davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Las Vegas daily optic. [volume] (Las Vegas, N.M.) 1880-1908, 1903-11-02
OVER THE RIVER.
Mrs. j. j. Duske Passes Away, Leav-
ina q Devoted Husband and
Four Small Children.

Four Small Children.
Mrs. J. J. Duske died this morn
ing at 7:3O O'Clock. The death has
shrouded one home with the darkest
grief. and the announcement Will
bring sorrow d many in Las Vegas
and in the old home In Illinois.
Two years and a half ago the fam
fly came here from Chicago for the
health OF Mrs. Duske, who was SUI.
fering with tuberculosis. The lady
improved, but later her malady be.
came complicated with stomach trou-
BILE. For months she has been very
III. A few weeks ago she returned
from Chicago, where she consulted q
specialist and paid 4 visit to her pa
rents.
Very soon after returning TO this
city she became very much worse.
Many times her life has been despair
cd 81. This morning the frail bonds
that separate the mortal from the i'm.
mortal were severed, and the soul
departed from the frail. disease
wrecked body.
Those most deeply bereft are the
young husband. q popular machinist
in the local shops, and four children
three daughters and q son, the eldest
only eight and q half years old.
Tomorrow afternoon at 3 O'Clock
the funeral will be held from the
Episcopal church, the rector. the Rev.
Chas. French, o~ficiatlng. For the
sorrowlng ones sympathy warm and
sincere will flow out from many q
Las Vegas home. Mr.. Duske Is I'M
usually well liked BY his associates,
and the companion who has left his
side was q lovely and noble woman,
----
Las Vegas daily optic. [volume] (Las Vegas, N.M.) 1880-1908, 1903-11-02

Senior Ricardo Ruiz, the eminent
Spanish violinist. Is arranging for .
concert to DO given In the Duncan
opera house In the near future.
Las Vegas daily optic. [volume] (Las Vegas, N.M.) 1880-1908, 1903-11-02

= Just Il The Optic goes to press the
death Of Philip Callahan. the well
rknown contractor. Is reported.
Las Vegas daily optic. [volume] (Las Vegas, N.M.) 1880-1908, 1903-11-02

Another class for beginners will be
started Monday night, Nov. 9th, Mt the
Buttrick dancing academy. Ill
Las Vegas daily optic. [volume] (Las Vegas, N.M.) 1880-1908, 1903-11-02

a The voice Of the bill collector is
fnAbroad in the land.
Las Vegas daily optic. [volume] (Las Vegas, N.M.) 1880-1908, 1903-11-02

Edwin strothcr win bo initiated
Into The bonds OF the sigma beta TO
night.
Las Vegas daily optic. [volume] (Las Vegas, N.M.) 1880-1908, 1903-11-02

Owing to the impossioility Of Sc
curing a quorum there VIII be no meet.
ing the school board tonight.
Las Vegas daily optic. [volume] (Las Vegas, N.M.) 1880-1908, 1903-11-02

sigma Beta society will meet at the
,ell at 7s3O D. m. sharp tonight lni-
w. G. TwITcHELL.
M. II. II. r.
Las Vegas daily optic. [volume] (Las Vegas, N.M.) 1880-1908, 1903-11-02

Troop A drill tonight.
Las Vegas daily optic. [volume] (Las Vegas, N.M.) 1880-1908, 1903-11-02

Mrs. Gregorta G. do Montoya, aged
ffty.six, died at her home In the city
OF Las Vegas yesterday. She was the
wife Of Juan Montoya. a well known
citizen.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-12-13

seem as having almost human interest
in the sounds breaking upon its tran
quillity.
There are a variety Of roads to the
Pierce Mil The pathway par excel
lence would seem to be the Pierce Mill
Road itself. This begins just as one
leaves the cable car at the Mount
Pleasant terminus and turns to the left.
The impress of city streets and sur
roundings leaves one almost in the
twinkling of an eye, and no matter in
what way a traveller is travelling, on
foot. on horseback, or in carriage, he
finds himself upon a beautiful macad-
lied road replete with rustic beauty.
Bridges over deep ravines and purling
streams punctuate every few RODS of the
way; high hill on the right hand and a
long deep hollow on the left is always
noticeable. Piney Branch is the first
well-known creek to be met on the road
and is crossed by newly constructed
bridge of ample proportions. Then
comes Rock Greek itself. crossed by
another fine bridge. and there on the
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-12-13

glamour about the old mill stay unfair
nished-
There is. no season of the year which
the Pierce Mill is not fascina ing. In
the spring when picturesque Rock Creek
has escaped from its icy bondage and
flows tumbling on in the rapture of
freedom. and the trees of the forests
about it are budding. and the grass
in the adjacent fields is turning green,
the whole place. is beautiful In the
middle of summer 1t is made melodious
by the buzzing of bees, the soft nurmur
of the flowing streams. the cadeDces
through the leafy trees and the tout
ensemble Of natures orchestra generally.
In the fail and winter months the
glories that surround the old structure
pass not away. There is always there
a silence that is impressive; the cawing
Of the crows in the woods and The
echoes of the sportsmans gun rather
serve to enhance the quiet, and there
amid it all. at the turning Of the road.
stands the old mill that by a vigorous
stretch of imagination can be made TO
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-12-13

the assaults Of the iron tooth of time.
But the Pierce Mill is not, as George
Gordon Byron in his grand dramatic
poem. Manfred wrote Of the Coli
seums wall, "a noble wreck in ruinous
perfection" 1t hasn't the slightest ap-
pearance OF a wreck exteriorally. but
with it's gable-ended front and rear. as
well as the side walls of variegated
stone. it looks like a sentinel on guard,
and in all probability should occasion re-
quire it could be armored and made TO
do duty as an improvised fortress. COM
handing three separate approaches.
The truth is, as the days Of its grinding
are forever ended. there are at least a
bakers dozen Of uses for IL II the Rock
Creek Park Commissioners. under whose
charge it is, should consider it fit and
proper TO drag it from it's digniied re-
tirement. 1t might be converted into a
museum or gymnasium, or an observ-
atory. or anything. but in all probability
the distinguished gentlemen who control
the destinies Of the beautiful park. larger
in area than New York's great Central
Park. will be content to let the rustic
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-12-13

being Pierce Mill and the vicinity done
in oil.
In Washingtcn's early days the old
place was a great picnic resort Espe-
oially attractive it was to the Old volun-
teer IRE companies and the military or
ganizations. even if 1t was long dis
tanc> to haul the engine or march on n
warn summer day with old-fashioned
muskets on the shoulder. Sunday schools
also had their picnic parties there, when
the old folks and children were carried
in long omnibuses and were happy all
the day long.
An Old Time Danes Renaissance.
Then, think of the private picnics, SO
fashionable in days OF yore. when a
number OF the youthful SWANS Of Wash
ington would club together and give a
country dance to maidens fair and come
home under the charming beaming of
the harvest moon.
''I remember WE'LL recently said an
elderly dame who resides in the northern
portio. Of the city. 1.-The first picnic I
ever attended escorted by a young gen
tleman. 1t was given at old Pierce Mill.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-12-13

bullet in his leg. Well, I thought I'd
better walk him ap here where you'd
come for him. I managed to tie his
hands. and marched him here. There
wasn't any fight left in him. and when
I got him in the barn he let me bind
his legs without a murmur-T
The inspector looked at him admir-
ingly.
THAT sounds easy, George Thornton
he said. but I have my own opinion
about it. Anyway. it's lucky day for
you"
He turned toward the barn, but the
young man stopped him.
Inspector" he said. there IS a re-
ward Of $500 offered for the capture Of
this fellow"
Yes" smiled the officer. "and you get
it."
Wait" said Thornton 'grhat reward
will be divided. I take half and Miss
Arthur here gets the other half"
'No. no." cried the girl.
But Thornton did not heed her
Miss Arthur put me on he track Of
the fellow" he went on. =She described
where to find him. You see her claim
can't be disputed. Inspector"
The tan officer nodded
''Of course II can't" he cried in his
sharp, official tone. Il know Mr. Thorn
ton." he said. as he turned to the girl.
"He knows his rights and is ready to
stand up for them When ne says you
are to have half that settles it-and
there's nothing more TO be said
The girl drew a long breath, but shs
did not look at Thornton
Let me invite you al to breakfast"
she said
Thank you, miss said the inspector.
But I want TO get b;tck on that $40
train from RUshvilie-and I guess we
can just make IL Wed find something
to eat on the way. But Thornton can
stay. There's nothing ts hurry him now.
He's earned a little rest
''Will you stay, Mr. Thornton?'
Thornton turned quickly.
Thank you. I'll be pleased to-" he
briskly replied.
And the inspector, as he stalked to-
ward the barn. smiled br ladly.-Cleve-
land Plain Dealer.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-12-13

Many of the young people rode out in
one of MAYORS omnibuses and others
had the good fortune TO be invited by
some young man VII o had a buggy. II.
was as pretty Sep .ember day as ever
dawned. and we an new each other ead
had lovely time I Iecollect we danced
on the second floor Of the mill. and I
felt as If 1 was the belle of the bali
When the great big full moon came up
that night all the boys and all the girls
fell in love. ami many lender words We're
said and vows pledged only to be broken
chat beautiful September night. I re-
member 1 rode out with one young man
and came home escorted by another.
and made all the other girls Jealous. and
that was glory enough for me"
Even so. There have been many court
ships launched under the shadows Of
Fierce Mill and many tender words
spoken while Rock Creek unconcern-
eddy dubbed and rippled on and the
mill wheel splashed and dashed along
in the sunlight and moonlight II the
funny looking red stones IN the old mill
house could talk-but they cannot and
that's a blessing
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-12-13

was my nature-which it isn't" And a
little smile broke over his face.
The girl stopped and turned around.
She had beautiful gray eyes and they
regarded the vsgabonS steadily.
What do you wish to ask me?" she
said. The vagabond liked her voice. 1t
was low and yet very distinct
I'm down on my luck. as you see, -
he told her. "and I'm looking for Sa-
maritan. I've tramped nearly twenty
miles since morning and all the dogs
along the line of march seemed expect
ing me-and there were dogs at every
farm save one, and there the lady of the
mancr gently discouraged my further
apr ich with an ancient shot gun
The girl in the Highway stirred lit
tie, but her features did not relax. The
vagabond was half afraid she had lost
the saving grace of humorous percep-
ton
And why are you tramping about in
this aimless fashion," she asked and
there was a touch of severity In her
tone.
ITS a long story. miss, and scarcely
an interesting one he answered. Have
you the time to hear it2'
Certainly not" the girl replied.
Certainly not" he repeated Then
let me say that circumstances con-
spired to drive me into it."
II understand that is the usual ex-
cuse." said the girl.
Il have never claimed TO be original"
said the vagabond. The girl moved I'M
easily. please wait. ] want TO ask
you-you have a kind face and I am
very hungry-if you can direct me TO
some hospitabIe-and dogless-home
where L can get the food 1 crave?''
The girl knit her fair brOws.
Can you saw wood2" she asked.
I'm afraid 1 can't" he answered,
until 1 renew my strength. Just now
l feel more like eating it."
Il believe" said the girl, that the
people Of your profession never feel like
saving wood until after they have
eaten-and then they feel less Ike doing
it."
MY profession laughed the vaga-
bond. That's good. But please. miss.
can't / earn a meal some other way? !
can cut grass. after a fashion, OF Spflu-
kle a lawn. or-nO, I'm afraid / couldn't
milk a COW. I'm inclined 10 think that
no self-respecting COW would permit me
to come near her. But I'll tell you what
I can dol can read aloud TO an in
valid"
He said this with such a sudden en-
thusiasm that the girl couldn't resist
a fleeing smile.
II am glad 20 know" she said, that
there will be no demand for your SER
vices in that line OF useful endeavor. +"
She looked at him earnestly. Il think, A."
she said, that / can suggest another
way in which you might offer me an
equivalent for the food you require"
Name Il. he cried
II would like to use you for a model. "
she said. Il want 10 sketch you" And
| then he noticed that she bore a port
/ folio at her side.
VERY we'll" he quickly said. "Fm
/ only too glad II isn't a camera. You
are an artist them"
4 only a beginner" she replied. But
/ + love the work and 1 think I could
| succeed If had a little Of the right sort
Of training. But, there you must remain
| Just where you are and hold the same
/ attitude"
And must I look pleasant"
Look natural"
I'm afraid I can't" He checked
himself. "Will this do?"
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-12-13

A CROSS the highway little puffs
N of dust htfully rose and fell.
L J. The air was as dry as the road.
but there were darker clouds
resting on the horizon. and something in
the dry wind seemed to foretell rain
The man pIodding along the high
way was dusty from his disreputabie
hat to his clumsy shoes. His face was
darkened by weeks growth OF beard,
and his cheeks and brow were burned
TO a dull red. He sauntered along with
a tired air. his hands in the pockets of
hat on the back of his head. Present
~ he seated himself on a stump by he
wayside and. stretching out his legs
restfully, drew a bit of paper from
his pocket and scanned it closely.
Then he shook his head. and folding
the sheet put it back in an inner
pocket.
The trail was hot" he muttered.
"and now I've lost it. But never say
die. George. What you need is
square meal and a good nights sleep.
You'll have the laugh on the old man
yet"
He paused and quickly looked up. A
young zoitan was coming along the
highway, young woman in light
summer dress and big hat Of straw,
a young woman CT comely appearance
and with a light. swinging tread that
the man on the stump thought exceed
ingly graceful. He sat very still and
regarded her with a yelled and yet
observant look.
The young woman caught sight OF
him and started a little. Then she
seemed to gather herself together and
with her head well up came forward
with firmer tread. But the man could
see that her gaze was watchful, and
that she was prepared for fight at the
slightest hostile demonstration on his
part. But he sat very still she
passed. and waited until she was some
thirty feet of. Then he called to her.
IF you please. miss" he said.
She turned her head and looked back
at him. and walked a little slower.
Don't be afraid CT me-" he called.
and his voice was clear and pleasant.
"Tm too dead tired to be ugly. II that
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-12-13
THE STORY OF MISS ARTFURS TRAMP Blu W. R. ROSE

she fancied she heard voices. She had
even risen and looked out The moon
was shining brightly, but she could see
no one about.
When she reached the kitchen win
dow she looked out in the yard. There
was the vagabond strolIing up and
down. with his hat very much on the
back of his head. And he was whistling
softly.
The girl at the window could see
that he looked pale and heavy-eyed-
She opened the DOOR
"A pleasant morning" she called
He turned quickly and came toward
her. hat in hand
Good morning" he said. You are
up early-I trust nothing disturbed
your
NO" she smilingly answered
Once in the night 1 thought I heard
voices, but L must have been mistaken
But you do not look as If your nights
rest agreed with you"
He laughed.
1T wasn't the fault of the accommo-
datfons,' ne said Il never smelt
sweeter hay. NOR wanted to sleep so
much But 1 couldn't"
Not the fault of a bad conscience,
hope" said the girl.
No" he laughed. The man with the
bad conscience slept like old Rip him
self. The fact is, Miss Arthur. I took p
liberty last night. i shared my sleep
ing apartment with a stranger Don [
look worried. It will all be explained
Yes. he's IL there now. 1t was my
solicitude for his safety that kept me
awake. 1 wouldn't have brought him
in here II there had been any other
place But you must trust me. 1t viii
all come right
She looked into his eager face and
smiled.
Il guess there isn't any serious harm
done" she said. "And I'm going to
make you some coffee right away
Thank you" he cried. but please
wait. think the men telegraphed for
are almost here" And he pointed down
the ropd where a light wagon drawn by
two fast horses had just appeared. Il
want YOU to be present wher they ar
rive"
He stepped into the driveway and
waved his hat, and the team turned in
and rapidly approached. AS the horses
were sharply drawn up three men Ieaped
Where is he. Thornton" cried the
first
''In the barn. He's quite safe
The first man half turned and waved
his hand and his companions started on
run for the barn. Then the first man
noticed Mary Arthur's presence and
lifted his hat
Miss Arthur" said Thornto1. this is
Inspector Graves of the detective staff
And now please tell the lady who 1 am,
inspector"
The tall officer looked Thornton over
"In spite Of appearances. miss" he
said. this is George Thornton of the
Courier staff. and he's Just scooped the
town. He started out single-handed to
trail down a ruffian who had baffied US
all and, he's done II"
A man appeared in the doorway OF
the barn.
ITS Cragsby, all right. Inspector he
called.
VERY we'll" said the tall officer.
Guard him close" He turned to Thorn
ton, Did you take him single-handed.
George?"
The young man flushed a little.
1T wasn't much of a feat" he said.
81 simply surprised him and had him
covered WITH my revolver before he knew
what was after him. didn't want him
to get away in the night. And after he
| put up his hands ] got his gum and
I then he was helpless. Besides. he was
sick and discouraged. He's stiH got that
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-12-13

gotten all about the supper. But, say.
you'll let me take this sketch and show
it"
certainly not" interrupted the girl,
and stretched out her hand.
Certainly not" he laughed and gave
her the sheet.
Now come" she said. "and get your
promised reward. My aunt lives on the
next farm. and you shall have the run
of the barn tonight If you promise not
to smoke a pipe. You won't be dis
turbed, there is nothing there except the
hay"
and am / to eat that?" he merriiy
asked.
Il think I can find you something q
little more palatable," said the girl
My aunt is slightly nervous and so
you mustn't mind l. 1 put your supper
on the back porch.
Not at ALL" said the vagabond
This distinguished visitor isn't a bit
proud. They We're moving along the
highway together, The tramp at a little
distance from the girl. II suppose you
see few new faces in such a quiet
placer" he said.
VERY few" sh, replied. we have
no railroad. you know. and nobody ever
seems TO leave-unless IL is for the little
cemetery on the hill yonder. l think
that Just one new resident has come
among us during the past year"
quite an event" said the tramp.
when did he Gomez
About three months ago. I've seen
EIe n
cabin down on the river road and 1
think cuItivates a market garden"
"Stout man with little stoop?'
''Oh. you must have seen him"
mo. Is there a white scar across his
cheek?"
He wears a short beard.
Reddish brown"
Yes
The tramp paused and drew hi breath
hard.
rs this man lame-wait, please Does
he use his right foot as IL il panied
him TO step on it,"
Why. yes. believe he does. Do you
know him7"
Maybe 1 do Anyway, I'd like to see
him. Perhaps he wants to hire a help
err"
He spoke in such an eager tone that
the girl turned her head to look at
him
You have only TO follow the main
road straight ahead" she said, land the
first turn you come to will be the river
road. The strangers cabin is at the
foot of the hill
Thank you. miss he said. and his
step seemed TO grow light. They moved
on a few PAGES in silence Suddenly
man came out of the woods just ahead
of them and crossed the road. He walk
ed hurriedly. looking sharply at the
couple as he passed them. He had a
gun on his shoulder. and as he neared
the fence on the opposite side he paus-
ed and looked back al the vagabond
| and the young woman. He seemed to
hesitate a moment and then turned and
climbing the fence. disappeared in the
thick underbrush.
The vagabond had plodded along with
out any apparent interest in the
! stranger But presently he moved VI
! - the girl.
THAT is the man. she said
THAT is the man," he repeated IN
a whisper.
Then he was silent for a moment OF
! two.
well" he presently said. 81 reallv
think 1 see the way clear now for that
year of lessons in art"
| She looked at him wonderingly. But
he had fallen behind and was softly
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-12-13

whistling with a faraway look at the
blue hi in the hazy distance.
THAT is my aunt's home" she said,
and then as they passed up the drive
way she pointed out the barn, and the
pump. and a hand basin.
You viii find your supper on the
porch" she said. And don't forget
about the pipe"
IN remember" he cried. But. say.
won't l see yoa again?"
It's very likely you will" she said
'Of course 1 will want TO thank you
for your hospitality"
Never mind that said the girl, and
hurried into the house
Tho vagabond picked up the hand
basin and started for the pump. He
was whistling louder now. and there
was a triumphant smile on his face.
He was nearly through with the sub
stantial meal that he found on the porch
when the girl appeared in the doorway
She started when she caught sight Of
her guest. He was greatly transformed.
He was washed and co.1bed and busted,
and safety razor had cleared away the
stubble from his rudy face.
He looked up at her with his eyes
sparkling and his teeth flashing, and
81 wasn't quite sure that knew you -
said the girl
Such is the improving effect Of fem
inine society," the stranger laughed.
And OF this excellent repast"
But why have you chosen a vaga-
bond hfe?" said the girl why haven't
you more self-respect? Why can't you
always look like this?" And she blush
ed little at her own earnestness
why, indeed?'' he laughed. I'm think
it over. And now tell me, please, is
there telegraph Office in your little
hamlet"
Yes. 1t is in the general store with
the Dostoffice.''
Good. And how far away is it?'
LESS than mile. The center is just
beyond where the river road turns off. -
Thank you. And row far is the cen
ter from the nes rest railway town."
Six miles from Rushville"
And Rushville, if 1 remember right, is
some seventy miles from New York?''
Yes"
lie looked toward the western hori-
zon.
THE sun VIII be down In half an
hour" ne said. 81 don't believe 1 will
venture away until the twilight falls.
BY the way, what is this farm called?"
THE Arthur farm"
And you are Miss Arthur"
Yes"
Il am George Thorntor-and too far
from my base of supplies TO offer any
references. But don't forget that the
year in the art school is an assured
thing"
She turned away with little laugh
at his boyish enthusiasm-and then
was vexed with herself for finding a
vagabond so interesting.
She looked through the Kitchen win
dow a little later and there was the
vagabond seated on box at the side
of the porch busily writing. with the
porch floor for a desk. When she look
ed out again the man was rising and
the stranger had disappeared.
Mary Arthur was up early the next
morning. She felt worried about the
vagabond. II was on his account that
she had so carefully looked after the
bolts and bars the night before He
hadn't the look of a criminal-far from
| it, but there certainly was something
mysterious about him. What a pity
that he had chosen such an ignoble life.
He looked like a man who could make
good deal of himself If ne tried. And
/ yet what a charming vagaboud he was.
And Mary blushed again. She remem-
bered that she had walSened in the
night thinking about him. And then