davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1901-12-19

wall, sick and hopeless, he had sold it
only last week for mere song! he
shivered slightly and his lips twitched
pteously.
Fifty thousand dollars" he muttered
hoarsely. land it meant salvation, life.
hope-happiness. perhaps. oh. heaven.
and | threw it away for $500! My luck
again."
He staggered slightly. and sinking down
on the steps Of neighboring doorway.
buried his face in his thin hands.
"Marvia! Marvia!'
1t was bitter cry, full of the pent-up
anguish of ten long, weary years of fruit
less effort, of patient, unceasing labor.
unrewarded; Of privation, endurance and
failure. All the anguish of hope defer
red, the torture Of years Of heart-hunger
unspeakable was in that cry.
Philip Bronson was that saddest Of all
sad objects, a failure. An unsuccessful
man, at whose best and bravest efforts
Fate had mOcked-a man whose reputa-
ton of always being out of luck went
with him and made him the joke of ev-
cry community in which he lived. Indeed
it seemed to precede him, for no matter
how glowing were the prospects, how
promising the outlook, "Bronson's luck"
was always there to meet him. He had
gone everywhere and was we'll known in
all the mining districts in California. and
"Bronson's luck" had become notorious.
Ten years before Philip Bronson had
said good-by to the only woman he had
ever loved after winning from her a
promise to wait for him until he could
make a comfortable home for her in the
West. He went to California with the
few hundreds he possessed and engaged
in mining. But when he bought mining
stock he kept 1t too long or sold it too
soon. His strict honesty was frequent
" imposed upon. He tried other things,
but his efforts were always unsuccess-
full He had gone steadily downward.
and now at 35, sick. broken-spirited.
hopeless. and almost penniless, he looked
what he was, a dispirited. heart-broken
man. old before his time.
Five years ago he had sent Marvia
Belknap her freedom. He was a proud
as we'll as an humble man. and would
not ask her to accept poverty; for even
then he was losing hope. Since then he
had heard of her falling heir to a large
fortune. and later Of trip abroad. Only
a short time ago. when the Big Penny
Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1901-12-19

streets were narrow. A small house
stood before us; and madame unlocked
the door. We were conducted into small
kitchen. There was an oil lamp here.
Madame's face was Illuminated by 1t.
There was not a trace of refinement or
culture about her. not even the proverb-
ial taste of Frenchwoman in dress. The
kitchen was picture of squald dirt and
neglect. The few cooking utensils were
scattered about in disorder. The stove
before which we sat was rusty. Could
| be dreaming of this filthy dwelling and
this slovenly woman: No; it was all too
real for me to doubt their existence for
an instant.
She was pouring out some cold tea into
two little cups, when Monsieur Perrier
made his appearance. his face begrllned
and his shaggy hair uncombed. He stood
in the doorway, rubbing his hands. and
gazing Mt us untlinchingly with the hard
stare of Norman peasant. whilst he
spoke in rapid. uncouth tones to his wife.
turned away my head. and shut my eyes
to this unwelcome sight.
Eat, mees," said the woman. bringing
us our food. ",rhere is tea. We give
our pupils and instructresses tea for sup
per at six o'clock; after that there is no
more to eat"
We had the same vaulted passage and
cart shed to traverse on our way back
to the other house. There we were ush-
cred into room containing only two beds
and our two boxes. l helped Minima to
undress, and tucked her up in bed. She
put her arm round my neck, and drew
down my head to whisper cautiously into
my ear.
They're cheats" she said earnestly,
dreadful cheats. This isn't splendid
place at all. Oh! whatever shall | do:
Shall have to stay here four years?"
Hush, Minima!" l answered. Per
haps it is better than we think now. We
are tired. Tomorrow we shall see the
place better, and it may be splendid af-
ter all. Kiss me, and go to Sleep"
was awakened, while it was yet quite
dark, by the sound of a carpenters tool
in the room below me. Almost immedi-
ately loud knock came at my door. and
the harsh voice of madame called to us.
Get up, mees. get up. and come on"
she said ito the school. Come on, quick"
The air was raw and foggy when we
turned out of doors, and 1t was so 9arl,
Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1901-12-19
"MADAME UNLOCKED THE DOOR,"

still that we could scarcely discern the
outline Of the walls and houses. The
, school. madame informed me. was regis
tered in the name of her head governess,
not in her own; and as the laws of
France prohibited any man dwelling I'M
der the same roof with a school of girls,
except the husband of the proprietor. they
were compelled to rent two dwellings.
How many pupils have you. mad
amc?' inquired.
I'VE have six, mees," she replied.
"They are here; see them"
We had reached the house, and she
opened the door Of long. low room.
There was an open hearth. with a few
logs Of green wood upon it. 4 table
ran almost the whole length of the room,
with forms ON each side. A high chair
or two stood about. All was comfort.
less, dreary and squalid.
But the girls who were sitting on the
! hard benches by the table were still more
squalid and dreary looking. Their faces
! were pinched. and just now blue with
cold. and their hands were swollen and
red with chlblains. They had a cowed
and frightened expression. and peeped
askance at us as we went in behind
madame.
"Three are English" said madame,
land three are French"
She raped one of the swollen hands
which lay upon the table. and the girl
dropped it out of sight upon her lap,
with a frightened glance at the woman
Mnima's fingers frightened upon mine.
The head governess. n Frenchwoman OF
about thirty. was now introduced to me,
Breakfast was being brought in by one
Of the pupils. 1t consisted Of teacupful
of coffee at the bottom of big basin,
which was placed before each of us. a
large tablespoon to feed ourselves with,
and heaped plateful Of lunches OF
bread. l sat down with the rest at the
long table, and ate my food. with sink
ing and sOrrowful heart.
As soon as madame was gone, Mlnima
flung her arms around me and hid her
face in my bosom.
"Oh" she cried, don't you leave me;
don't forsake me! l have to stay here
four years, and it will kill me. ! shall
| die it you 60 away and leave me-
I'VE must make the best of it. Min
ima," whispered to the child. through
the hum of lessons. Her shrewd little
face frightened with n smile that smooth
ed all the wrinkles ont of it.
THAT'S what father said!' she cried;
che said, Courage. Minima. God will
take care Of my little daughter. God
! has sent you to take care of me. Sup
pose I'd come all the way alone, aud
! found it such horrid place"
CTo be continued.b
Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1901-12-19

skirting close the frozen brooklet with Its
mirror face OF ice
Are the willows with their tinkling bells
a-merry In the morn;
The winds they softly watt on wings the
songs Of paradise,
And the snow-crust glistens brightly in the
early sun that's shorn
OF its glcam and glow and glister, by the
nOdding hemlock trees
Spreading high their craven branches TO
the golden lights that kiss
The stumps, like cowled monks kneellng low
ly on their Bonded knees;
Such Is dawn of Christmas morning on the
farmland children's bliss.
Hear the prattle of the youngsters. as they
tumble from their beds,
Eyes avoid and hearts 80 eager. scarce can
wait to greet the feast;
Hamper-scamper down the stairway, rosy
cheeks and curly heads,
Baby blossoms all. God bless them! we
could spare not one at least.
Presents-whO can name or count them
dolls and drums and pretty things
To make happy all our babies, make them
merry with delight.
How they chatter with sweet voices; how
the music echo brings
Gentle thrills Of sweetest rapture to the
mother heart so bright.
Good Housekeeping.
Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1901-12-19
The Doctors Dilemma
By Hesba Stretton


cd more freely the farther we travelled
down into the interior. At Falaise we
exchanged the train for small omnibus,
which bore the name "Noireau" conspic-
uously OH it's door. At length we started
off on the last stdge of our journey.
Finally our omnibus was jolting and
rumblng down some steep ana narrow
streets. lighted by oil lamps swung across
them. Only at the inn where we stop
ped was there anything like life. woke
up Minima from her deep and heavy
sleep.
I'VE are here at Noireauw l said. I'VE
have reached our home ut last"
The door was opened before the child
was fairly awake. 4 small cluster of
bystanders gathered round us as we
alighted. and watched our luggage put
down from the roof. Minima was lean
ing against me, half asleep. A narrow
vista of tall houses lay to the right and
left, lost in impenetrable darkness. The
strip of sky overhead was black with
midnight.
"Noireau?" l asked in a tone Of inter
rogation.
Eyes, madame" responded chorus Of
voices.
Garry me to the house of Monsieur
Emile Perrier, the avocat," said, speak
ing slowly and distinctly.
The words. simple as they were, seem
ed to awaken considerable excitement.
The landlady threw up her hands. with
an expression of astonishment. Was it
possible that l could have made II mis-
take in so short and easy sentence?
l said it over again to myself, and felt
sure was right. With renewed conf
dence l repeated it aloud, with a slight
variation.
Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1901-12-19
New Years Greeting.

"You look worried. Brown" said
Green.
"Worried! l should say ! am. Zee
those?" And he drew out of his over
coat pocket great bundle of statements
of accounts.
"Ha! haw laughed Green. you will
make Christmas present to your wife.
will you. without counting the cost first?'
The lines around Browns eyes deepened
and his mouth dropped sadly.
"No," he said. that's not it, These
are not for presents made my wife,"
"Why. what are they for, thenT ask
ed Green. wonderingly.
"Tor the presents my wife made me-"
And the men shook hands In tender
sympathy.
Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1901-12-19
Lucky Man.

ibid you get anything in your stock
ings on Christmas morning. Cumso?" ask
ed Cawker.
YES both Of my stockings were full"
replied Cumso.
Full of whaty
eject"
Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1901-12-19
Servant Girls in Germany.

The growing demand for women IN
the factories of Germany is bringing
the servant-girl problem more and more
to the front.
Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1901-12-19
PAW on CHRISTMAS TOY BUSINESS.
EAR friends:

EAR friends:
Our teacher told
us to rite some
Christmas compost
tons last week. so
l spoke to paw
about it and asst
Him what l better
rite.
"Well," he says.
you mite say that
if it wouldn't Of
Been for Spain
Amerika intent Of
Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1901-12-19
Christmas In China.

In China Christmas Is a sun festival,
and has connection with the winter sol.
stice. 1t is called the festival of the
Winter Sun. or sometimes the festival Of
the Tree Spirits. or In other localities
the festival of the Forest Dragon. 1t IL
an occasion Of much merriment, and one
of the accompanying formalities is the
renewal Of the 'ghost papers,"
Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1901-12-19

TIL ringing. singing. on Its way.
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice. a chime.
A chant sublime,
OF peace on earth. goodwill to men,"
But in despair I bowed my head.
There Is no peace on EARTH l said;
'For hate is strong,
And mocks the song
OF Peace on earth, goodwill to men,
Then pealed the bells, more loud and deep.
"God Is not dead; nor doth He sleep!
The Wrong shall fail, the Right prevail.
With peace on earth, good will to men."
-LOngfellow.
Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1901-12-19
A Matter of Necessity.

Willie-Why does man swear off so
many things at New Years?
Crabshaw-He has to, my boy, for he
spent all his money at Christmas.-Judge.
Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1901-12-19

Better a prudent enemy than friend
without discretion.
Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1901-12-19
CHRISTMAS BELLS.

HEARD the bells on
Christmas day
Their old I a III | II ar
carols play,
And wild and sweet
The words repeat
OF peace on earth.
good will to men,"
And thought how, as
the day had come,
The belfrles of all
Christendom
Now roll along
The unbroken song
OF peace on earth.
goodwill to men,"
Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1901-12-19

A tax on incomes-Christmas.
Mexico weekly ledger., 1901-08-29

The guests included Misses Matte
Smith. a. Columbia Elizabeth and
stella Robertson, Tide Robinsn,
Elizabeth Annald Vera Smith
Margaret Lapton Virginia fancey,
Trixie Piunkett, jamie Clay. Mary
Clay. Of KentRcky, Louise Lackia1d-
Miss Matte Smith guessing the mest
conundFuns received the psize q
lovely china put box. Punch orange
ice and angel food were served
Mexico weekly ledger., 1901-08-29
Rnough Honey o Winner On

The Columbia Herald says: Boone
is a rich county, drouth to contrary
notwithstanding. In the eleven banks
OF the county there is now on deposit
about one and one-half million dol
lars. Galloway has $3.50, 900 on depos-
1t; Monroe, $4,000; Audrain, s74o,-
600, and Randolph, SSH, 900. Boone.
however, has nearly twice as much as
any Of its sister counties and me.
third as much as all Of the five com.
bined.
With accumulation Of bank de-
posits reaching 10 s1,500,00O, the
largest in the history Of the county.
the winter win hardly bring famine
and distress. Much Of this money will
be withdrawn for living expenses and
there may not be as much surplus
next spring as this fall. There will
be no starvation, however, IN a coun-
ty 50 rich as Boone. There will be
closer economy of course and less ex-
trayaganee. This Is scarcely to be
sorrowed over. But as long as a coun.
~ has one and a half million dollars
Of surplus 1t viii take more than a
short corn crop 70 send us all to the
poor house.
Mexico weekly ledger., 1901-08-29
IOWA DEMOCRATS
Au-Day osztest Over the Adoption
Of the Kansas Ctr Plztfarn-
Advocates Of silver Wen

DIS McESES, IA, Aug. 1.-THE
Defnocratso Iowa, in State conveR-
tioa to-day, nominated q good ticket
The platform rezf8rms the national
platform adopted In 800 al Kansas
Cty, and contxins a plank On state
issues demanding reform in taKation
laws. repeal q the mulct liquor law
and enactment Of a local option II
cenS Law.
FTsHT OVER SILVER FLANK.
The chief contest In the convention
was the adoption Of the platform
The struggle began in the district
caucus held by the convention assem-
bled In the morning. the ant<llver
forces s1cceeding ia naming q major
the committee On resolutions
There was a p~rutraeted session Of this
committee, and in the afternoon a
majority and two minority reports
were submitted to the cOnTention
TIE majority report ignored national
issues entirely for state matters. The
FIRST minority report agreed with the
majority report except In q preamble,
which reaffrmed the Kansas City
platform. The second minority re
port differed from each Of the others
in its preamble only, which set forth
that state issues were paramount In
this campaign The first minority
report affirming the Kansas City
platform WIS adopted on the call Of
the roll b. counties amid much con-
fusion bv 66qs 70 500.
Mexico weekly ledger., 1901-08-29

Miss johnson, Of Kansas City, is
visiting her uncle, B. C. johnson, IN
South jefferson.
Misses Mary SaIingeE and Ethel
Browning have returned from q de-
HehtfuI visit in Paris
Miss Hattie EdmondS who has been
visiting In Miami for several weeks
viii return next THURSDAY.
Lagree Gary is at home nOw ever
other day. He has the express run on
the Mexico Accommodation 70 Kan.
sas City.
Misses Amelia and Aay CLAY spent
several DAYS last week IN Louisiana
visiting Miss Block at her lovely homs
IN the suburbs
Mrs ]. 6. Trimble IS here for a short
visit. She has Just returned from
Buffalo; her mother, Ms J. C. Buck
ner. was with her and Mr.. Trimble-
49,
Mrs Eta Foster Crawford, Of De
|eatur, has been here this week on legal
business. She viii return in October
to remain two months or more Hel
many friends here viii be glad tc
know this
Mn. Green Clay and daughter, Mis-
jamie. Misses Amelia and Mary Clay
Of Kentucky, and Misses Frances and
Jessie Cook, Of jefferson City, left
THURSDAY night for Buffalo. They
win be East three weeks OF more.
After the Pan-Ameriean show has
been taken In they viii 90 on to New
York; from there TO the yea shore.
Prof. \. B. Mckee, Of the D. and d
at Fulton, was in our city this week
He found in our fellow-townsman. ]
D. Mckee, an own cousin. Theil
fathers were the only sons Of theil
grandfather. lCan you follow mes
Althoughssuch being the case, they had
never met before. y. B. Mckee was
born and raised in indianapolis while
]. D. Mckee was born and raised here
Mexico weekly ledger., 1901-08-29
Judge Robert Rodgers.

ANtA - = 1HAA a&f
Special Judge r. d. Rodgers closed
his woFk 10 Fulton this morning in
the two real estate bank cases and has
returned 70 Mexico. Judge John A.
Hockaday was disqualified on account
OF bis interest as a stakeholder 10 the
bank.
The lawyers and Others present
agree that his rulings were Just and
Judge Rodgers left some very warm
friends 10 Fulton.
Mr.. Rodgers served his county two
terms in the capacity Of Prosecuting
Attorney and was twice elected judge
Of the police court in Mexico. he is a
hard student, a close observer, pos
sessed Of sound Judgment generous TO
a fault and always earnest in all
things. He has Clipped cut the steps
upon which be has climbed 70 one Of
Audrain's most hon0red and respected
and gifted sons.
Mexico weekly ledger., 1901-08-29
Thornton star Won Eirst

The Colorado Springs Colo Gazette,
in speaking Of the horse show in that
city says:
The third event, that for gated sad
die horses. proved to be the most inter-
esting Of the show up to that time. The
entries included some OF the finest sad
die horses In the West and the Judges
had trouble arriving at a decision.
Thornton Stars trotting gait gas the
best ever seen in this city, and won
first prize for the owner, j. A. Potts,
OF Mexico, Mo, who displayed fine
Craftsmanship In riding the winner.
Rex Blees, Geo. Demands si0.O 900
beauty, ridden By his trainer, Tom
Bass, took the red streamer and Lime
stone Belle, ridden by Mr.. Sims, was
The event for single harness horses
brought out Is entries. Mr.. Ashbrook
drove Glen Eyre and took the blue. DR..
Sherman Williams, with Robert b.
was a good second.
The following Is contained in the
news dispatches from Colorado City in.
to-day's st.Louis papers:
Teams Of roadsters,l trotters and
PAGERS; Third prize, ]. A. Potts,
Ashbrook won $3.50 In prizes. lie had
a long string Of horses. Ralph Knight.
OF Kansas City, and ]. A. Potts. Of
Mexico, also won prizes. Forest King.
Of ST. Louis, was a mueh-applauded
prize winner. The show, the most
successful ever held In Colorado,
closed tonight with a masked street
parade and ball, with exhibition of
fancy high school stepping by Colum-
bus and Limestone Belle.
Mexico weekly ledger., 1901-08-29
Oh j. 3 HAWKINS.
Gives the Ledger an Interview With
II. Kmmens Regarding Bonding
the County.

To ne EditsF o. ne Ledger
MEXICO, Aug. "a. 1s0L-We had a
talk with Jas. EmmoHs sb0 said that
ia his Judgment rock reads leading out
Of Mexico were the indispensable
needs Of The times for the business In
terest OF Mexico and TO prove his faith
By his works be &oald give 500 for
twenty miles Of road built out of
Mexico i've miles east, west, north
south, or Eve dollars a mile in
addition to any tax that might be
voted by the people, and We are told
that John Fields did say at one time
be would give one thousand dollars,
individually, for a rock road to his
place And, you see, Mr.. Editor, that
this is no selfish interests In these
proposals, for Mr.. Field lives on the
road southeast, that would be one Of
the first roads 70 be rocked. III any by
public taxation. Since men know a
good thing when they see IT, and 70
Bro. Pool We say, men are not all
muttoa-heads down this way. Mr..
Editor, keep the question before the
people. Respectfully,
]. b. HAWKES..
Mexico weekly ledger., 1901-08-29
TICKET THIEF ESCAPES.
Fritz Waller Thought to Have FAD
Outside Assistance

FULTON, No, August 2L-Fritz
Waller, under a fve-year sentence TO
the state penitentiary for burglary,
escaped from the Galway county
jail in this city last night In locking
up the prisoners for the night the
hiler failed 70 place Waller In a cell
and during the night he effected an
exit through the ceiling and roof.
waller was caught robbing the
Chicago g. Alton depot Of railroad
tickets two weeks ago, and in the cir
cult court on Monday was sentenced
10 nSe years penal Eervitude. Officers
here think he had outside assistance,
and nilrozd officials believe be is a
member Of an organized band Of ticket
thieves.
Mexico weekly ledger., 1901-08-29
a 3 AMI STOCK T

From the Pzrss Appeal
Charley Woods, near Granyii, sold
a e-year-old bay horse for 800.
Henry Outright sold / calf for $50.
]. W. Outright sold 3 at s15 per head.
Harve Patterson, near Tulip, ship
ped % head Of 1670pound steers to
Chicago this week. They sold at &c.
One Of the toppiest punches Of mule
colts in the county is owned By l. W.
Hinebaugh. They are all mares 4
feet 6 inches high. and cost an average
Of go per head.
At the public sale held by George
Harding & Son, at Wankesha. Wis,
10 Shorthorn COWS and heifers sold for
s2T ,4eO, an average Of s666.E per
head. -Four bulls averaged 1910.
The shorthorn tribe Is still 3 favorite,
it seems.
The Howard county Advertiser says:
Stock hogs, we understand, 7 nov
selling at Sc and will likely go higher.
There was no necessity for any one
getting scared and giving away good
f~rst-class cattle and hogs Missouri
will have to have stock TO eat the
corn. Those who hold their stock
viii be well paid.
II. Z. Hisey to-day sold a horse to
Strauss s. Hexter. Of New York City,
for a fancy price.
The Centralia Courier says B. r.
Middleton, Of Mexico, bought AZ nice
yeaFling mules Of ]. c. Jones for Ten
nessee parties last week. They we're
fancy mules and sold at good figures
J. @. Jones, one Of the most promi-
nent and prosperous farmers in Boone
county and an extensive mule dealer,
sold to Higgins & Davis Of Fayette,
Tenn, AZ head Of 1-year-old mules.
Mr.. Jones also sold 16 head TO VIM.
Porter, Of Petersburg, Tenn. Higgins
s Davis shipped their mules from
Mexico Saturday.-Hallsville cores
pendent in Sturgeon Lender.