldn't
take what you jest now tole me from
nary mother livin woman. But you
CANT bluff me of. Itell you that right
nowp'
"Oh, don't want to bluff you off! II
L did, I should not try words. Nothing
short of dynamite could possibly do
that" Rob said, smiling TRANQUILITY, as
she walked away. She had still the sense
of being outside herself, Of watching a
double who laughed and jested and even
got dull amusement from Topmark's
antics what time her real self was in
the depths of woe. She began to feel,
too, that she must be rid Of him at all
hazards. So she almost ran after Mrs.
Payne, who had been her mothers g dear
est friend, and, SO long as they were
close neighbors, Rob's own especial prov
idence.
She was big woman, with placid,
pinky face, almost without wrinkles,
under beautiful, white hair. Her two
daughters were tall and as thin as the
mother was plump, though they had the
same fine blue eyes and wholesome, SUM-
ny smile. As they shook hands with Mr..
McGregor be said little anxiously:
$50 that girl of mine found you in
spite Of the crowd. I hope you are going
to help me keep her in bounds today"
"Never you mind about this girl. I
remember her Of old-the best bad
child and worth any three good ones
that ever trod shoe leather" Susan, the
elder of the Payne girls, said heartily.
"I'm so glad, Uncle Robert, to find her
just the same. It's refreshing to en-
counter anybody who dares to be nat
ural. I don't think girls were meant to
be like Jumps Of putty, ready and wait
ing to be crushed in any crevice handy"
"No, Idon't like that sort, Mr.. Top
mark interposed as gallantly as man
might with his mouth full Of cheese
cake. Miss Payne looked him over from
head to foot, then said carelessly:
II should think girls would scarcely
interest gentleman Of your age"
II have not seen you before since
your unspeakable loss, Mr.. Topmark,
Mrs. Payne interposed mildly. $50 I
must say how l sympathize with you
80 sudden and terrible and so entirely
unforeseen. Your wife was, / think, 30
years younger than yourself. :"
"Yes, poor Louisa. She was as good
a wife as ever man had, Mr.. Topmark
said, reddening family. "Still, Mrs
Payne, I've near got over my grief. But
I'm that lonesome I don't mean ter be
long without somebody in her place. +"
A minute Of heavy silence, and then
everybody began talking at once and
very fast. Under cover of it Mr.. Top
mark shuffled away. AS he shook up the
bay trotter he gave low, contemptu-
ous whistle, saying to himself: "I'm
glad spit it out. But, Lord, how they
looked, like I'd said was er horse thief
An fer Jest nothin at all. Poor Louisa
is as dead as ever she'll be-"
TO BE CONTINUED.
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1897-02-27


at the last minute Nina had demanded
to be brought; hence her mothers late
arrival and ignorance Of her brother g
fall into Rob's snare.
The minute service ended, she made
for him, saying in her meekest voice,
from which she tried vainly to keep q
fearful shake:
"Brother, IL hope you are we'll this
beautiful day. Why didn't You bring
them dear little angel children with you
ter church,"
"Huh, had other fish ter fryP' Mr..
Topmark said airily, trotting after Rob
as she led her father to the thick shade
where Uncle Allen and Nam Liza await
ed them with the dinner baskets. When
the old man began to ask: Daughter,
where are the Talbots? Maybe they can
spare US jack Mr.. Topmark broke
in with an oily smirk: "Oh, la, Sis
Sarah's got the whole Talbot gang by
the nose, but eff you want things done,
suh-why, amt gone nowhar, an you
may take me for security in any amount
yes, anyl No harm shan't come ter
Miss Rob now ner never ef she'll listen
ter me-"
The last words were in Rob's ear, too
low for other hearing. She, too, seemed
not to hear them. She did not flush or
turn away her head. Nam Liza, on her
knees, unpacking the three big baskets,
looked up to say quickly: Honey, yam
der 90 ole Miss Payne an her two gals
You run an tell dem ter come eat wild
ole marster. Mayby you don't members
it, but dey wuz his bes' friends fore
dee looked an buyed dat place 80 fur
way crost de creek"
"I'll bring them," Rob said, darting
away. Mr.. Topmark tried to follow, but
she waved him back, saying: Eat your
dinner, sir. am going to hunt up 20
people. "
"As eff you want takin my heart an
appetite with you'll he began in gallant
protest. "You amt no business ter
leave me. You know I jest come here
fer the sake er talkin ter you. They
amt nothin else in the world would
make me willin ter lose mayby $50
wuth DER Sunday trade"-
"You had better 60 and save it," Rob
broke in. Here, Nam Lizal Give Mr..
Topmark his dinner, quick! Get the
best in the basket" Then to him: "You
must 20. I shall not talk to you any
more, and shall not 60 home with you.
Thank you for my ride in that beautiful
new rig. Thank you, too, for letting me
make people open their eyes so. But
don't wait 1t is not the least use"
81 won't, my young lady" Mr.. Top.
mark muttered to himself. Then he said
aloud: "Ef you wa'n't-well, you, Miss
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1897-02-27
CHAPTER TX.

Jack scarcely heard the long guhaw
that went up from the gazing crowd.
Somehow he reached the vehicle just as
Mr.. Topmark clambered heavily down
from it, Rob was making to follow him,
her little foot lightly poised, both hands
held out after a childlike fashion she
had. Jack shouldered himself between
her and her proper escort, took her al
most in his arms and set her upon the
ground. The audacity of it half par
alyzed Mr.. Topmark. He began to scowl
darkly, then broke Tito wry grin, say
ing:
"Now, see here, Jack, that amt jest
egzactly the fa-ar thing, but I CANT
quarrel with you. You're so much or
older man n me I'm bound ter treat
you respectful eff you do git in my way. !"
"Thank you. I feel very much in
place just now," Jack said, keeping fast
hold of Rob's hand. 1t was small and
gloveless, neither white nor soft, but
thrilling to the finger tips with the sub
tlest vital essence. Something in the
touch Of it set him all a-tremble. He
was taken aback when it was drawn
steadfastly from his clasp and dropped
at its owners side.
"Where is Mr.. McGregor?" Jack
went on, standing obstinately close.
"Oh, daddy's comm in the carriage"
Mr.. Topmark returned, with leering
wink that made Jack ache to throttle
him and sent hot, painful red into
Rob's cheek. She had been very pale
as pale almost as her old white frock
that, in spite of its shabbiness, could
not mask her youthful grace. But she
had not tried to mako herself in any de-
gree fine, though she might reasonably
have known herself the focus Of all eyes.
She wore the narrow brimmed black
straw hat that had been her best for
three years. There was black ribbon,
too, about her little waist and a fall Of
old thread lace at the neck of her gown.
It left the round throat bare, though
every other woman there had swathed
herself to the chin.
For part of Rob's eccentricity was
that she preferred to be out Of the fash
ion rather than to spend her time max
ing over her few scant frocks. Mrs.
Winfold said it did seem to her the
greatest piece of laziness-the way Rob
McGregor was always three years be-
hind the style. But Rob never looked at
ANYTHING from the Winfield standpoint
Besides her abundant leisure, which
that model woman bemoaned as snare
of satan, was not, after all, so very
abundant.
Rob read to her father for hours each
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1897-02-27
ROB McGREGOR.
BY MARTHA McCULLOCH WILLIAMS.
Copyright, 1896, by the Author.

SYNOPSIS OF PREVIOUS INsrALLMENTs'
In order that new readers of THE En-
oUIRER may begin with the fol lowing in
stallment of this story, and understand il
Just the same as though they had read il
all from the beginning. we here give
synopsis of that portion OF 1t which has
already been published:
CHAPTER Life in Walnut Creek. in
Tennessee, centers around Topmark'
store. Magnolia Tubbs, a mysterious
newcomer in the neighborhood, not with
out attractions of a coarse type, is noc-
turnal caller on Topmark.
CHAPTER II.-Mrs. Topmark dies from
the poison of herbs brought to the store
by a charm working Negress, ostensibly
to kill mice. Gossips and managing
mamma are trying to bring about match
between Topmark's niece, Alice Winfold,
and aristocratic Colonel Talbot's son Jack.
But spirited Rob McGregor, heiress OF
Roscoe, has been before jacks eyes from
childhood.
CHAPTER III.-Topmark covets the
Roscoe acres, which are heavily mort
gagged and adjoin his own. Rob is the
mainstay and comfort of her widowed
and blind father.
CHAPTER IV.-Jack Talbot is frequent
caller at Roscoe. So is the newly made
widower Topmark. Jack proposes to
Rob and meets with good humored re-
pulse.
CHAPTER V.-Magnolia Tubbs holds q
mysterious land claim of value, and Top
mark seeks to control it.
CHAPTER VI.-Alice Winfold places a
stumbling block in the path of true love
by telling Rob that Jack has proposed to
her.
CHAPTER VII.-Mrs. Talbot prevails
upon Jack to act as the escort of Alice
Winfold. He does so reluctantly, but
ends in trifling with her while his heart is
set upon Rob McGregor.
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1897-02-27
"What can he mean?" Miss Winfold

asked, nodding toward Teddy.
"Who knows or cares?" Jack an
swered, almost sharply. Nothing, ]
dare say. We both know that to call
Teddy fool is to f1atter him."
"Why, how sharp you arel I didn't
know you were ever sarcastic" Miss
Winfold said, with al engaging smile.
eff you say such things often, l shall
begin to be afraid Of you.
"That is a quotation from Rob Nc
Gregor," Jack said.
Alice smiled and nodded. 81 thought
it sounded like her." she said. "But
don't you think it is-well, at least i'm.
prudent-for a girl to talk that way?"
"In general, yes" Jack answered,
making to rein in his horses not far
from the women's door of the church,
"but in this especial case do not see
how one could refrain from speaking
ones mind"
"Oh, l hope Rob will be here todayP'
Miss Winfold said enthusiastically. "1t
is 80 sweet an touchin to see her how
erin around an watchin over her dear
old father. What pity they trouble
themselves always to bring such a big
dinnerl Lots Of people-everybody, in
faot-would be so glad to have their
company"
"You forget the McGregor habit of
hospitality" Jack said, half smiling.
"The old gentleman has few pleasures.
One of the greatest is to know his own
table is spread here at his church and
gathers 30 people about it. OF course
Rob will be here unless her father is ILL
In that case she will sit beside him,
reading the Bible and singing the old
hymns that generations of McGregors
have sung before her. And then he will
pray. Nobody can pray like him. He
has the finest soul. One look at him is
better than a sermon.
''He is saint on earth," Miss Win
fold said, gathering herself together for
q carefully modest descent. Jack held
out both hands to her, but she touched
barely one of them with the tips Of her
very tight kid gloves. The buggy was
high swung. Her legs-she would have
tainted at mention of them-were quite
too short for the step it gave her, so she
came down 81 heavily upon her pet corn
she had much ado to keep from crying
out in pain. Limply, her brows almost
frowning, she managed to go inside and
drop into seat. With long relieved
breath Jack went away and made one
of the buzzing gossipers.
Not that his heart was in it. He
meant but to find out if Topmark's mad
ness was widely bruited abroad. 1t did
not surprise him greatly to see one and
another nudge his elbow neighoor as he
came within earshot, but he was aston
ished to see smiles and significant
winks, as though something amazingly
funny had just happened or was on the
edge of happening.
"What's the laugh about?'' he asked
of the man next him. That person hard
ly turned the head. His eyes were glued
to the big road and the moving cloud Of
fresh dust that proclaimed new arriv-
al. One minute Jack looked too. Then
he started and swore under his breath,
for out Of the dust cloud came first Mr..
.Topmark's high trotting bay horse; next
his new buggy, shining still with gloss
of the shop; last of all Mr.. Topmark
himself, with Rob McGregor beside
him.
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1897-02-27

p1 Persons who suffer from the cold
should wear loose clothing in chilly
weather, remembering that two thin
garments retain more heat than sim
gle thick one.
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1897-02-27

p1" A good way to improve a ham
after it is boiled is to wrap it in but
tered paper, and bake it for an hour.
it adds greatly to the flavor.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1897-09-01
OUR FIRE ALARM SYSTEM
Police Department to he Noti cd First In
tho Future.

Holice Department to BE Notified First In
the Future.
A fire alarm sent in from any of
the boxes hereafter will register first
at police headquarters. From there
1t will bs sent simultaneously to the
waterworks and FIRE companies. An
indicator has been placed at the pc.
lice station. When the alarm is sent
in the mum Der of the box is recorded
on q paper ribbon, the same arrange
ment used for the police alarm.
since the installment of the Game.
we'll combination system, there has
been q switch at police headq quarters,
where the alarm would always be
FIRST sounded, provided this was
turned on. But when the electri-
clan, sergeant or night captain would
leave the station for q short time,
they would have to turn OF the
switch. In this case if an alarm was
sent in it would 60 on through to
the hose houses and not sound ct po-
lice headquarters. This scheme did
not work satisfactorily. A represen-
tative Of the Gamewell company in
vestigated the matter and the change
is the result of his visit.
1t would be much better il the
city could divorce the IRE and police
alarms. but it is found to put in .
separate fire system would necessi-
tate an outlay such as the city does
not feel justified in shouldering at
present.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1897-09-01
OLSON WILL SECURE IT.


Determined Upoo.
o. P. Olson is understood to have
the inside track for the position of
assistant postmaster under T. II.
Thomas when that gentleman be-
comes qualified to enter upon his
duties. While Mr.. Thomas will
Of course not be inclined to discuss
the subject in view of the fact
that he has not been formally
appointed himself, although he
has every assurance necessary in the
Recommendation of Congressman
Prince to fix the propriety of any
move he might make in the matter
Of determining upon his more i'm
portant assistants, there is every
reason to believe that Mr.. Olson's
appointment will be announced when
the proper time comes. Mr.. Olson
was evasive when approached on the
matter; he was not prepared to say
anything whatever about it.
Mr.. Olson. represents the Swed-
ish interests in the republican party
including Augustana college, with the
book concern of which he is now
identified. and his appointment would
be strategetic move.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1897-09-01

At q regular meeting of the Rock
Island Contrasting Carpenters asso-
cistion. held last evening, the follow.
ing resolutions were unanimously
adopted:
Whereas. The great and Supreme
Ruler OF the universe has, in His in
finine wisdom, removed from among
us one Of our worthy and esteemed
fellow-laborers, c. j. w. .Schreiner;
and
Whereas, The long and intimate
relation held with him in the faith
full discharge Of his duties in this
society makes it eminently BETTING
that We record our appreciation Of
him; therefore be it
Resolved, That the wisdom and
ability which he has exercised in the
aid OF our organization by service,
contributions and counsel will be
held in grateful remembrance.
Resolved, That the sudden remov-
al OF such life from among our
midst leaves vacancy and shadow
that will be deeply realized by all
mem bers and friends of this organi-
cation. and prove . serious loss to
the community and the public.
Resolved. That we sincerely con-
done with the family of the deceased
on the dispensation with which it
has pleased Divine Providence to
affiict them, and commend them for
consolation to Him who orders all
things for She best, and Whose ohas-
tisemenss are meant in mercy.
Resolved. That q copy Of these
resolutions be spread upon the
records Of this organization, . copy
printed in the local papers and q copy
forwarded to the bereaved family.
FRANK COLLINS, President.
H. W. HORST, Secretary.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1897-09-01
WILL NOW PROCEED,
Council to Go Right Ahead
With the River
Front.
EVERYTHING Is IN READINESS

Assessment Roll Having Been Oeaarmo6,
Mayer Msdiii says Tnsrs - NO Occasion
fer Delay and That the Improvsmsos
VII, He Put In This Fan-ro he Kspe
Attractive.
The river front improvement will
be completed this fall. So SAYS
Mayor Medill. The assessment roll
having been confirmed BY the coun-
ty court. all the essential details are
now disposed Of, and ct the council
meeting next Monday night the
mayor will ask that bids be adver.
tieed for in such manner that re.
sponses may be received in time to
award the contract and insure the
work being completed between this
and the time snow flies. So that
there is nothing now in the way Of
the immediate prosecution of the
Improvement. ana when the spring
season. opens again it will find Q
transformation in the appearance of
Rock Island from the river that will
show that from every point OF view
the city is strictly up to date.
VIII Keep IL So.
With the completion Of the new
river front Mayor Medill proposes to
keep it clean and attractive. No
shanties of any kind will be per-
mitted. Such buildings as are nee
essary on the part Of the railroads
will have to be neatly constructed
and painted, the boats will be re.
quired to furnish wharfs and all uu-
necessary structures will be removed
from the shore. With First avenue
paved and the intersections down to
the low water mark put in. the
tracks properly graded and planked,
and the space between the intersect-
ing streets put in good condition.
the appearance of Rock islands
river front will be more in keeping
with the general tone of the city
and the inclinstions OF the people,
while it will be the first step in the
way of preserving and advancing
those interests which are of the ut
most importance to the city from
every point of view.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1897-09-01
PLUMBING INSPECTION,
Health Committee Discusses the New Or
dinanOe.

Health Committee Discusses the New Or
dinanoe.
An informal meeting Of the NAV OF
and health committee was held a,
the city hall last night. The new
plumbing ordinance, recently
adopted by the council. was up fol-
discussion. The appointment OF q
plumbing inspector is obligatory by
reason OF recent law passed by the
legislature. There are three candi.
dates for the office. Terry Burke, 10.
seph Rosenfield and John Ward. The
duties Of the new official will be such
as to consume all his time, in all
probability. - in addition to in
specting all plumbing. he will be
expected to watch out for leaks in
the water pipes, etc. The salary OF
the plumbing inspector is fixed by
the council.
There was also . meeting of the
fire and light committee last night
to consider the purchase of supplies.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1897-09-01
MCCABE'S
FALL SEASON 1885,?


First opening display and sale Of
imported and domestic dress goods.
Over $50 exclusive dress patterns.
Over 500 pieces Of new dress goods,
the fruits Of orders wisely placed
early in the season before prices had
time to reach the firm new tariff
basis. which enables as to place these
beautiful fabrics on our counters il
advance Of all others and ct match.
lessly low prices.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1897-09-01

Almost every man in America has
some digestive trouble. When men
meet, the greeting usually is. .Well,
how are you?" That develops
health talk. The man who has NO
bowel or stomach trouble is almost
q curiosity. Trouble is men take no
care Of themselves. They eat as
though they had copper stomachs
and bowels of brass. By and bv
overworked nature rebels. Then
comes headaches, nervousness, bad
blood. liver and kidney troubles.
DR.. Pierce's Pleasant Pellets furnish
help for constipation and torpid
liver. sick and bilious headache, die.
illness. sour stomach. loss Of appe-
belchings, "heartburn," pain and
distress after eating. and kindred de.
engagements Of the liver, stomach
and bowels. Accept no substitute.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1897-09-01
Ladies Dan wear ohoea

One size smaller after using ALIENS
Foot Ease. q powder to be shaken
into the shoes. 1t makes tight or
new shoes feel easy; gives instant
relief to corns and bunions. It's the
greatest comfort discovery Of the age.
Cures and prevents swollen feet,
biisters. callous and sore spots.
Aliens Foot-Ease 10 Q certain cure
Tor sweating. hot aching feet. At
all druggists and shoe stores, IS
cents. Trial package free by mail.
Address. Allen s. Olmstsd. L. Roy,
N Y.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1897-09-01
MAN AND WIFE ARE HELD
Drary Township Couple Charged with
Larceny.

Drary Township Couple Charged with
Larceny.
MIR. and Mrs. George Hatton, OF
Drury township. are held to answer
before the September grand jury to
charges oflarceny. They were bound
over Monday by Justice John E.
Wray. of Drury. who placed them
under 500 bonds each. States At.
torney Searle prosecuted at the hear.
ing.
Neither Hatton nor his wife could
furnish bonds. He was committed
to the county Jail, while she was re.
leased on her personal recognizance,
having an infant child to care for.
Mr.. and Mrs. Hatton are accused of
stealing q bundle of clothing from
the buggy Of John Frieden.