davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-06-19
EGYPTIAN ENGINEERING.
Even the Nile Dam is Rivaled by the
Marvels Of Ancient Tines.
From London Engineering.

From London Engineering.
When the "laudator temporis actf' wants
to silence the engineer he says: After
ALL Egypt can show the biggest engineering
works in the world, and they are all four
thousand years old When you can sur
pass them, you will have something to
boast Of" 1t is undoubtedly true that
Egypt contains the largest structures in
the world, and probably will for all time.
1t is not likely that we shall again see
building with 100000 tons of stone in It,
as has the pyramid of Gizeh, and 1t will
be long before we have an irrigation reser-
voir of greater capacity than Lake Moeris
which, accepting the figures of Major
Brown, r. E. held II 800 100000 cubic me-
tiers (tons) of water between high and low
water marks What the Labyrinth was
like we do not really know, but Herodotus
classed it as a greater wonder than the
pyramids, although lesser than Lake
Moeris.
Further. there is tradition that In the
dim past the Nile flowed at the foot of the
Libyan hills and that 1t was diverted from
that course into its present bed, and. If the
account be true, the work was of enormous
magnitude. The engineers of the past dr.
rected the forces of nature on large scale,
but to compare their work with ours to
their advantage shows complete ignor-
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-06-19
their efforts to have the memory OF Gen.
SPINNER so honored.
Carlisle Refuses Appeal.

The statue was completed early In the
administration of Secretary Carlisle, and
Mrs John A. Logan and other ladies mace
annlication to him to have it placed upon
one Of the approaches to the treasury
building. guaranteeing that the government
sbould not be put to one cent of cost In
having the work done. Mr.. Carlisle re-
fused the appeal of the committee. say
ing that he felt satisfied that he dld not
have the authority to grant SUCH re-
quest and that there had never been
s+atue erected to any of the distinguished
gentlemen who had served as the head
of the great department. 1t was argued
that because no statue had ever been placed
OF nr near the treasury was no good rea-
con why the one to Gen. Spinner should
not he placed there but Mr.. Cleveland S
Secretary of the Treasury would not listen
~ the ladies. and put his stamp of dis
annroyaI ON the program laid out by the
ladies'. ,. nj. 80 .ho
The sculptor, Mr.. Ellicott died. and the
sn1endid statue was removed from his
st,,aio To the Corcoran Art Gallery, with
the understanding it could be removed at
any time the ladies found suitable place
for it's erection, and from that day to
the present the splendid piece of art has
been in an obscure place In the basement
of the gallery. where 1t would be seldom
seen or recognized If not pointed out by
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-06-19
VII.
Sly Work.

The next morning my duty led me direct
~ in the way of that little friend of mine
whom l have already mentioned. 1t is
strange how often my duty did lead me III
her way.
She is demure little creature, with wits
as bright as her eyes. which is saying
great deal; and while, In the course of our
long friendship. 1 had admired, without
making use of the special abilities saw
in her. | felt that the time had now come
when they might prove of inestimable value
TO me.
Greeting her with pardonable abruptness,
alarming words:
Jimmy, sou can do something for mo.
Fms. out--I know you can, and that, TO,
without arousing suspicion or compromsine
either of us-where Mr.. Moore of Waverlcy
avenue buys his groceries, and when you
have done that. whether or not he has
lately resupplied himself with candles"
The surprise which she showed had q
touch of naivete in 1t which was very en-
couraging.
Mr. Moore?" she cried. 1.-The uncle OF
her WhO-who-'
THE very same" responded. and wait
ed for her questions without adding sin
gle word In way of explanation.
She gave me look-oh, what lookl II
was as encouraging to the detective as IL
was welcome to the lover: after which she
nodded. once in doubt, once in question
and once In frank and laughing consent,
and darted of.
l thanked Providence for such self
contained little aid-de-camp and proceeded
on my way, In a state of great self-satis
faction.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-06-19

s'Well what now?" he inquired, with
the same exaggerated courtesy 1 had
noticed in him on previous occasion.
You have the air of man bringing news.
Has anything fresh happened in the old
house?"
1 assumed a frankness which seemed to
impose on him.
DO you know" 1 sententiously informed
him, II have wonderful interest in that
old hearthstone; or. rather, in the SEEM
ingly innocent engraving hanging over 1t,
of Benjamin Franklin at the court of
France. / tell you frankly that l had no
idea of what would be found behind the
picture"
saw by his quick look that had stirred
up a hornets nest. This was just what
had calculated to do.
Behind it!'' he repeated. There is moth
ing behind it."
1 laughed, shrugged my shoulders, and
backed slowly toward the door.
"Of course, you should know, l retorted,
with some condescension. Then, as If
struck by sudden remembrance: oh, by
the way. have you been told that there is a
window on that lower floor which does not
stay fastened? / speak of 1t that you may
have 1T repaired as soon as the police va
cate It's the last one in the hall leading
to the negro quarters. If you shake 1T hard
enough the catch falls back, and any one
can raise 1t, even from the outside"
81 will see to it," he replied, dropping his
eyes. possibly to hide their curious twinkle.
But what do you mean about finding
something IN the wall DeiliHu tiiSit Oiu piC-
ture? I've never heard"
But though he spoke quickly, and shouted
the last words after me at the top OF his
voice. l was by this time too far away to
respond. save by a dubious smile and
semi-p atronizing wave Of the hand. Not
until was nearly out of earshot did VEN
ture to shout back the following words:
'Iu be back-in an hour. If anything
happens-if the boys annoy you, any one
attempts to enter the old house, telephone.
to the station or summon the officer at the
corner. 1 don't believe any harm will come
from leaving the place to itself for WHILE
Then l walked around the block.
When arrived in front again it was quite
dark. So was the house, but there was
light in the library. / felt assured should
find Uncle David there, and did. When.
after noiseleSs entrance and a careful adj
vance through the hall, threw open the
door beyond the gilded pillars, it was to see
the tall figure of this old man mounted
upon the chair 1 had left there, peering up
at the nail from which had so lately lifted
the picture He started as presented my
self and almost fell from the chair. But
the careless laugh uttered assured him of
the little Importance / placed upon this
evidence of his daring and unappeasable
curiosity and he confronted me with an
enviable air of dignity, whereupon l man
aged to say:
s.Really, Mr.. Moore, I'm glad to see you
here. 1t Is quite natural for you to wish
to learn by any means in your power what
that picture concealed. / came back be-
cause I suddenly remembered that had
forgotten to rehang 1t.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-06-19

An hour later l came upon her again. 1t
is really extraordinary how frequently the
paths of some people cross.
'Well?" l asked.
Mr.. Moore deals with Simpkins, just two
blocks away from his house: and only a
week ago he bought some candles there"
l rewarded her with a smile whiclr-sum-
moned into view the most exasperating, of
dimples.
"You had better patronize Simpkins your
self for a little WHILE" l suggested; and by
the arch glance with which my words were
received l perceived that my meaning was
fully understood.
Experiencing from this moment an in
creased confidence, not only In the powers
of my little friend, but in the line of inves-
tigation thus happily established. 1 cast
about for means of settling the ore great
question which was a necessary preliminary
% all future action: Whether this marks
detected by me in the dust of the mantei
in the southwest chamber mad been made
by the hand of him who had lately felt the
need of candles, albeit his house appeared
10 be fully lighted by gas?
The subterfuge by which, notwithstand
ing my many disadvantages, 1 was finally
enabled to obtain an unmistakable answer
to this query was the fruit of much hard
thought. Perhaps / was too proud of 1t.
Perhaps 1 should have mistrusted myself
more from the start. But ] was great
egotist in those days, and reckoned quite
above their inherent worth any bright ideas
which / could safely call my own
The point aimed at was this: To obtain
without Mr.. Moore's knowledge an accu-
rate impression of his finger tips.
The task presented difficulties but these
served only to increase my ardor.
Conhding to the lieutenant of the precinct
my great interest in the mysterious house
with whose suggestive interior had made
myself acquainted under such tragic cir
eumstances. asked him as personal ia
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-06-19
vour hand / suppose you are anxious TO

your hand. I suppose you are anxious 10
move in?' It.. z,
He cast glance behind him at his dog;
gave a whistle which passed UNDECIDED and
TepIied with dignity, If but little heart:
when a man has passed his seventh
decade he is not apt to be so pauent Win
delay as when he has prospect OF many
wears before him. l am anxious 10 enter
NV own house, yes; l have much to do
there" 1,,+
feared to seem too familiar. in case ne was
the cold but upright man he would fain ap-
near and too Interested and inquiring II ne
were the whited sepulcher 1 secretly con-
sidered him. So with nod trlne more
nronounced than If 1 had been unaffected
by either hypothesis, reihouieeu 'iio "Nof0'
carelessly remarking
"T,m see YOU again after taking turn
,hroneh fine house. If 1 discover anything
ghost marks or human marks "nlen
might be Of interest to you'll let you
Something like a growl answered me-
pit whether It came from master or dog, 1
did not stop to inquire. / had serious WORK
before me. very serious, considering tnat IL
as to he done on my own responsibility
and without the knowledge OF my super
Tors. But / was sustained by the tnousn.
that no whisper of murder had as YET peen
heard abroad or at headquarters, ana tnat
conseouently 1 was Interfering in no great
case. merely trying to formulate one
n was necessary, for the success or my
nlou that Sorney time should eiapSe DeIore
reannroa ched Mr.. Moore. therefore kept
nv word to him and satisfied my own curl
ositv nv taking a fresh tour through the
house Naturally. in doing this visited
fine library. Here all was dark. The faint
twilight still illuminating the streets failed
to nenetrate here. I was obliged to light
my lantern.
NV first glance was toward the fireplace.
Venturesome hands had been there Not
onIy had the fender been drawn out and
the crate set aside, but the huge settle had
been wrenched free from the mantel and
dragged into the center of the room.
Rather pleased at this change, for with all
NV apparent bravado l did not enjoy too
close a proximity to the cruel hearthstone,
I stopped to give this settle thorough IN
yestigation The result was disappointing.
To all appearance-and did not spare 1t
the experiment OF many thump and
knock-it was a perfectly innocuous piece
of furniture clumsy of build, but solid and
absolutely devoid of anything that could
explatn the tragedies which had occurred
SO near 1t. I even sat down on its musty
old cushion and shut my eyes, but was I'M
rewarded by alarming visions or disturb
ance of any sort Nor did the door where
it had stood yield any better results to the
inquiring eye. Nothing was to be seen
there but the marks left by the removal
of its base from the blackened boards
Disguised with myself, if not with this
object of my present disappointment, left
that portion of the room in which it stood
and crossed to where had found the little
table on the night of Mrs Jeffreys death.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-06-19

1t was no longer there. 1t had been set
back against the wall where it properly be-
longed, and the candelabrum removed NOR
was the kitchen chair any longer to be seen
near the book shelves. This fact. small as
1t was, caused me an instant of chagrin. 1
had intended to look again at the
book which I had examined with
such unsatisfactory results the the time time
this book had been pushed back
level with the others; but I remembered
it's title. and, had the means of reaching II
been at hand, should certainly have stolen
another peep at 1T.
Upstairs 1 found the same signs Of police
interference. The shutter had been fasian-
ed in the southwest room, and the bouquet
and wrap taken away from the bed. The
handkerchief, also, was missing from the
mantel where I had left 1t, and when
opened the Gle set door it was to find the
floor bare and the second candelabrum and
candle removed.
IAN gone" thought I; leach and every
clue"
But I was mistaken. In another moment
I came upon the minute filings had before
observed scattered over small stand.
Concluding from this that they had been
passed over by Durbin and his associates
as valueless l swept them, together with
the dust in which they lay, into an old en-
velope happily found In my pocket. Then
/ crossed to the mantel and made close
luSptCllOu VI It's iiOW Cihpty ShOii' l iiO
scratches which I had made there were visi-
BILE enough, but the Impressions for which
they stood had vanished in the handling which
everything in the house had undergone.
Regarding with great thankfulness the re-
suit of my own foresight, made haste to
leave the room. I then proceeded to take
my first steps In the ucklish experiment
by which I hoped to determine whether
Uncle David had had any share in the fatal
business which had rendered the two rooms
had Just visited sc memorable.
First, satisfying myself by a peep through
the front drawing roorA window that he
was positively at watch behind the vines 1
went directly to the kitchen, procured a
chair and carried 1t into the library where
put It to use that. to an onlookers eye,
would have appeared very peculiar. Plant
ing it squarely on the hearthstone-not
without some secret perturbation as to
what the results might be to myself
mounted 1t and took down the engraving
which have already described as hanging
over this mantelpiece.
Setting 1t on end against one Of the jambs
Of the fireplace I mounted the chair once
more and carefully sifted over the high
shelf the contents Of a little package which
had brought. with me for this purpose.
Then, leaving the chair where 1t was,
betook myself out Of the front door, osten-
tatiously stopping to lock 1t and to put the
key in my pocket
Crossing Immediately to Mr.. Moores side
of the street, encountered him, as had
expected to do, at his own gateway.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-06-19

vor to obtain for me an opportunity of
spending another night there. He was evil
IDENTIFY surprised by the request not cher
ishing, as 1 suppose, any great Iongings
himself in this direction; but recognizing
that for some reason l set great store on
this questionable privileged do not think
that he suspected in the least what that
reason was-and being, as 1 have intimated
favorably disposed to me, he exerted him
self to such good effect that was formally
detailed to assist in keeping watch over
the premises that very night.
/ think that 1t was at this point I began
to reckon on the success which, after many
failures and some mischances, was yet to
reward my efforts.
AS l prepared to enter the old house at
nightfall, l allowed myself one short glance
been observed by the man whose secret, If
secret he had, was laying plans to surprise.
l was met by sight l had not expected.
PauSing on the pavement in front of me
stood a handsome elderly gentleman whose
appearance was so fashionable and thor
oughly up to date that l should have fail
ed to recognize him if my glance had not
taken in at the same instant the figure of
Ridge crouching obstinately on the edge
of the curb where he had evidently posted
himself in distinct refusal to come any far
Their. In vain his master-for the well-dress-
ed man before me was no less parsonage
than the whilom butt of all the boys be-
tween the Capitol and the Treasury build
ing-signaled and commanded him to cross
10 MS size, nOtnlng could induce the maStlm
to bulge from that quarter of the street
where he felt himself safe.
Mr.. Moore, glorying In the prospect of I'M
limited wealth. presented a startling con-
trast in more ways than one 70 the poverty
stricken old man whose curious garb and
lonely habits had made him an object Of
ridicule to half the town I own that
was half amused and half awed by the con-
descending bow with which he greeted my
Off hand nod and the affable way in which
he remarked
You are making use of your prerogatives
as member of the police, see.'
The words came as easily from his lips
as II his practice in affability had been of
the very longest.
II wonder how the old place enjoys its
present distinction" he went on, running
his eye over the dilapidated walls under
which we stood, with very evident pride In
their vast proportions and the air of gloomy
grandeur which signalized them. IF It
partakes in the slightest degree of the
feelings of its owner, / can vouch for It's
Impotence at the free use which is made Of
it's time-worn rooms and halls Are these
intrusions necessary? Now that Mrs. JEFF
frey's body has been removed, do you feel
that the scene of her demise need hold the
attention of the police any longerr'
THAT is a question to put to the super
intendent and not to me-, was my depre-
catory reply. THE major has issued no
orders for the watch to be taken off, so we
men have no choice / am sorry IL 1t Of
tends you. Doubtless few days will end
the matter and the keys win be given into
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-06-19

ance of the science of engineering. Tho
matter in which they excelled was tho
transportation and manipulation OF heavy
weights, a feat that appeals strongly to
the lay Imagination. Among the chief
examples of such work are the columns of
the Temple of Karnak. To cut a block of
stone in a distant quarry, to work Ii to
cylinder - feet in diameter float ii down
the Nile land 1t and place 1t on the top
of column of similar stones, making q
total height of 60 feet no small enter
prise.
A still more difficult undertaking was ths
great obeisk now standing beside the
Church of St John Lateran, in Rome with
a height of 10S feet ard a weight of 40
tons. But the browning example OF Egyp.
tan engineering was the colossal statue
of Rameses II at Thebes. Before il was
broken It was a single block of red gram
lite 90 feet in height, and 1t has been COM
puted to weigh SS7 tons. These were not
able examples of engineering work, and
modern engineer might be proud of exc
cutting them. But IT must be remembered
that they were done very leisurely. and
that labor was abundant. With the simple
appliances that We may assume the Egyp-
tianS possessed. such as wedges, levers,
ropes and pulleys, great weights may be
handled If we suppose that time was no
object. The city of Thebes was in course
of building two thousand years, and in
such place it would excite little comment
If year was spent in putting an obelisk
into position. If a weight can be moved
a. all, no matter how little 1T can be trans
ported any distance provided the same con-
ditions persist for the whole route.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-06-19

Involuntarily he glanced again at the
wall overhead, which was as bare as his
hand, save for the nail he had already ex-
amined.
1T has concealed nothing" he retorted.
You can see yourself that the wall is bare
and that 1t rings as sound as any chimney
piece ever made" Here he struck it heav-
lily with his fist. What did you imagine
that you had found?'
l smiled, shrugged my shoulders in tam
talizing repetition of my former action upon
like occasion and then answered
brusquely:
II did not come back to betray police Sc
crets, but to restore this picture 10 its place.
Or perhaps you prefer to have it down
rather than up? 1t isn't much of an orna-
ment."
He scrutinized me darkly from over his
shoulder wary CLEAN showing itself in
his shrewd old eyes, and the idea crossed
me that the moment might possess more
significance than appeared. But did not
step backward. nor give evidence in any
way that l had even thought of danger.
simply laid my hand on the picture and
looked up at him for orders.
He promptly signified that he wished IL
hung, adding as hesitated these words:
THE pictures in this house are supposed TO
stay on the walls where they belong.
There is a traditional superstition against
removing them.
1 Immediately lifted the print from the
floor No doubt he had me at a disadvan-
tage If evil was in his heart, and my posi-
ton on the hearth was dangerous as
previous events had proved it to be. But 1t
would not do to show the white feather at
q moment when his fate, If not my own,
hung in the balance; so motioning him to
step down, l put foot on the chair and
raised the picture aloft to hang it. As
did so, he moved over to the huge settle OF
his ancestors, and, crossing his arms over
it's back surveyed me with a smile rather
imagined than saw.
Suddenly, as l strained to put the cord
la
Look out! You'll fall.
If he had intended to give me a start In
payment for my previous rebuff he did not
succeed for my nerves had grown
steady and my arm firm at the. glimpse
/ had caught of the shelf below mo.
The fine brown powder l had scat
tered there had been displaced in
five distinct spots. and not by my
fingers had preferred to risk the loss of
nv balance, rather than rest my hand on
the shelf but he had taken no such precau-
ton. The clue I so anxiously desired and
for which / had so recklessly worked. was
obtained.
But when half an hour later found an
opportunity of measuring these marks and
comparing them with those upstairs. did
not enjoy the full triumph / had promised
myself For the two impressions utterly
failed to coincide, thus proving that who
ever the person was who had been in this
house with Mrs. Jeffrey on the evening sha
died 1t was not her uncle David.
(To be continued tomorrov.>
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-06-19

some one familiar with 1t and Its history.
The Secretaries following Mr. Carlisle have
declined to change the ruling he made.
and Congress has been appealed to to aid
the ladies in securing suitable site for the
statue. The late Mr.. Cummings of New
York, from the committee on the library.
made a favorable report on bill intro
duced for this purpose, but no final action
was ever taken. The women of the treas
ury express a determination not to give
up the fight until the memory of Gen.
Spinner is honored by placing the statue
in some prominent place, and now that
so much has been said against the gentler
sex being employed in the departments
they have renewed their efforts and de-
termination.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-06-19
Combination Of Advantages.

The Westminster, situated near the
beach on Kentucky avenue, Atlantic City,
combines all the advantages of summer
and winter resort without the discomforts
Of either. Steam heat. sun parlor, per-
feet elevator and domestic service add to
its charms and make it a delightful place
to spend vacation.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-06-19

"Did you hear of the lovely wedding pres
ent James father is going to give herr
mo. What is it?'
Its hired girl warranted perfect In
every particular and guaranteed to hold
her job for whole year!''-Cleveland Plain
Dealer.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-06-19

Citiman-'You'r expecting something out
at your house, aren't your"
Subbubs-"Yes, and were hoping and
praying it'll be a girl"
Citiman-"That SOP"
Subbubs-"Yes the servant girl says she
doesn't like boy babies. '-Philadelph
Press