davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1903-04-11

work. / know your medicine saved
my life and l cannot praise it enough"
MRS. LIZZIE RoECAP,
$40 Smith St., Millville, Nj.
DEAR Mrs. PINKHAM IL have
worked hard all my life, and when the
Change of Life came / flowed very
badly for weeks at time. l would
stop for a day or two, then start
again. 1 went to see doctor and
went through an examination, and
spent two hundred dollars for medi-
cine and doctors bills, but l did not
get the relief expected.
SAT that time 1 saw Lydia r.
Pinkham'S Vegetable Compound
advertised and began it's use. have
found it to be just what needed.
q wish every woman suffering
from female trouble would try it.
recommend it to all my friends"
MRS. WIN. DAILY, Millbank, SD.
"DEAR Mrs. PINKHAM II feel it
n duty owe you and every suffering
woman in the land to tell of the
wonderful results 1 have found in
using Lydia f. Pinkham'S Vege-
table Compound aud Liver Pills.
Passing through the Change of
Life, some of the physicians consulted
said nothing but an operation would
save me. But your medicine alone
cured me. MRS. MAGNOLIA DEAN,
1441 First Avenue, Evansville, Ind.
n produce the original letters and signatures OF
We their absolute genuineness.
Il. PinkhAm Medicine Co.. Lynn, MSass
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1903-04-11

NE 5os EEos ~Riss t T 6 s s @ and
E
The San Francisco call., 1903-09-20
By Clinton Dangerfie1d.

he shivered to think how Helen would
figure In such a programme-his dainty
Helen, whom he had always seen in trail
ing gowns. except for a change TO her
spotless yachting suit.
May / ask he said, trying to suppress
his rage, whom you have selected for
me7''
MY cook said Uncle James coolly.
You needn't start up and snort like
wild horsel She is lady born. but forced
to earn her bread by reverses. Instead
Of pounding on some Internal piano, or
screeching on the stage or herding half
a dozen spoilt youngsters as a governess,
she had the sense to take up a woman 5
highest profession-cooking."
Cooking, You have a fine idea of q
woman's ability!' muttered the Boy
Certainly 1 have. The good cook con-
serves mans intellectual powers, leaving
him undistracted by dyspepsia or other
nightmares. Since this girl has been with
me my brain has been so per cent clearer
AS to all this rot about woman's COM
panionship, tell you a well-roaste piece
OF meat or a light loaf of bread is a bet
ter stimulant than all the companionship
OF the best petticoat going. Look at the
table-beautifully set! Remember the
promptness of our meals for the past
fortnight. She's waiting on the table to-
day because the maid is sick She's never
sick"
The Boy rose, choking with rage.
Understand me, sir" he said, as soon
The San Francisco call., 1903-09-20

eyes across the river to where the lights
OF West Point could be seen on top OF
the Palisades.
The mans Elance followed hers. Neither
spoke for moment, and then with an ef-
fort which he hoped was not visible to
the girl. the man said:
so you are engaged to Jack Carter?
1 thought / was too old friend not to
have been told Of this before"
II meant to have told you this even
ing" said the girl. Jack says you were
SO good about getting him appointed to
the academy that we have both felt
grateful to you. But we neither of us
thought that you would be at all inter-
ested In a romance
You do me an injustice" said the colo
mel, with little dry laugh. 81 am always
interested in romance, for instance, the
one which ] have been just telling you.
know the man and have taken a great
deal OF interest in the case. / shall ad-
wise him not to propose to the girl But
you must permit me to tell you that I
wish you all happiness. and that 1 con-
slider Jack very lucky fellow"
They are beginning to dance. colonel:
won't you come in with me?"
Thanks; fancy my dancing days are
over. 1 think 1 will stay here and smoke
a cigar
The San Francisco call., 1903-09-20

Anything go wrong?
mo. rnum-but there's a many people
here. Most Of 'em know. Some OF EN-
I don't. I'm frettin' lest you may nave
something stole. mum"
Mrs. Macomber chuckled. There isnt
the slightest danger, DAN What with an
officer watching the presents and de-
tective keeping his eye on things, we
needn't worry 1 guess. Why don't you
go now and get bit to eat and cup OF
coffee? You haven't sat down since
morning. I'll tell Mary to take your
place.
num-"
you're foolish" said the lady, and
moved away.
''Maybep muttered the old man, lean
ing one thick shoulder against the wall.
''The Bobby's a weary boy he's told me.
Three nights now an not sleepin'
we'll DAN he says to me this noon, I
dread the evenin' 'Tis hard for one pair
of eyes to cover a mob. Two OF us Is one
too few says he. but Mr.. Macomber
gives me the grand laugh, and III have
to tend bar alone And it's so.
1.-THE detective? A needle in q hay
stack! Oh, well, there1l prob'ly be moth
in happen. All! but to think OF Miss
Tina a-Ieavin' US. And to stop and kiss
old Dan good-by when she starts for the
church-all In her weddin' gown like the
angel she is. A baby when L first come
The San Francisco call., 1903-09-20

The girl stepped in through one OF the
open windows and the man lit a cigar.
Perhaps it was the moonlight on the
water, perhaps 1t was the old waltz tune
which hoated out OF the windows Of the
house. perhaps the old memories were
brought up keenly by the story he had
told the girl on the piazza. Whatever the
cause, the effect was to carry the mind
Of the man back to another time and an
other scene.
The Hudson became another river, the
Palisades on the farther side became a
low, wooded shore The breeze which
came from the river seemed heavy with
scent OF magnolia. The man who paced
slowly up and down the piazza was young
again.
At his side there seemed to walk a wom-
an. as beautiful and as young as the girl
who had just left him. But the beauty
Of this woman was OF the South, and her
dress was of the fashion Of forty years
ago. The measure OF forgetfulness which
time had granted the man slipped away,
and the old keen heartache woke once
again to poignant life.
And the man, walking with memories
and ghosts in the pure. calm moonlight.
thanked God that the heartache was alive
once more.
The San Francisco call., 1903-09-20
UNCLE JAMES GREAT VICTORY

as he could speak clearly. that from
now on"
Did you ring. sir?" demanded a
sweet. familiar voice.
The Boy whirled around to be confront
ed by a slim, demure vision in cap and
apron. The vision ignored him complete
ly. her eyes being fixed respectfully on
Uncle James.
Did you ring, sir?' she repeated. II
was sure l heard the bell"
mo, Mary, [ didn't ring" said her en-
ployer, complacently, but since you are
here you may ill my glass again with
water"
dumbly by his chair, watched her slender,
steady fingers as she served his uncle
When the girl disappeared Uncle
James demanded triumphently:
Isn't she neat and pretty?'
The Boy attacked his dinner with an ap-
petite which he had failed to show be-
fore.
She's neat enough" he said, coolly.
with your permission, I'll help her clean
up the dishes after dinner and see what
think of her.
A few minutes later Helen Vanderveer
and the Boy faced each other in Uncle
James kitchen with a sink full of dirty
dishes between them.
The Boy, coat off and sleeves rolled up,
was turning the hot water on with one
hand and fourishing dish mop In the
other.
What in the wide world ever made you
think Of such a gloriously foxy move as
this?" he demanded.
The San Francisco call., 1903-09-20

hold themselves as erect as you do, and
1 am quite sure that have met few of
them who have that graceful, deferential
manner of yours in the presence Of
women. 1 think you are wrong to say
that all romance must be dead for you,"
said the girl, laughingly.
Tall, slender and graceful. the youth of
the girls twenty years showed In sharp
contrast to the fifty odd years of the
handsome. soidierly looking man who
stood at her side.
when you were younger. Miss Edith"
said the colonel, you used to be very
fond of having me tell you stories, and
think 1 will tell you one now. II you are
sure II viii not bore you"
please do, colonel. / used to think that
there was no one who could tell such de-
The San Francisco call., 1903-09-20

lage he had lived in. There he found that
the woman he loved was dead. Her
mother told him that 1t had been said
in the village that he was killed at Get
tysburg, and that when nothing was
heard Of him afterward the girl had died
of broken heart
Memory of the woman he had loved
did not leave him. The man himself in
his bitterest moments, never wished for
that.
The man. as the old memories became
dulled after many years, began to wonder
II 1t was best for him to always live soli-
tary life. Then he began to wonder II
he was not In love with a beautiful young
girl whom he knew and then resolved to
ask her to marry him Do you think he
did right?'
The girl did not answer for moment,
and then she said, in voice 90 low and
sympathetic that you could almost de-
tect the ring of tears in tt:
'I am thinking of the woman who died.
] do not believe the man will ever forget
her If he loved her as much as you say.
] know that II l were to die would want
Jack to love me always, as the man yoH
hove told me of loved the woman. and not
to think of another woman.
The girl was looking with tear-dimmed
The San Francisco call., 1903-09-20

lightful stories beginning Once upon a
time.
This story begin in the same way Miss
Edith. Once upon a time nearly forty
years ago, young man was very much
In love with a very beautiful woman. The
two lived in little Southern village on
the Mississippi River, and had been play
mates through childhood. 1t was an un-
derstood thing between the families of the
two that the boy and girl should be mar
ried when they were grown.
One day foolish little quarrel came up
between the two young people, and 1t was
not made I'D as soon as 1t should have
been. Perhaps the man was wrong: at
any rate he was heartily sorry afterward
that he did not say he was wrong and
make peace in that way.
Before the quarrel was made up the
Civil War broke out, and the young man
considered II his duty to go to the front
in the ranks of the Southern army. It
was his luck to see a great deal of fight
ing and to win promotion more than once.
At Gettysburg he was badly wounded and
captured. For months he lay In a hospi-
tai, and on his recovery was confined In
a Northern prison until the end of the
war.
when the war was over he was re-
leased and hurried back to the little vii
The San Francisco call., 1903-09-20
THE REAL TROUBLE WITH DAN

By Elliot Walker.

twenty year ago to work On the hosses.
Liked me. she did. an twas Danl Danl'
TIL I was like nurse gal and IN the
house helpin'. And me, three months after
a ring fight Twas time quit-too old
too old. Lucky I've been to get where
Gm and no one suspectin'. Still. twas an
honest trade, and only now and then I'd
meet a man. waiter, q coachman.
trainer, a fighter, a hostler. a nurse gal
he-he-and now a nice respectable old
butler man mindin' the door and every
thing else. Sure, It's a curious round-a
bloomin' queer one. Father a Yankee,
mother English. me born in Australia.
brought up IN Frisco, ut In Kansas City
and now for twenty year a New Yorker,
decent and laytn' up coin. Dan, you're
not bad sort. to do so well by your
gray hairs
These reflections. cut short by a burst
OF shouting mirth. a rush 81 feet. q
shower OF rice and a flying slipper.
changed to swift attention Dan closed
the portal after the fleeing couple and
watched the scattering to the dressing
rooms, for the exodus was at hand
Mr.. Hopper's carriage
Mrs. CotwayI"
Now, Colonel Mix"
The crowd began to thin with Dams
rapid dispositions. A heavy-set man.
with his overcoat collar high turned to
MS ears pressed close upon lno nooAs OF
the Drayton party. There was a sudden
stoppage. Dams watchful eye narrowed
sharply. The old servants hand stole
cautiously up the back OF the overcoat
beside him to touch the hair and LIT II
slightly with an unfelt finger
''Wig!" he growled to himself, "and
cropped. By"
Right along" sounded his pleasant
call. and with the movement his foot
went out The gentleman beside him
stumbled and clicked his teeth with
exclamation
beg pardonP' said the butler, and
caught him gently around the body, but
with hands that ran searchingly and
pressed on curious hard knobs.
Go on, please" entreated Dan calmly,
dropping his right arm and slipping to
the left and forward. Not hurt, sir,
hope"
A mumbIed mo-" with a shake Of the
lowered head.
.'Do move out" cried the butler more
loudly. Sorry to seem to hurry you. but
/ want room for this gentleman. He's
tainted"
No one had seen that heavy. paralyzing
heart blow nor heard the gasp as the vic
tim sank to his knees Some looked back
and shook their heads. unknowingly, to
see good old Dan tenderly supporting the
sufferer. while he called genially across
the hall to the detective, talking TO Mr..
Macomber-
Bracelets
After the last carriage had rolled away,
another was driven up and the bracelets
worn by the short-haired, hard-jawed
man, 50 unceremoniously bundled In, were
not Justnas.
The San Francisco call., 1903-09-20

why confessed Miss Vanderveer
laughing and yet blushing a little, II owe
it all to a sharp tongued Old woman on
Hester street Some of us were down
there Summing. and l carried an arm
full of flowers. | offered her a rose and
what do you think she did with it?''
Wore it next her heart forever more!"
said the Boy promptly.
mot she She threw it in the dirty
crate, and with arms akimbo delivered
an address, I've hearn about you rich
folks. quoth she, how you come nosin'
round poor folks rooms, putting your
selves up that you are teachin' us some
thin! Teach, indeed, When you know
enough to fill a workman's pail with g
decent dinner then I'll hear to your Hover
missions an your religions!
I'VE got out of there promptly. The
others said they were simply paralyZed by
her impudence-but her words stuck in
my head; l determined to show that old
woman something-and l did. Afterward.
when found out from you that your uncle
was an economical gourmet. l saw reason
to bless my secret lessons at the cooking
school. 1 am supposed" she added,
laughing, "to be with the De Peysters in
Philadelphia"
The Boy dropped the dishmop and
folded her in an ecstatic embrace. from
which they were finally aroused by a
sharp voice at the pantry door:
Turn off that water, will your
The Boy leaped to the faucet for the
forgotten dishwater in tie sink was pour
ing over the edge, sputtering greasily
everywhere. But the gourmet apparently
did not mind.
You seem to have come to a good
understanding" he said dryly.
The San Francisco call., 1903-09-20
Copyright. 1903. by T. C. Mcclure).

NCLE JAMES helped
! !. !. !. !. ! :: :: : !" !" !" !"
- II himself 70 another por-
kh1MNHYI II ton Of the very appe-
HI Ell L: eI1SE tizing roast chicken be-
lISl l9s Elh%.F fore him
l6W WNNE7IGE "It's a light meat and
N6JNANJCAE agrees with me when
ll(S'Sfte properly cooked like
- this" he observed. with
the delightful conf
6ence most people have that their indi-
viduRl tastes are unfailingly interesting
70 every one. my present cook under
stands meats 70 perfection"
The Boy, generally referred to by the
ladies OF his acquaintance as really a
lovely fellow" made haste TO agree with
his uncles estimate. In reality he could
not have told you whether he was eating
chicken or ham sandwich, his mind being
absorbed by thoughts OF momentous i'm
portance. all connected with one problem
You're not eating" growled his uncle
You've got something on your mind-or
what you call your mind" he added with
the charming frankness Of near rela-
tives.
'Helen vanderveer." blurted the Boy.
his nervousness in this crisis scattering
his diplomacy to the winds.
Uncle James laid down his fork as
hastily as though the tender pullet had
been setting hen.
Helen Vanderveeri" he shouted. Are
you going to marry into that set OF tall
ored idiots after all I've said 10 your"
IF ! can get your approval" said the
Boy meekly. Let no one think the worse
OF him for his humility. He was penni-
less. and Miss Nanderveer had been curt
y notified by a very determined pair Of
parents that unless she secured Count
at least she need expect no income. Van
derveer pere had waded through much
discomfort 10 attain his present position
he was as goc5 socially as his cheek was
financially.
Thus the outlook ior Helen and the
Boy was depressing. Uncle James was
ss determined as the elder Vanderveer.
My approvalt" ne cried furiously.
why, YOU young jackass, That girl
would ruin you in three months. No, sir.
you shall be saved from yourself" He
leaned back In his chair. i've chosen
a wife for you myseif-a woman that will
be the making OF you-the kind OF woman
that viii help TO make my old age a
pleasure to both OF u.s."
your gasped the Boy. turning pale.
You've chosen wife for me? / shan't
marry her.'
''Oh, yes. you will" returned Uncle
James, composedly. When I adopted
you, a helpless orphan. I said to myself
TN see he gets the right wife'-and you
shall have her. with my blessing"
The calm OF desperation came TO the
Boy. Rather than give UP Helen he
would join the white Wings" and earn
his bread and hers on the street. Then
The San Francisco call., 1903-09-20

answered, crfmping the hem of her gown.
Since you decided that the boy was
mine. why did you have him here7'
That" she said slowly, 'is one Of those
things a man is constitutionally unable
TO understand"
TRY to make me understand"
'Well. YOUR son must have my care,
since he has no mother"
But / can't understand"
II told you you couldn't. Do you not
see, since you seemed to regret that his
existence forever separated you from me,
wanted you should have some compen-
gation?"
Chalmers grew excited and stammered
as he spoke. "You did II for love of
me. because I seemed to regret. You
cannot call 1t seeming when every throb
OF my heart was for you"
1T throbbed for another-there's the
boy, you know"
what satisfaction could I feel In the
daily presence Of this wretched child?"
None, perhaps. But I may be forgiven
for thinking that you still have left some
remnant Of honorable and gentle feeling.
A mans own SON"
you took the child in for love Of me.
believing 1t to be mine. For love Of me!
Say It. Dorothy, say it!'
For the love / had felt"
Love cannot die in an hour. You had
been my wife less than two years.
"And that boy was less than a year
old. 1 assure you. love can die IN a min
ute under favorable circumstances"
Suppose 1 were to tell you this boy r.
not miner"
She started forward in her chair. II
love dies quickly the habit OF hope does
not Suppose / were to ask you, Whose
Child is hep" she answered hoarselY.
why, 1t might be-any ones.'
Norman once told me that little boy
might eat a bear" sne replied Mrs.
Chalmers was articulating with difficulty.
This was to be a Waterloo-for somebody
on Napoleon's side.
Dorothy. in Heavens name-you love
me to-day as you did in that first year
of our married life. 1t is true, Dorothy, I
did not dare dream Of that before, but
now I know it. I cannot let this hour
pass-give me one chance-the benefit OF
the doubt. oh. Dorothy!'
There is no doubt" she said. staring
at him. She hoped for something, she
didn't know what.
LET us be reconciled When I be-
Heved you hated me had no power to
plead, but now for Gods sake. Dorothy
IL"
Don't speak, don't speak," Chalmers
cried. He was holding out his arms
what shall Il dor" she murmured.
twisting her fingers and looking at Chal-
mers' open arms and remembering the
feel OF them about her IN the old days
What shall dor" And then Norman
laughed. just without the, library door.
They started as the same shaft struck
them both.
For the last time." she said. hurriedly
and under her breath, who Il his
father7"
''I said it-might be any one; It might
why, 1t might be your father. Chal-
mers was speaking convuisively, or he
would never have said it.
MY father" she repeated. Then Mrs.
Chalmers seemed to assemble her wits.
my father-who loved you as his own
son, whose memory great men celebrated
to-day; my father. who loved my mother
and her children next to honor! A hero
The San Francisco call., 1903-09-20
BY U0kOKE
MARBOUKG BACON

Chalmers, with eagerness in pose and
tone. "Do-do we dine together7
II dine at home to-night-if you mean
that" she replied.
Yes: and will you await dinner hereT'
LAS well here elsewhere. she ac-
ouiesced Chalmers had a coUrtly way.
He motioned toward chair near the IRE,
and Mrs. Chalmers caught her breath, as
she alvavs did when she observed In him
that tone and manner. She hoped Chal
mers' mind was on something else.
We'll sir?' said Chalmers, looking
over her head at Norman
The boy had been standing quite apart
watching them wistfuliy. When Chai-
mers spoke he started.
You want something7" asked Mrs.
Chalmers. looking coldly at him.
q" he hesitated.
Speak up" said Chalmers testify.
Il wondered if-to-night you would
mind II l had my dinner with you-or
with the housekeeper; If you had rather
not" he continued hurriedly.
WHY with us-or the housekeeper-
THE music and the gold braid and
every one so gay and
Chalmers looked stoicaly at the fire,
but he felt very pitifuI.
You mean that you are lonesome? 2
queried Mrs Chalmers.
Yes"
you may dine with-us," she returned,
shortly. and looked back at the fire, as
Chalmers had
Thank you" said the boy.
"Er-wait here-till dinner is served"
She indicated cushion at her feet.
4 am going to the country tomorrow,
said Chalmers stiffiy. IN take you with
me If you choose. You can have a look at
the dogs-if you choose"
Thank you. sir" And at that moment
the music hoated in from the street.
Norman began, boylike, to drum with his
fingers
That's fner' he said. with an uncon-
scious enthusiasm. Was my father a
hero?" Chalmers and his wife looked at
each other and then. contemptuously. al
the little boy. When his wife looked at
him Chalmers reddened and turned about
Norman" he said ''if it will not dis
appoint YOU too much. viii. you dine with
US some other night?"
Yes, sir" And Norman rose.
And. my boy. that trip to the country
tomorrow shall be delighted to. have
you CO.
Thank you" Norman said again. with
a deprecatory smile.
Norman" called Mrs. Chalmers. ''since
Mr.. Chalmers prefers that you do not
dine with US. / will tell you stories. here
after you have had your tea-if-if you
wish it
He wished II and left the room.
Man and wife were silent for a moment,
then Chalmers spoke.
You did not mind that l dismissed him,
did you?"
why should l mind?'
Il will try and make it up to him to-
morrow"
And latter dinner"
perhaps we have not-considered the
boy enough.
Perhaps ! have not
''Oh. yes you have. / was thinking of
my own remissness"
The San Francisco call., 1903-09-20

Es. an old man, Miss
Edith. who begins to
feel his age" said the
colonel.
But you are not old,
Colonel Lisenby. 1 am
sure that few OF the
young men OF to-day
The San Francisco call., 1903-09-20

the drizzle, hurried impatiently for shelter
and warm blankets.
She who a half hour ago was Justina
Macomber, now to be known as Mrs. AL
mon HartweH, stood, bright-eyed and
smiling, by her husbands side. Her hand
ached from many fervent grasps, her
round cheeks blushed from many kisses,
welcome and otherwise. She longed for
the moment when escape would be hers,
and with Almon's arm about her, they
might hear the shutting of another car
riage door, and speed away upon Hfe's
happy journey.
The man at the door was still busy, al
though that lull had come between gen.
eral arrival and departure. At first his
broad, clean-shaven face had borne grin
of polite welcome. Now it was grave and
worried. and he glanced frequently over
his shoulder to scan the throng crowding
the rooms behind.
Many knew the old family indoor man,
and nodded at him familiarly. wondering
at his perturbed look. Then his mistress
came I'D.
What's the trouble, Dan. Tired outI"
mo, num-"