davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1901-05-05

guarding with the greatest caution This.
then, explained those myterious words:
IF she i'll any way frightens you.'
Il am glad came by myself thought
the wise little Denise. Mother would not
have liked anyone else to see
She put her arms round Mrs. Howard
without waking her. leading her back
under the shade of the yews. Quite slow
ly they walked, each rustic of the leaves
overhead making the child's heart beat
faster.
bench Mrs. Howard sighed deeply
drawing away from Denise, seated her
self under the monks tree, with folded
hands.
petriied the child, but she kept her pres
ence of mind.
Poor mother wants to rest a few
moments she told herself How lucky
| stopped her from falling into the lake:
it would have made her so very wet and
/ cold
Denise did not realize she had in all
probability saved Mrs. Towards life. She
stood patiently by the haunted tree, in
which the wrath of sinful monk was
supposed to have enshrined itself, her
gaze fixed upon the old house. the much
loved home whose fate hung in the bal
ance.
Was she dreaming? Could she believe
her eyes, Someone was surely standing
by The open door at the side of the house
a man, holding a lantern Denise watched
curiously. That was no ghost, but hui
man form, in ordinary dark clothing. But
why was he there at such an hour!
NONE mt later and a second figure Joined
him, a very short man. almost a dwarf,
carrying a basket which seemed familiar
to Denise She looked again, and as she
did so the moon burst from under thin,
white cloud, shedding it's full light upon
surrounding objects. Yes. the basket was
one Denise knew WELL it belonged to the
pantry, and contained silver.
A sudden idea struck her. These men
We're robbing her house, these thieves had
the audacity-
She did not wait to consider further. for
the thought set her blood boiling No
living creature could make Denise afraid,
the nervous child trembling at shadow
was perfect lioneSS when real danger
threatened, and her parents interests sur
fered.
With arms appraised. as If denouncing
vengeance, the romantic little form
sprang for the shade of the grove,
speeding like lapwing toward her enc
mics. The men saw her-saw. too. the
motionless woman seated under the
monks tree and never doubted for mo-
mcnt the gruesome stories of the haunted
avenue.
AS Denise advanced they retreated in
fear, but, looking back, the moonlight
showed them the white child follow. gain
ing their steps.
The horror of her presence shattered
nerve and reason. Dropping the spoil.
they vaulted n gate and made away
across the fields, leaving the garden of
phantoms far behind.
They knew i meant to hurt them said
Denise she stopped down to gather the
scattered silver carefully into the basket.
Il would have killed them If | could.
To carry the stolen goods back to the
house was no light matter. and Denise
basket. her face crimson with the effort,
her forehead moist, her teeth set. More
than once she stumbled and fell. cutting
her knees on the gravel but returned with
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1901-05-05

My dear, the ghost is a humbug: no.
body ever sees IL. because there Is nothing
10 see" replied Mrs. Howard, reassuring-
~.
Denise continued. mysteriously. land she
had terrible fit of mysteries in the kitch-
en-. She went out to look for the yellow
kitten, which thought was lost-she
forgot about the haunted grove. till sud-
denly she saw a dark figure creeping along
the ground and vanishing into the monks
tree
Don't let me ever hear such nonsense
again" said Mr.. Howard, quite sternly.
THE servants have no right to tell you
these absurd stories. BE sure. Denise,
there is not a word of truth in them"
A pensive look came in the child's eyes
something which would have told keen
observer that Denise still believed. Small
wonder, considering the lonely months
passed, without parents or childish com
panions. at Lichen Hall She was afraid
to own with what dread the thought OF
the-haunted grove possessed her. Never
] had she dared walk alone under the shade
Of those noted yew trees after dusk, since
they held a Thousand terrors.
Rumors of spiritual visitants lurking be-
meath the dark branches and vanishing
| into the gnarled trunks infected her with
their contagion. filling the chid's innocent
soul with unhealthy fear. She was epvi-
roned by a superstitious atmosphere which
touched, embodied, and marred her young
life.
As she did not answer Mr. Howard
tlpuEHl Stlt hdn forgotten. ana no further
allusion was made 20 the apparition seen
by Charlotte
The following morning Denise learned
that her father had received an important
business telegram summoning him to Lon
don.
II shall only be away one night" ne said
to the child. drawing her aside and speak
ing In la&. confidential tones. Il want
you, Denise, 10 take great care of mother:
be with her as much as ever you can, and
promise me you VIII sleep with her. If
she seems restless or in any way fright
ems you, call her maid at once-you have
a lot of sense for your age, / think | can
trust you.
Denise put up her face and kissed him.
as If to seal the promise, and whispered
fervently:
oh! I'll take such great. great care.
you don't know! III be ever so CAREFUL
She noticed he looked worried and her
mother seemed upset. He whispered re-
assuring words as she blinked back "A tear
al parting, ashamed of her weakness. AL
most the first request she made to Denise
ards last injunction:
YOU will sleep with me tonight, De-
Mise o.
oh, yes. | promised para"
Y so he asked your
Denise nodded. and at tie same time
wrinkled her brow. What had he meant
by those mysterious words ''Or in any wav
frightens your She wished she had asked
him. for now it was too late She remem-
bered he hcsitated, as If he had more II,
say, then seemed to change his mind and
closed his lips again.
All that day Denise remained like a help
full little shadow by her mothers side
Usually given to running about, climb
ing trees, and generally playing the tom
boy. this enforced quiet proved a strang.
effort But the child kept firm hold upon
herself. and watched for the smallest on
portuniiy Of doing her mother service
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1901-05-05
THE HAUNTED YEWS.

Tired"
Yes. very. What a confession to make
to my hostess
Your face first made the confession"
Yes; but, my dear Barbara, you should
pity me ! am suffering from nerves-it's
horrible! 1 don't know how have man
aged 10 drag through the season. Arthur
did not want to leave town till the Par
liamentary recess. but last week he grew
suddenly frightened about my health. So
we are going TO Lichen Han tomorrow for
absolute quiet. No house party this sum
mer-by doctors orders-ruraI simplicity,
early hours. a sort of rest cure. in fact.
rs Denise in town with you?"
NO, l think children are better in Che
country. / left her with a governeas at
Lichen Hall. where she runs wild to her
hearts content Her holidays begin to-
morrow-poor little Denise. she is simply
longing for our return
Barbara Annesley, who would not will
ingly have parted with her own children
for single day, looked critically at the
nervous, fair-haired woman, with the
wide. blue eyes and sensitive mouth. Ma
rian Howard was known as d beauty but
lately she had lost her lovely coIoring
through fli-health, and the vivacious so
ciety woman was now languid and tired
looking.
,-The country will do you good Ma
rian," said Barbara with that cheerful
ness so frequently adopted by healthy wo-
men toward their weaker sisters. Nerves
are frequently Imagination, the result Of
hysteria. You have overturned your
strength. but you viii soon pick up
again.
Mrs. Howard smiled wanly. The buzz
OF conversation wearied her. She thought
with a sense OF relief that tomorrow she
would be far away from the hum of the
busy world. in the dear old Uncovered
house standing I'm its great. grand gar
dens. with the sombre Fir trees, pale foun-
tains, and frownine yews.
Barbara turned To her other guests. a
fresh voice occupying Marian Towards
attention.
rs IL true that Lichen Hall has the rep
ntation Of being haunted?" asked Miss
fowkes. long necked individual. heayi-
~ laden with barbaric ornaments
oh, yes; all the village people believe
firmly ~ our haunted grove an avenue of
trees much frequenied by ghosts Even my
little girl. Denise, has grown up rooted and
grounded in the family superstition. She
hardly dares to look out of her window on
moonlight nights for fear OF seeing an
sppsritIonr'
"Ah. murmqred Miss Fowkeg. "that
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1901-05-05

Come and sit down. said Mrs. Howard,
as they strolled in the garden after tea:
II love this old seat by the monks tree
She led Denise to ichen-covered oench
under one of the frowning yews.
Doesn't the house look sweet from
here? You would not like to give 1t up.
Denise-you would not like to be obliged
to go away"
"Oh no
A very genuine note rang in the child S
reply. -,
is just possible we may have to sell the
dear old place-if things go wrong. We
shall know tomorrow. II Is all about
money. a lawsuit, to be decided Immediate
ly. The anxiety has preyed on my mind,
though your father is quite confident of
success.
Poor mamma" whispered Denise.
you must not SIT here if you are sad.
This is where Charlotte saw the black
figure. Let us go back to the rose gar
den"
Are YOU really frightened of these fun
ny, quaint trees? It's such nonsense, you
know
Everybody is frightened-except you
and papa replied Denise, in self-defence
The village people always use the other
path-they call this the devils entrance.
Very rude of them, / don't invite dew
lis to Lichen HALL
NO. but they come unlimited. and
that's the bother of it, said Denise,
Gravely, as she Scoaxed her mother away
to more congenial spot.
Denise did not sleep easily that night
though the soft aft blowing through the
open window kept the room deliciously
cool. She watched her mother fall into
deep slumber before she allowed herself
to close an eyelid. then the voices of the
nightingales outside grew hushed. and
Denise also slept.
Some hours elapsed, time drifted, then
she woke suddenly! flood of moonlight
falling fun upon her face. The blind had
not been drawn and the pale rays gave
the room a sinsularly ghostly-appearance.
The light viii wake mamma. she
thought II mtstspull the curtains.
must shut it out" 9
With this intention Denise stole on tip
toe TO the open window. She thought in
voluntarily of the sombre yew trees with
their gloomy verdure silvered by the
moon. Through summer. through win
ter-ever the same, they seemed devoid
of sensitiveness, hard. mysterious, UNI
feeling,
Denise shvering slightly with fear, yet
emboldened by the knowledge that her
mother was with her in the room. peeped
cautiously at the bright garden lying so
silently under the stars. Her eyes strayed
from the gay flower beds sending up their
mingled odors to the dark grove, and as
they did SO a chill blast stirred the dis
heveled curls framing her terrified face.
Beneath the dark line of waving boughs
a tall, white figure moved siowly-a pale.
transparent form-which seemed to carry
the light aiof with it. Denise could see
loose strands of hair. like that of a hu
upright head. 1t glided like moonbeam.
as II waited By the faint breeze.
With Il cry of terror Denise hid her
eyes and. rushing wildly to the bed. flung
herself down with her face TO the pill
lows.
"lts there, Its there / saw ii! | saw
it," she found herself moaning aloud be-
fore she realized she was betraSing her
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1901-05-05

waist Children twelve years of age wait
till the next year for their clothes. The
towns are an aggregation IF shacks built
of bamboo and full of filth. fieas. cur dogs
cats. horses chickens, pigs. flies. bedbugs.
and lice The family all sleep on terms
of equality The native drink is bino,
concentrated tarantula poison, cactus
juice. barbed wire, and forked lightning.
The Philippines are an appropriate pres
ent for deadly enemy The natives are
friends at the point of gun. The eli
mate. pleasant and healthful for reaches.
tarantulas. alligators. scorpions, cent?
pedes and snakes. The soil, adapted TO
raising foul o6ors and diseases. The ISL
ands. God-forsaken. cannibalized.
Aguinaldo-infested blot on the face of
Gods green earth"
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1901-05-05
DESCRIBING THE PHILIPPINES.
The Humorous Pen Picture of n
North Carolina soldier.

(from the Henderson. y. c.. Gold Lcaf)
The Gold Leaf is in receipt OF the fol-
lowing unique combination of humor sar-
casm. truth, and irony about the Philip
pine Islands. written by a Vance county
man doing service in that far-off land as
one of Uncle Sans BOYS in blue The
author is John II. Burwell. a brother of
Walter d. Burwell. of Henderson. For
cold irony, cutting sarcasm. and fine
sense of humor his production stamps him
as a writer of no mean parts of the ne
euliar style affected Mr.. Burwell writes
from familiar knowledge of his subject
after an experience of year and half
on the Islands. He says:
The Philippine Islands are a bunch of
trouble gathered together on the western
horizon Of civilization. They are bounded
on the li"rth by rocks and destruction on
the east. by typhoons and monsoons, on
the south by cannibals and earthquakes
on the west by hoodooism and smugglers
The climate is combination of electric
changes well adapted to raising Cain The
soil Is extraordinarily fertile producing
large crops of instructions and triclSery
The inhabitants are very industrious
their chief occupation being trench build
ing and the manufacture of bolos. knives
and reloading Remington cartridges
Their amusements are cockfighting. monte
dealings. thieying, and cheating Their
diet consists of rice-boiled rice stewed
rice. fried rice, cooked rice, and rice
The Filipino marriage service is very
impressive. especially the cia!ise wherein
the wife is given the privilege of working
as much as her husband desires The
beasts Of burden are carabous on n three
mile journey only ten days ratiyI.,. reed
be taken, but If the journey j. iDo mics
the driver would die of old ,;ee before
reaching his destination The rivers are
serpentine in course. the current running
in opposition to ALL known laws a. s.svf-
tation. Manila. the capital and prize ;pal
city. is situated on Manila Bay q iarge
land-lOclBi body OF water. ftili of fifth.
sharks. and Spanish subma rine boats
Cavite. the second city of Importance. is
noted for its natural facilities for naval
station and for It's large number of saloons
and Cinnamon.
The principal exports e the islands
are rice. hemp. and war bulletins The
principal imports are American soldiers
arms. ammunition, beer. and tobacco
Malaria is so prevalent that on Vari-
Gus occasions the islands have been sha-
ken with chill. Luzon, the largest Of
the group. resembles otfe of Cy Green 5
cast-or boots. Communication has been
established between the numerous ISL
ands by substituting the mosquito for the
carrier pigeon. the mosquitoes being much
larger and better able to endure the ia
ugue OF the journey. The native costume
consists of a -four sack tied around the
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1901-05-05

insects. A large number of these trees
are being planted every year. They can
be seen on Eighth Street. above north
west.
The sugar maple has hardly met expec-
tations in Washington, though consi,i-
cradle number of them are being planted
i'll some parts of the District. This tree
shares with the elm special reputation as
the American shade tree. but it has been
found in Washington of less value than
either of those previously mentioned
The horse chestnut and its companion
the buckeye, have been practically aban-
doned in Washington shade trees.
The pin oak is OF special value in the
wide streets with parking in the centre
1t Is a hardy tree and can be seen to adj
vantage on Pennsylvania Avenue south
east.
The American linden was chosen to
plant the two rows on Massachusetts
Avenue, to which it is chiefly confined. In
summer these trees are very beautiful.
especially when the flowers fill the air
leaves call for much moisture. and they
do not stand dry weather well. The fall
ing of the flowers and the littering of the
walks by the casting of the seeds render
them less desirable than many other spe-
cieS.
The sycamores. both Oriental and oeci--
dental, are among the best shade trees OF
the city. They can be seen at their best
along the west approaches to the Capitol
grounds, where they have attained SUI
perb growth. Their broad leaves AFFORD
ample shade, and their far-reaching
branches covsr the entire space from tree
to tree. There are also fine rows of them
on Tenth Street northeast The plane
trees are not as sbapely and beautiful as
other species. but they are excellently
adapted to the conditions of the curb
stone.
The Gincko, or maiden hair tree. is
growing in favor. observation proving
that It is well adapted to the requirements
of street shade.
The American elm has been planted eX-
tensively in Washington and Is best suit
ed to the wide avenues and the parks
There are some fine specimens on New
York Avenue northwest and in Judiciary
Square.
vision of Superintendent Lanham has
been reduced to science. Some of the va
rieties mentioned require drastic treat
ment in the way of trimming to keep
them in proper bounds. This is particular
ly true of thessiiver leaf and soft naples.
But it is necessary to go over all the trees
at least once each year with the saw and
pruning shears. BY this means the trees
are kept in good condition. Twice each
summer during recent years the trees
have been attacked by the caterpiliars
When they appear prompt action is re-
quired. Men go through the STREETS with
pole-shears and lop off the infected
carried off and burned. This stamps out
the pest in the most effective way, and
tends to destroy the source of the trouble
by removing the insects from the vicinity
in the la:va stage.
From the point of public utility in shad-
ing the streets and sidewalks during the
heated term, as well as from that of ar
tistic effect, the arboriculture of the Dis
trict of Columbia is well worth what it
costs, about $4,000 per annum.
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1901-05-05

comes Of leaving children too much 10
themselves; the servants tell such silly
storiesN | hear your little girl is quite
sweet. 50 pretty ana bright
You heard that? Well, / am not sur
prised; it is one Of the reasons why | do
not bring Denise 10 London. People talk
about her, and am afraid she may grow
conceited At present she is absolutely
natural-has not an idea. she Is even pref
~. II is "a great charm in a child.
Yes. said Miss Fowkcs thoughtfuily,
81 wonder how you could part with her
for months at a time but perhaps you
are right"
Miss Fowkes found herself interrupted
by the entrance of the men. Of whom the
majority drifted towards Mrs Howard II
was fashion TO consider her beautiful
under any circumstances. Very agreeable
and very clever she certainly proved Vet
on that last evening of her London tread
mill she bore some resemblance to those
portraits which wear an eternal smile.
The gates of Lichen Hall mere set wide
open. and In the twilight following a
brilliant summer afternoon a carriage
passed up the haunted grove, so named for
centuries oy the Howard ancestors. De-
Mise, In q white frock, her picturesque lit
tie face framed by curis of FURNISHED cop
per. waited eXcitedly on the steps.
Her eyes sparkied they caught the
first glimpse Of the carriage; her feet
an tmprOmptu pas lie seul: her voice
sounded brea thless as she gasped the sim
gle word. Mother
The pale lady In the carriage flushed as
she strained the child to her heart They
made pretty picture. the lovely minia =
ture Of the once loVelior woman lip to
hp-Denisc trembling with Joy as she dis
entangled herself in order to give her a
welcoming hug.
1T is 50 nice. your coming back-alone-
just you two said Denise az she tripped
after them into the house Il shall have
you all to myself for once. Last summer
We got no time for nice long talks, did
we. mother"
No. dear" replied Mrs. Howard with
a Sigh. as she thought OF the fatS ues
Of the previous year, when royalty had
been entertained at Lichen Hall
1t did not strike Denise To wonder why
there was no house party. till her father
remarked upon his wife's health
Mother has been doing too much late
ly. Denise. he said. You must take great
care of her | shall constitute you nurse.
How would the role suit Miss Merry
legs
Denise looked at her mothers Tired face.
She put her gentle little fingers against
the faded cheeks and stroked them ever
80 softly.
Are you me- she asked and the bright
eyes dimmed at the mere idea
Not really ill-only sillyi' laughed Mrs.
Howard Il dream more than Is good
for me, and wake with a bad headache
me country Is going 30 cure all that"
on. said Denise. earnestly. II hone
you won't see the ghostr'
The thought struck her suddenly; the
words slipped out.
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1901-05-05

| fresh zeal to her task, determined not to
be baffied.
As she reached the open door she saw
her mother, still wrapt In slumber, slow
ly moving toward the house. Together
they entered. the calm, statuesque wom-
an and the hot, exhausted child painting
slowly after her with strained and sch-
! ing arms.
Back, up the wide staircase into the
moonlit room silent little heroine, in nc
way proud OF saving life and property,
fell matchmaking on her mothers bed.
Thus she lay. her hands still clutchfns
the handle of tie heavy basket. listening
to Mrs Howarfs even breathing. which
seemed TO mir gle with her. own loud
When day dawned, and the delicious
breath of early summer morning
stirred fresh life in the child's pulses,
Denise crept forth again at the first
sound of the housemaid busy in the pass
age The child looked very pale as she
|, deposited burden of silver before Char
lotte's astoniShed eyes.
81 thought this plate-basket wasn't very
safe downstairs, so l brought 1t up. 1t got
dropped, and the things are all in a mad
die: that was my fault You might tell
Johnson mother and | left the side door
open; it was rather hot in the night,
we went for a stroll"
Before Charlotte could answer Denise
darted back to her mothers room where
she waited for Mrs. Howard TO wake.
Mother must never know. thought
Denise; lit would only frighten her"
There was Joy at Lichen Hall. IL
seemed as if an angel with glfttering
wings had come with a gift straight from
heaven-yet the angel after all only wore
the prosaic Sarb of telegraph boy,
carrying a yellow envelope.
Mrs. Howard opened the message with
trembling fingers and Denise peeped
over her shoulder. Then re sun burst
through the mist of doubt. ind each knew
the dear old home was safe-the malicious
enemy had been conquered
Two radiant faces awaited MIR. Howard
at the station while he. equally eiated.
waved his hat out of the window before
the train had time to stop and allow De-
Mise to fly into his arms.
A happy trio drove back through the
country lanes, with much 20 say To
each other that even the beauty OF the
summer twilight escaped them.
As they passed the haunted grove De-
Mise glanced dis,iainfully at the monk
s.The ghosts are all fraud she told
herself, or they would never have let
us sit there last nigt without doirg
something unpleasant
Denise dined with her parents that even
ing and drank prosperity tn the old home
in what she called tzZy wine.
After dinner she begged her father to
come into TN ssff,iy inst 10 look NJ thf.
yews by moonlight.
Under the shade of their sombre branch
t.s she told. quite simply, the tale II her
nights daring the adventures of which:
her mother was biissfuliy unconscious
Denise could not see his face as she lis
tened. but she never forgot the kiss he
gave her as she concluded thc story with
u stified yawn.
You know you told me to take great
care of mother she said. and I'm just
a little sleepy. for-you see it was rather
long sort of night
Her head fell YEARLY ON his shoulder
Il feel SO safe now. she whispered
he carried her in to hed--Winifred Cira-
ham iii the Strand Magazine.