davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-12-23

from baby days? They chided her,
some of the girls, in what they called
her detection. you used to saythere
could be no regiment like the Riflers.
Floy. You used to VOW you'd never
marfy out of the old regiment" AYE.
but that was before Randy came" was
her simple answer, and then they told
her Randy was her world, and proudly
she answered: Il believe he is" They
warned her-some of the older and
wiser matrons-and God knows they
had much on which to base their views
it was never safe to love any man too
much, even Randy; to which she an
swered with sunshine in her eyes:
How could one love Randy too much 2"
Mind youa she never volunteered these
overfiowings of her heart, but these
women had been her friends from her
earliest days. She was still shy, even
with him, but such well-meant warn
ings always seemed to put her on the de-
fensive. as it were, and. poor child. she
believed it her duty TO her husband that
she should never allow him to go unde-
Tended, even though the attack were
intangible as woman's sneer. And
they looked so well together, and he was
so pro9d of her, so devoted to her, so
conscious of her." as some one said.
Nowhere in that garrison was there
man or woman who was able to say that
Randy had not borne himself as an al
most ideal lover and husband ever since
that sun-kissed wedding day. Many
could even feel sense of what is called
agreeable disappointment" which al
ways strikes me as a physiological
parallel for that other remarka bic
euphemism of so many of our country
women-"she's enjoying poor health"
Yet withal, Florence had the sympa thy,
the genuine affection of all Fort Sedg-
wick, even in-or rather potwithstand
ing-her enthusiastic estimate of Ran
dy's qualities as husband and as man.
and her own extreme beatitude as
wife. Then Mrs. Buxton ventured to
IRE shot, as she stood watching them
strolling homeward after parade one
evening, absorbed in one another, and
to observe to her own supremely in
different lord: "There now, Bux,
there's another girl making a fool of
herself over q man, only she's the sweet
est fool ever knew in my born days"
Bux himself roared it out for Floy's
benefit not long after. and did it so that
half Fort Sedgwick heard it. for the one
valuable quality Bux possessed as a
cavalry officer was his voice. The vol
ume OF sound he could produce when
believing instructions 70 a regimental
skirmish line was something prodigious,
but Of so rasping and exasperating a
timbre that his old-time derider, Blake,
likened - in force TO fog horn and In
staying power to boiled cabbage-not
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-12-23
The Long journey,

In certain township not many miles
from Cleveland the good man of Il local
household was laid away in the little
churchyard on the hill. After the fu-
neral the relatives, both near and dis
tant, returned to the family home and
the officiating pastor came with them
There they enjoyed a good dinner and
afterward gathered in the best room
for social converse. Naturally their
talk turned upon the serious event of
the day, and presently the good pastor,
drawing a deep sigh, solemnly re-
marked: well, our departed brother
has gone long journey"
There was brief silence, and then
the cousin of the deceased. fussy lit
tie woman with an intense desire to
bear share in the conversation, sud-
denly remarked, in a tone of profound
wisdom: well, you know, brother,
tibet they all say that travel is such an
eddicator! Plain Dealer
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-12-23
CHAPTER XI.-CosrINUEp

There was no difficulty in learning at
the wretched shack at the edge of the
reservation which way they had gone
Nine at least were in the party, and the
hoof tracks led away southwestvard
across the fiat until they struck thesIine
of the railway. two miles west of the
Junction. Here there seemed to have
been brief halt. discussion, possibly a
divide, and split. Two horses had
crossed the track and gone south; the
others, veering westward, had ''lit out"
for the Santa Clara, and Randy Mer-
riam, trifle hungry now, was wishing
with all his heart he had gone first to
Florence, and left the inspection of the
stables until afterwards. 1t was some
where about two o'clock when they
started. The men were booted and
spurred, but Merriam was in ordinary
trousers, and the troop horse he rode
was quick to find the spur was gone
and slow to mind the heel. The McClel-
Ian saddle. too. with its upright pommel
and cantle, worried him after the ease
OF his own Whitman. When dawn came
he was well-nigh ready to give up the
chase after fording the Santa Clara and
finding the trail had turned northwest
ward. when sharp-eyed trooper swore
he could see the quarry making for the
foothills and not two miles ahead; so
Merriam borrowed a single spur and
pashed vehemently. vigorously on.
Then broad daylight came. and there
could be no doubt they were gaining.
The chase was hot. The pursued were
tossing off saddle bags, riatas, and 9TH
-er detachable horse furniture to tighten
their weight. but they stuck to their
guns and ammunition. Merriam's men
were considerably strung out, not more
than six being we'll up within support
ing distance, when the fact that they
were in range of the greasers was DEM
-onstrated by the zip and sing of bull
let close alongside.
That's business" muttered the
trooper who rode close on his left rear.
.Shall try shot, sir?"
Merriam shook his head. The situa-
ton had few points in its favor.
sObedient TO his orders to pursue and
capture the gang. Randy had ridden
hard, yet over many mile had he asked
himself the question-Suppose they re-
sist arrest, what's to be done? He had
no warrant. He was not even deputy
sheriff, not even the humblest con-
stituent OF a posse comitatus. If he or
his men returned their fire and shot
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-12-23
CHAPTER XII.

When Florence Iregained strength
enough 20 move she crept slowly back
to her little parlor. where the beacon
lights that were to summon her hus-
band were faithfully, fruitlessly
burning. She looked in at the dining
room and its preparation for cheer and
welcome. and turned away with a
shiver of disgust, and then, with moan.
c. pathetic misery, threw herself into
an armchair and tried to think. What
should she do? What could she do? Her
Love for Randy was so fond, so glowing,
that she had gifted him with the quail
ties of god, leaning upon him in every
thing, trusting him in everything, rely
ing upon his word as though it were
pledge on high; and yet within these
few hours he had, all unasked, given
her his promise not to see or speak with
that-woman again except he came first
to her-his wife-and told her the need;
then had gone secretly, almost directly.
to meet his old love in the shadows of
the night long after the hour that usual
" saw the last light extinguished along
officers row.
If her old friend from baby days, the
colonel. had come to her and said that
Randy was false; If her idol. her be-
loved father, had added his confirma-
ton of the colonel's views, she would
have laughed them down so long as
Randy-her hero Randy-swore that
he was true. Many woman will stand
by her lover against a world in evidence,
yet turn to stone against him when she
sees one apparent sign of interest in
another. Poor girl! He was her first.
her only love. He was hers and only
hers, and should be only hers, for when
that other-creature had scorned and
denied him, had he not been brought
sore stricken to her doors? Had she
not won him back to life through the
wealth and glory of her own unsuspect-
ed love? From the day of their we'd
ding until this woman came never had
she known a wish that was not his. Day
and night she dreamed, planned, and
thought for him. sought only to make
herself worthier his love, dearer to his
eyes-sweeter to his caress. Who was
there TO compare with him in manli
ness. in courtesy, in knightly bearing?
What officer was the peer of Randy
what officer even in the dear old
Riflers with whom had been her home
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-12-23
An Army Wife,
BY CAPTAIN CHARLES KING.
Copyrighted. 1896. by F. Tennyson Neely.I
SYNOPSIS

SYNOPSIS.
Chapter 1. = Fannie McLane a young
widow. is invited to visit the Graftons
at Fort Sedgwick. Her sister tries TO dis
suade her, as Randolph Merriam (whom
she had Tilted for old McLane) and his bride
are stationed there.
Chapter II.-Fannie McLane's wedding
causes family feeling. A few months later
she, while travelling wifi her husband.
meets Merriam, on his wedding trip.
Chapter III-Some time previous to this
Merriam had gone on government sur
vey. fallen i'll, and had been nursed by Mrs
Tremaine and daughter Florence A hasty
note from Mrs. McLane's stepson takes
him eto the plains.
Chapter IV.-Young McLane dictates to
Merriam. dying message. which is sent
to Parry "a young Chicago lawyer and
brother-in-law OF Mrs McLane). Reply
causes Merriam to swoon. He is taken to
the TremaiE8's; calls for Florence.
Chapter V. Engagement of Florence
Tremalne to Merriam Is announced; we'd
ding shortly follows
Chapter VI.-Mr. McLane is mysterious
iy shot in San Francisco. Merriam is
greatly excited when he reads account in
papers. While still in mourning Mrs Nc
Lane prepares to visit Fort Sedgwick.
chapter VII.-Mrs. McLane arrives at
the fort Merriam is startled at the news,
ana he and his wife absent themselves
from the formal hop that evening
chapter VIII. - Mr.. and Mrs. Merriam
evening when she would be sure to have
many other callers. When the call is
returned Merriam is away, and his wife
pleads illness as excuse for not seeing
her. Mrs McLane receives telegram. AR
rested, Chicago. Your uncle stricken-par-
alysis You Will be summoned Secure
papers, otherwise lose everything C. M"
She faints and is revived with difficulty
Chapter IX.-Mrs McLane desires to see
Merriam. Grafton persu ades him to GO
but the widow postpones the meeting till
next noon.
Chapter X.-Florence learns Merriam
has been to see Mrs. McLane, and in a
storm of passion will not allow him
to explain. Shortly after Merriam is in
tercepted by Fannie McLane as he is pass
Ing through Grafton's yard. Florence wit
nesses the meeting, which she supposes
has been prearranged, and swoons
Chapter XI.-Mrs McLane begs Merriam
Tor papers given him by her Stepson. but
which he tells her were all forwarded to
Parry. Merriam upon leaving her learns
of raid by greasers upon the stables who
had killed one of the guards and wounded
another.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-12-23
TWO CITIES.

Two cities lying together
One full of dust and strife,
And the weary. hopeless, battle
For gain and fame and life.
The other. crowded with people.
Yet OIL so calm and still.
With the green grass like carpet.
Unsoiled on vale or hill
There are feet within the city.
But they seem content TO rest;
And hands that lie close folded
Over each tranquil breast;
And eyes that behold no beauty
In earth. or sea. or sky;
And hearts that have ceased their
throbbing.
Full satisfied. they lie.
In the flood of noontide glory.
In the moonlight's peaceful glow:
Peasant and lord together,
AS the seasons come and go.
Two cities upon the borders
OF river dark and wide
One where the people tremble
To cross the swelling tide.
And enter the Icy waters
With prayers and bated breath;
This is the land of the living
The river. the men call Death.
One step and the other city.
With its shafts of marble white
Marking the narrow dwellings.
Looms up before our sight.
Some day we shall Join the sIeepers
Who rest beneath the sod.
And live in Gods silent acre."
That never foot hath trod.
Lizzie DeArmond. in Ohio Farmer.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-12-23
o BORN IN A SNUFF MILL
The Bad Habit of a Famous Portrait
Painter

Painter.
Gilbert Stuart, the artist, who made
so familiar to Americans the features
OF Washington and his wife, was once
visited by two Philadelphia artists
The visit was notable from the fact that
Stuart initiated the inebriate who al
ways concluded his eXhortation against
drinking spirits with: DO as l tell
you, not as l do"
One of the artists asked Stuart for a
pinch of snuff from the box in which
he was inserting a thumb and finger
every few minutes, and then applying
them to his own nostrils.
Il will give it to you," said Stuart,
proffering the box, but l advise you
not to take it. Snuff-taking is a vile
habit, and should be avoided"
Your practice contrsdicts your pre-
cept, Mr.. Stuart" answered the gentle
man.
''Sir, L can't help it," replied Stuart
Let me tell you a story. Once 1 was
travelling during a very dark night, and
coachee dumped us in ditch. We
scrambled up, and on finding by exami-
nation that our legs and arms were I'M
broken, thought of the poor fellow
shut up in the basket with the baggage
He was found senSeless and his neck
twisted awry.
"a passenger began to untwist the
mans neck that he might set his head
straight on his shoulders. The sense
less man. recovered by the wrench.
roared out:
Let me alone! Let me alone. I'm
not hurt! Twas born soi' Gentlemen"
added Stuart, 81 was born so. I was
born in a snuff MILL" and he empha
sized the remark by taking an enor-
nous pinch of snuff.
This" says the author of Heir
looms in Miniature" "was literally
true, as Gilbert Stuart's father, a
Scotchman, built the first snuff mill
ever erected in New ANDY outh's
Companion.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-12-23
JustfhabIe INDIGNATION

One evening John Scott (Lord Eidonj
had been slipping rather too freely of
the convivial bowl with friend in Ed
inburgh, and upon emerging into the
air his intellect became considera bly,
confused. Not being able to distin-
guish objects with any degree of Ger
tainty. he felt himself quite capable
of losing his way to his own home
While in this perplexity he saw some
one coming toward him whom he asked:
Dye ken whaur John Scott bides?"
Whaur's the use of your speering
that question? You're John Scott. him
sell"
ken that" answered John. indig-
nantly. but it's no himself that's want
edits his ouse."-Detroit Free Press.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-12-23
a neat comparison but one expressly

a neat comparison but one expressly
fitting. a
E And now. Strangely enough. this mad
dest of nights poor Florence could not
get those words and that tone out of
her head. She had flushed and turned
speeches. away at the time. hurt TO her
soul and indignant. too. but the train
ing of her youth was strong. These
were people her father and mother had
taught her to respect, and though an
CRY, Indignant remonstrance was in
her heart, she stifed the words that
strove to spring to her lips.
II expect I've put my foot in it again
to-day" reported Bux to his better half,
when he got home.
We'll, I'm sure I'm never surprised. ;"
was the lady's prompt reply.
81 fear I've been rude TO Col Buxton,
Randy" faltered Floy, when that gem
tleman came in from troop drill n hour
later.
You couldn't be rude even TO Bux,
my darling" was his answer, as he
folded her in his arms.
And these are not types of the first
year welded" and the quarter cen
fury mated" love as seen in the army.
A1'S hbOHh anu a couple
who have risen together through every
grade in the line. loved. loving and low
ers TO the end.
AT one o'clock Florence had set her
lights in the parlor window. st two.
with that booming, gong-like sound re-
verberating in her ears, that incessant
repetition of Buttons coarse words.
she had sprung from the chair in which
she had been brooding, writhing. shud-
dering for half an hour. and then, tear
ing down the shade, close looping the
curtains, she hurried to the hall and
locked and bolted the door. Another
girl making a fool of herself for a man
another grill" God! how the words
rang-resounded through her brain.
buzzed and whirred like angry wasps
in her ears. Kissed and ratified, ave,
stung like the venomous reptiles she
had learned to shun from early child
hood. Making a fool of herself for a
man who would leave her-so soon-for
that painted-yes- padded thingi"
They'd soon learn that an army-bred
girl loved, indeed. with all her heart and
soul. but could hate. hate, hate as we'll,
lTo BE Continued
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-12-23
&if5ElzdEE Il {1zsz;i[


Kind Old Man-Are you hurt, little
boy?
Boy (crying)-Nawi
Kind Old Nan-Lose a penny?
Boy-Nawi Didn't have any.
Kind Old Man-Get whipping?
BOy-Naw,
kiGd Old Man-Then what are you
crying for?
Boy-Wanted ter see who'd be tn
first chump ter come along n ask tibet
Queseion.-Brooklyn Life.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-12-23
Earnest and Outspoken,

What IS your opinion of coercion at
the polls?" inquired the young man.
Il am against it," exclaimed Senator
Sorghum, hitting his desk in order to
emphasize his words. al think, sir, tina:
trying to get even the humblest citizen
TIC vote your way without paying him
for it is an utragei'-Washiugto
Star
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-12-23
A Boarding House Episode.

al guess I'm a coward" the boarder said.
"A he hastily pushed back his chair.
'At the restaurant I'll breakfast instead
Only the brave would tackle this fare
Daily News.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-12-23
Then and Now.
tere Welt.

They met; she WAS maiden fair and he a
faultleSs swell,
Twas on the broad piazza of q watering
place hotel:
And now that chilly autumn's here, they
meet IL town once more
It's at the ribbon counter OF Broadway
dry goods store.
Harlem Life
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-12-23
The Way of the World.

WHO is the lady that has been owing
you for such long time?" asked the
dressmaker of her friend. the milliner-
The wife of old Greeley. the cash
Grocer" answered the milliner.-
BROOKLYN Life.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-12-23

dear woman anyhow. Now get me
hoEae as soon as you can. old fellow"
But the whispered caution to the
driver. given as the doctor reappeared
and. mounting. rode alongside. was: go
slow-slow as you can" Then to the
hospital attendant who Ghad ridden out
with him he muttered: Now ride ahead.
Parks. and see if there's any news
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-12-23
His Status

BosS Agent-What kind Of a mar Is
your neighbor, Mr.. Puffedup?
Farmer Hornbeak-Wa-al. 1 cacker-
late he imagines that there won't be
any more wet weather this season I'M
less he withdraws his objection
Judge.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-12-23
A Woman-s Aim.

Bride-If you ever tiirt with any 9th
er woman, Harry, 1 viii shoot you'll
Harry-Whatl Could you aim gun
at your own husband?
Bride-Yes, l could and would.
Harry (relieved)-Welf,o then. 1
should be perfectly safe.-Harlem
Life.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-12-23
Very Evident.

Tommy-Is your grandpa who is Wis
ting you your fathers papa or your
mothers papa?
Willie-Why. he's mothers papa. of
course. Can't you see he's smoking
lis pipe in the parlor?-Judge.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-12-23
A Club OF one.

How do you keep SO young. Mrs.
Lighthead?"
well. l never worry about my age"
Detroit Free Press.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-12-23
Not Confacfous

He latter waltz)-Do you know.
could die Waiting?
She (out of breath)-Perhaps you
could. Mir. Hopnot; but that's no rea-
son why you should expect others TO
die with you.-Illustrated American.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-12-23
His Rich TraiI

''Dawson's an swfully eStravagant
chap"
Yes, he is"
HAS he got much money back of
him?"
I'm afraie he has-more. in fact.
than he has ahead OF him-"-Harper's
Bazaar.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-12-23
a Sermonetfe.

whate'er bet.de. . murmur not
Waste no good breath upon your lot:
Loi while you grumble. fieth GIme.
Which, well put IN. might earn dime
Detroit Free Press
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-12-23
a Rafrinfic Eraud.

Fair Ethel wore red. white and blue
Until the war was DER:
She loved her country not so muc14 q
But her soldier lover more.
N. Y Tf1th.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-12-23
Where Kissed.

Do1lie-Was it a quiet spot where you
kissed Mollie?
Choilie-No; it was on the mouth
Chicago Journal.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-12-23
She Could and She would.

That" observed a friend OF the lam
lily, lis a very superior woman. She
can converse intelligeutly, l believe
on a thousand different topics"
Yes" sighed her husband-'ands she
oes."-Tit-Bits.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-12-23
Drowned Out.

Oh, the trump of fame is a megaphone.
Which wonderful might can employ;
But it's quite forgot when you hear the ton
OF tin horn attached to q H.
Washington Star.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-12-23
AINAER.

Little Bobby-Pa, what's a man of
the people?
PA candidate for Office before
Northumberland Leader.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-12-23
Cuer. Again.

Cerk-Wha, kind of gloves. madam
gloves?
Miss Wayback-Mercy sakes. mol
don't Gear gloves on my feet.-Judse-
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-12-23
Letting Himself Down. Easy.

81 think my old overcoat will do till
Christmas
Yes; and after Christmas you won't
get one because 1t will be so rear
spring. Chicago Record
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-12-23
In the Big Race.

The race is rot in every case
Un.o the swift. they say.
And by that seif-Same token he
That leads the fastest Hfe may be
Passed by the man who pegs away"
Chicago Daily News.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-12-23
Living Up to hi. Principles.

Look herel" exclaimed the woman
Sho had made sandwich for a tramp
md then thoughtlessly left him alone
:or minute within reach of two whole
pies, what do you mean by eating all
hat pie?"
Madam" replied the traIop politely,
rs he let his belt out another hole, II
nm believer in expansion. "-Chicago
Post
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-12-23
A Solution.

"But your mother has no objection &c
my becoming one of the. family"
Then perhaps she means to marry
You herself!"-AllY Sloper.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-12-23
Feminine Irony.

to kiss you?
Geraldine-I don't know; but can
prepare speech if you think 1T worth
while to wait.-Town Topics
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-12-23
4 Libel ON CnIIezIana.

Mrs. Benham-I wonder why our boy
hasn't written lately.
Benham-He's probably having good
luck at poker.-Town Topics
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-12-23
The HaPpiest Man.

Who Is the happiest man?
Is il he who is wealthy and CREATE
s 1t he that is doing the best that he can,
Or he that governs the state?
Is il he that has won fair maid for niS
own? q
Or the warrior who makes his foes scat
ter?
No. no; 1t is he who IS sitting alone
With woman who knows how TO f1atteF.
Cleveland Leader.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-12-23
The Turkey.

AS he his gaudiuess admires
And struts and lets his cares relax.
He Knocks the farmer who perspires
While humbly sharpening his ak
Washington Star.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-12-23
He Was n Poet.

The man who said that distance lends
Enchantment TO the view.
III bet referred unto & bill
That was shortly coming due
Answers
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-12-23
OH. THE DIFFERENCE.

What WretCbedly dark hole this
Is. now!" %
do you think so? Before we were
married, you always said it was the
most delightful in Brighton-so few
lamps. Ally Sloper.