davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Mexico Missouri message., 1903-04-23
MOSES
THE POEM F LIFE
IN THE FOOTPRINTS.
OF PROVIDENCE.
BY TON BENTON.
.CHAPTER Iv.-sCHoOLDAYs.

CHAPTER IV.-SCHOOLDAYS.
David's uncle Bob thought he
would practice a joke on Uncle
Billy Hit; he took some blood in
a bottle or some suitable vessel
aud head or two, sprinkled the
blood around the pen Land left a
head or two and went on his way
to town rejoicing. Mr.. Hit came
20 his pen and 10! there was blood
and every evidence of somebody
robbing his pen. In looking
around he found a glove, and as
Mr.. Graham did not live very far
he thought he would go and see if
the turkeys were there. There be-
fore the fire place were a lot of
turkeys wings " ith irons on them
roasting the flesh to make it keep
so they could be used for fans. I'M
Gle Billy saw his turkeys, for that
glove was Mr.. Graham's, and
Aunt Mary had a time to convince
him that they wife tame turkeys;
he sat and unused and remarked:
They look like wild turkeys, sure.
David now started to school in
earnest. Before this his mother
had been his teacher. She had
taught him to read and write so he
grew fond Of reading, and mathe
MATES and geography; history,
too, was fascinating, but here was
Buffers Grammar; the first day
convinced him that this was a lit
tie too dry and hard for any use.
The next morning he said,
"Mother. don't see any sense in
grammar, / can t understand it,"
His pctient mother nowlencouraged
the boy now nearly nine years old,
to try again. At first he cried and
had no heart to try but she en-
couraged and explained for about
two hours until little light be-
gan to dawn, then David brought
all of his powers to work to mas
ter the lesson and in a short while
grammar was an easy task, and
its study a delight, never any
trouble after this. And David has
ever felt that what he knows Of
language was due to his mothers
patient perseverance, in this his
first grammar lesson.
David was very fond of pictures
and drawing, either slate or pencil
had a great attraction for him. He
drew a picture of a man and wo.
man on a slate; the owner took it,
and showed it to the teacher. The
boy laughed, but had the con-
tempt of the boys who despised
telltales-while David got a few
raps with a switch for his artistic
fun he had all of the boys sympa-
thy.
Mexico Missouri message., 1903-04-23

strangling he cried for help. Port
reached ont and took him by the
hand, and there these two boys
struggled for life, struggling un-
til David, becoming alarmed,
searched fora stick to reach the
drowning boys. When they at
last got on safe land they wereT all
so thankful that they said they
would never again try swi mining
IN dangerous places.
David's father now got posses
sion of his farm between Columbia
and Providence. SO in 1854 they
came to one of the dearest spots
on earth; a home near Dayid's
Uncle Jacob Moses, where he
could play with Nonnie, Sanford
and have fun with his Uncle John
Harris children, Markie, Bob and
Frank near his age.
That fall Rev. Jno. M. Robin
son held a meeting at David's
fathers home. Many professed
conversion, and from these con-
verts and few older members of
the other churches Bethel Baptist
church was constituted. David
was now in his tenth year and
told his mother and father he
wanted to Join, too. The preach
er, Rev. Robinson, after the meet
ing one night asked David why he
wanted to join the church. "Oh''
said he, God is good; l want to
serve him, he has made such a
beautiful world in which to live"
and looking up at the stars he
continued, "loOk at those beauti-
full stars, how bright they shine -
The wise preacher said, "But dor. {
you love him for the Savior he
gave to die for us?" He replied.
"Oh, yes, / love Jesus" and the
next night he joined the church.
The time for baptizing came. In
David's Uncle Jacobs pasture was
fine pool of water on the creek.
Here they made some stepssto 90
down into the water; two men
stood at these steps to assist the
candidates in going and returning.
One lady, Mrs. VIM. Sutton, lust
before the ceremony began, raised
her hands as if in prayer, and
said; "Oh, Lord, give me grace;
oh, Lord give me grace;" then
was immersed in the name of the
Triune God. Another, as soon as
she reached the water, began to
scream, Let me go, let me go"
but the preacher bathed hef face
and she soon became calm and
dignitied. She had fallen into
water when small child and was
nearly drOwnedPand that caused
her nervousness. They were thru.
at least they thought so, when one
said, There is David, yet," but
David saw the solemn scene and
felt he was not prepared. Never
theless he went and was immersed
and began his career as a church
member before he was ten years
old.
(To BE CONTINUED
Mexico Missouri message., 1903-04-23
because Of his free use of hickory

because Of his free use of hickory
oil.
David's mother was his teacher,
for she helped him prepare his
lessons, and it did not make so
much difference who heard him re-
cite. Two boys, one Isaac Nichols,
a second cousin of David, the 9TH
er Port Rivers, his youngest uncle,
only two years older but smaller
than David, were his chums. The
reason was they we're so full of
fun. Port was always saying or
doing something to make the boys
laugh and he could laugh the loud
est himself, while Ike was droll
and like nobody else. A wealthy
farmer named John Mchir came by
the school-house every day or two.
He rode a small bay saddle horse.
The boys would pich up their
marbles and get out of the way
and say, GOOD morning, Mr..
Mchir," but Mr.. NJ. for some rea-
son wo uld not respond to the salu-
tation; after this had been kept
up for time, one day Ike started to
run after the man. He trotted
along behind the horse and said,
"GOOd morning, Mr.. Mchir," and
kept this up for half a mile. The
next day Mr.. NJ. said, GOOD morn
ing, boys" so cheerfully that the
boys forgave him and he always
spoke to them after that.
The spelling class was the one
that all took most interst in; to
turn down the boys and girls and
get head was considered great
victory. A few of the hest spell
lers were first in the class and they
rarely gave the others a chance to
be first. After sometime the
teacher gave headmarks, at first
for week, afterward for two days
and finally every day; then who
ever had the most headmarks got
a premium.
From Grindstone Academy to
the creek, called Hinksen, the
road was on a ridge. A valley
caused by a turn in the creek made
loug, narrow ridge called Back
bone. The boys would often go
OH the Backbone for about a half
or three quarters of u mile, then
go to the creek on the east side Of
the road where it was only short
distance to a pool of water and
bathe. Some of the boys could
swim, but most of them could not.
David looked at the swimmers as
they would show how much fun
one could have in the nice, warm
water and determined to learn all
of the ways to swim. The first
time he tried it was what was
called dog fashion, by sticking the
hands mp and down; after a few
duckings and stranglings he
learned this; then to open the
arms, extending the hands for
ward like fish, then on the back,
then to float. The last was hard
est, for in floating you must keep
still, with your face up and the
back of the head in the water; but
time and patience brought success.
One day the boys went to the
creeI after a rain. They saw the
creek was up some, but hastily
taking off their clothes Port aud
Ike went in while David was TAX
ing off his shoes. The boys had
no sooner stepped in than the
swift current hurled Ike beyond
his depthi tip-toeing and almost
- -
Mexico Missouri message., 1903-04-23

DR.. j. L. Gartrell, who was
hanged at Butler, Mo-, last week,
just before he went to the scaffold
is quoted as saying: "If l had new
er drunk whiskey l might as well
have been governor of the state as
Dockery. never had any fears
about my final home for l have
been calling on the Lord for thir-
ty-five years."
Mexico Missouri message., 1903-04-23

j. Pierpont Morgan says the
country is unqualifedly prosperous
and will continue so. For all the
Morgans and the trusts and the
great combinations of wealth and
railroad interests, all Morgan says
no one doubts.
Mexico Missouri message., 1903-04-23

Mr.. l. j. Head, of Centralia,
has made the following appoint
ments for his city: w. H. Bald
ridge, night police; G. H. Early,
treasurer; H. S. Booth, city at
torney; j. w. Chase, street COM
Mexico Missouri message., 1903-04-23

Missouri is now the first apple
growing state in the Union. Are
you looking after your orchard as
you shouldi Trees require care
as well as anything else on the
farm.
Mexico Missouri message., 1903-04-23

All Chicago & Alton engines
are to take coal at Farber and
Vandalia hereafter.
Mexico Missouri message., 1903-04-23

Said by the Fulton Sun: 1t is
understood that 1. Tate McCue,
who has been assistant cashier of
the Auxvasse bank for some years
past, will resign his position with
the bank to accept a position with
a new trust company that has
been formed at Mexico. The re-
signation is to take effect about
May l, at which time F. G. Stokes
of Maiden is to take the place of
Mr.. McCue. Mr.. Stokes was for
merly a student of Westminster
college and is we'll kno wn to the
citizens of Fulton. In losing Mr..
McCue Auxyasse loses one of the
most popular young business men
who has ever grown up in the
community, but perhaps by broad
ening his field of labor the young
gentleman will be able to make a
greater success in the world's
work.
Mexico Missouri message., 1903-04-23

The following excuse was re-
ceived by a Higginsville school
teacher Tuesdry from the mother
of one of her pupils: RESPECTED
Miss: please excuse Willie for alb
sents. He fell down the stairs
just before school time and we
feered his internal insides were
hurt at first, but they aint. The
doctor says that nc part of his
anatomy was hurt but the brewz-
ing of the eppydermis Of the out
side hide and also his hipp hurt
some. But he narrowly escaped
fatal death. So kindly excuse -
Mexico Missouri message., 1903-04-23

N~ANSo Va CN1No - - NNS
sistant cashier in the Farber bank.
A Vandalia man has very bad
case of new disease: BREAKFAST
fooditis.
Ten bright boys and girls in the
Farber public schools are to con-
test for a gold medal April 20.
Clyde Cullers of Mexico is stu
dent in the Wabash depot at
Thompson, learning telegraphy.
Charlie Robinson, out on Bean
Creek, "downs" anybody we have
heard of; he had four acres of corn
planted first part of last week.
Mrs. H. K. Hinde and Mrs. A..
K. Luckie of this city attended the
Woman's Foreign Missionary con
vention held in Fayette last week.
Rev. F. L. Rogers has been
called for another year to the pas
torate of the Farber Baptist
church. This is Bro. Rogers
third year with that church.
Mexico's new Methodist church
is to be dedicated May 18th. Rev.
w. A. Hanna, the pastor in charge
when the new enterprise was put
on foot, will preach the dedicatory
sermon.
Says our Thompson correspon-
dent: w. E. Stevens of Wright
City is perfectly contented in Oc-
cupying the chair in the Wabash
depot here. He says he enjoys
"city" life.
Mr.E.E. Shay will teach the next
term Of school in Bean Creek COM
munity. It is his third term at
that place; this and the fact that
the board raised his salary five
dollars on the month shows he is
appreciated out that way as a
teacher.
j. M. Beagles, of this city, will
leave about May 5th to spend the
summer with his son, Noah Bea-
giles, at Missoula, Mont. Mr..
Beagles has been doing some
building recently for his son-in-
law, Rev. N. S. Johnston, near
Worcester.
Last week a letter was addressed
to Industrial Agent E. S. Wilson
of the Chicago & Alton railroad
signed by committee Of Mexico
citizens-Messrs. w. w. Harper,
w. S. Hathaway aud E. R. Locke
offering to donate site for the
proposed new station in this city.
Mexico wants to treat the railroad
right.
Miss Addie Hale who for several
years has been making her home
with her aunt in this city, Mrs.
j. H. Simmons, has returned to
her home near Laddonia. Her
father, Samuel Hale, is erecting Q
fue residence on his farm, one of
the most substantial and costliest
in the county. His dwelling was
burned last fall.
Our Bean Greek correspondent
says: One day last week Fred
Schutte's team fell thru culvert
on Salt River, near the Brauer
farm. It is thought one horse, a
fine one, too, is ruined. Fred was
compelled to cut his harness all to
pieces in order to get out at all.
He will ask the County Court fol
damages, and it is the genera
opinion that he should have it.
The Fulton Sun says; Sidney
James, deputy sheriff for Audrain
brought Mrs. Brownof that county
to the hospital for the insane to,
day. The lady has been an in
mate Of the institution here twice
before. A few days ago, while in
q state Of depression, the lady
stood before an engine on the Wa.
bash tracks at Mexico in an at
tempt to commit suicide, but was
rescued at an opportune moment
by the deputy sheriff, who was oui
Mexico Missouri message., 1903-04-23

A Moberly man, who was con
templating matrimony, sent the
following reply to an advertise
ment he saw in a matrimonial pa
per: "I enclose my photograph
with my full description. 1t shows
the fetures as nachel as can bee
only it is too dark. l am very lite
complexion, gray eyes. orion hair,
6 foot high, waigh 100 pounds
lettle inclined to bee hump shoul-
dered. The girl that steels my
heart l will make happy for /
am hunting for a girl | can idelise
and make a angle Of"
Mexico Missouri message., 1903-04-23
(To BE CONTINUED

The British government has de-
termined to put an end to the
landlord system in Ireland. The
government will pay the landlords
their rent and finally buy them
out. Then the land will be resold
to tenants on small payments.
Here is little tardy justice bya
tyrannical nation which oppressed
till it could Oppress no more.
Mexico Missouri message., 1903-04-23

Our good friend down at Lad
donia, VIM. U. Coil, has ideas
about running newspaper-that
would make you smile all over to
hear them. He and family recent
ly returned from a very pleasant
stay at Colorado Springs, Colora-
do, but he thinks now that they
are back home to stay. We have
known Billie Coil from childhood;
he has a big heart in him for ev-
erything just aud honorable and a
man never had a truer friend. We
are indeed glad to have him come
back to Audrain.
Evening star., 1903-10-02
jr., Richmond, Va; Frank o. Briggs, Tren-

Jr, Richmond, Va; Frank o. Briggs, Tren-
ton. n. j."
John Shelton Williams, who was In Balti.
more tonight. said that the action taken
was occasioned by the inability of the two
hrmS mentioned above to collect large sums
of money due them and to realize se-
curities in the present disturbed money
markets.
The value of my firms assests," said
Mr. Williams. lis greatly in excess of all
liabilities of every kind and the present
difficulties will be only temporary.
None of the companies in which my firm
and Mr.. Middendorfs are largely Interest,"
ed. or with which members of these firms
are officially connected. will be affected in
any way by the action taken today. All
the properties held by us are In excellent
and healthy condition. and the outlook for
them. without exception, is bright and
thoroughly satisfactory"
Richmond. Va, dispatch says: The firm
of John l.. Williams & Son. which. with
Messrs. ]. w. MiddendOrf & Co, their Ball
timore associates in financing and develop
ing the Seaboard Air Line system, has be.
come financially embarrassed and had to
ask the Indulgence of its creditors. is one
of the largest and most influential In Rich
mond. In the last few years 1T has been
foremost in industrial well financial
development here. The splendid traction
street railway system and the immense
plant of the Virginia Electrical Railway
and Development Company. which uses tho
water power Of the James river. are among
the enterprises built here by the Williams
syndicate.
These passed to the Passenger and Power
Company In the consolidation here soma
time ago. The Williams house is largely in
terested in the Richmond Trust and Safe
Deposit Company. of which J. 8. Williams
is president, and in the National Bank OF
Virginia, Metropolitan Bank and several
smaller institutions.
The assurance is given that all or thess
are in excellent condition, and that all OF
the firms paper in banks here is amply se-
cured. A member of the firm said late to-
night that their last balance sheet, taken
cess of assets over all liabilities of mora
than 81 0000o0.
Evening star., 1903-10-02

Indeed. how could she apprise him Of
events which were now the talk Of the
court? How FsanciS. evincing a sudden In
terest as strong 1t was unexpected. had
exchanged Tribouet for herself. and the
princess. at the kings request. had taken
the buffoon with her. and left the girl be-
hind. The jestress welcome to the house.
hold of the Queen of Navarro; a subsequent
bewildering shower of gifts; the complacent
although respectful. attentions of the king
How she had endured these advances until
no course remained save the one she had
taken No; she could not tell the dukes
fool all this.
Between folle and fugitive fell a mutual
reserve. Did he divine some portion of the
truth? Are there moments when the mind
tuned to tension. may almost feel what
another experiences? Why had the girl not
gone with her mistress? He remembered she
had evaded this question when he had asked
1t. Looking at her. for the first time 1t
crossed his mind she would be held beauti-
full: an odd. strange beauty. imperious yet
girlish. and the conviction crept over him
there might be more than a shadow of ex-
cuse for her mad flight.
Beneath his scrutiny her face grew cold,
dtsdainful. Like all men," she said. sharp
ly, as though to stay the trend of his
thoughts. you are prOdigal in promises.
but chary in fulfilment"
Where is IT your pleasure to go?" he ask
ed quietly
THAT We shall speak Of hereafter. she
answered haughuly.
Forward them
Il can ride on alone" she demurred If"
Nay; tbs l who crave the quest" he re-
turned. gravely.
Her face broke into smiles What de-
voted cavalier" she exclaimed. Come.
then. Let ride out into the world. At
least. 1t is bright and shining-today Do
you fear to follow me. sir? Or do you be-
Evening star., 1903-10-02
BIG FIRMS IN TROUBLE
Middendorf & Co. of Baltimore and J.
L. Williams & Son of Richmond

- W A4AAaAA1S " oOu OI 1LlCQmOnQ.
A dispatch from Baltimore Md, last
night says: A persistent rumor pervaded
the financial district here today that ].
William Middendorf & Co. of this city and
John L. Williams & Son of Richmond. Va,
were financially embarrassed. Those in in
terest declined to discuss the matter during
the afternoon and evening. but late tonight.
| after conference which lasted several
hours. gave out the following statement:
"In view of the extraordinary and unex-
pected financial situation now existing in
New York. Messrs. John L. Williams &
Sons of Richmond. Va, and J. William
Middendorf & Co. of Baltimore. Md. have
gence of their creditors
THE undersigned have, at the request of
these two firms, consented to act as an ad-
visory committee to examine into their con-
dit1on. and promptly report an appropriate
plan of extension. The committee will
proceed to the immediate performance Of
this duty. In the meanwhile they believe
1t to be to the interests of all concerned
that no legal or other steps be taken by
individual creditors to complicate the sit
uation, but that the present status should
in all respects be maintained for common
protection and benefit.
THE above firms estimate that their as
sets. inventoried at current quotations. ex-
ceed their liabilities by a very large
amount. which will be naturally augmented
by the restoration of normal conditions
"In view of the official relations of Mr.
]. 8. Williams and Mr.. ]. w. Middendorf
with the Seaboard Air Line. they desire to
state that neither firm. nor any member
thereof. Is indebted to that company, and
that the Seaboard Air Line railway will be
in nowise affected by the action of their
respective firms in this matter
Douglas H. Thomas. Douglas H. Cor
don. Robert c. Davidson. John B. Ramsey.
Eugene Levering Baltimore; Eppa Hunton,
Evening star., 1903-10-02
CHAPTER XVIII.
The Secret of the JestreSs.

She. the quest, the mission. With grow
Ing amazement he gazed at her. but she re-
turned his look, though enjoying his sur
prise.
You do not seem overpleased with the
prospect of my company she observed.
'Or perhaps you fear l may incumber
your With mock irony. Confess. the
service is more onerous than you expected?'
Beneath her flushed yet smiling face lay a
nervous earnestness he could divine, but
not fathom.
Different certainly he answered
brusquely.
Her eyes flashed. "How complimentary
you are
For your own sake"
My sake''' she exclaimed passionately.
Her little hand closed fiercely: proudly her
eyes burned into his. Think you 1 have
taken this step idly? That II Is but the ca
price OF moment? Oh. no: no. 1t was
necessary TO fee from the court. But to
whom could a woman turn? Not to any of
the sourt-tools of the king. One person
only was there. he whose life was good
rs forfeited Do you understand
That my life belongs to you? Yes But
that you should leave the court-where you
have influence, friends
Influence, frendsi''
He wes startled by the bitterness Of her
voice.
Tel! me, Jacquelne-why do you wish to
Eo? he said. wonderingly
because l wish to-" she returned briefly
and stroked the shining neck of her horse.
Evening star., 1903-10-02

shaded spot: then darted off, cloud
against the sky, and returned with renewed
| cawing and discord. AS the riders ap-
preached the din abruptly ceased, the crea-
| lures mystertouSly and suddenly vanishing
into the depths of the thicket below.
In the fading light, fool and jestress drew
rein. and. moved by the same purpose,
looked about them. On the one hand was
the deserted, desolate plain over which lay
| sullen, gathering mist; on the other the
sombrous obscurity of the wood. Every
where an ominous silence, and overhead
the crescent growing In luster.
DO you see any sign Of house or inn?''
said the girl, peering afar down the road,
which soon lost itself in the general monot-
ony Of the landscape.
None, mistress; the country seems alike
| barren Of farmhouse or tavern
What shall we do? I am full weary
she confessed
1.-The forest offers the best protection" he
reluctantly suggested. Little as he favored
delay. he realized the wisdom of sparng
their horses Moreover. her appeal was
irresistible.
She gazed half dubiously into that woody
depth. "Why not rest by the wayside-in
the moonlight?''
II like not the open road" he answered.
But If you fear the darkness"
For answer she guided her horse to the
verge of the forest and lightly sprang to
the ground. Upon grassy knoll, but lit
tie way within, he spread his cloak.
There, Jacqueline, Is your COUCH" he
said.
But your she asked. ITO rob you thus
of your cloak seems tll-comradeship."
THE cloak is yours" he returned. las
1t is. you will find 1t but hard bed"
'Ir will seem soft as down." she replied
and seated herself on the hillock. In the
gloom he could just distinguish the outline
of her figure, with her elbow on her knee
and her hair blacker than the shadows
themselves. long-drawn, moaning
sound. coming without warning behind her
caused the girl to turn.
What is that?' she said. quickly.
''The wind. Jacqueline. 1t is rising
AS he spoke, like a monster it entered the
forest: about them branches waved and
tossed: a friendly star seen through the
boughs lost itself behind cloud. Yet no
rain fell and the air seemed hot and dry.
despite the mists which chung to the
ground. A crash Of thunder or a flash of
lightning would have relieved that signing
dOlor which filled the little patch Of timber
with its melancholy sounds
Suddenly. above the plaint and murmur
of wind and forest, the low clear voice of
the girl arose: the melody was no ballad,
arietta or pastoral. such as he had before
heard from her lips. but a simple hymn,
the setting by Calvin. The jester started.
How came she to know that forbidden
music? Not only to know. but to sing it