davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-12-29

the stockholders meeting had not disturb
ed Fenton.
This is an ugly mess" the lawyer con-
tlnued. 1T would have suited me better
TO control the company through the stock
so long as we had SO much. but we didn'
quite make it You're friendly to Mr.. Por-
ter, aren't your
Yes; l don't know how he feels toward
me-
I'VE can't ask him just now so well
take it for granted. The court will un-
questionably appoint receiver, independ-
ent of this mornings proceedings, and il
you don't mind, I'll ask to have you put in
temporarily, or until we can learn Mr.. Por-
ter's Wishes
"But-there are other and better men
Very likely; but l particularly wish
this
There's Mr. Wheaton-isn't he the nat
ural man-in the bank and all that?" urged
Saxton.
"Mr. Wheaton has a very exacting posi-
ton, and it would be unfair to add 10 his
duties" said the lawyer. "Will you keep
where / can find you the rest of the day?'
Yes" said John: I'll be at my office as
soon as l hit tub and breakfast. But
you can do better he called after Fenton,
who was walking rapidly toward the post
office building.
Wheaton sat at his desk all the morning
hoping that Fenton would drop in to give
him the result of the Traction meeting;
but the lawyer did not appear at the bank.
He concluded that there was little chance
of learning of the outcome of the meeting
until he the afternoon papers. A dumb
terror possessed him as he reflected upon
the events of the past day. 1t might be
that the shares which Margrave had forced
from him would carry the balance of power
He felt keenly the ignonliny of his inter-
view OF the night before at the bank; he
was sure that if he could do it over again
he would eject Margrave and dare him to
do his worst.
He could dramatize himself into a very
heroic figure in combating Margrave. IL
only Margrave had not seen Snyder, 1t
was long ago that that he and his brother
had made acquaintance with crime; that
was the merest slip; 1t was his only error.
1t had been kind of William Wheaton to
take the full burden of that theft upon
himself yet he thought with repugnanee
Of his brothers long career of crime; he
deteSted the weakness of a man who chose
crime and squalor as his portion. He
talked to customers and did his detail Work
as usual and went out for luncheon to a
nearby restaurant, as he had done when he
was clerk, making lack of time an ex-
cuse for not going to the Bachelors or the
club He felt a sudden impulse to Keep
very much to himself. as IL security lay i'll
doing So His confidence returned as he re-
viewed his relations with Timothy Mar
grave He would demand the two certif-
Gates of Margraye whether they had been
used against Porter or not.
Having reached this decision by the time
he came in from luncheon he went to the
telephone and called Evelyn to ask her how
her father was and to report his
delivery of the papers In her fathers box to
Mr.. Fenton. as instructed. Evelyn spoke
hopefully of her fathers illness; there were
pointed to his recovery. 1t was very sweet
to hear her voice in this way: and he went
to his desk comforted.
Go be continued tomorrow
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-12-29

walked from one of the side streets which
run from the boulevard back to Shirley
street yesterday morning, crossed to the
beach and took dip in the ocean. Whether
they were trying to share the reputation
of the South Boston man who keeps Up
bathing in the bay all winter or were win
ming wager does not appear.
1t was about noon when the young women
appeared, and several persons coming from
church witnessed the ice-cold plunge. AS
though it were midsummer they dropped
their bath robes on the snow-covered sand,
walked into the water. ducked three times.
donned their wraps and returned to their
homes. The thermometer in Winthrop yes
terday was about 10 degrees above zero all
day, and while the young women were in
the water the air was filed with fiurrles of
snow.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-12-29

up lighted match to read the number on
the transom.
Here's our number, but there's no name
on the door,.
Fenton advanced upon the door with long
strides but it did not open as he grasped
the knob. He kicked it sharply, bat there
was still no response from within.
What time is it, Saxton?" he asked over
his shoulder, without abating his pounding
or knocking.
Saxton stepped back and peered into his
watch.
Five minutes of g." He was aware now
that something important was in progress.
He did not know Fenton we'll. but he knew
that he was the attorney for Porter and the
Clarkson National, and that he was a seri-
GUS character who did not beat on doors
unless he had business on the inside. Fen
ton now called out loudly, demanding ad-
mission. There a low sound of voices
and a sharp noise of chairs being pushed
over an uncarpeted floor within; but the
knob which Fenton still held and shook did
not turn.
On the inside of the door Timothy Mar
grave and Horton, the president; Barnes,
the secretary, and Percival the treasurer
of the Clarkson Traction Company, were
holding the annual meeting of that cor
poration, in conformity with its articles OF
association, and according to the duly ad-
vertised notice as required by the statutes
in such cases made and provided. They
had, however, anticipated the hour slightly;
but this was not, Margrave said, an I'M
portant matter. His notions of the proper
way of holding business meetings were
based on his long experience in managing
ward primaries.
Horton, the president. called the meeting
to order. well, boys" said Margrave,
there amt any use waiting on the other
fellows Business; Z, is business and we
might as well get through with it,"
Shall we hear the report of the secre-
tary and treasurer" the president asked
Margrave deferentfally.
we M "a
grave. He was smoothing out the certin-
Gates of his shares on the table, II move
that we proceed at once to the election OF
officers of the company. Is tho door
lockedT r.
Sure" said Barnes, the secretary, but he
went over and tried itg II guess Porter
amt coming" he said In tone of regret
that was intended to beifacetious, land he
must have forgotten to send proxies"
4 vote twenty-five hundred and ninety
company; you gentlemen haven't more than
that, have your The fact was that the
three officers present owned only one share
each as their strict legal qualification for
holding Office.
Il think the minutes ought to show
said the secretary, that these were the
only shares represented, and that due ad-
vertisement was published according to
law, hut that owing to the loss of the stock
register, written notice to individual stock
holders was given only to such holders of
certificates as disclosed themselves"
That's all right" said Margrave You
fix it up, Barnes, and you'd better get Con-
greve to see that it's done with the legal
frills.' Congreve was the local counsel of
Margrave's railroad, and was man that
could be trusted.
It move" said Barnes, that we proceed
to the election of officers for the ensuing
year
And move,s said Percival, that the
secretary be instructed to cast the ballot
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-12-29
CHAPTER XVIII.
Broken Glass.

John Saxton was good deal the worse
for wear he swung himself from
sleeper in the Clarkson station and bolted
for a downtown car. Coal mining Is
dirty business. and there are limits to the
things that can be crowded into suit
case. He had been crawling through four
foot veins of Kansas coal in the interest
of the Neponset Trust Company, and had
been delayed a day longer than he had ex-
pected He continued to be in a good deal
of a hurry after he reached his Office, and
he kicked aside the mail which rustled I'M
der the door as he opened 1T, and knelt
hastily before the safe and began rafting
the tumblers of the combination He pulled
out long envelope and then with more
composure consulted his watch.
1t was half-past eight He took from
his memorandum calendar the leaf for the
day; on 1t he had posted cutting from
local newspaper announcing the annuai
meeting of the stockholders of the Clark
son Traction Company. The meeting was
to be held, so the notice recited, between
the hours of 0 a. m. and p. m. of the
second Tuesday of November, at the gen.
eral Offices of the company In the city OF
Clarkson. The Exchange Building was
specified, though the administrative offices
of the company were on the other side of
town. Before setting forth Saxton examii-
ed his papers, which were certificates of
stock in the Clarkson Traction Company.
They had been sent to him by personal
friend in Boston, the trustee of an estate,
with instructions to investigate and re-
port. Having received them just as he
was leaving for Kansas there had been no
opportunity for consulting Porter or
Wheaton, his usual advisors in perplexing
matters Traction stock had advanced late
ly. despite newspaper attacks on the COM
pany and he hoped to sell his friend s
shares to advantage.
Saxton had never been in the Exchange
Building before and he poked abont in the
dark upper floors, uncertainty looking for
the rooms described in the advertisement.
Another man, also peering about in the
hall, ran against him.
beg pardon. but can you tell me"
Good morning, Mr.. Saxton, are you
acquainted in this rookery?" 1t was Fen
ton who carried a brown parcel under his
arm and appeared annoyed.
NO but I'm learning" John answered.
I'm looking for the Offices of the Trac,
ton Company. It's light seems to be hid
under a bushel"
I'm looking for it, too" said Fenton.
Some humorist seems to have changed the
numbers on this floor"
They traversed the halls of several floors
in an effort to find the numbers specified
in the notice. Fenton swore In an agree
able tone and occasionally kicked at door
entity from dark corner, where he held
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-12-29
LUNCH.
Cold Sliced Goose
Brown Bread. Layer CakA Yrooorveo.
Tea.

C034 Snceo 9o00A
Brown Bread. Layer cah~ Preserves.
FRIDAY.
BREAKFAST.
Cereal. Cream.
Broiled Finnan Haddie. Baked Potatoes.
Breakfast Rolls. Coffee.
DINNER.
Bouillon.
Roast Turkey. Cranberry Jelly.
Mashed Potatoes. Dreamed CauNaower.
Roman Salad, French Dressing.
Broiled Quail on Toast.
Caramel lee Cream in Jelly Cups.
Cheese. Waters Cafe Noir.
SUPPER.
Oyster Patties.
Rolled Lettuce Sandwiches.
White Fruit Cake. Jellied Apples.
Tea.
SATURDAY.
BREAKFAST.
White Grapes.
Oyster Omelet.
Dreamed Potatoes with Parsley.
Parkerhouse Rolls.
Coffee.
LUNCH.
Potted Rabbit
Fruit Bread. Celery Salad.
New England Gingerbread.
Cocoa.
DINNER
Julienne Soup.
Turkey and Oyster Pie.
Baked Sweet Potatoes. String Beans
Celery and Apple Salad Mayonnaise,
Steamed Indian Pudding
Cheese. = WATERS Coffee.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-12-29
Thousands of Sheen Burned

dispatch from Buffalo, N. Y, last night
says:
Seven thousand sheep were burned to
death at the East Buffalo stock yards to-
night. The long sheds in which they were
confined were swept by flames before any
OF the animals could be released The loss
Is estimated at $4,000. The sheep were
confined in two long sheds, 100 feet in
width, and covering a total area of 600OOG
square feet. Running parallel with them
were the hog and cattle sheds The fire.
Tanned by a brisk wind, destroyed the two
buildings In an incredibly short time The
sheep destroyed were exports" and were
in charge of federal officers
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-12-29

| Of the stockholders for Timothy Margrave
| for president"
Consent" exclaimed Barnes. hurriedly.
Steps could be heard In the outer hall,
and Margrave looked at his watch
Il move that we adjourn to meet at my
ONCE at 2 o'clock, to conclude the election
Of officers"
Some one was shaking the outside door,
Cant we finish now?'' asked Horton
who had been promised the vice presidency.
He and the other officers were afraid Of
Margrave, and were reluctant to have their
own election deferred even for a few hours
There was another knock at the door.
AT o'clock" said Margrave decisively
as the knocking at the door was renewed
He gathered up his certificates and pre-
pared to leave
saxton. standing with Fenton In the dark
hall. referred to his watch again.
Shall we go imp he asked
The lawyer dropped the knob of the door
and drew back out of the way.
It's too bad its glass" said Saxton,
setting his shoulder against the wooden
frame over the lock. The lock held but
his feet and drove his shoulder harder into
the corner, at the same time pressing his
hip against the lock- 1t refused to yield,
but the glass cracked. and finally half Of
| 1t fell with crash to the floor within.
Don't hurry yourselves. gentlemen" said
Fenton coolly. speaking through the ragged
lodges Of the broken glass. Saxton thrust
his hand into the catch and opened the
door.
why, it's only Fenton." called Margrave
in pleasant tone to his associates who
had effected their exits safely into rear
room.
Its only Fsnton." continued the lawyer,
stepping inside. but I'll have to trouble
you to walt few minutes"
"Oh. the meetings adjourned. If that's
what you want" said Margrave.
THAT won't go down." said Fenton,
placing his package on the table You're
old enough to know. Margrave, that one
| man can't hold a stockholders meeting
behind locked doors in a pigeon roost"
THE meeting was held regular. at the
hour and place advertised" said Margrave
| with dignity. "A majority Of the stock
holders were represented"
by you. ! suppose" said Fenton, who
| had walked into the room followed w sax
| ton.
by me- said Margrave. He had not
taken of his overcoat, and he now began
| to button 1t about his portly figure.
How many shares have your" asked the
lawyer. seating himself on the edge of the
table.
II suppose you think I'm working a bluff
but I've really got the stun this time, Fem
ton. To be real decent with you don't
mind telling you that I've got exactly
twenty-five hundred and ninety-seven shares
| of this stock. I guess that's majority. all
right. Now one good turn deserves an
other. How much has Porter got?
don't care DIN. but I'd just like to know"
| He stood by the table and SYSTEMATICALLY
| toms humiliation all the keener. Mar
/ graves associates stood at the back of
| the room and watched him admiringiy
Fenton's bundle still lay on the table,
| and Saxton stood with his hand in
| his pockets watching events. There
had been no chance for him to
explain to Fenton his req sons for seeking
the offices of the Traction Company. and 1t
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-12-29

had pleased Margrave to ignore his pres
ence; Fenton paid no further attention to
him. He wondered at Fenton's forbear-
ance, and expected the lawyer to demolish
Margrave, but Fenton said:
You are quite right, Ma1grave. hold
for Mr.. Porter exactly twenty-three hum
dred and fifty shares.
Margrave nodded patronizingly.
Just little under the mark"
You may make that twenty-four hun
dred even,'' said Saxton, IF they will do
you any good"
I'm still shy" said Fenton. Our friend
clearly has the advantage"
Il suppose If you'd known how near
you'd come you'd have hustled pretty hard
for the Others" said Margrave. sympa-
thetically.
ooh, don't know said Fenton with the
haunting infection which gives slang to the
phrase. He did not seem greatly disturbed.
Saxton expected him to try to make terms;
but the lawyer yawned in a preoccupied
way before he said:
80 long as the margins so small, you d
better be decent and hold your stockhold-
ers' meeting according to law and let US
In I'm sure Mr.. Saxton and would be of
great assistance-wise counsel and all
that"
Margrave laughed his hoarse laugh.
You're a pretty good fellow Fenton, and
m sorry we can't do bu Siness together
oh WELL If you don't, you won't" Fen
ton took up his bundle and turned to the
door.
II suppose you've got large chunks of
Traction bonds. too, Margrave. There's
nothing. like going in deep In these things -
Margrave winked.
Bonds be id. I've been hearing
for four years that Traction bondholders
were Roing to tear up the earth, but
guess those old frosts down in New Eng
land won't fOreclose on me. I'll pay em
their interest as soon as get to going, and
they'll think I'm hot stuff And sayr' he
calculated, suddenly, III Porter's got any
OF those bonds don't you get gay with EN-
practical railroad man like me running
the street car lines; and If I can't make
em pay nobody can"
You're not conceited or anything, are
you, Margrave?'
BY the way, young man." said Mar
I'VE won't charge you anything for break
age today, but don't let it happen again"
Margr2ve fingered to reassure and In
struct his associates as to the adjourned
meeting, and Saxton went out with Fenton
That was rather tame" said John, as he
and Fenton reached the street together st
hoped there would be some fun. These
shares belong, to Boston friend, and
they're for SALE"
Il wonder how Porter came to miss
them?" said Fenton. grimly You'd better
Keep them as souvenirs Of the occasion
The engraving isn't bad. turn up this
way. They paused at the corner He
still carried his bundle and he drew from
his pocket now number of documents In
manila jackets.
II have little errand at the federal
court" They stood by letter box and the
cars of the Traction Company wheezed and
changed up Varney street past them.
1.-THE fact is. . he said, ethat Mr., Porter
owns all OF the bonds OF the Traction Com
pany
Saxton nodded. He understood now why
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-12-29


Wheaton hung between two inelinations.
one to make terms with Margrave and as
sure his friendship at any hazard. the other
to break with him, let the consequences be
what they might. 1t is one of the impress
sive facts of human destiny that the frail
barks among us are those which are sent
into the least known seas. Great mariners
have made charts and set warning lights.
but the hidden reefs change hourly. and the
great chartographer Experience cannot
keep pace with them.
Hurry up" said Margrave impatiently
this Is my busy night. and 1 can't wait on
you. Dig It up"
Wheaton's hand went slowly to his pocket.
nervous fingers. the certificate which Eve
lyn Porter had given him an hour before
fell upon the table.
That's the right color said Margrave,
snatching the paper as Wheaton sprang
forward to regain it.
Not that! not that. That isn't miner
Marsrave stepped back and swept the
face of the certificate with his eyes.
Well, this does beat HI! / knew you
stood next. Jim' he said insolently, but
didn't know you were on such confidential
terms as all this. And you witnessed the
signature. Gosh, How sweet and pretty ii
all is!' The paper exhaled the faint odor
of sachet, and Margrave lifted 1t to his nos
trils with a mockery of delight.
Il must have that, Margrave. ! will do
anything. but 1 must have that You
wouldn't"
Margrave watched him maliciously, thor
oughly enjoying his terror.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-12-29

Draw, SINCE and carefully wipe with a wet
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-12-29
SIR WILLIAM ALLAN, MP, DEAD
Engineer and Shipowner succumbs to
Heart Disease.


says:
Sir William Allan, the well-known ma
rine engineer, ship owner and member Of
parliament for Gateshead since 1893, died
today from heart disease.
The many American visitors to England
whom Sir William Allan entertained will
much regret the death of this genial MEM
Der of the house of commons. He missed
no opportunity Of showing kindness to a
traveller from this country, and was never
tired of recounting his adventures in the
civil war, when, as chief engineer of a
blockade runner, he was captured and
placed in the Old Capitol prison.
Sir William was a self-made man. He
started life as working engineer, and
merchant service. After the American
civil war he entered the employ of the
Northeastern Marine Engineer Company,
Of which concern he was manager for If
teen years. AfterWard he became con-
nected with the Scotia engine works, at
Sunderland, and other large concerns, and
at the time Of his death was a wealthy
man. chairman of the Allan line and d.
rector of Richardson's, Westgarth & Co.
In the note about himself which he sup
piled for Who's Who" Sir William stated
that he was born in Dundee In 1887, and
was educated. there, but that the world
books" Nevertheless he took a good deal
of interest in literature, and himself pub
lished three volumes of poems. AS his
recreations, in the note in Who's Who"
he gave writing songs. smoking pipe"
Sir William was elected to represent
Gateshead in the liberal interest in the
house Of commons in 1888. and had held
the seat ever since. He was knighted in
1902.
His death will make still another va
cancy in the house of commons, and will
give the tariff reformers an opportunity to
test sentiment regarding the fiscal ques-
ton in the north of ENGLAND,
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-12-29

with that package he'd never dared Squeal,
he presently concluded
Timothy Margrave was a fair judge OF
character
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-12-29
MEPEDITH NICHOLSON

How do you know / wouldn't? Give me
the other one. jim"
Still Wheaton held his own certificate; he
believed for a moment that he could trade
the one for the other.
I'm not going to fool with you much
longer, Jim; you either give me that GER
tfficate or / go to the Gazette office as
straight / can walk. just sign it in
blank. the way the other one is. I'll witness
ii all right
Wheaton wrote while Margrave stood over
him. holding ready blotter which he APP
piled to Wheaton's signature with unneces-
sary care
Il hope this won't cause you any incon-
venience with the lady, but you're undoubt-
eddy a fair liar and you fix that all
right, particularly"-with a chuckie-'If the
old man cashes in"
Wheaton followed Margrave's movements
as If under spell that he could not shake
Off Margrave walked toward the door with
with an air nonchalance, pulling on his
gloves.
Il haven't my check book with me- Jim.
but I'll settle for your stock and Miss
Evelyn's, too, after I get things reorganiz-
ed. It'll be worth more money then. Please
give the young lady my compliments" with
irritating suavity. He stopped. smoothing
the backs of his gloves placdly. That's
all right, Jim. amt it?'' he asked mocking-
ly.
81. hope you're satisfied" said Wheaton
weakly. Twice, within year. he had felt
TIC HUSctS VI an duSIy man dt MS throat
and he did not relish the experience.
I'm never satisfied" said Margrave,
picking up his hat.
Wheaton wished to make a bargain with
him. TO assure his own immunity: but he
did not know how to accomplish 1t. Mar
grave had threatened him and he wished to
dull the point of the threat, but he was
afraid to ask promise of him. He said, as
Margrave opened the door to go out:
DO you think Fenton noticed anything %
His tone was pitiful in its eagerness that
Margrave laughed In his face.
II don't know, Jim, and / donts give a
d--n.
Wheaton did not follow him to the door,
but Margraye seemed in no hurry to leave.
The watchman went forward to let him out
at the side entrance. and Margrave paused
to light a cigar very deliberately and to
urge one on the Waterman.
"If he d only been sure the old man would
have died tonight" he reflected as he walk
| ed up the street. he'd have given me Por-
| .er's shares, easy" He went to his office,
entertaining himself with this pleasant
] speculation. III I'd got out Of the bank
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-12-29

Winter Plunge in the Ocean.
A dispatch from Boston last night says:
Two young women of Winthrop leisurely