davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Meade County news. [volume] (Meade, Kan.) 1900-1918, 1900-12-27
Holly svoOen Round Hearth.

The holly, with its bright berries
and glossy leaves, is one of the most
decorative greens used at the Christ
mas season, and is adapted especially
well to wreath form, the color lasting
longer and the general shape being
more satisfactory than when made Of
the evergreen. Strange as it may
seem, hundreds of holly wreaths are
sent out to the cemeteries, their green
and red brightness signifying the low
ing remembrance for the dear ones
passed away-yet somehow little in
congruous even from sentimental
standpoint. One is apt to associate
holly with cracking wood fires, roll
licking jollity, good eating and drink
ing, and other material enjoyment,
that in memoriam it seems a trifle out
of place; yet in the poem of that name
which Tennyson has made immortal,
we read: With trembling fingers did
we weave the holly round the Christ
mas hearth So that the holly has
before its present vogue in cemeteries
been associated with the memory of
those no longer in our midst.
Botanically speaking, the holly is a
genus of trees and shrubs of the nat
ural order Aqui foliaseae, chiefly ma
tives of temperate climates, with ever
green, leathery, shining and generally
spinous leaves. The common holly,
the only European species, and a ma
tive of some parts of Asia, also is a
well-known ornament of woods, parks
and strawberries in Great Britain, the
stiffness of its habit being so compen-
stated by the abundance of its branches
and leaves as to make it one of the
most beautiful evergreens. 1t is found
as native plant in Scotland, al
though Britain is nearly its northern
limit. 1t attains greater size and dis
plays greater luXuriance in the north
ern than in the southern parts of its
geographic range, often appearing in
the former as a tree of considerable
size-twenty to fifty feet high-while
in the latter it is generally mere
bush. The name holly used to be de-
rived from the very ancient use of the
branches and BERRIES to decorate
churches at Christmas, said to be con-
nected originally with the Roman
Saturnalia, from which the tree was
called holy tree.
Meade County news. [volume] (Meade, Kan.) 1900-1918, 1900-12-27

and the driving needlelike snow cess
ed for a moment to blind his vision.
Before him in hollow of the bank
he saw three forms. Two were pres
trate, the other was kneeling, and
the soldier realized that the white
face of young Carruthers was turned
toward him. while from the lips came
the smothered cry, Sergeant Tier
man,"
Herman stumbled forward and sank
down beside the motionless figures,
half covered with snow
Save Them came in anguished
the nearest form and looked into the
face of Molly Blake. Exposure had
well-nigh done its work. Then a
thought flashed into his mind, and
with an action as quick as tne thought
he sprang to the side CT his horse and
thrust his hand into the saddle bag.
There was the bottle of brandy intact
In trice quantity of the stimulant
was forced between the lips of the
storms victims and signs of return
ing consciousness were almost imme-
date. Herman used his saddle blan-
ket and overcoat as a further protec-
ton and soon succeeded in getting the
three into still more sheltered nook.
After long waiting the storm subsid-
ed, and then came the thump of hoof
falls. A minute later troop of cav
airy, led by Colonel Blake, broke
round the edge of the bluff The
Colonel slipped from his horse and
took his daughter into his arms. The
troopers started fire, and when its
genial warmth had made itself felt
the story was told in a few words.
Sergeant Tiernan," said Colonel
Blake, that bottle of brandy saved
three lives.'
Maybe" returned Herman, but you
may thank what you said this morn
ing for there being a drop in it"
Patrick Francis Herman, retired
first sergeant K troop, Seventh cav
airy, wears massive gold watch. In
scribed on the inside of one case are
these words: From Molly Blake to
Sergeant Herman, Non-Commissioned
Officer and Gentleman Within the
back case Sergeant Herman had en-
graved these: I've known the chew
ron or the plain sleeve to do the trick
as we'll. Christmas Day, $780,"
Meade County news. [volume] (Meade, Kan.) 1900-1918, 1900-12-27

She was shown several samples, some
with golden hair, some with dark
hair.
Does it go to sleep?" she asked, as
one was. handed to her. She was as
sured it did go to sleep when it lay
on its back, for then the eyes were
closed. Then she took it in her arms
and fairly Rugged it and her eyes were
dancing with joy. By this time all
four were standing in open mouthed
establishment to see themselves the
possessors of SO many things Each
was holding his selection tightly in his
arms
Don't we get them right now?"
they asked. And they laughed out
right when they were told that this
was to be the case. The Two-Spot
handed the money to the clerk, who
took the things and had them wrapped
up. Two of the little ones were look
ing up at the Two-Spot, two at the
Three-Spot. Almost simultaneously
from four little mouths came the ques-
ton, Who are you?" And the an
swer was the same in both cases-"Oh,
1 am a friend of Santa Claus"
rs this the store where Santa Claus
lives?"
Yes"
Then the tables were turned and
the Spots found out from the children
that they lived on Woodbridge street
and had ten brothers and sisters. The
littliest fellow chung to the Two-Spot's
thumb on the way out, as he had COM
ing in. Finally the party came to the
big entrance again.
Now you'll go home and be good
children, won't you?"
Yes" they all said in chorus. And
they all turned and smiled goodbye.
AS the little girl passed the Two-Spot
she came close to him and whispered
the smiling words, Thank you" Then
they crossed the street, hand in hand,
a happy little caravan, each hugging
his precious bundle.
Meade County news. [volume] (Meade, Kan.) 1900-1918, 1900-12-27

ruthers, her son and the Colonel's
daughter, Miss Molly Blake.
They arrived" said the driver in
response to Tiernan's question, ION
an earlier train than was expected and
left for the post in an open wagon be-
fore l arrived. Mrs. Carruther's son,
who came with her, hired the team,
SAID he knew the way, and would
drive the party over They've had
half an hour the start, and if they
keep to the new road they can make
the post before this blizzard is strong
enough to hurt them. It's too late
now for me to put back, however, and
Tin going to stay here"
Herman looked at the sky. The
clouds had banked up thickly, and the
snow was coming faster and faster,
blown by constantly rising wind.
The last time young Carruthers was
at the post he thought, 1.-The old road
was in USE He does not know of
the short new one. If he takes the
old trail round the bluff they're lost"
Then he thought of Molly, whom ten
years ago in the far-off Apache coun-
try, he had taught to ride Molly, for
whom he had been bodyguard all
through. her childhood. Without a
word to a soul he mounted and struck
| off into the very teeth of the storm.
| Don't fail me this day, Joe Hooker"
he said.
The horse, as if in answer, galloped
steadily forward. The air seemed
| %,,,.,
rising. They came at last to the
parting of the old and the new roads
Herman slipped from his horse, and
at a part of the now disused trail,
sheltered slightly by an embank-
ment, he found the fresh marks of a
wheel. Carruthers had taken the old
roundabout road The blizzard was
| at its height. Herman blinded his
horse and bending low over the sad
die kept him to his task with encour-
aging words. For an hour they. kept
steadily on in the face of the tempest
To any others than that plains-tried
soldier and steed the blizzard would
have meant death. He had hoped to
! overtake those whom he sought in
time 60 take them back to the new
path. The hope was given over long
since. Suddenly Joe Hooker stopped.
There was an obstruction on the trail.
Tiernan slid from the saddle, his
limbs already stiffened with the cold
and with one hand on his steed's
bride he led the way gropingly for
a few steps. There he found an open
carriage empty and with two horses
overcome in the trail. Tiernan's
heart nearly failed him. He knew he
was almost on the point where the
trail rounded the bluff Perhaps the
carriage occupants had sought shelter
under the lee of the embankment
Toward it he made his painful way. A
cry came family to his ear above the
bowling of the storm. He stumbled on
with his left hand still grasping tight
ly Joe Hooker's bride. In another
moment the steep embankment shut
out some of the fury of the wind
Meade County news. [volume] (Meade, Kan.) 1900-1918, 1900-12-27
window

And sure enough, there were four
poorly clad, cold-looking little urchins,
three little boys and girl somewhat
larger, gazing as earnestly at the gay
things within as if they were priceless
Jewels We crossed the street and
came near to them from behind
"Oh, look at that fire engine" the
biggest boy was saying, and the 9TH
ers were pointing out so many things
that they were all talking at once.
What are you going to get for
Christmas?" asked the Three-Spot Of
the littliest one The lad glanced up,
smiled, and looked into the window
again without speaking. The question
was repeated.
I-don't-know," came the answer
slowly and softly.
We'll. what would you like to get
for Christmas
The little one smiled and looked
hard into the window again without
answering.
Finally he whispered softly, "a
horse"
"And what would you like, my lit
tie MANI" asked the Two-Spot of the
next largest boy. This boy had beau
tiful big brown eyes and clean face,
though evidently pinched by hunger.
"A hook and ladder" was the an
swer.
And the third wanted fire engine
and the little girl would like to get a
doll. So the Spots took the covey in
tow and led them into the entrance OF
the big building, where the crowds
were surging to and fro, and the
elevator took the whole party to the
floor where toys were dispensed to
| purchasers. Then the march up the
long aisles between tables covered
with bright and tempting things was
begun, until the horse" department
was reached. The littliest one was
hanging on to the Two-Spot's thumb
with grip that made sure he was
MT going to lose the chance, unless the
thumb gave way.
! ''Oh, gimme that" exclaimed the
biggest boy, pointing to fire engine
with real hose. But it cost as many
Meade County news. [volume] (Meade, Kan.) 1900-1918, 1900-12-27
a cbrlsfmas courfsbio.

I tied my stocking to a string
And lowered it down outside,
WAS expecting anything?
Well, somehow thought golden ring
Such exquisite joy to me would bring;
This much 1 will confide.
I dreamed all night that q neighbor
boy
Came over the trackless snow;
His face ablaze with love-lit Joy,
And he held in his hand q pretty toy,
Which he softly dropped into my de-
coy,
Then back through the night did go.
Next morning when the rooster crew,
l awoke with sudden start,
l seized the string and my stocking
Up from below, and the window
through;
And there beheld my presents-two!
A ring and candy heart.
And the message said, IF you wear
this ring,
And accept this heart of mine,
Wnen you go to church this evening,
And rise to your feet at the opening,
Hold your hymn book when you sing
So that the ring will shine"
1 looked out over the broken snow,
All a-tremble, 1 must confess;
1 recognize each hob-nail shoe,
Over the fields where the footsteps
go.
Shall 1 wear this ring? My lips said
NO"
But my heart was whispering ''Yes!"
As we sat in the church 1 let him see
A CLINT of that golden band;
And in the starlight he walked with
me
Over the snow, and so close walked we
That none the wiser will ever be
How often he squeezed-my hand.
Zelda Radoona.
Meade County news. [volume] (Meade, Kan.) 1900-1918, 1900-12-27
SEEKS PLACE IN CABINET.

John L. Wilson, who represented the
state of Washington in the house of
representatives and afterward in the
senate, aspires to a place in the new
cabinet of President Mckinley, says
Washington dispatch. The secretary
ship of the interior is the post on
which his eye is fixed He says he is
thoroughly familiar with conditions in
the west, and has had sufficient ex-
perience in public life and in the de-
partments at Washington to make an
acceptable official if appointed. He
believes that the political conditions
make his appointment desirable for
the administration, as he says some
thing should be done to hold the new
ly-acquired states in the northwest to
the Republican standard, and says that
Meade County news. [volume] (Meade, Kan.) 1900-1918, 1900-12-27
Rosie UJiicox;s TURKEY.

Rosie Wilcox was little girl of IL
years. She lived with her parents on
a thrifty farm in the Mississippi val
ley. She had one turkey of which shS
thought great deal. He had always
been very tame and was a great pet
with all the children who lived on the
surrounding farms. His name was
Bronzie. Rosie named all of her pets,
according to their most striking fea
ture and his color was bronze. AS all
Mr. Wilcox's turkeys were young,
Rosie never feared for hers.
One day near Christmas Mr. Wilcox
said:
I'm ruther sorry, little one, but I'm
a gonter sell yer turkey next week."
Rosie was dumfounded, and her
father, seeing the panied expression on
her face turned away.
When Rosie had partially recovered
her senses she sat down on the bottom
rung of the ladder that led to the gra-
nary and thought At last a bright
thought struck her. She would sell
him to Farmer Max. She knew he
would take good care of him, as he was
MAKING COllSCIlOu VI ucduIIl
fowls of all kinds, and was not Bronzie
beautiful? Certainly.
Arriving at this conclusion, which
greatly comforted her, she got up and
walked slowly toward the house,
where mamma had been calling her
for at least Is minutes. Next morn
ing after a troubled night, Rosie arose,
and dressing quickly, hurried down the
road with her turkey. She paused in
front, of the large white farm house
to recover her breath, and then went
on to the barns, where she saw the
farmer milking his COWS, He was very
glad to take the turkey, and promised
Rosie good price for him.
Mr.. Wilcox did not see his daughter
until that noon, when he said:
Yer turkey didn't like his new
home, so he come a-trottin' inter the
yard 'safternoon s Though he owned
the whole world
Rosie could have cried, but she only
hung her head.
Never mind, Rosie" said her faith
er, Il guess yer two good friends fer
sure, and 1 guess, too, that 1 won't
part you"
Meade County news. [volume] (Meade, Kan.) 1900-1918, 1900-12-27

a man to do a disagreeable duty.
Enough Of this, however. ! want you
to promise ms that you won't drink
today Get out Of the mud, Herman;
get out of the mud. Promise me you'll
not drink
What's my word worth? I'm not
an officer and gentleman"
1T does not always need strap on
the shoulder to make gentleman,
Herman. I've known the chevron and
the plain sleeve to do the trick as
we'll Promise me-
The. answer came half. sulkily:
We'll. if you want me to promise, I
will" Then the trooper turned and
STROBE away to the stables. taking no
notice of the hand which he knew
instinctively was held out to grasp
his.
At the stables he threw a saddle on
to Joe Hooker, and with a more vi
cious dig from the spur than the horse
had ever before felt from that heel
set out at charge" pace across the
prairie. Miles City came in sight
Meade County news. [volume] (Meade, Kan.) 1900-1918, 1900-12-27
Ghe C6rirfmor Drum.


Children are very keen these days.
An eieht-year-old boy who was
arousing the house with his drum last
Christmas day stopped in front of his
mother and fixed her with his gilt
tering eye"
Mamma, did Santa Claus bring me
this drum?''
Why, yes; you heard your father
say so.'
Where did Santa Claus get it?"
81 don't know, I'm sure"
well, Jones shop has got lot Of
drums just like this
''Indeed?"
did Santa Claus buy it there?"
Perhaps"
But isn't Santa Claus kind of a
fairy?''
81 suppose he must be?'
We'll, how can fairies go into
Jones shop and trade there?"
"Oh, don't ask so many questionsi
But he'd have to pay with fairy
money. Would Mr.. Jones take fairy
money!"
He might
How could hep
Harold Clifford Hodgkins, don't
let me hear another word out of you"
But, mamma, 1 want to know. And
how could Santa Claus, who is so fat.
get down our little bit of chimney"
Hes a fairy"
But how can fairies be fat?"
His mother turned purple and rous-
ed her husband from his newspaper.
Henry" she gasped. take this
boy down town tomorrow and appren-
tice him to lawyer
Meade County news. [volume] (Meade, Kan.) 1900-1918, 1900-12-27

without a word to his fellows, left the
barracks and headed for the stables.
AS he passed the door of the commits
sary the Colonel came out and met
him face to face. Ticrnan's hand went
to his cap in rigid salute.
Good morning, Sergeant" said
Colonel Blake. The old title slipped
out naturally.
Private Herman, sir, now" was
the answer in e tone that implied it
would be pleasure to add, Thanks
to you
LAS you will; Herman; where are
you going?"
I'm n. old guard post; I've walked
post all night and I'm going to ride
over to Miles City, sir"
Are you going to drink today, ser
geant?"-the title again.
Private, sir; 1 don't know; there's
not many that care"
"Tiernan. we've soldiered in the
same command for nearly, thirty years
Yours was a growing fault. A deer
interest and a liking sometimes moves
Meade County news. [volume] (Meade, Kan.) 1900-1918, 1900-12-27
LIVE IN BLISS.
Mistresses and Maids in Perfect Accord
in OuePnsIand.

Mistresses and Maids in Perfect Accord
in Queensland.
Queensland has the distinction of
being the only spot on earth where
mistresses and maids never quarrel,
and the domestic life there is de-
scribed by Mrs. Douglas Campbell of
England, who has just returned from
a visit to that country, as an ideal one.
In that country, she says, the do
nestle servant betters herself in every
way. She has higher wages, more
leisure, more liberty and she is cared
for better than in any other country.
The mistress assists her to establish
a home of her own, and her success
is all the easier because she can afford
to dress herself becomingly. No
Queensland mistress ever refuses her
maid permission to attend balls or to
go to concerts or theaters, and very
often the mistress does the work in or
der that her servant may have share
in the good things of this life. Wom-
en- who are willing to go into the bush
and work on a station are treated with
even more consideration. There is
scarcely any difference between her
and the family in which she lives. She
has a horse to ride, drives with the
family to church, is asked out and
taught music Mrs. Campbell adds
that Queensland is no place for lazy
or pretentious girls. They must be
prepared to use their brains and think
for themselves, then success is certain.
I'm England" she concludes, the SER
want is part of a system. In Australia
she is member of the household, and
the mistress holds herself responsible
for her comfort and happiness"
Meade County news. [volume] (Meade, Kan.) 1900-1918, 1900-12-27

The roll OF the feveille drums and
the trumpet's prazen falsetto did not
serve in the least to disturb the mo-
rose meditations of Private Patrick
Francis Herman, Seventh United
States cavalry, who was walking post
at Fort Runyon, Mont, in the gray
of that Christmas day morning in the
year 1890. Private Patrick Francis
Herman, Troop K, until day before
yesterday a sergeant of twenty-seven
years standing, was now walking post
like the veriest rookie" in the Fort
Runyon outfit, reduce to the ranks by
the finding Of a court martial for
drunkenness, and that court martial
convened by the order of his colonel.
And the colonel, the man with whom
Herman had soldiered all through the
years that the officer was rising step
by step from the ranks of subaltern
of horse to that of the command of
the crack cavalry regiment of the SER
vice.
After the new guard had been
mounted that morning Private Tier
nan made his way to his quarters and
Meade County news. [volume] (Meade, Kan.) 1900-1918, 1900-12-27

Herman rode past the scattered out
lying shacks, and reaching the heart
of the place made straight for the bar
of the Jolly Trooper" He called for
brandy, filled the glass, raised it, and
then as if mirrored in its contents he
read the words: I've known the
chevron and the plain sleeve to do the
trick as we'll" Herman put the liquor
back on the bar, paid for it, and turn
ed for the door. Then the thought Of
the gibes of the recruits came into his
mind like knife. He turned to the
bar again, touched the glass, dropped
it and then said sharply: "Give me a
bottle of brandy" He took the flask
outside and put it in his saddle bag.
Thus far he had kept the letter of his
word.
Herman headed Joe Hooker for the
railroad station. The wind was sough-
ing along in a way which the expert
enced trooper knew presaged biz
zard. At the station platform Herman
found the post ambulance. The driver
said that he had been sent over to
meet Colonel Blake's sister. Mrs. Car
Meade County news. [volume] (Meade, Kan.) 1900-1918, 1900-12-27
DISCONTINUED cuBANs.
Prospects Are Not Bright for the
Future of That Coustry.

Prospects Are Not Bright Tor the
Future of That Coustry.
An army friend of mire just home
from Cuba, writes a c. respondent,
says that Americans are / very pop
ular at present with the latives, who
resent their presence and c..afe at hav-
ing to obey the laws enfc- cei by the
Americans. In fact, he lad frequent
ly of late heard Cubans S, tie in clubs
and cafes that if they had to choose
between the two races, the American
or the Spanish, as to which should ex-
ercise control over their destinies, they
would unhesitatingly choose the rule
of Spain. The Cubans, in spite of all
that has occurred, look upon Spain as
the mother country; they speak the
same language, and being ca the same
blood, think that their chars cters, aims
and ambitions are Therefore better I'M
derstood by the Spaniards han by the
Americans Among other things that
have tended to make our control I'M
popular in the island my friend
thought large part was due to GER
tain orders that had been promulgated
by those in authority. Stopping bull
fighting greatly angered the Cubans.
But it was another order that most in
fiuenced them. 1t seems it is the GUS
tom there for the men to go about clad
in elbow sleeved undershirts of the
| gaudiest description. Considering this
| indecent, those in authority in certain
provinces decreed that all males must
wear shirt. If ever a silly order was
put forth that was it. The natives
are now looking eagerly forward to the
time when we shall depart and leave
them to their own devices. My friend
does not consider the Cubans as being
capable of self-government or of any
thing approaching it, and looks for all
sorts of trouble to follow after they
start in to govern themselves. He
says that all the materials for a scrap
exist there, and once our restraining
hand is removed, all sorts of compli-
cations will be likely to ensue. Emil
grants will not go to Cuba so long as
such uncertainty as to it's future eX-
lists, and even could you remove that
uncertainty he thinks that the future
outlook for many reasons would be
by no means clear.
Meade County news. [volume] (Meade, Kan.) 1900-1918, 1900-12-27

dollars as the Spots had with them,
and it was out of the question
Wouldn't this do?" asked the
Three-Spot, with a considerate tender
ness in his tones that was unusual,
as he took up a toy horse and sulky.
Eyes, sor." said the boy, and one
purchase was made.
The next boy was satisfied with a
harvesting machine and the biggest
wanted a drum, not being able to get
the fire engine. Then he set eyes on
policeman's uniform which he
thought would be fine. But his broth
er scorned a policeman's uniform
when you don't get no club and the
other dropped the idea and took the
drum. There was very little difficulty
in picking out the little girls doll.