davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-08-26

come a mother may provide a far more
valuable treasure for her little ones future
than can ever be contained in any savings
bank if she will take the proper care of her
own health and physical condition during
the time when the baby is expected And
if every husband would feel it his bounden
duty to see that all possible means are
adopted to carry his wife safely through
this critical time, he will help to bequeath
to his offspring that health and natural
vigor which is the grandest fortune father
can bestow.
During the past year found myself preg.
naut and in rapidly falling health, !" writes Mrs
W. J. Kidder, of Hill Dale Farm, (Enosburg
Cenfer) Enosburg, Vt, in grateful letter to DR..
R.v. Pierce. of Buffalo. N. Y. II suffered dread
growing perceptibly weaker each day and suf-
Tered much sharp pain at times. I felt that
something must be done. sought your advice
and received prompt reply followed your
directions and took twelve bottles of DIR. Pierce's
Favorite Prescription, and also followed your
instructions. began to improve immediately
my health became excellent and could do ali
my own work 1--WE live ON good sized farm), I
walked and rode all could, and enjoyed it. I
had short easy confinement and have q
healthy baby boy"
"Favorite Prescription " 10 the only pro-
prietary medicine IN the world invented
by an educated physician and scientific
specialist for the one specific purpose of
restoring health and strength to the dis
tinctly feminine organism. Il il prompt
relief and permanent cure for every form
of female complaint or weakness.
No remedy relieves constipation SO
quickly and effectually a. DR.. Pierce's
Pleasant Pellets.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-08-26
CHAPTER XxXII.
For q Season.


Queens Fain lies upon the inner edge Of
Lincolnshire in an undulating country
side among great old trees, where of an
evening the sun throws bars of light across
the levels of turf. where homing rocks
fly in scattered lines against cleaning
sky the air breathes GOODNESS and peace,
and the scene lays that ineffable spell upon
the heart of which only the exile can ever
know the full pathetic power.
Round the house tall fences of yew and
holly fend off the colder winds. On an even
ing early in spring Hollywood and Counsel
lor strolled under the shelter of a massive
blowing about the border of the lake below
them. and along the distant hedges furry
catkins were already nodding and floating
on the crisp breeze.
II have found It necessary once or twice
before to say that you were a fool, John, "
said Counsellor, looking up at corner of
the great stone-built mansion its cold as
pect yellowed and mellowed by the strength
eEing sunshine.
Always or on occasion?. Hollywood
laughed easily.
Mostly. You will, not leave the guard.
If were you I should go tomorrow Marry
the girl as soon as she will let you and bring
her here. Then sit down and shoot par
tridges. She will like 1t. It is better than
Nassau"
1T is altogether good to own the
old place again. Hollywood said, "and We'll
do our duty by the cartridges, major, you
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-08-26

flee himself and his hopes with a smile.
Later on in sorrow and heaviness of heart,
he accused himself bitterly Of spelling Val
cries young life. But he had not reached
that stage yet; he was lingering in the first
transient period when men and women see
visions and dream dreams, when the pres
ent Is lost in the recent past, while loves
first spell Is laid upon them. and the light
that never was on land or sea blinds them
to the chances and changes Of common life.
As long as the glory of it lasts a man is
caught up into the seventh heaven, and the
things of earth have no power over him.
But the breaking of the vision came to
hollywood sufficiently quickly His view of
the iamp-lit city grew suddenly blurred and
he saw instead his own reflection in the
polished glass, as the lights were turned
on IN the room behind him. In that same
instant too the vague sweet outlook faded
from his mind.
linen hand was laid upon his shoulder
ana ne saw another figure mirrored beside
MS own against the dark BACKGROUND of the
night Ihere was suggestion of reluct-
ance in UnZiars movements
regret, Captain Hollywood, that 1 have
been ordered to place you under arrest"
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-08-26
(The end.)
For Peace in the Family.

From the Chicago Tribune
A brisk citizen in a neg,ige shirt and
wearing his hat on the back of his head
leaned over the counter marked "subscrip-
tons and said to the clerk on the inside.
This is the office of The Daily Bread
isn't it?'
Yes sir
Expansion or anti-expansion?
This is an expansion paper"
In favor of fighting the blamed Filipinos
right I'D to the handler"
Yes SIR
Go in for annexing Cuba and the whole
shooting match?'
YES"
Ready to go to war over the Alaska
boundary at the drop of the hat if we cant
settle the thing peaceably?'
Certainly"
That's business said the brisk citizen,
pushing his hat further back How much
longer do you think this Philippine war Is
going TO last?'
A year, maybe"
'That'H suit. 1 want the paper for a
year. Send it to Mrs. Archibald Stint, No.
E19 Ringbone avenue. She's my WIFE I'm
anti-expansion myself, and I take The
Daily Grind but I've got to do something
to keep peace in the family. How much?
All right. Here's your money. Good day.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-08-26

lection of anguish.
Tomorrow" he answered, understand
ing the broken question.
Valerie raised her wet eyes.
I'm my life there can be no tomorrow
God may not let me die, but my life will
always be one long remembrance of today.
l shall live in today always. Tomorrows
are for happier women, John. And yet
am wicked to say that. I would not change
my lot with any other. For have l not my
memories? And 1 will learn to have my
hopes. And whenever that blessed day Of
release may come to me, l will bring my
heart to you as it is today. my king!'
Hollywood looked into the beautiful tear
dimmed eyes. He was too wise to say that
he had spoilt her life; that had it been pos
sible to set the wrong right by any sacri-
flee, he would have done so. OF this he
said nothing. He only kissed her.
Next to living to be with you. darling,
/ am in love with dying for you Valerie!"
The silence grew again between them
the best and saddest silence upon earth
the silence of alls said.
And yet, John, have one thing left to
live for. l will live to see your name stand
where it should. For men like you are
only understood and ACKNOWLEDGEMENT"
she said presently.
Another man might have disclaimed all
praise. Hollywood. who believed he de-
served none, kept silence. He knew that
to deny would be to wound. And he was
fam to say to her thing which was hard
to say and hard to hear. But he was look
ing out into the troubled future, and his
anxiety for her grew bitter upon him. So
he nerved himself to the greatest sacrifice
OF all. And VaIerie's next words gave him
the opening he desired.
'tYour sword" she began.
us broken"
mo, no! Anthony brought another to
Count Sagan, not yours. Yours was not
the sword of a traitor! That also I will
keep"
"Unziar-I thank him. And Valerie,
listen! When they condemned me there
was one vote in my favor. You can guess
whose
"Anthony's?"
YES Valerie; and he loves you, and
will not blame-I wish-I would ask
Valerie's glance met his. She understood.
NO" she said. 81 will thank him. and
like him dearly and pray for him: but not
that-no. not ever that!''
"A quiet knock on the door.
"And now 1t is goodbye"
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-08-26

as the men left their chairs and returned
to them in silence
Hollywood waited, not in suspense, In
deed, but with the full sense that his rate
was being legally recorded by jury OF his
fellows 1t is at such moment as this
that a man goes back to his belief In God
If there is no God, to what end anything.
Those who say there is no God say the
world is sad and very evil place. If their
creed were universally accepted, the last
state of humanity would be worse than the
first and earth degenerate into hopeless
and helpless hell.
..six black balls one white" announced
Maj. Ulm.
The prisoners gray, frank eyes flashed
out at Unfair, but the Maasauns rigid
face gave sign.
Then Count Sagan. secure of his enemy.
let himself GO He lifted the sword from
the table, and, casting one more glance at
the prisoner he placed the cleaning point
upon the floor, bending the delicate blade,
and stamping upon it midway with his
booted heel. There was a shallow ring as
the steel broke, then clash of metal as
the count flung the hilt upon the point, as
if the touch contaminated him.
John Hollywood. this court has found
you guilty and condemned you to die! And
1. Count Simon of Sagan, colonel-in-chief
of the guard of Nassau now pronounce
upon you the sentence of death. Trusted
by the guard, you chose to betray them!
Where rs the oath Of fealty by which you
swore to obey? We are polluted by your
treason. we are tainted by your shame!
Are you afraid to speak? Is your voice
frozen in your throat? The greater part
of your punishment should be in its
shame. But you cannot feel it! You and
shame are strangers-the last infamy Of
the base! You are loathsome. mercen-
airy false to his salt, a hound who sold
himself for money first and for disgraceful
gain afterward! How can l touch you?
Where can l prod you? On what nerve,
since the nerve of shame is dead? Like
the grooms, one could only punish you
with whip. 1 shall lay the matter before
the duke. I will urge 1t upon my col
leagues he swept his arm round the
table: "a hundred with the whip or to run
the gauntlet of the guard. That would
touch you more than words, or shame or
death! Ha, that reaches your he cried,
and then there was a fierce exultation in
| the raucous. volleying words, you have
disgraced the guard. but we cannot for
reasons Of state publicly disgrace you. But
you shall be shot-shot like dog! You
shall NOT meet death face to face as many
a brave man has met 1t, but you shall be
shot, cringing with your back to the gun
muzzles-like the cur you are!'
Rallywoods pale features had flushed for
second. There was brutality about Sa-
gan's denunciations which shocked the men
around him. Hollywood deserved some
thing. but not this, not that. Unziar's eyes
burned, Wallenloup was frowning. But
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-08-26

we not all our deluges in private that SUBJ
merge our world in tears? Madame has
kindly promised to assist in the tabieaux
vivants next week." he added hastily.
The count grinred his contempt.
You should reproduce the death of a
traitor Come to see Rallywood shot in the
morning by way Of an object lesson"
Madame de Sagan'S hand flew to her
throat with a quick gasp of horror; for
second the room seemed to swing round,
then slowly settle again.
why, what has he done?' she asked.
Her lips were dry, but she spoke deliberate
ly.
Nothing new, only he happened to be
found out this time. Well au revoir!'
Elmur stood up and followed him.
1.-The signature Of his highness?" he asked
in a low voice.
II go to get it and other things also. !
have arranged the interview with Selp-
dorf."
Elmur bowed and returned to his place by
the side of the countess. 1SoldeS blue eyes,
dewy as child's with unshed tears, APP
pealed to him.
1T Is not true?'
Elmur reflected that he had never before
seen her look so pretty. Most women with
tears in their eyes repealed his fastidious-
ness. but this one was delicious. He bent
toward her and said as much with a fervor
that surprised her. She smiled TREMENDOUSLY.
She had always considered the wary Ger
man worth capturing, but he was an elus-
i've bird Admiration had never before got
the better of his self-possession; now for
the first time he appeared to be carried
away by it. The keenness of conquest
thrilled her. Jack?-ahF yes, poor Jack,
But he was practically lost to her forever.
She sighed little; she had been fond of
Jack but the love that dan stand against
the inevitable was not hers. She reminded
herself that Jack had preferred Valerie
but, why, so had Elmur. A temptation
came to her; she glanced again at Elmur
He was personable though advancing to
middle age, and handsome as men go,
though his eyes were close-set and cunning.
He was not like poor Jack-no, she would
never find any one perhaps quite so good
to look upon Jack with his broad shout
ders and corn-colored hair, and those dear,
frank eyes No. but
Madame what are you thinking of /
wish 1 dared fiatter myself that could ever
draw tears to those exquisite eyes" Elmur
said again with warmth. He wanted ex-
element and Isolde was yielding. There
are women who will sacrifice the most sa-
cred things. Gods word ITSELF on the altar
of their vanity. Isolde withdrew her slight
hand from his touch, but 1t was the with
drawal that invites advance. She hesitated
no longer.
There are other eyes whose tears will
be bitterer than mine; are you not Jealous
of them? 1 am sorry for Captain Rally-
wood. of course. but poor Valerie-what am
/ sayingT'
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-08-26

grace. The accusation was set forth in
general terms 1t spoke only of a certain
prisoner and certain dispatches. Reilly
wood acting under valid ORDERS had taken
over the dispatches from Unfair, and next,
by false telegram to Unfair. had ordered
the release of certain prisoner. Also
he had used the dispatches to forward aims
of his own, to the loss and detriment Of the
free state of Nassau. Anthony Unfair
gave his evidence briefly and with caution,
but 1t was conclusive.
After the charge had been completed and
proved, a few minutes silence ensued.
Then Count Sagan addressed the prisoner.
Capt. Hollywood, have you anything to
say In your own defense?
A sudden Earring sense of amusement
struck upon Hollywood. They were playing
a farce; Count Simon, with his mortal en-
nifty, was but acting his part. The whole
procedure was hollow. yet he, Hollywood,
would have to give his life to prove that
all this seeming was deadly earnest-that
the clustering traitor opposite was not q
defeated schemer, but loyal son of Maa-
sau!
Hollywood could not repress quick
SMILE
Count Simon flung his. fist upon the table
DO you hear me?" he shouted What
have you to say in your own defense?'
Hollywood looked him in the eyes.
Nothing" he said.
There was a hush. Sagan picked up the
glances Of the officers round him. Rally
woods words had come shock. Most
of the men expected some attempt, If not
at defense, at least at a justification Of
his conduct.
Sagan's harsh voice was raised again.
His sword!'
Unfair sprang up hurriedly.
ut Is In the ante ROOM" he said. 81 will
bring it,"
Sagan rose from his place as Unfair re-
turned with naked sword in his hand.
The count took 1t, and laid 1t on the table
before him.
Then, standing, he addressed the court:
Gentlemen of the guard must thank
you. in the first place, for the admirable
patience with which you have listened to
the details of the abominable crime with
which the prisoner, John Hollywood, is
charged. His guilt has been proved up to
the hilt by Lieut.. Unziar's evidence, but In
addition to that the accused was not
ashamed to convict himself out of his own
mouth. The sentence upon a traitor, as
upon mutinous soldier, Is unalterable. 1t
is death! No doubt, gentlemen, we are
unanimously agreed upon that, and the for
mality of the ballot is all that is left
The ballot box stood upon side table
at the upper end of the room, and beside
it a basket with number of ivory balls,
some black, some white. The officers went
up in rotation and each with his back to
the company placed ball Of the color he
chose in the ballot box.
The haggard daylight was fading slowly
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-08-26
s.nor-is of Preceding Chapters.

Nassau little duchy in Europe, whlcn
has maintained its Independence because OF
the jealouses Of the large surrounding couh-
tries. seems about to be swallowed up. Ger
many is represented at Reyonde, the capital,
by the shrewd STATE sman. Baron Won Eimur.
England's Influence is strong and Major
CounsalIor's presence mears much. France
and Russia are also playing the diplomatic
game At the time the story opens John
Hollywood, a young Englishman. who has
served seven years in the Nassau frontier
cavalry Is about to resign his commission,
when Selpdorf. the chancellor and man OF
the hour sends for him ard makes him
gentleman Of the guard Hollywood meets
Valerie Selpdorf. the chaneeilor's daughter.
The gentlemen Of the guard object to fhe
appointment Of the Englishman. unziar.
leader. and a suito- for Valerie's hand. ar
ranges for the snair of honor involved.
misses his shot and. with his companions.
is overcome by the manly bearing Of
Rallywood Countess Sagan takes a great
interest in Railywood Won Elmur plots
with SeIpdorf in behalf of Germany to
disband the guard At the castle Valerie
ofYends tho duke. Sagan. fearing that the
women will spoil the plot, wishes to cause
the death of Valerie and his wife. Won
Elmur will not consent because he
wishes to marry Valerie Meantime.
the guards Unfair. Colendorp and Rally
wood must he disposed Of. Won Einur.
Unfair and Rallywood WOO Valerie. Coun-
tess Sagan foresees the danger of the yonng
Englishman and warns him Colendorp
refuses to be traitor to the duke and Is
murdered by Sagan in the presence Of Won
Elrlur. The followers of sacan attack the
guard in the castle Rallywocd and Unfair
are oyerpowered but Major Counsellor. in
disguise as the duke appears and the whole
affair is hushed up. Sagan does not dare 20
carry ont his present plot. since Germany,
Russia and England world know about IT.
Countess Sagan and Valerie escape death
from a prearranged runaway and Hollywood
finds them badly frightened at n frontier
fort. Here the countess attempts to humble
Valerie but Hollywood turns the tables by
declaring his love for the Young girl and
thea hastcns away TO RcvoHde before an
explanation can be made. Won Elmur and
Salpdorf plan to withhold the English pro-
poSals from Maasau. Hollywood is sent to
Kofn Ford to take charge of a prisoner.
The unknown prisoner turns out TO be Major
Counsellor. returning from England. The two
fell0w-eountrymen quarrel over the question
of honor involved, hut Hollywood. who. as a
good soldier, sees no farther than the
point of his sword places Counsellor in
charge of Unfair and hastens to Revonde.
Here he meets Valerie and discovers her
love for him Selpdorf proposes that Rally
wood return Counsellor's dispatches in order
to save Maasau from German invasion. The
mission means death, but Hollywood under
takes it.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-08-26

whatever you say interests me-" he
urged. his eyes following hers.
She pouted coQuettishly.
Yes. because / speak of Valerte!
''No. it is because you speak," he declared
amorously. Tell me of Mile. Valerie II
you WILL this as a concession, though
you could tell me something more interest
Ing
mot more interesting to you than this, !"
she exclaimed, nodding her golden head at
him with her little air Of foolish wisdom
ut is lucky that Captain Hollywood isis
about to furnish an object lesson. for
she raised her slender finger and laid 1t on
her lips, smiling at him.
He looked round. They were alone In a
smaller drawing room; 1t was not possible
for the guests in the other saloon to see
them. He drew the finger from her lips
and pressed 1t to his own. He would WOO
the truth from this beautiful fool. HIS
words meant one thing. his looks anoth another.
"And Valerie?' he questioned, seeming
to count her fingers on his palm. -,
valerie loves him-she told me so,
whispered Isolde, since there was no long
er need to speak louder.
"And you. my dear LADY," And 1t may
be the speech was more fmpassioned De-
cause in his heart he was damning the PIC
turesqueness of the captain of the guard.
And Hollywood? Rallywood sat in his
quarters thinking thoughts that, nKe
music lead sometimes on to exaitation. his
earthly life was done, and he looked out
into the dim beyond fearlessly. His eyes
were set and sad for he should see ner
face and hear Vaerie's voice no more, put
he would be waiting in that somewhere TOT
her A man in the suDremer hours o1ten
turns again to the faiths of his childnood
so now Hollywood, at the summit or ms
life, found himself given back all those
lost dreams.
He did not know how she came there.
He heard no footstep enter. And when ne
knew, neither spoke. ~
There was nothing to say: it was all
understood so well. She stood beside nlm'
her hands in his in a strange luli OF mu-
tual knowledge.
How did you Gomez he asked her. at
last.
Anthony" she answered. HE knows
ALL"
"How like him, But" with mans ready
thought for the woman he loves, you must
not be found here Say goodbye to me,
Valerie.
John" she chung to him, chow can let
you go? You are dying for Maasau-for my
father-for me-yes yes; can guess an
"Valerie do you know what your love IS
to me? I need nothing more. L nave not
thought of what there is beyond. but Wnen
you want me you will find me waiting.
In the long silence life itself might have
been suspended.
.'When?' said Valerie, in a sudden recol-
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-08-26

Sagan swept on. He was q man who
trampled horribly updA Fallen foe.
At last Wallenioup fcohld bear 1t no
the count, led the way from the room. the
line closing with Hollywood between Adolf
Left alone In theGsrsat, dim. vaultea
chamber. Sagan stood upright and watched
the door through which they had fled out,
and there came upon him in the dying day
light terrible moment, such as all uncon-
trolied natures must at times know
sense Of the futility ofralb things, a knowl-
edge that life has losf its taste, the hid
eousness Of finally baffied desire.
He hurled out his heavy arms with
wild gesture.
"Where have they Eone? Where are
they, the strong lusts and hates and tri-
umphs-the satisfactons of the old days?
The world has grown puny. 1t is empty,
empty, emptyr'
CHAPTER xxx.
'UpOn the Great Worlds Altar Stairs.'
It Is a commonplace that selfish natures,
baked Of qualification, seek relief in max
ing the unhappiness of others, preferably
OF those who are helpless to resist or re-
sent. Therefore Count Sagan employed the
interval before going to the palace to pro-
cure the signature of the duke to Rally
woods death warrant in paying flying
visit to his wife, whom he had not seen
since the morning Of the boar hunt at the
castle.
He found several other people calling
upon Madame de Sagan, who was not fond
of solitude. Numbers gave the pretty
countess courage. She took no notice Of
her husbands entrance. although the soft
color left her face instantly as candle
flame Is blown out But Count Simon had
only five minutes to spare and something
to say in them Isolde's feeble rebellion es-
capped him: he strobe to her side and with
single glance dispersed the little coterfe
of guests about her. the only one who kept
his position being Baron Won Elmur.
Sagan stood before his wife, an evil smile
on his coarse, bearded mouth. He nodded
at Elmur.
81 have news of interest for both of you"
"Ahi IL is over them" Elmur asked at
once. He discerned the counts intention,
and would have averted its fulfillment if
possible. The thought that he was about
to make a woman unhappy never deferred
Elmur from any course of action whatso-
ever, but he preferred not to see them So
He delighted in pretty women. and Isolde
of Sagan exceptionally pretty; there
fore, for the sake of the next half hour of
her society he would have spared her the
tidings her husbands malice designed to
thrust upon her in public. Afterward the
deluge might come, but what matter? Have
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-08-26
No Wender 1t Panied,

A tender-hearted old woman noticed
horse with broad rubber band stretched
round its leg just above the hoof. She
asked the driver Of the cab why 1t was
there, and suggested that 1t was cruel to
place 1t on the animal
Yes, num-" replied the cabby, ITS pain
full to the horse. no doubt. but that's not
the worst of It. It's the getting of it on
that pains the poor thing. Why, We had to
stretch the band and draw 1t over the
horses head and down all his body to get it
on