davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1899-05-06

in Virginia, and he cannot hold out
much longer. When he surrenders, the
Southern Confederacy dies. "
"And what will make Uncle Bob
give inH'' asked Ackers, over whose
bearded face there spread an expression
of pitiful pathos.
"When he yields, it will be to over
whelming numbers. The widest parti-
san of the north will never dare claim
that her success was attained through
superior generalship or heroism. Had
the contending forces been equal. with
the same resources for each. the south
never would have been conquered"
Jim Ackers struck his knee resound-
ing slap and swore an oath.
GAS true as gospel Not forgetting,
though, that we have had the advantage
of fighting on the defensive; but then
we're all Americans and belong to the
same family. which the same being the
case, reckon. Yank, we can shake.
Lieutenant Oakman heartily grasped
each hand in turn.
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1899-05-06
CHAPTER XVII.
RRIDGING THE CHASM.

Jack, the superb thoroughbred. car
ried Lieutenant Oakman over the moon
, lit road with swiftness and ease that
filled his rider with admiration. The
steed. as black as the eyes of his mis-
tress. seemed tireless. 1t was so long
since he had had an opportunity for
stretching his peerless limbs that he
reveled in the enjoyment of sweeping
mile after mile behind him.
Twice during the night the ieuten-
ant met other horsemen, but. although
they exchanged salutations, the uni
form of the officer awoke no suspicion,
if indeed it was noticed. Some time
latel. however. he found himself sud
denly pursued by a squad of cavalry
who shouted to him to halt and give an
account of himself. Figuratively speak
ing, Jack laughed ut the party and
with little effort threw them hopelessly
to the rear.
But Oakman knew how to treat such
noble animal. Just as it was growing
light he turned off from the main road
and approached a negro's cabin, that
belonged to one Of the plantations that
were the rule in that state. 1t was lit
tie risk for Union fugitive to trust
any member of the African race, and
when the horseman had made known
who he was the negro and his wife
showed him genuine southern hospital
ity. While the man was looking after
the horse. the NANNY prepared
nourishing meal of pone. bacon and po-
tatoes. which was fully enjoyed by the
officer, who then lay down in a rear
room and slept uninterruptedly until
the middle of the afternoon.
Upon coming to himself, Oakman
was surprised to hear men conversing in
the front room. Listening for mo-
ment. he recognized the voices as those
of white persons who had made him the
subject of their conversation. 1t was
easy to tell from their words that they
had come down upon the dwelling so
suddenly that the negro had no time to
warn his guest. AS the only thing,
therefore, to do. he stoutly maintained
that he had no guest at all.
II tole yo', he insisted. "dere amt
nobody hyah Dar warn't nobody in
blue clothes like Marse Linkum's sojers
dat rid up here dis mornin jes' afore
day an had breakfas'. Dar amt nc
such pusson. am dar. Dine?"
Thus appealed to, the wife came to
the rescue of her embarrassed husband
nobly.
"Co'se dey ain'tl" she Indignantly
protested. IAN his black hoss, dat y
| de finest critter in Jawgy, amt out in
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1899-05-06

the document to Miss Hartman, and
she, in the most natural manner con-
ceivable, stood just behind and at his
side, denouncing him in scathing terms.
And the feat was accomplished under
the eyes of the squad Of irregular guer-
rillas, eagerly seeking an excuse for tax
ing his life.
Mrs. Benware, failing to see the light
ninglike transfer, groaned in spirit over
the seemingly fatal misfortune.
When the moment came in which a
doubt thrown upon the alleged hand
writing of Captain Trenholm by Miss
Hartman would have insured the shoot
ing Of the prisoner. she interposed by
declaring unreservedly Though with
painful regret) that the writing was
his.
That assertion saved the lieutenant
for the time, but, as has been made
clear. his captors were "irregulars,
who manifested determination to hit
upon some pretext. as in the venerable
incident of the wolf and lamb. for
thrusting him off the earth. He was
still in great peril, and only by des-
perate rush could he gain possible
chance of saving himself. 1t has been
shown what he did, and it remains to
add that Miss Hartman took good care
not to indulge in the privilege Of her
sex and scream until the signs of return
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1899-05-06

Lieutenant OfkmNn HCNTClly yTuSUou
each hand I'M t1trn.
Gle here has given Us all square meal
and our animals have had time to rest
and eat, We'll be off. hear that Sher-
man. with that army of $4,000. 900. not
counting the 100000 niggers that
have come in on the chorus, is so far
over toward the sea that there ain t any
doubt he's aiming for Savannah.
"Such I happen to know to be the
fact" replied the lieutenant, who saw
no risk in making known what he had
learned weeks before, though he took
care to give no intimation of the chan
mel through which the knowledge was
filtered to him.
"They seem to be taking their time,
observed Masters thoughtfully. "And,
though it's mighty tough, l don't know
that l blame 'em. 1 suppose it's the
fortunes of war. and it looks to me as If
the wind up isn't far off.
"When | learned that that big army
had cut loose from Atlanta. added
Ackcrs. II said that if they dived
plumb through the heart of the Confed-
eracy it would make split that never
could heal What do you think, ieuten-
anti"
"There's no earthly doubt of it., q" re-
piled the officer, who repressed the Sc
cret delight in his heart, through his
sympathy for these two brave men that
had fought SO long and well on the los
ing side Grant is hemming in Lee
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1899-05-06
@iseel1ameous &eaaima.
WORK OF The FIRE FIEND,
General Wade Hampton Burned Out of
House and Homo.
hfo

General Wade Hampton Burned Out of
House and Home.
Columbia Record, Tuesday.
The residence of General Hampton
just east of the city, was burned to
the ground this morning between.2 2 and
8 o'clock.
The flames were discovered by the
sleeping inmates by reason of the smoke
and heat; but luckily in time to save
themselves as well as some of the fur.
niture and household effects.
The aged general had been unwell
for several days and had to take to bis
bed. He was unable to walk and had
to be carried out of the burning house
by colored men who had been aroused.
The people in the neighborhood
were aroused as quickly as possible,
and they assembled and gave all the
assistance in their power but it was
evident from the beginning that the
building was doomed to destruction.
The fire originated at about the same
place it did twice recently-kitchen
part-one of which incipient fires the
aged warrior himself stopped. This
morning the first thought was to get
him to place of safety. He was car.
rieG out and placed in chair at a safe
distance away, where he sat and wit
messed the flames slowly destroy his
dwelling and much of its valuable
contents.
The neighbors in the meantime were
saving furniture and succeeded in car.
rying away considerable portion of
it. The general had a very valuable
library, the collection of years. Every
effort was made to save as many of
these books as possible; but many of
great value were lost. The fire may
have been of incendiary origin, though
it is thought that more likely it origin
ated from a kitchen fire. A colored wo-
man had been ironing in the place
during the afternoon and it may have
caught the building from a defective
chimney.
The greatest sympathy was express
ed by everybody over the serious loss
to the general, and some enthusiastic
old CoDfeds Immediately began talking
of building him another house, show
ing the deep regard they have for their
old chief.
The fire was first discovered by the
general, who saw light which at first
appeared to him as being the break of
day. He hobbled to door and found
the whole house ablaze.
Among the losses were some valua-
BILE historical and personal papers kept
in a desk. The library consisted of
about 5000 volumes and some of the
books destroyed cannot be replaced.
Among them was-anA printed few
years after the invention of the print
ing press. The general had a very
valuable English saddle which he used
throughout the war, and which he
priced very highly. This was lost.
About 1000 books were saved, they
being stored in another building close
by. Much of the family silverware
was lost. In a trunk were family jew
els. It could not be taken out; but
water was poured on that portion Of
the house constantly and they were
saved with comparatively little injury.
There was not a cent of insurance.
General Hampton is living temporarily
in small house on the premises.
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1899-05-06
IN THE DEBATABLE Land.
HxEDwARDs 8. ELLIS.

"No. After he had sat up awhile and
his head had cleared, I suppose. he
made plunge through the door. He
was SO angry that he kept remark1ng
those dreadful remarks and he was IN
such a hurry that he bumped all the
way to the bottom. and them
"He INDUCED in more remarks.
The sisters raised their hands, with
the palms spread outward, and ahook
their heads in mute horror. Really they
couldn't do justice to the subject.
"And when he found had appropri-
ated his horse. it was necessary for him
to venture upon more language.
Very likely he did, said Mrs. Ben
ware, .'but sister and I did not dare
listen. We closed and bolted the door,
and staid inside. We didn't know
whether to expect you back or not and
were about to retire when you rode into
the lane. You must have had quite a
trying time yourself, lieutenant.
His buoyancy of spirits was perhaps
natural after his safe deliverance from
his many dangers, but the occasion was
too serious for levity. He sat near the
open window with his horse in sight,
ready to fly upon the first appearance OF
danger
1.-The closest call. as it seems to me, y
he added, "was just after l had showed
that paper into my pocket, the order
was given to search me. If the paper
had been found. shouldn't have been
the only one who would have paid the
penalty"
81 was ready to sink" said Mrs
Benware. ''for l saw no hope.
Wasn't it managed brilliantlyT
asked the lieutenant with a chuckle.
.'Signor Blitz himself couldn't have
beaten such sleight of hand. -
Have you come for it3'' asked Mrs.
Benware. lowering her voice and glanc-
ing around. as if fearful of eavesdrop-
pers. The visitor nodded and then pass
ed into the hall. opened the front door
and stood for a minute or two in the
attitude of close attention. Neither ear
nor eve revealed cause for alarm. What
ever had become of that squad Of Will
kins' cavalry. it was certain they were
nowhere in the neighborhood.
Once more Lieutenant Oakman un-
folded the remarkable document and
by the light of the candle examined
the drawings and explanatory writing.
II never saw anything to equal it.
he remarked. as if speaking to himself.
THE information is enormously valu-
able. but ~
With that he flung the document into
the fire. 1t had smoldered somewhat
since his previous call. but the paper
caught instantly and was quickly con-
sumed.
my. my What is the meaning of
that?'' asked the shocked Mrs. Ben
ware.
That's where it belongs. " said the
lieutenant. COMPRISING his lips "Hith-
erto have been in reality spy. though
in uniform. An honorable soldier, Cap
tain Trenholm. risked his life for me to-
night. l carry a letter Of protection
from him. which will be all sufficient
except with scoundrels like these irreg-
ular cavalrymen, and henceforth. what
ever befalls me. shall meet my fate
with clean hands and with honor untar-
nished. And now must be off.
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1899-05-06

WRITING ON THE TRAIN.-Travel-
ers on railroads have long hoped for
the invention of an appliance which
would enable them to write without
difficult on board train in motion. A
German railroad has just been equip
ped with an appliance which is said to
work we'll. 1t is board suspended
from the ceiling by strong, but elastic
cords, which not only prevents vibra-
ton, but the swinging motion of The
car is not communicated. A small
charge is made for the use of this
swinging desk.
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1899-05-06

CHEsTNUT.-Mr. Joseph Jefferson
attributes the introduction of the word
"chestnut" in its slang sense to the
late William Warren, the veteran
comedian, of Boston. "There is a
melodrama," says Mr.. Jefferson, "but
little known to the present generation,
written by William Dillon and called
"The Broken Sword" There were
two characters in it-one Captain
Zavier and the other the comedy part
of Pablo. The captain is sort of
Baron Munchausen, and in telling of
his exploits says, 1 entered the woods
of Galloway, when suddenly from the
thick boughs of cork tree Pablo
interrupts him with the words, "a
chestnut, captain chestnut" Bah =
replies the captain. 'Booby, 1 say a
cork tree" "a CHESTNUT" reiterates
Pablo. II should know as we'll as
you, having heard you tell the tale
these 81 times"
civilian Warren, who had often
played the part of Pablo, was at a
stag dinner when one of the gentle
men present told story of doubtful
age and originality. "a chestnut"
murmured Mr.. Warren, quoting from
the play. ~ have heard you tell the
tale these 81 times" The application
of the lines pleased the rest of the ta-
BILE, and when the party broke up each
helped to spread the story and MIR.
Warren's commentary. And that"
concluded Mr.. Jefferson, "is what /
really believe to be the origin of the
word chestnut IN. Y. World.
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1899-05-06

The Slape arns seated smoking his pipe.
the ways. A careful reconnaissance
having failed to reveal any sign of dan
ger. the lieutenant placed himself in the
saddle. Pete helping to fix his boots IN
the stirrups. Then the slave dotted his
hat and wished his friend well.
As Oakman leaned over the side OF
his horse to shake the hard, honest
hand he left in the palm every green.
back with single exception that he
owned Then. twitching the rein. he
went down the highway like a thunder
bolt.
1t was brief gallop to the fork.
where he reined up his superb steed.
Hesitating but minute. he turned to
the right. and. pausing briefly in the
highway at the opening of the lane that
led to the home of Mrs. Benware and
her sister. he drew near the house with
his animal on walk.
1t would be supposed that he had had
a sufficiently alarming experience to
make him shy of that place. but he ap-
peared to be satisfied that everything
was right. fer. tying his horse. he walk
ed up the steps and again sounded the
knocker. Several minutes passed before
the summons was answered. and he
knew from certain sounds that the ladies
We're taking cautious observations. If
so. it did not require long to identify
him. Shortly after he was seated in the
identical chair which he occupied when
made prisoner earlier in the evening
with the sisters trembling with pleas
ure and misgiving and the fire burning
on the broad hearth.
His first inquiry was
"What became of that fellow that I
partly choked. Is he goneY''
''He is gone Oh, my. my. thought
you had killed him. said the good Mrs
Benware, with a shiver at the recollec-
tion.
IF could have been sure of two or
three more minutes. | might have
brought about that happy consumma-
tion. Did he make any remarks?''
"Remarks!" exclaimed the Mortified
Miss Davis. "You have no idea of the
shocking things he said"
II can very well imagine. l can't
find it in my heart to criticise him.
Then he didn't inger long after his
friends leftY''
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1899-05-06
Copyright, 1899, by the Author.
CHAPTER XVI.

WITH JACK.
One of the curious features of that
nights stirring incidents was that.
from their opening to the close. the
good Mrs. Eldridge slept uninterrupted
". Not until the following day did she
learn of the alarming experiences of her
friends The same can be said of Aunt
Marcie and her lively son Rastus.
though in their case the fact perhaps
was not so remarkable. since they were
further removed from the turmoil
As Lieutenant Oakman drew near the
humble home of Pete, the faithful serv,
ant of General Eldridge, burning point
of light and pungent smell of tobacco
brooding in the air apprised him that.
despite the lateness of the hour. the
slave was seated on the bench in front
of his cabin. smoking his pipe 1t may
have been that what he had passed
through rendered the old man restless.
and he was seeking to soothe his nerves
before lying down for rest,
Naturally he was astonished when he
recognized the Union officer approach
ing him. 1t required several minutes
for Oakman to make clei r that he had
returned to avail himself of the offer of
Miss Eldridge Pete knocked the ashes
from his pipe and gave grunt of dis
gust.
kin yo' explain" he asked with
surprising frankness. why 20 was
borned sich debblish fool?'
That parting with Miss Eldridge had
put Lieutenant Oakman in frame OF
mind that made it impossible for him
to be offended with anything in which
she was interested. Still there was i'm
minent need of haste
81 admit. Pete. that | have acted
foolishly, but it is not good manners for
you to refer to it. Besides. a number OF
Captain Wilkins cavalry are near the
house looking for me. and if don t get
away in short order shall be killed.
"De Lawd bress me! Yo' doan say!
gasped the scared Pete. IF dat am so,
yo've got to scratch grabbel!'
In his alright he moved as if he were
a young man again. With the officer at
his heels he led the way across the old
cotton field. or rather along it's margin.
for he fully comprehended the peril
that threatened the young man for
whom he had formed a strong attach
ment. Then they penetrated into the
woods until they came upon Il tumble
down structure that had been converted
into rude stable, where the beautiful
thoroughbred Jack had long been kept
closely looked after by Pete.
He was again saddled and bridled.
and then by long. circuitous route
was conducted to the highroad at a
point about half way between the home
of General Eldridge and the forking Of
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1899-05-06

p1 The shops in Paris for the sale
of fuel by retail are almost as numer-
GUS as the bakeries. They are always
neat ; and the wood, coal, and kind
ling are arranged in a most artistic
manner. The wood is piled so as to
show the evenly sawed ends; the
samples of coal are arranged in glass
dishes; and in some of the shops,
where orders are taken for the whole
sale places, wood is arranged in the
windows and decorated with growing
moss and ferns. Indeed, the chief aim
of the French shopkeepers is to make
his shop attractive.
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1899-05-06

hLSDG7tG 0GTeG 10 tett the hdppB WUe.
ing consciousness on the part Of the half
strangled soldier warned her that it was
prudent to do .so.- ,...,-......-.. .
"By this time" said Captain Oak
man, in recalling the incident, 81 had
begun to feel that was the meanest
man between the Atlantic and the Pa
cific.
"And why2" asked his wife, turning
her eyes reproachfully upon him.
"They cay all is fair in love and war,
and I know that both sides employed
hundreds of spies. had no compunc-
ton in turning off to your plantation to
obtain what Miss Hartman was prepar-
ing for US. When. however. saw how
thoroughly you trusted her and the ad-
vantage she was taking Of your conf
dence, my conscience troubled me.
"But can a spy be successful through
employing any other means for gaining
information
81 presume not. Such was the reply
I made to the upbraidings of my better
nature. 1 shut my eyes and kept at it
until the time came when could stand
it no longer.
"When was that2"
"After your brother stood alone in
front of the men who were thirsting for
my life and held them at bay, and you
came forth and made me take your
horse and use him in my flight. I felt
as I galloped off in the moonlight that
was despicable wretch without the
first spark of gratitude. Miss Hartman
had betrayed your confidence. but she
could not bring the betrayal to full
fruition without my help, and was
giving her that help at the risk Of her
life and my own. True, I was in the
uniform of the Union army, and there
fore it might be claimed technically
that was not a spy, but that made my
meanness the more atrocious- / was
taking advantage of the trust placed in
me by your brother. Unable to provide
me with an escort, he did everything in
his power to save me from danger and
annoyance.
"Well. to cut my story short. turned
off from the highway and rode straight
to the home CT Mrs Benware. where
Miss Hartman had left the letter for
me, though she herself was absent l
made sure that the document was the
right one and then threw it into the
fire and waited until it changed to
ashes. Then. with the help of Ackers
and Masters. | reached our lines, and
the incident was closed. so far as I was
concerned
"What became of Miss Hartmann"
asked the wife after moments silence.
"She left the south at the close Of the
war Since she has no intention of ever
returning, and the war is over, have
no hesitation in telling you her secret.
She was paid generous sum for her
services. and l suppose what she did
may be looked upon as legitimate. All
the same. however. it is an unpleasant
recollection. and am sure. wife, that
you despise her.
81 do"
"WhyT'
because she consented to become q
hypocrite. And what can be more des-
picable than such a person ?"
Nothing, and for time was one.
mo, never! Or. added the wife,
with twinkle of her fine eyes. eff you
were, you repented in time, and then,
too. hypocrisy is sometimes pardonable
in a man. but never in a woman, for
his motive may be commendable. while
hers cannot be. -
"Spoken like woman, and like the.
truest, best wife either north or south
Of the late Mason and Dixon's line.
THE END.
Warren sheaf. [volume] (Warren, Marshall County, Minn.) 1880-current, 1899-04-27
VIKING.

s...s April %, 1899.
Few farmers have not yet sowed
much Of their. wheat, the last rain
and sleet setting the work at a
stand-still for several days.
Mrs. c. Flodstrom, who had one
OF her shoulder-joints dislocated by
accident went to Warren to-day to
have her arm examined by DR.. Wat
tam. The doctor drove out here
fully 13 miles during a dark night to
attend to her injuries.
To-day DR.. Wattam drove out to
examine Mrs. A. G. Stallberg, who
has been ailing for some time past.
He pronounced it a case of gall
stones.
Our school in district 81 is now in
good working order, and it only re-
mains for the roads to dry up toget
a full attendance.
Mr.. a. M. Anderson returned from
Iowa last Wednesday.
Sunday school has also started
and will continue throughout sum
mer withsMr. Oscar Drotts, we think,
as principal teacher. BOB B.
Warren sheaf. [volume] (Warren, Marshall County, Minn.) 1880-current, 1899-04-27
BIG WOODS,

sas.-..-. April 21st, 1889.
Well, we have had another squat
Of rain and snow again, but to-day
the sun came out bright in the after
noon. If it keeps dry till Monday
it will probably be dry enough to
start seeding again.
The ice is all out of the Red River
now, so all danger OF a flood is over
for this year. ..7., ......-.-...a ...
Our schools have been running the
last two weeks. In Dist. No. ~ Mr..
Dah1quist is teacher, in Dist. No. s
Miss Clara Tondrum, in Dist. No.62
r:A1rtahpr johnson, and in the new
district Miss Spice is teaching
Mrs. 81. G. N@seth presented her
husband pair of twins on last Mon
day, one boy and one girl. That
makes ten. Who says we can't raise
children in Big Woods? ~ x.
J. -. VyKUNG III i 9Th.