davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1898-05-24
WAR PRIZE
OF THE REVOLUTION.

They were not at all slow Theses
grandfathers OF ours. when IN ~
course OF human events" II became neo-
essary for them to punish the insoleuQo
OF Great Britain. II was only three
weeks after the first collision between
patriots and redcoats at Concord an1
Lexington that Ethan Allen captured
the first great prize Of the war. This
was the renowned stronghold. Fort Ti-
conderoga.
Allen was told that II would be- 3
good thing to have Ticondsroga on the
Yankee side OF the frontier line. which
would be drawn az soon az hostilitiss
were fairly begun. He picked out %
men OF his famous corps Of Green
Mountain Boys" to do the work. Guided
by lad familiar with the country. the
band reached the front Of the fort at
dawn the 10th OF May. ITS. 1t was 3
daring thing. almost q harebrained ad-
venture. to rush upon an armed fortress
with only a handful OF mountaineers.
Such tasks are seldcmxas simple a.
they look TO be frcm q distance. 10
Allen gave his followers chance to
back out. To a man they voted TO 70
ahead. Allen placed himself In front OF
the first files. At the wicket beside the
main gate the sentry snapped his mus
ket in Aliens face. Taking that for
signal. the Green Mountain Bcys,s
sounded fierce warwhoop and dashed
at the guards. These were quickly
overpowered, and then the commandment
of the fort was sternly summoned 20
surrender under penalty of having The
entire garrison put to the sword.
The Briton was too badly scared -
find out what sort of a force Allen had
at his back to carry ont the threat
However. he wished to parley--that II.
to talk the matter over--but Allen roar<
ed his terrible ultimatum. Deliver me
the fort instantly!' by what author-
ity?" asked the Brjton. I'm the name al
the great Jehovah and the Continental
congress" shouted Allen.
Meanwhile the leader of the "Graeu
Mountain Boys" stood over the astound>
ed Britisher with drawn sword. The
latter wished to be told more about
the Continental congress. q body OF
which he had never heard before. Allen
simply shook his blade In q way to indi.
cate that force was the only argument
to control the situation and again de-
manded surrender In a few minutes
the entire garrison. together with over
100 cannons and large quantities Of am-
munition and stores. was turned over ia
SO rude mountaineers armed with hunts
ing pieces only. But they were primsd
with Yankee pluck. Z
GEORGE L. KILMER. I
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1898-05-24

upon. Then. making bold march up to
bricks and said "Ahem!" in loud voice,
The recruiting officer turned and looked
at him sharply. Jackie blushel under
his scrutiny. but otherwise did not
finch.
We'll. young man. do you want to en-
list ?" inquired the officer.
"Yes, sir" replied Jackie. now that
the proud moment had come feeling a
little uneasy about his mother after all.
Where were you born?" demanded
the officer.
Right here in town"
HIM observed the officer. again
eying Jackie in most suspicious way
How old do you say you are?" And
the military man looked harder than
ever.
Jackie was not in the habit of telling
untruths. so he said in rather an uncon-
vincing manner, Eighteen, sir"
The officer shifted disdainfully and
then walked around from his side of the
booth to Jackie's. All he saw was a
very small boy In knickerbockers perch
ed upon two carefully adjusted bricks.
He was as mad as could be- How dare
you. you young scamp! I've notion to
clap you into the guardhouse. Don't you
know better than to try to cheat an off,
Ger of the United States army?"
He shook Jackie with no gentle hand.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1898-05-24

Miss Lyddon, won't you wait for
me? Won't you? Won't you?"
| He looked ridiculously pathetic, with
| his large ears bent forward by his hat,
as IL they, too. joined In the passionate
appeal.
"Wait for you? How do you mean?"
| wait till I'm grown up. I'll not be
| long. I'm Ia most 15. and my cousin
Sam says he thinks I'll be able to shave
soon He shaved before he was Is. Oh.
Miss Lyddon, Il you'll only hold on I'll
catch up with you! Won't you? You
must"
The face glowed quite fiercely beneath
| its freckles, and the big eyes pierced
her own like arrows. The voice had in
II something more than mere childish
| earnestness. 1t was masculine, COM
manding. She could not pretend to
misapprehend him.
Jesse" said she, listen to me calm
ly. Do you know how old amp
mo. nor don't care"
"But you must care. will tell you.
I am 2S--twice as old as you are now,
and by the time you are ready to-
ready for mel shall beat least, you
will think mean old woman. You win
then be looking out for girls younger
than yourself"
"No, shan't. I'll never look out for
anybody but YOU"
He still held her by the knees. staring
at her with beseeching eyes. Mary
loosened Jesses hands Let us go
down to the beach," she said
AS they walked along the esplanade
she noticed for the first time how tall
the lad was for his years. He evidently
read her mind. Squaring his narrow
shoulders, he said proudly: "See. Miss
Lyddon, how big / am already. I've
grown lots this summer" stretching
out his lean, uncovered wrists. Soon
I'll be as tall as my father"
rs he very tall man?" she asked.
my father? He's tall and he's broad
and he's good looking. He's the splen-
oldest fellow In the world every way.
But / tell you fellow has a hard time
getting along without mother. A wo-
mans the thing fellow wants. If I'd
had mother, Miss Lyddon. maybe I
wouldn't have thought so much about
you. / don't know. though; maybe /
would. Anyway, it's all think about
now or ever will think about"
on reaching the shore they clam
bered into an old boat. the remains Of
a spring wreck.
"Jess'-she spoke with great serious
ness-"there Is something / am going
to tell you. and / brought you down
here to speak OF IL. because I did not
want TO run the risk OF being over
heard" She drew out her hand and
laid IL palm downward upon his. IL was
adorned with several rings. One OF these
was set with n blood red ruby.
Look" pointing TO the ruby. DO you
know what that means2 IL means that
] can't walt for you. even IL there were
no other reason. IL means that some
body is waiting for me. and ! promised
when ] put II on not 10 keep him walt
Ing long"
lie remained 30 long silent that at
last she leaned forward to look into
his face. His features were working
fearfully. A conflict TO the death was
goirg on between tears and Plunkstt
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1898-05-24

turning. adding In q perfunctory tone,
as nerved to the utmost, III don't get
back safe. I hope you'll be happy any
way" with worlds OF meaning In the
last word. He did get back safe, and
early, too - not long after traintimes
As he neared the house porter wake
ed before him carrying valise. The
porter set the valise by the front en-
trance. Three white initials stared from
its narrow end, and Jesse stared at the
initials. Suddenly he threw down his
fishing lines and rushed to the parior.
1t was empty, but he heard voices In .
small adjoining room.
A curtain hung between the two
apartments. He pulled IL aside. In the
middle OF the floor stood his father.
holding Mary, Queen Mary. In his arms.
They looked at Jesse and smiled
"Come here. my son." said Mr.. Ford.
This lady is to be your mother. Won't
you welcome her and congratulate
me"
Mary held out her hand. Come" she
said, but Jesse moved slowly toward
the window, where he remained for
some minutes. When he turned. a look
OF having lived through something and
come out into a new place was upon eve
cry feature. He walked straight over
to his father and took his hand.
Dad" said he. and he spoke withs
out shamefacedness, as Plunkett
should you've come out ahead.
asked Misc Lyddon to walt for me. but
she said she couldn't. and don't blame
her when she could get you. You're =
fine fellow. dad. all through, and you're
better looking than I'll ever be-"
Jesse turned to Mary. In his glowing
countenance admiration, noble pride
and renunciation contended together.
II never would have given you up
willingly" said he. ito any other man
but my father"
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1898-05-24

Just then Lieutenant Jones came back.
justifying the statement that 1t is the
unexpected which always happens and
at the most inconyenient times.
Been enlisting. Jackie?" called Lieu
tenant Jones good naturedly. He knew
Jackie by sight and admired his bright
ness and pluck.
"Yes, Jones. This young scamp un-
dertook to enroll himself in the regular
army and tried to fool me as to.his age
by the very shabby expedient OF stand
ing on two bricks"
You don't say sol" exclaimed the
lieutenant, assuming a very shocked
tone and expression. We'll, then. we've
got TO make an example OF him. Come
in here. you small yillainl,
Jackie was hauled into the tent and
spent there the most pleasant half hour
he can remember. Lieutenant Jones and
the severe officer vainiy endeavoring to
frighten him into regret for his offense.
Jackie was incorrigible. so they prom
ised him II either OF their regiments
needed a drummer boy Jackie should
have the first chance TO go to the front
with them. provided his mother would
give her consent. Every day after that
Jackie spent his moons and his evenings
with the lieutenants and they taught
him so much of military tactics that
now Jackie has organized band of
small boys who are, under his able cap
taincy. drilling for actual service. pro-
vided they can induce Uncle Sam to re-
ceive them and their parents to let them
60 to the front. CARA LEE.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1898-05-24
HOW JACKIE DID
NOT GO, TO WAR
The Story Of a Boy Who Wanted to
Serve His Country.

Patriotic feeling ran high In Some
lown." Flags fioated from all the houses
and public buildings, brass bands and
.ife and drum corps paraded the streets.
and enthusiastic crowds listened to the
sidewalk orators who were enjoying
themselves in giving a bad charac-
ter to Spain. The militia had sent word
to the governor that it would fight
against Spain, and every one was very
proud of it, There were hundreds OF
other people. however. who wanted to
fight the nations enemy. so recruiting
stations were opened to accommodate
them.
Little Jackie Porter was one OF the
most ardent enthusiasts. He was just
IL years old. Twelvs years cannot do
much in the way OF lighting, but II can
10 lot in the line of shouting. Jackie
was therefore leading figure In every
crowd on every street corner after
school hours, his mother. who was her
self person of strongly patriotic views,
indulging him in his tendency to shirk
chores and follow every promising trail
for excitement When the recruiting
stations were opened. Jackie was on the
ground to see the first tent erected. He
even officiously volunteered to help with
drying in the tent pegs, as he had a
slight acquaintance with Lieutenant
Jones. who was one of the men In charge
of the city hall station. Then Jackie
stood around and watched the men en-
list. For every man that enlisted Jackie
had rousing cheer. School was scarce
ly out before he was at his post.
incessantly about the war that he at
last began to feel that he was much
injured small boy because. instead Of
being a central figure In the excitement.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1898-05-24
Sweet Simplicity.

Bobbie BunkerhiIl-Pardon me. father
but heard gentleman Of Chicago say
that in his territory the people wera
notable for the ''get there" in them
What could he have meant BY the
phrase?
Mr.. Bunkerhill-He meant that the
inhabitants OF his thriving metropolis
possess those qualities which tend to
insure their success In any undertak.
ing In which they may embark.
Bobbie Bunkerhill - All. I apprshend
the meaning now! But how much bst-
ter to have expressed himself in the
pure ana simple English OF his nativs
tongue!
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1898-05-24

- copYRIcAT 1898. BY EOlTA BROWN.

"Do you have to wait until them"
"Yes--P'--blushing- haven't any
money"
You told me Mrs. Rigg kept your
money for you."
$50 she did--tilI / spent it."
why. how did you manage to spend
1t ALP
The boy was silent.
Tell me. Jess"
'I bought something with IT,"
But there's no place to buy anything
here"
Jess began fumbling in his trousers
pocket. You know that day went up
to New York with the Merriams?"
Yes"
"well"--he jerked out a small pack
age and threw 1t into her lap-"I bought
that
She unwrapped tiny box He watch
ed her eagerly. his freckled chin resting
In both hands end his elbows on the
step above.
What is thisg she asked, lifting the
cover. Upon bed of pale green cot
ton lay a ring--a band of gold fully
half an inch wide, with three enormous
rhinestones set at right angles to the
circlet.
Jesse Ford. why did you buy such a
thing. and what are you going to do
with it?"
"Its for YOU" His eyes glistened.
For me?"
"Yes. What's the matter with Il?
Don't you like IL? Amt IL pretty
enough? It's the prettiest one could
find and the biggest. had IL marked
sec. u. p. r. to M. L. wanted to have
Queen Mary put in. but didn't quite
like TO-"
She looked aghast. Jesse. what am
to do with such a ring?"
"wh-why couldn't you wear it?
Please. Miss Lyddon, say you'll wear II.
Why can't your"
well. to begin With. it's rather large
for a woman's hand. you know" She
spoke with exceeding gentleness, for the
boys eyes were growing liquid and
quivering painfully. ut was very sweet
In YOU. I Will always keep Il 10 re-
member you by. but I couldn't wear
it."
Then you shan't have ~ at all un-
less you'll promise 20 wear IT," lie
snatched the ring from her and thrust
Il back into his pocket. Then he flung
hImreif toward her and claspcd her
knees.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1898-05-24

ing could keep him from being a soldier
or course he was afraid his mother
might not like II at first. but when the
fatal step had been taken he did not
doubt that she would feel resigned. es-
pecially when she saw how well he look
ed in uniform gallantly shouldering
a musket.
Jackie stood IL as best he could until
one morning he saw a boy whom he
knew proudly step up and put his name
down. He was very tall and we'll built
boy, so when ne said he was IS years
old the recruiting agent took him at his
word. Jackie knew that he was Just is,
for he was the Ounce of his class at
school. III Sam Sloane. who was just l6
and stumbling over fractions, could go
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1898-05-24

he was a mere locker on. lie was quite
sure he could fight as well as many Of
the men and youths who were enlisting.
and he felt inclined to consider II a
mean distinction which prohibited boy
from serving his country merely be-
cause he was not Is years old. He was
confident that he could be OF great sery-
ice TO the government II only his serv-
fees were accepted. He. had gathered
from the talk going on around him that
IL he once got his name down in the re-
cruiting agents mysterious book moth
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1898-05-24

AS illustrating the theory that every
man thinks he knows better than the
president how the war should be con-
Quoted the following story is particu-
iarly apt:
AT the close of her prayer the other
evening Nellie, who is much interested
in the trouble Uncle Sam is having with
Spain. said:
Please. God, take care OF yourself,
too. for IL anything should happen to
you we wouldn't have any one but Mr..
Mckinley to depend on. and he isn't
doing as well as papa expected"
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1898-05-24

him. Maybe can tomorrow. Yours
truly, JESSE PLUNKETT FORD"
All this in very large script. but down
in one corner in the tiniest printed text.
God bless YOU"
1t was several days before Jesse could
bring himself to the point of talking
about that other man." and then 1t
was Mary who started the subject.
IT think you ought to know" she be-
gan, that I am expecting the one I
spoke to you about the other day. He
Is coming next week."
did you suppose didn't remember?"
he said. 1--WE tried not to. but it's no
use. / remember II all the time" Then
abruptly: Tell me all about him.
What's he like? Is he good looking?'
l. II dare say you would think so."
"Do you think so?"
"Of course" Sun and wind together
had never succeeded In bringing such
a flush as that to her face
"Say, you think an awful lot OF him.
don't you? wish could make you
get all red like that"
Then you have had your wish, Jesse.
dear, for II was surely your words that
made me blush"
"Ye-es," he said, half scornfully half
dejectedly, but II wasn't for me. 1t
was for thinking of him."
Presently he bent over and put his
ball of head in her lap.
Tell me some more about him.
hate him. No. don't. ! love him be-
cause you do. III he had two lives. I'd
kill one and save the other"
"Oh, Jess. Jess, what a dear. funny
fellow you are!" siaAt
Am funny? Am dear too? Say"
| Strengthening himself. III you hadn't
known that other man, would you have
been willing to wait for me then? Say,
would you? Don't you think I'll be a
pretty nice fellow some day-maybe
good looking. too. when get beard
Do you think you ever could have wait
ed for me? Just say yes to that. and
I'll try to be satisfied"
He was looking up into her eyes with
a sweet boyish ardor that Mary found
Irresistible. She took his face between
her hands and kissed his brow Jess"
she said. you are such a dear boy.
think perhaps could have waited for
YOU"
He glowed with pleasure. "Who
knows but I'll have a chance yeti" He
dropped HIS head again into her lap and
lay there silently content.
AS the time drew near Jesse began 70
grow nervous over the prospect OF fac
ing his rival. I'm sorry he's coming"
he said. I'm awful glad for you. but
I'd like to run away and never see
him."
At another time he said Don't intro
duce him 20 me. Hell just think I'm a
kid and not take any NOTICE of me. and
couldn't stand that. Cause we're
equals now we've loved the same wo-
man, alnt we?" And Jesse Plunkett
Ford elevated his chin proudly.
On the day the ''other man" was ex-
pected Jesse kept himself pretty well
out of the way, though occasionally
Mary caught distant slimpses Of woe-
besone visage. They met by chance face
TO face after dinner. when he told her
that he was going nshing and that
] there was . possibility o. IL never re-
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1898-05-24

to war; he could not see why he. Jackie
Porter. who was we'll along In percent-
age. could not go. The next noon after
school Jackie scurried along to the re-
cruitiug tent. Lieutenant Jones had gone
out. probably for luncheon. The man
who was taking his place was a stran-
ger to the little boy. With two bricks
under his arm Jackie carefully skirted
along in front OF the stand and man
aged without attracting attention to
deposit the bricks where they would
form a sort Of pedestal for him to stand
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1898-05-24

The young woman who sat on the top
itep of the veranda was nothing less
han an object OF alteration to the youth
who sprawled on the lowest step,
watching her while she mended his hat.
You're awful good 10 me, Miss Lyd-
1on You're the only one that's been
real good to me since / came. ] hate
summer boarding house. don't you? 1
don't see why my father wanted me to
come here. / think he might have TAX
en me TO Europe with him.
"It' seems to mo a very nice place
81 tho kiud" said Mary Lyddon. There
arc certainly nice people here"
oh, 1 suppose they're all right. but i
hate 'em. They treat me as II they
thought 1 hadr't ought TO live. But
I'm Us good as they are. I'm"-the boy
sat bolt upright-"Im Plunkett. Did
you know that? Jesse Plunkett Ford
that's my name. Ford's a good name.
but Plunketts better. That was my
fathers mothers name, and he says
there never lived Plunkett that was
mean minded. Why, do you know my
cousin Sam Ford Is so proud Of having
that name that he puts ii last-signs
himself Samuel Ford -Plunkett, with
coupling rod between EN-
Mary found another rip and was be-
ginning to sew again. Say" he MUIR
rnurcd, gazing dreamily at her. "if you
don't stop making your hand go so
youll put me to sleep" He went on.
mumbling his words: I'm most off
now; feel as II / was dying; awful jolly
way to die-to have you sew me, sew
me, sew RE to death. What lovely eyes
you've got!"
Mary put the hat down In her lap.
Jesse" said she. you are q little
nonsc."
A strong breeze from the sea swept
around tho house corner and lifted her
h/avy yellow bang" causing II TO
stand up around her head Nike nim-
bu..
"say. do you know. Miss Lyddon, you
ought to bc called Queen Mary? You
lool. exactly like queen now. I'm go
rig 20 call you Queen Mary. May I7''
"Cail me what you like. only don't
)e silly There's your hat. You ought
o have n better one. It's shameful
lat for high minded Plunkett to
wear"
"r know H." said Jesse. pulling the
hapclcss thing down upon his ears.
When my father comes. I'll have .
new one
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1898-05-24

Little Pats musical efforts were an
unfailing source OF amusement to the
singing class at school. and his marks
in sight reading were of the lowest
Pat complained of this at home. and
Mrs. Mccarthy went to school to in
vestigate the cause.
"shure," said she to the teacher. ''ms
bye's as bright as the rist NV them,
miss. / can't understand 1t at all, al
ALL"
"oh. It isn't that" explained the
teacher. "He has no ear; that is the
difficulty"
BE the powers, do ye say the loikc
NV that. an the choild wild lug on i'm
loike that? It's the soize NV sasser,
ma am"
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1898-05-24

was gently showed under the door. after
which fast retreating footsteps could be
heard. The letter began. Dear Miss
Lyddon." IT went on thus:
II beg youf pardon for acting like I
did. had to. II / hadn't, I'd busted.
That amt a nice word, but don't know
any other, so I've got to use it. went
down to the quicksands. thought ia
drown myself in them, but first sat
down to think, and ] thought my father
mightn't like IL IL he came back and
found me dead and gone. So threw In
the ring instead. 1t was no good. you
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1898-05-24

when I'm a man." said Wiilio.
"I'll have lot of fun.
I'm Eoin TO be a sojer
And shout and shoot q gun.
''I'r wear big blue jacket
What's trimmed with golden braid,
And folkses when they see me
VIII all be awful 'fraId.
"Pcrhaps I'll 60 a-sailin
Upon tho big bluc sea
To shoot with shells and cannons
And boss a big navee.
when I'm man" said Willie.
"Thc crowds will shout and cheer
And give me flowers and candy.
wish that time was here!"
CAROLINE WETHERELL.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1898-05-24

pride. The agony was tremendous. 1t
seemed to Mary that she could feel II
vibrating along the tense cords Of the
boys slender body.
Jesse, DEAR" she whispered. do you
really care so much?'
The vibrations redoubled In speed and
intensity. Then with sudden recall
citranr movement that nearly knocked
her over Jesse shot out Of the boat. He
landed on his head in the deep sand,
whirling about considerably In the eff
fort to get his legs. and started of down
the beach. Mary watched, thinking to
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1898-05-24

Among the curious inhabitants Of Aus
traIia is a species Of termites called
the "meridian ants" because they In
varIably construct their long. narrow
mounds so that the principal axis OF the
dwelling runs exactly north and south.
These mounds when viewed END on
show remarkable resemblance %
many spired cathedral.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1898-05-24

President Felix Faure was greatly
surprised the other day by visit from
an old lady to whom, after urgent So
llcitation. he had granted an audience.
Her motive, which she had concealed,
was to inform him that her admiration
OF his policy was so great that she IN
tended to leave him million francs.
The president tried to dissuade her. but
seeing that she was resolved ne thank
ed and embraced her.