davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1900-09-07
CHAPTER VII.
THE PORTRAIT.

Sprague was seated before his easel
arranging his palette for the morn
ing's work. The unfinished portrait of
Agnes Murdoch looked down upon him
with eyes Of living beauty. Occasional
ly the artist would bestow a deft
touch upon the glowing canvas and
would retire to a distance 10 note with
a critical eye the new effect. Then he
would consult his watch in nervous i'm
patience; and, going TO the window,
he would glance anXiously up and
down the street. Once or twice the
rumble of wheels caused him to look
up in glad expectancy, which gradual
ly gave way 10 gloomy discomfort as
the noise died away in The distance.
At length hope seemed to depart al
together from the young mans breast.
He threw down his brushes, gave up all
pretense of work and drifted off into a
brown study. His eyes, fixed upon
those of the portrait, had a troubled
look in them-so troubled that ii was
clearly out of all proportion to the
Professionalism appointment of paint
er kept waiting for fair subject.
So absorbed did he become in his
gloomy meditations, that. when at last
carriage stopped before the house.
the artist did not hear it. But when,
presently, gentle tap sounded upon
the door of the studio. he sprang TO his
feet as if he had received an electric
shock.
Perhaps he had; for il was followed
by a rapid current of delicious thrills
tingling through every nerve and eff
fecting in his whole being a sudden
and marvellous transformation. At
once the furrowed brow was smooth;
the dropping lips were wreathed in
smiles; the troubled look gave way to
one of glad welcome.
For she had come at last. There she
stood, with laughing brown eyes and
glowing cheeks, when Sprague threw
open the door. Alas. as usual, she was
accompanied by her maid. Never mind;
was il not enough TO have her there at
all. TO bask in the sunshine of her
smile. 10 look into the dangerous
depths of those soul-stirring eyes, 10
listen to the ripping of her silyery
voice?
"Ifear am little late, Mr.. Sprague;
/ am sorry 10 have kept you waiting.
But you see this is how il was"
What mattered il TO him now how il
was? Was she not there? An eternity
of suspense and misery would have
been wiped out by that single entran-
cling fact. Her words beat upon his ear
Ike rapiurous melody; he drank them
in, hardly conscious of their meaning.
Agnes Murdoch, followed by her
maid, proceeded at once 10 the dress
ing-room set apart for the use of the
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1900-09-07
by EDGAR NOR ETTE

ceived its conservation AT one of the
leading colleges for women.
Upon her return from college she
had, as far as she was permitted, taken
charge Of her fathers household. and
had presided with charming dignity
and grace over the social functions for
which DIR. Murdock's house now be-
came famous. Up 10 the time of his
daughters advent the chemists rela-
tions with the world had been chiefly
through the clubs and scientific bodies
to which he belonged. He was well re-
ceived in the homes of the members of
New York society; but in the absence
of woman 10 do the honors of his own
home he was unable 10 return the hos
pitality which he enjoyed. Now, how
ever. everything was changed. Agnes
was glad TO find an outlet for her en-
ergies in the task OF receiving her IA
theirs guests. and. being a girl of re-
markable intelligence and tact, she sue
ceedd in creating a salon. in the best
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1900-09-07

anu
There is no answer" said Agnes
quietly.
And as the stern mandates of fash
ion either forbid n woman 10 wear
a pocket. or else decree that il shall
be located in some particularly mae
cessible position. the young girl
dropped the letter and it's envelope
into her lap and resumed the pose
Sprague tried 10 renew the CONVEX
sation where il had been interrupt
ed; but his efforts were in vain. Both
he and Agnes were preoccupied dur
ing the balance Of the sitting.
When at last the time came for
Miss Murdoch 20 leave. Sprague 40
companied her to her carriage After
watching il until it disappeared
around the corner he returned mood
lily to the studio.
AS he entered the room, his eyes
fixed in n vacant stare upon the floor,
he caught sight of something white
"a sheet of paper-resting there. Me-
chemically he pushed it TO one side
with his foot.
The sunshine seemed to have gone
with Agnes Murdoch. \ gloom had
fallen upon the place and its occu-
pant The artist tried 10 work; but
he was restless and depressed. At
length he threw down his brushes;
and rising from the easel, he put on
his hat and coat and started out for
a walk, in the hope that exercise
would drive away the blue devils
whose grip he felt tightening upon
his heartstrings.
Meeting some friends in the course
of his aimless wanderings, he was
persuaded 10 spend the rest of the
day in their company, and returned
to his bachelor quarters late in the
evening. tired enough physically tc
obtain that healthful sleep which Is
the boon of strong youth.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1900-09-07

TO do so only with n reasonably good
prospect of finding i'm the welded state
a satisfactory outlet for the depths OF
affection which had remained so long
unapplied in her tender maiden heart.
No one among the young men who
had sought her hand had seemed
worthy of the great love she was ready
| TO bestow. She was. therefore, still
awaiting her fate.
You wished 10 see me, sire" the
young girl gently insinuated.
Yes" said Murdoch, with great de.
alterations; ~ wished TO speak TO you
| about"
lie watched her face intently, as if 10
read the effect which his words would
produce. The light in his eyes was
almost tender: but Agnes was not
skilled in reading their scarcely per-
ceptble shades of expression She
looked up inquiringly, noting only the
slight hesitation in her fathers speech.
About a young man continued
Murdoch. with quizzical smile.
\ flush mounted TO the girls checks,
and she fixed her eyes upon space,
"A young man who admires you
greatly, and who
Has he asked Won 10 tell me this?"
inquired Agnes, Somewhat impatiently.
oh. dear no." laughed the chemist;
"he is only too anxious to do so him.
self. He is n most impetuous follow.
But thought il best to prepare 1u-"
May l ask the name of your pro-
tege? ?" interrupted the young girl.
Did l say he was my protege?"
asked Murdoch, gently. ~ certainly
had no intention of conveying any
such impression. His name is Chat
ham-Thomas Chatham"
a look, half of amusement, half Of
vexation, came into the girls eyes. II
did not escape Murdock's close
scrutiny.
II judge from your reception of the
gentleman's name, that his suit is not
likely 10 meet with much favor in your
eyes"
Il am not aware that ! have ever
given Mr.. Chatham any reason TO be-
Geve that il would" answered Agnes,
stiffly.
And vet YOU must have understood
the drift of his attentions during the
last few months. since"
"Sinee il has been perfectly clear 10
every one else. you mean?
And yet" the young girl continued.
reflectively, ~ do not see how. with
out downright rudeness, | could have
done more than | have TO show him
that his attentions have been distaste-
full to me-
Then l may infer" said Murdoch,
smiling, that you would not break
your heart if"
He seemed TO hesitate in the choice
Of his words.
IF he should conclude TO go abroad
on long journey without subjecting
you TO his impending proposal"
ION the contrary, father" admitted
Agnes, II should be everlastingly
grateful to you if such a consumma-
ton could be brought about without
unnecessary rudeness or cruelty to-
wards Mr.. Chatham"
Very well, Agnes, that is all want
ed TO see you about"
Agnes looked curiously al her father,
as if to read the purpose hidden in the
depths of his inscrutable eyes. She
saw nothing but polite dismissal in
his calm face; and the interview be-
tween father and daughter ended, as il
had begun, with formal courtesy on
hotl. i'd
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1900-09-07
CHAPTER TX.
THE KNICKERBoCKER BANK.

Richard Dunlap was man who had
never missed train nor been late in
keeping an appointment. On the
morning following Sprague's dinner
party, he walked briskly down Broad
way from City Hall. 1t was New
Years day; the great thoroughfare
was deserted. AS he turned into
Wall street, the hands of the clock
in Trinity steeple pointed TO three
minutes of nine. The financier pulled
out his chronometer. found that the
clock in tn e old belfry was right,
and quickened his pace.
Wall street slumbered peacefully
and silently. like a battlefield after
the roar of the cannon has been
hushed after the victors and the van
pushed have disappeared. leaving be-
hind them only the ghosts of the
slain. The deathlike stiffness was op-
pressive.
At last, as Dunlap reached the
Knickerbocker bank the clock in the
belfry struck the hour. The reporter
was not there. The banker uttered
an ejaculation of annoyance. He
looked up and down the street. There
was no one in sight He resolved TO
give Sturgis five minutes grace. and
began to pace back and forth before
the entrance 10 the bank. Then a
thought struck him. There was an
other entrance on Exchange place
that generally used by the employees
To- 10 ~. ar-
was waiting there. Dunlap walked
around to Exchange place and glanced
up the street. He saw man stand
ing in the gutter and bending low
over the curb. Dunlap advanced TO
obtain "a front view of him and rec
ognized Sturgis. The reporter had
not noticed his approach; he held a
magnifying glass in his hand and
seemed deeply interested in a minute
examination of the smooth-worn curb.
Good morning, Mr.. Sturgis," said
the banker have you lost some
thing"
The reporter looked up quietly.
NO. Mr.. Dunlap; have found some
hing-something which may possibly
prove 10 De Nphen.
"A what?" asked the banker, per-
picked.
a hyphen connecting two parts of
a very pretty puzzle"
Dunlap stared curiously at the curb.
Il can see nothing there" said he.
Sturgis handed him the magnifying
glass.
Now look again"
lie pointed out particular portion
of the curb. Dunlap looked in the d.
rection indicated.
II see what looks like dried mud.
dust particles, and little dark spot
or stain"
YES" said sturgis, that dark spot
is the hyphen. There were probably
others like it on the sidewalk yester-
day afternoon. but they have been OBJ
liberated by the pedestrians. Here,
however, are some that have re-
NAMED.
As he spoke, he led Dunlap TO the
Exchange place entrance of the bank,
and pointed out a number of similar
spots ON the stone steps.
Fortunately" he said, as if speak
ing TO himself, fortunately the de-
tectiyes entered through the front door
last night so that they did not inter
fere with this portion of the trail"
But what are these spots?" asked
the banker.
They are blood-stains," replied the
reporter. II have every reason TO be-
lieve them TO be human blood. But
that question l can settle positively az
Continued next week
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1900-09-07
TOLEDO, SAGINAW 4 MusKEGoN R'Y.

I Lv Ashley for Detroil
at l2;lO /. m.
Close connections are
lmade AT Owosso Junct'D
with all trains of D., 6.
/ II x N Ry.
BEN. FLETCHER. T. =. A.
J Detroit, Mich.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1900-09-07

Leave Ashley.
$50 a. N for Muskegon
$50 p. m. for Muskegon
JSo. w. LORD.
Traffic Manager.
Detroit,
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1900-09-07
PERE MARQUETTE

". F. MoELLER, Genl Pass Agent -
Grand Rapids. Mich
II. j. WINCHELL. Agent, Alma
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1900-09-07
wEsTBOUND

Except Sunday.
A. b. CONEY Agent.
OWOssO Mich.
The Brownsville daily herald. [volume] (Brownsville, Tex.) 1897-1910, 1900-12-14

Subscribe for THE BROWNSVILLE
DAILY HLRALD.
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1900-07-22
A FISHERY.
A Rcctory 70 he lsnilt al nirwi,i'iie O.
iE-1rriomsiy Hurt
Especial Dispatch to The Times,


piNWsfppIE e H. VA, July Ia-a
fsfr-lry was given yesterday at camp
Cousins by Messrs w r. Hitchcock. T.
E. Livesay Howard HAIL and Lewis APP
nle,sh;te which WAS heartily enjoyed by
all present Among the invited guests
were AIessrS Meredith, ot t'etsrsblsrs.
a. n Grsain. Jr-. w. NJ Sterne inhn
Esargrove. J. NJ Rees and John Itdsgl,
The record Tor fish diet was pfoNeu
by Mr. Hal! Mr., ,Iokn Iaase5 iurE:Sned
hI,mor for the assembly the hosts
proved themselves To be equal TO the oc-
casion and The guests returned To ltleiFa
respective homes late in the afternoon
much delighted with the Sa.ety oil .hs
% - Stuart Camp. No. I, Cenfesi-
crate Veterans. Will give Il dinner at Sae
Courthouse Saturday. August ist zen.
eraI Boiling commander For The statsi
..essrs Carter K. Bishop and George ,.
Bernard. OF Petersburg. Will be presen.
and deliver addresses IT Is hoped tnat
there will BIZ Il full attendance OF ths
Vets and as many citizens as san pos
sibIy come The ladies OF the various 5ee-
lions of the county will furnish thg a'.i,
ner 4 camp OF Sons OF Confederate
Veterans will be organized, also d eA'4ipt W
of Daughters of the Conieaefacy- ,.,.s,
Mr. Peyton Riddle. who Is employee
at one of the neighhorinS saW-niiiS, &ss
quite seriously injured Tuesday by q los
falling upon him. a,,a-,;s
The7comrlittee appointed by the severe.
E,Itscopal churches OF DinUtGdls 90 SeleS'
a suitable place ut which to erect re- re-.
tory were in session here MONDAY, 4 th.
selected Dinwiddie Courthouse % Nv NJ.
,,Iost convenient and suitable point NE
w. NJ Sterne a leading member OF Cal.
vary Episcopal Church, at this place: VIE ~,
donate the land upon which to erect eis
f,nf,dinr and i. is nopcd that sufficient
funds will shortly be subscribed with
which to commence the erection :, ,hs ni.3t.
Miss Sue Jones. of Petersburg. IS VISIT
ing Mrs S. Y. Gillian, at Burnt Quar-
ter" ~, nr
Beck of Dinwidf.e. vino has been hsecnd.
irer scbooI; in Philadelphia for The past
several sessions. is at home. accompanied
by friends. ,.,s, ,,,a nr,sa
ALMA Harris, of this place. IS visiting htf.
Richardson's old home. in New Kent
county. NJ. ,f-., q.
-. t.a,, Visiting her uncle, ME-.
John Y. Harris, is now visiting relatives
in Petersburg.
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1900-07-22
CHINESE EMPEROR RULES OVER
FOUR HUNDRED MILLION SOULS,
Enormous Population Of the Chinese Empire Has
Never Been Exactly observation-disclosures or
the European Experiences in the
Far East.
Far East.
in the south, Fukien in the southeast,

in the south, Fukien in the southeast
Nyan Wei in the east and Human i'll MIG
die China, all exceed 2c,Go,0oo poptiialioi'-
HOW THEY LIVE.
A hundred people 10 the square mis-
which would be the average for the eht!le
Umpire on basis of 400 O[G, 00N-the way the
Chinese pack in. would not be at ali out OF
reason for SardineS in box could never
be more tritely employed as a simlle than
in illustrating the manner in which me
Celestials domicile themselves.
hunks. atop the oven-like arrangement
which serves as the only heating apparatus
of the house, is the commonest sort OF rue
with them and is by no means confined 10
structures over which there are roofs OF
boards or what not-thatchng with
branches. grasses, etc. being the prevailing
mode Thousands of Chinese I'VE uhuer
mating. Blachened and rotted by the eie-
ments. this overhead covering is tied or
in the crudest way attached to the bamboo
frame work, which does the double duty
of constituting the skeleton OF the hablia-
ton and affording hammock-.iks places 1or
>uiyiltlv repose- Often there will be nothing
of these frail homes but stretches OF Old
mats, and, nos infrequentty, mere shfeds
with the corners staked down.
Even the latter precauton is not al
WAYS taken to keep tho home from TAX
ing wings, as it were, and Tying away on
the morning breeze. Where the GhneSe
most do congresata they are literally
stuffed in. The humble home OF an
American mechanic, with its three or
four rooms, would to the Celestial nina
be space and to spare for half dozen
families each with numerous progeny
The Japs, Great Britain alone excepted,
have the largest density of population
known, in round figures three hundred to the
SQUARE mile Yet they are not in Ii Win
the Chinese in practicing economy as 10
household quarters That ii is at the eN-
pense of cleanliness, decency ana heath
is unnecessary to say. 1t could not be Diner
wise.
AS a matter of fact. excluding the de-
tendencies Of East Turkestan, JungaEia'
Tibet. Mongolia and MISUNDERSTANDING
in consideration oily the eighteen pro-
vinces of China proper, and the density
of her population equals that OF Japan,
viz. .hree hundred to the square mile.
This or the basis of the population II;
china proper being 49,, 100000. which is the
toral endorsed by Sir Robert Hart-ihe
host nosted Englishman in the Empire
as approximately correct
CHOLERA'S VICTIMS.
Two q. tho provinces exceed three hun
ars5 TO the mile Fukisn with an area OF
% oo, se,1ara miles averaging 5I4. and Shan
tuc with 5000 square mics averaging oat
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1900-07-22

and Mr.. George *. Gilmore. of Chase
City. cadet just from the Virginia Mill
tary Institute.
The parlor to the residence was bright
ly lighted. and everything arranged tor
,-.e comfort of the dancers. Sfter the ar
rival OF the guests the music WAS begun.
then the dance quickly followed which
was kept up until q late hol,r or the
night Light refreshments We're seTvesi.
All seemed to enjoy the occasion very
much, and were pTafuse in their praises
OF the hostess for the delightful evening
they had spent Among those present
were Mrs. J Watkins Gaode, Chase
Mrs X G. Gordon, Richmond; Miss ttai;a
Grafton Reldsyille. y. c.; Miss Bessie
Bfaner Monroe. n c.; Miss MaFg
Love. Concord. n. G.: Miss Mary Low
Tucker Danyi!le: Miss judith Geade.
Skipwith: Miss Mable sloan Chase CitX.s
Miss Frances OVERLY, Chase city: Miss
Mary Roberts Chase City. Miss Aors1u.
Richmond and Miss E:Ichei s.It'uprs.s
Chase City, ard Messrs j. WatlSsns
Goode c. iiaskins, Jr., Milton Mass.sr.s
Peter AIadaox. of oAusc City. aud Nlr- h.
Watkins. OF Srnitaville, Va
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1900-07-22

There is no disputing that corporations
should bear d reasonable and just proper
ton of taxation. bearing in mind-tlrst,
that this is an indirect tax. ultimately
paid by the patrons and users of the cor
poration. and that in some corporations
the burden of this tax falls on all nike,
without reference to ability to pay, while
the tax on others will fall ultimately
heaviest on those best able to bear it; and.
second. taxation should not be LEVIED SO as
TO drive out industry, cripple development
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1900-07-22
Drouth in L11ncnburs.
(snecial Dispatch to The Tin

Especial Dlspatch- TO ZIG I1mes:J
HOLLYDALE. VA, July 19-The drouth
in this immediate vicinity is becoming
distressing. 1t has been nearly four weeks
since there has been rain OF any amount.
The drouth and the excessively hot wealth
er are telling disastrously on the corn
and tobacco, while the gardens are well
nigh exhausted. To add to the farmer S
woes, the chinch bugs are playing havoc
with his corn. 1t is thought that they
are very much more numerous than they
have been any of the past years.
A good yield of wheat however. some
what brightens the general gloom
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1900-07-22

/ do not propose to discuss mere theo-
ries, such as those of Bellamy and other
writer's who ignore in their teachings the
factor of man. with his passions, his am
bttlons and his desires. One of the theo-
ries which has received much consdern-
ton is what is known as the Single Tax
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1900-07-22

tate in the same year paid s1,e16. ass; TINS
dispite the fact that in the last loiss
years the increase in personal propelf.I,
and personal values has beer phenomena
Most States In the Union have soi.iS
check upon their taxing department IN tils
shape Of Boards of Equalization, Whicn
undertake to eaua'ize and ADJUST the as
sessment of real estate. and provisions
for informers to insure the proper as
sessment of personal estate. virginia
has nothing approaching this, not even a
travelling auditor to check the account
ing officers of the State. a protection
which It would seem the most rudimen-
tary business sagacity would dictate
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1900-07-22

With these two principles kept in view
the wise legislator can make corporations
an aid and support of the government,
and by departing from them unnecessarily
burden the people and their business. As
Stunning that corporations will pay their
proportion of taxes, the next question is
from what source should the balance of
ravepua no Gerive5o
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1900-05-24

These are the words of Mr.. 0. S.
Copenhaver, Of Mount Union, Hunting.
den Co., Pa. He saws further:
About twelve yeats ago | was suddenly
taken with pain in the pit OF the stomach
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1900-05-24
TRY Aliens Foot Ease,

A powder to be shaken into the
shoes. Your feet feel swollen, nerv'
Gus and hot, and get tired easily. II
you have smarting feet or tight shoes,
try Aliens Foot Ease. 1t cools the
feet and makes walking easy. Cures
swollen, sweating feet, ingrowlng
nails, blisters and callous spots. Re-
lieyes corns and bunions of all pain
and gives rest and comfort. Try it
today. Sold by all druggists and
shoe stores for 25c. Trial package
FREE. Address, Allen S. Olmsted,
LIE Roy, N. Y.
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1900-05-24

at is with coed deal of pleasure
and satisfaction that recommend
Chamberlain's Collie, Cholera and
Diarrhoea Remedy" says Druggist
A. W. Sawtelle. Of Hartford, Conn.
"a lady customer, seeing the remedy
exposed for sale on my show case,
said to me: i really believe that
medicine saved my life the past sum-
mer while at the shore and she be.
came so enthusiastic over its merits
that at once made up my mind to
recommend it in the future. Recent
ly gentleman came into my store
so overcome with collie pains that he
sank at once to the floor. gave him
a dose of this remedy which helped
him. repeated the dose and in ff-
teen minutes he left my store smil'
ingly informing me that he felt as
well as ever" Sold by all druggists.
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1900-05-24
Roth Paid for knowledge.

The icwelcr had toothache, and
he stepped over into the office of the
dentist to have the cause discovered
The dentist looked into the jewelers.
mouth, took all sorts Of liberties
with his tongue and Fps, to say
nothing Of his tooth, and then grun'
ted the question:;
"Hurt?"
swell, | like that" grunied the
jcweler in reply. "Why do you sup
pose | came in here?"
"Now, you are all right said the
dentist, as he gave II little twist to
the instrument in his hand, and held
up the tooth.
"Hurt?" he asked again, with q
grin.
"Not bit Of 1t. I don't see how
you do IT," and the jeweler took out
bis pocketbook.
"iow mrch?"
"A dollar and n half"
"Well, that is n pretty steep price
for two minutes work; don't you
think SOP
ut is not for the work, but for
knowledge that we charge" said the
dentist, smiling blandly
"Why don't you wind that clock"
asked the jeweler.
at is out Of order. ] shall have to
send it down for you to fix
The jcweler stepped on chair and
examined the clock for a moment,
md then with his penknife tighten.
ed screw. ...-
There you are, he said, as the
clock began to tick; "now we ore
even"
"Even?"
eyes; that is what charge for
that job"
"Why man II didn't take you two
minutes angrily exclaimed the dem
tist.
II is not for thc work but for the
the knowledge That we charge"
smiled thc ie@eler as he said good
morning.--st. Louis Globe. Democrat,