davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1899-07-10
I II.


The following morning it happened
that matter of business took me in
the vicinity of Defendants chambers,
and, having half an hour to spare, 1
determined to call and see if he had
heard anything in connection with his
plot.
As / was about to enter his sitting
room, however, L heard the sound Of
voices, and hasty glance showed me
that he was engaged. A young lady
was standing by the table, facing De-
benham, who locked as guilty as any
schoolboy caught in an orchard.
81 got it back this morning." the
girl was saying. ga man who is en-
ployed on the railway picked it up as
he was on his way to his work"
TT am very glad" Debenham
murmured nervously. "He must have
been an honest fellow"
yes" she said. ''But the strange
part of it is that by this mornings
post there came letter from "a
thief, inclosing $25. You can read
it if you like"
And she handed him the precious
missive had concocted.
He read it in feigned astonishment.
81 never heard of such a curious
thing" he murmured. It's positively
Isn't it, you know?"
OF course, this childlike attempt at
deception didn't deceive the girl.
"Mr. Debenham," she said, "you
wrote this letter; you sent this note. -
81? Really, Miss"
"Oh, yes you did. It's no use deny
ing it. No one else knew of our
loss"
There was kause. Debenham
stood looking very red and foolish.
"Come, you'd better confess" she
said at length.
He rumpled his hair in a reckless
fashion.
sit seems impossible for fellow to
do good action in this world" he
cried. He's sure to be found outl"
"Then You did send it?"
"Ye-es. You see, you wouldn't let
me help you, and $3.50 it struck me
that it would be capital idea to pre-
tend that 1 was the thief" (the hum
bug! his idea, indeedD 'I never
thought for moment that you'd see
your purse again, and if you hadn't
done so, my little dodge would never
have come to light"
"No, don't think it would" she
answered, ''for that was most realis-
tic letter you wrote"
Debenham groaned.
Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1899-07-10
HE HAD FOUND HER.
How Mr.. Primley Knew Miss wilIowb
Was His Ideal.

How Mr.. Primley Knew Miss wilIowby
Was His Ideal.
''Do you believe in territorial ex.
pansion, Miss Willowby?"
"Well, to tell the TRUTH" the beau.
tiful girl replied, 81 haven't given
enough study to that question to know
anything about it,"
Mr.. Primley twisted his mustache
for moment and then asked:
"Are you in favor of an Anglo.
Saxon alljance?"
"Oh, dear, l can't say. I haven't
paid any attention to that subject. ]
confess that 1 am as ignorant as o
child where public matters are con.
cerned."
"Then you haven't become inter.
ested in any OF the reform movements {
''No, [ don't consider myself cap.
able Of taking up and discussing those
things"
''Do you take much interest in
science and are you in the habit OF
discussing the beauties of classical
music, using technical terms, or arc
you an amateur literary critic, or dc
you ever talk to people about the great
moral problems that are claiming the
attention of so many of our learned
women nowadays?"
"No, I'm ashamed to have to con.
fess it, but I have found it impossible
to get any of those things through my
head sufficiently to dare to talk about
them"
'You don't know anything about
politics or socialism in its new sense,
or the Influence of the Compendium
as Applied to the Concomitants OF
Paleollthic Abnegation,' 90 you?''
Clam afraid don't" she timidly
replied.
Say" lie suddenly exclaimed,
"will you be my wife," Chicago
Record,
Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1899-07-10

"You can't think what an effort il
cost me-" he said.
What an effort, indeedl
81 do hope you will let me keep it
as a memento"
"Yes-if you will promise to forgive
me?"
ooh, there is nothing to forgive! 1t
was very good of you"
At this moment caugh. glimpse
of her face, and was forced to admit
that Debenham had some reason for
his extravagant praise.
"And you will not think the worse
of me for--for trying to deceive you9''
he went on. Really, he was getting
positively absurd, from his voice one
would have supposed that he was q
prisoner suing for his life.
"Oh, I think better of you!" she
cried. 81 shall never forget your
kindness" And as she gave him her
hand she blushed in ridiculous
fashion.
Then Debenham made an ass OF
himself. Instead of simply shak-
ing hands and saying good morning,
he held her fingers and said nothing,
but just stared at her in o moon
struck kind of way that was quite
idiotic, and she dropped her head like
a little silly and went the color of a
peony; then. But at this point ]
couldn't stand it any longer, and !
quietly withdrew.
OF course, was not in the least as.
tonished when Debenham rushed into
my chambers the same afternoon and,
with good deal of stammering, con.
fessed that he was engaged. He
seemed quite amazed when 1 betrayed
no surprise, but 1 didn't tell him thai
1 had been witness of his folly.
1 was presented to the future Mrs.
Debenham and her sister a few days
later. When Debenham asked what
L thought of her I told him she was
one of the incest girls had ever met,
but, as matter of fact, she is much
inferior to her sister. I don't mind
admitting indeed, that she is the incest
girl have ever met, and 1 shouldn't
wonder
But there, that's "another story"
Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1899-07-10
The Woman's Burden.

The address of Charlotte Stetson
Perkins at the dollar dinner was one
of the brightest on the list, and yet it
is possible that Mrs. Perkins may have
led her hearers to an erroneous con-
clusion by saying that "women must
be made conscious that they ought not
to consume the fruits of labor and do
nothing in return"
There are those who believe that in
the division of the days work the
woman not only does her share but as
a rule does rather more than her
share. Mr.. Evarts's witty eulogium on
the Pilgrim mother, that she not only
endured all the hardships of the Pill
grim father but had to endure the
Pilgrim father besides, is applicable
to other mothers and wives.
When in addition to the burden of
wifehood and motherhood woman has
to do the cooking and washing and
scrubbing and housekeeping and
marketing and nursing for the nation,
without any fixed rate of wages or any
chance of forming a union and going
on strike, or any claim for dividend
on her investment, it is rather strain
ing point to assume that woman is
consuming the fruits of labor and do.
ing nothing in return. When the ac.
count is squared it is possible that in
the average American household the
balance is on the other side.
York World.
Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1899-07-10

Perforated piques are one of the
novelties.
A parasol which matches the color
in your hat is the chic thing to have
this season.
Pretty little collar clasps come in
all sorts of pretty designs to fasten
ribbons around the neck. There are
butterflies and conventional patterns
in various colors in enamel and with
mock precious stones.
Louis XVI. musllns with bouquets
Of flowers between stripes of lace in.
sertion are the daintiest fabrics imag.
Unable. They are trimmed with lace
and made up with overdresses and
fichus much as they were fifty years
ago.
A neat short coat of pale beige cloth
is scanned with white satin, stitched
bands of which edge the revers and
collar, pockets and cuffs, and are laid
over the point OF the shoulders. This
coat is double breasted and fastens
with two steel buttons of large size.
A band of black velvet undulates
around the skirt of red cloth gown,
and is finished at one side with o bow.
Three bands of velvet to match cross
the front of the bodice, which has a
white vest, and fasten at the side,
with bows to match that on the skirt.
A pretty summer cape is made with
two accordion plated ruffies of white
chiffon striped with black satin on the
edge. The plaitings are finished with
a tiny ruche of chiffon, and ruche OF
chiffon with long scarf ends completes
this dainty wrap made on white
taffeta silk foundation.
The shapely little mutton-leg sleeve.
so easily fashioned and SO graceful in
its present modified style, still con.
tinues to divide honors with the close
coat shapes, open or slashed on the
shoulders, tucked, strap finished, and
with many other fanciful arrange.
ments. Novel and varied styles in
these pretty sleeves appear upon al
most all of the dressy tailor gowns.
Belts for the neck are not really
novelties, but they have blossomed
out in new and varied designs for tn .
summer girl. The latest is a sort of
dog collar in silver or gold arranged
in medallions with chains between. or
made in solid band set with Jewels.
These are worn over band of colored
ribbon, with belt for the waist ho
match.
Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1899-07-10

Some writer's of natural history
books for youth say that the serl ent
always devours its own kind, when so
inclined, tail faremost. This peculiar
ity has been 50 often repeated that it
is generally believed. At dinner time
the other day in the reptile house of
the London geological Garden a live
rabbit was fed to boa. The reptile
crushed his prey and then began to
deyour it in the usual fashion, but be-
fore it had entirely disappeared down
his NAV huge python shot forth and
seized the half engulfed rabbit, and,
after swallowing it, began on the boa
The head of the boa and good por-
ton of his body had disappeared be-
fore the keeper came to the rescue and
attempted to withdraw the smaller
reptile from his unusual retreat. As
this mode of procedure failed to make
the python disgorge, the latter was
seized and beaten with a whip. This
was more to the point, and the boa
finally wriggled free and betook him
self to corner of the cage, minus,
however, his dinner. This little Incl
dent goes to show tha. reptiles, under
extraordinary circumstances at least,
will swallow their kind head foremost.
Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1899-07-10

Italy has determined to negotiate
peacefully with Colombia for the set
tlement OF the Cerutti claim, instead
of trying to enforce its payment under
the threatening or laundering guns OF
one OF her warships, thus accepting
the friendly suggestion of the United
States, which wishes equally we'll to
both countries. Approached in this
amicable spirit, there is no doubt that
an equitable and satisfactory settle
ment Of the claim will be reached
without any expenditure OF threats OF
gunpowder That is much the best
way every time.
Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1899-07-10

Secret service men always have an
inclination to emphasize the impor-
tance of their work, and when they
deal with couuterfeiters their pub
lished reports nave sensational fla
vor that sometimes tends to make
them excellent literature for ''green
goods" swindlers. notwithstanding
this tendency, the capture OF gang
Of counterfeiters in Pennsylvania, to-
gether with their materials of manu-
facture, must be regarded as a credita-
bic achievement The detected con
spiracy is remarkable for its elaborate
organization, extensive plant and the
youth Oh its members.
Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1899-07-10

There is'an interesting item in the re-
port of the librarian OF Bishopsgate in.
stitute, London. According to the read
ing done in the free library OF that build.
ing for one day there we've 543 per.
sons who chose works of fiction, 81
who selected books OF travel and his
tory, Sc biography,25 natural sciences,
and so on down the list to philosophy
and religion, for which there were Is
readers. There is something very sig.
nificant in comparison between the
extremes. Scarcely century ago the
order would very likely have been re-
yersed.
Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1899-07-10
WOMAN'S WORLD.
A WoMANs THRILLING ADVENTURE.
Vanquished a Ghazi, Armed and Mounted
With n HorseN hin,

/
vanquished a Ghazi, Armed and Mounted
With n Horsew hip.
There is a plucky little English
woman out in Sibi, in Northwestern
India, who recently fought and van
quished GhaZi who had placed her
husband temporarily hors du combat.
The Ghazi was armed with a sword
and mounted on a horse, while she
was afoot, and her only weapon was a
stout horsewhip. The tribesmen out
there are treacherous fellows, and they
have not yet forgiven the English for
encroaching upon their territory.
Every once in a while they ambush
an officer OF attack and maltreat q
helpless woman; but almost as often
they are caught, and you can trust the
Englishmen for it that in these cases
the punishment is made to fit the
crime. This particular Ghazi has gone
out of the business for good.
The woman who knows how to de-
fend herself is Mrs. Spence, wife of an
English army officer. Captain Spence
and his wife were out driving when,
in a lonely part of the country, they
saw this Ghazi come galloping toward
them. AS the man approached he
drew his sword and made a vicious
cut at Captain Spence, who was un-
armed. The Captain stood up in his
trap and lashed at the Ghazi with his
driving whip. This caused the Indians s
horse to swerve SO much that the
sword fell just short of the Captain s
head. But IN striking at the Ghazi
Captain Spence lost his balance and
fell under his trap, where he was
caught by one of the wheels and pinned
down for time.
AS he fell Mrs. Spence snatched the
whip from his hand and pluckily
jumped from the trap to defend him.
By this time the Ghazi had wheeled
on the road and was making another
rush. Mrs. Spence instantly stood
between her husband and the man,
and there received the CHAIRS attack,
whip in hand, cutting at him and his
horse and calling out for help. By
making vigorous use of her whip she
kept the Ghazi off and drove him
away.
A second charge was similarly re-
pulsed, except that on this occasion
the Ghazi's cuts came more perilously
near, and Mrs. Spence was knocked
down. By this time Captain Spence
had e1tricated himself from beneath
the wheel of the trap (where he sus-
tanned several severe bruises and a
cracked rib) and ran to his wife's
assistance, and when the Ghazi made
his third rush he was driven off by
Captain Spence, and made off at a
gallop.
Mrs. Spence then helped. her ex-
hausted husband into the trap and,
taking the lines herself, drove back to
their quarters. She was able to give
good description of their assailant,
and in short time there was a party
out in pursuit of him. He was over
taken and, after a vain attempt to
escape, made stand, and was cut to
pieces.
Mrs. Spence now carries revolver
when she goes out driving, anu, as she
is a good shot, it is likely that the
next Ghazi who attempts - kill her
will meet with great surprise.
York Press.
Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1899-07-10
OUR UNSUITABLE CRIME AND HOW IT ENDED

"Don't be an ass; men don't buy
gowns"
You could say it was for your sis
ter"
"But haven't got sister, and if
1 had she'd never let me choose her
gowns for her; besides, she'd have
to be fitted on and all that you know. "
1 was obliged to admit the force of
these arguments, and a fresh period
of silence intervened. Debenham had
risen, and was pacing the floor in a
state of perplexity.
'How would it be if I inclosed the
money in an envelope and sent it
anonymously" he said at length.
"You might do that, tertainly,"
replied after little consideration.
'But she'd be sure to know who
sent it."
"Well, that doesn't matter, as you
are not likely to see her again"
Debenham stopped and turned his
eyes full upon me.
whats that? Not see her again ?
But 1 must see her again. II feel
that my fate is-er-hnked with that
girl, Kennion."
ooh, very well; then that squashes
the idea entirely, unless. Look
here, why not assume the character of
the thief yourself, and send her letter
saying you have repented and return
the mcney?"
"But don't want her to think that
Tn bad lot"
"Well, she needn't know that you
sen: it. You can pretend to be an
ordinary pickpocket."
so can. [ never thought of that.
By Joye, it's grand idea! Where's
the pen and ink? What shall L say?
Give us lift, old chap. You're dab
hand at this sort OF thing"
1 took up my pen, and after a lit
tie thought, dashed off the following
letter:
"Dere miss-This is from me, the
bloke wat TUX yer purse 1 sens the
muny bak bekause yer father wos once
very kind ter me when 1 wos down on
mi luck, an L nors yer need it sight
more than does, yer humble servant,
Bill Nokes."
GLOW will that do?" I said, as 1
tossed it across the table.
"Splendid-splendid!' he cried, as
he ran his eyes over it. ''It's worthy
of Bill Skies himself. I'll send it OFF
this very minute" And he thrust it
in an envelope in company with the
money.
You'll let me know how it an
swers?" l said, as he took up his hat.
ooh, yes" And then with hasty
goodnight, he went flying down the
stairs to catch the post.
Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1899-07-10

Among recent inventions is a loco
motive headlight which, when the
train is rounding a curve, turns in
such manner as to keep its projected
shaft Of light continually upon the
rails, instead of pointing off to one
side, as occurs with a stationary head
light. The motion of the headlight is
controlled by means of an air cylin-
der, connected with the air brake sys-
TEN of the train and regulated by a
valve in the cab. When the locomo-
tive strikes a straight section of track
the headlight automatically returns to
It's nroper position
Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1899-07-10
| [

"And yo1 want to help them, eh?"
said after time.
eyes, but it'll be difficult matter,
They're a clergyman's daughters, and
very proud. / don't see what [ can
do. It's awfully riling, you know,
Kennion, to have pile of money and
not be able to do little good with it
once in way. It's shame thai this
girl should have to slave at sewing
machine all day while great strong
beggar like me lounges around killing
time"
81 suppose you want to refund this
$25."
Eyes, can't do more; but I don't
even see how | can do that"
"Well, you might order gown OF
some sort from them"
Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1899-07-10

More than Is, 900, 900 visits are paid
1nnually to London pawnbrokers, or,
to be more exact, Al, 900 day on an
average. The number of pledges de-
posted throughout the country is said
to amount to 1870, 600, 600 every year.
Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1899-07-10
OUR BUDGET OF HUMOR.
LAUcHTER-PRoVoKINc STORIES FOR
LOVERS OF FUN.

His Ruse-In the misunderstanding
Illusions-Believed in the Diamond
Age-Result of n Family Row-A Sign
of Weakness-In Doubt, Etc, Etc.
I asked him for his daughters hand.
He asked: "Your income, sir?"
And with n careless air 1 said,
"About ten thousand per-"
The millionaire gave his consent.
I'm luckiest of chaps.
For my "ten thousand per" just then
Was nothing but perhaps.
Judge,
Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1899-07-10

The Ccuntess-"My f1s. husband
was a self-made man. And you
you"
The Count (deiantly)-"And I am
a self-made count!'
The blow had fallen. Indianapolis
Journal.
Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1899-07-10

"I've been studying some references
about this Alaskan gold find, and I
see that you can go to the Klondike
for 5000"
"That's all right but the trouble is
that you are not sure of getting it,
Richmond Dispatch.
Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1899-07-10

Doctor, want to know exactly
what's the matter with me-"
my good sir, your ailment is ten
dency of the lungs to expel air sud-
denly and forcibly through the glottis,
the effort being accompanied by rau-
cous and more or less cultural sound. :"
"That's what told the doctor L dis
charged the other day. He said it
was nothing but cough. Chicago
Tribune
Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1899-07-10

His Sweetheart-"I have always
heard that all Speniards were expert
at fencing"
Returned Volunteer eyes; indeed
they are; especially with barbed wire"
Brooklyn Life.
Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1899-07-10
"whcn n Woman will

"It might be good plan to put
women in charge of the Weather Bur-
eau"
"Why?"
"It wouldn't be long before they'd
find some way to arrange the weather
to suit themselves. Judge.
Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1899-07-10

The encouragement of Guam, the
newly acquired possession of Uncle
Sam ont on the Pacific, is very nicely
located. He has the island for a
building spot and the ocean for an out
look,
Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1899-07-10

He (bitterly)-''Your heart must be
of stone. I don't believe anything
could make an impression on it"
She (sweetly)-"You never tried
diamonds. "-Brooklyn Life.
Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1899-07-10

"What is that bit of furniture to
which you cling so closoly?" asked the
tourist.
81 don't know exactly" answered
the Samoan. "I'll have to wait till
this trouble is over to be sure whether
it is a sceptre or piece of kindling
wood. Washington Star.
Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1899-07-10
In the SanctuIn.

Editor-"Did you write these jokes
yourself?"
Wouldbe Contributor-"Yes, sir"
Editor-"You must be older than
you look. The Criterion.
Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1899-07-10
Cherishing Illusions.

''It is cherishing our illusions that
keeps us young"
eyes; especially if we hold on to
the Illusion that we are still young"
Chicago Record.
Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1899-07-10
A Sign of Weakness.

''Is Perrystile such weak man?"
81 should judge so. He has been
married for years, but even now he
cannct obey his wife without continual
protests. Life.
Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1899-07-10

Chief Guy (of the Order of the
Golden Socl)-"Have they given you
the grip yet?"
Candidate-"Great Scott! have I
got to take that too?"-Judge.
Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1899-07-10
The Paste Didn't Hold,

81 have shown this to jeweler. :"
said the young woman, flinging the
engagement ring scornfully at his
feet. "Did you think" she asked,
with crushing sarcasm, "you could
cement our affection with paste?"
SOL" hissed the young man. fold.
ing his arms and gazing at he= aith
equal scorn. "It's paste, is it? And
yet you are not stuck on itr'-Chica-
go Tribune.
Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1899-07-10

"Always something new; here's a
messenger boy being sent around the
world"
"That's no novelty. Our Office boy
goes half way around the world every
time 1 send him in the next block"
Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1899-07-10
Its Use.

"What's the use of peace corfer.
ence?" inquired the skeptic.
''A great deal of use!" answered the
diplomat, Indignantly. cts barom-
eter. If we can get through peace
conference without fight it will be
pretty good sign that we can get
through several years without gen.
eral war. ."-Washington Star.
Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1899-07-10

At the present rate of increase the
population of Edinburgh (now 295, 62S)
will reach the 100000 mark in less than
two years.
Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1899-07-10

LID man, I want
your advice"
Debenham broke
a piece of silence
that had lasted
some ten minutes
or so, and during
which he had sat
frowning at the
fire. [ had been