davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-01-19

house Of Loda. The two men parted
abruptly, and somewhat surily. at the
corner of the Byculla Road-Ben Alif,
after his fashion; and Meredith, because
he was irritated as we'll as perplexed by the
outcome of bis visit. There was sense of
littleness of failure, that stung him; also.
a vague suspicion that in some manner he
had been tricked; though the more he
strove to determine how and when and
why. the more vague and absurd his sus-
picions seemed. He had fallen asleep while
watching an interesting case, and surely,
If there was any blame. he deserved
ii himself. That he had been disturbed by
restless dreams was hardly a matter for
wonder. considering the popularity of his
surroundings; while as for the girls sudden
return to life, he had been warned by his
friends precedent to expect some such end
ing: and 1t was certainly only a matter Of
courtesy on her part to let him sleep on to
a natural awakening when he had been
watching 80 long in her service.
Still. when he had settled the matter thus,
there remained something that would not
down-a something that men call intuition,
perhaps, which they deride as impractical
BILE, and systematically suppress, yet which
If they only learned to trust would prove
very lodestar for the betterment Of their
lives and fortunes.
Stubs shifted round him curiously when
he entered his rooms. and 1t was with
irritable gesture that he shook or the i'm
preston that the dog, too. sensed some
thing wrong with him. He took a cold
sponge bath. and then. as he was rubbing
down in front Of his mirror, his eye was
caught by the curious birth mark on his
chest. and 1t seemed. In his nervous state.
that even this had assumed an unfamiliar
aspect. He passed his fingers over the
circle and for the nrst time in his life 1t
struck him as bearing resemblance to
hazy moon. The fancy held him mo-
mant and then he smiled at the conceit-a
moon, indeed! And why not an orange. or
a mango, or better STILL Stubs dog col
larf But; nevertheless the fancy stuck.
and afterward, whenever the mark attract
cd his attention, the idea came along. Just
why the moon and not the dog collar
reached the motor tracts OF his brain and
perpetuated itself II. OF course, outside
present discussion.
During the NEXT few days Meredith de-
voted good deal Of berious thought not
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-01-19

tention of the two waiting women. They
We're watching him from the shadows at
the FOOT OF the couch. barely distinguishable
from the figured tapestry against which
they crouched. The old woman had lighted
birri, and its pungent Fodor mixed in
strongly with the perfumed tobacco smoke.
Inc TWO were surrounded with an array of
little pots, bronZes, earthenWare and silver,
and with curiously shaped metal plates
these contained various aromatic herbs,
spices, areca seed, cardamoms, betel leaf
ana the IKE. out of which, together with
wet lime. they made little sandwiches and
RECALLED themselves.
They were quite silent save-for an occa-
sional guarded whisper. or the click OF a
siIVer anklet as they stirred and stretched
among their pillows. By and by even the
faint whispering ceased; the spark from the
birri died out; and a deeper hush seemed to
fail on the room-a quiet that vaguely OPP
pressed the man In the chair. He looked at
his watch In the dim light, and barely dis
tfnguished that 1t lacked some twenty min
utes of IL. More than three hours to wait
and lord! how stupid and sleepy he felt.
He reused himself with an effort, and took
his patients pulse and temperature; then,
kneeling on the cushions that lay piled
at the side of her couch he tried to rouse
her by pressure of his fingers and thumb on
the frontal and suborbital nerves. He failed
entirely, and drew his hands away from her
brow. Even as he did SO, q quick strange
sense OF being watched stole over him. He
glanced back OF his shoulder hurriedly and
then beyond, to the two women; but they
lay supine with the enda OF their saris
drawn across their faces
He noted again the curious pulsing light
that glimmered through the curtain from
the above where the crystal stood. and
commenced to mentally demonstrate it's In
nate absurdity; the thing was clearly in
sulated, as he had satisied himself. and
yet-yes. as he was thinking, he-yes, that
was it-and he dropped forward into a more
comfortable position. There was a momeut
fad n, hflI n
thread Of its argument, q moment OF resist
ance-and then Quiescence
His head dropped lanealidly toward the
couch. and 1t was borne q son him dreamily
that the woman lying t4sre was unreal
shoulder, watching him. Sye and touching
him with strange magnetic touch that
weighed him down. lower and lower. Than
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-01-19

in turn supported by four glass pillars On
either side in front were the serpents, while
behind was a stretch of black velvet from
out of which the crystal stood wildly like
some bright curious living thing. The only
light in the alcove was shed from it's glow
ing center, and this pulsed slowly and I'M
evenly, now springing to dazzling fire,
and anon paling to a faint phosphorescent
simmer. He stopped to try and see the
source OF this wonder. felt carefully round
the legs and under the lower glass stand for
some connecting wires. and then came up
from his knees In confusion as the dwarf's
voice spoke gruffiy to him:
when the Sahib has satisfied his curl
osity, perhaps he will partake Of some little
refreshment"
Ben Alif was holding the curtains back,
and Meredith passed out from the alcove
with considerable loss of dignity. He
would have liked to kick the dwarf, but,
that he had been himself quite at fault.
What on earth had he to do poking behind
curtains in a strange house? He certainly
would never have dreamed Of doing so
while visiting a European, and he told
himself severely that there was no possi-
BILE excuse for him here: and then he
straightway began to wonder about the
crystal again. He would have questioned
Ben Alif. but he had recognized from the
start that the mans attitude was antag-
onistic so he was forced to let the matter
drop:
it not?' he asked, by way of breaking the
awkwardness.
Yves Sahib; nine gone by the clock"
"And the tide still wants five hours of
the full?"
Five hours. Sahib."
He drew up big cushioned chair to the
couch. and Alif wheeled table to his side.
on which were several silver trays with
| piled-up heaps of sweetmeats. together
with long. slender cigarettes and black,
evil-looking cigars; then. making place
among the liquor TASKS and glasses, he set
a bronze gong. with the intimation that q
single stroke would reach him where he sat
beyond the purdah.
Meredith lay back and watched the smoke
| from his cigarette curl away lazy and gray
| till the breeze from the punlka caught It
and hurried 1t In writhing ribbons to the
shadows. He had been conscious. ever since
he drst entered the room, OF the hxed at
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-01-19
GOV. CUMMINs ARRIVES.
Called by Dispute Over Iowa Monu.
ments on Shiloh Battlefield.

Gov. Albert B. Cummins of Iowa arrived
in Washington yesterday, and will remain
until tomorrow. He said that he was here
on business and not politics. Some differ
ence has arisen between the national Shiloh
commission and the Iowa state Shiloh COM
mission regarding the inscription on two
monuments which are to mark the advanced
location of two of the state regiments in
the battle of Shiloh. and the governor is
going to appeal to Secretary Root to up
hold the contention of the state commits
sion.
Gov. Cummins said that he Is still for
what Is popularity known as the Iowa
idea" in the treatment of the tariff Ques-
ton and expects to be a delegate to the
national republican convention at Chicago.
He said he will make an effort to have the
Iowa idea Incorporated in the republican
platform. While in Washington the gov
ernor says he expects to call on President
Roosevelt, although he declares the visit is
to pay his respects and not for the purpose
of discussing political matters.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-01-19
VIRGINIA OYSTER LAW.
Another Effort Being Made to Define
and Lease Barren Ground,

Delegate E. C. Jordan, who made hard
effort at the closing session Of the last
general assembly Of Virginia to break the
Virginia oyster law and to lease a large
portion of the oyster beds now open to the
public, has recommended his fight at the
present session Of the general assembly.
A day or two ago he introduced q bill to
break the Baylor survey, but the new bill
differs in many particulars from the old
one
Mr.. Jordan lays down as a basic princi-
pie that all oyster beds which do not spon-
taneously bear enough oysters to make the
taking of them profitable are barren, and
are therefore fit for leasing and planting
The bill provides for the appointment of a
special commission, the members Of which
are not to engage In the oyster industry,
and to this commission citizens desiring to
lease lands are to address themselves. In
the petition for lease the grounds wanted
are to be specified.
The commission. aided by experts. will
then inspect the grounds, and If any part
is found fruitful 1t is to be marked off for
public The remainder will be divided
into sections of ten acres EACH and no per-
son can lease less than ten nor more than
$50 acres. After these sections have been
examined and plotted they are to be mark
ed on a map of the Baylor survey in the
clerks office of the county in which they
lie. Leases are to run for twenty years at
q fixed annual rental.
The bill gives the right to any twenty
five voters in the county wherein the
leased lands lie to file a petition against
the lease. to be heard before the circuit
court Of the county, and should the court
find that fruitful rock is included within
the barren area he is to correct the error.
An appeal to the state supreme court may
be taken by either side.
The new measure is now before the COM
mittee on the Chesapeake and its tributa-
ries, and the fight over the bill will be as
hot as 1t was over the measure which was
killed at the last session of the legisla-
ture.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-01-19
CHAPTER Iy.-Continued.

Meredith stood for a moment as the pur-
dab dropped behind the dwarf, then began
a wandering and curious inspection of the
room He felt little surprised that It's
almost wanton luxury was not more dis
tasteful to him. and he halted now and
again before some carved vase or statu-
cite In amazed admiration at both Its
beauty and obvious value. What manner
OF woman was this who lived like a queen
In a gem-strewn palace, situate. II you
please. in blind alley back of the Bendi
Bazaar? Certainly not the kind to appeal to
him, He was not given to ideals. or at
any rate to the formulating Of them; he
was a ssarcher after truth. and his demand
was that she should be exact rather than
beautiful. Back in his subjective mind in
the locked and dusty chamber Of romance,
there probably dwelt woman who some
day might get out and who would walk
with him and talk with him in a quiet,
serious way-a Bourne-Jones girl. though
perhaps a little stouter-s tribe bovine-who
would keep his house even az he now kept
mis- rooms, orderly and unemharrassed By
foolish trappinss. And lover Well. he. too,
would be sober and iindly, submitting to
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-01-19

only to the case OF Loda, but to his own
mental attitude which had made possible
the peculiar phenomena which he had dis
cussed with his friend Nicholas. The result
was term of considerable mental depres-
Sion His facts concerning both the woman
and himself were most elusive so intimate
ly had the fantastic been blended with the
real In his experience. Added to this, he
realized with some irritation that in the
case or Loda the woman herself and not
the scientific aspect was the dominant note,
and that he had been directly affected by it.
He had always held the will to be supreme,
yet here were happenings absolutely OPP
posed to it's expression-strange forces af-
fecting him vitality where neither force nor
sensibilify should exist. The more he fol-
lowed out the line of thought suggested
the more perplexed and less capable of
cool judgment he grew. Things he had adj
demanded a fresh hearing and the more he
yielded to their demands the stronger they
grew. He realized that he was in no con-
dition, physically or mentally. to arrive at
logical diagnosis; he was out of focus.
but. instead of resting awhile. he persisted
with sick mans faulty, until his whole
system rebelled
AS direct result he began to doubt his
own Judgment. Premises which he had
considered neutrality-suspicious. for
mulated from cool. logical deductions
began to look arbitrary. Was there
something after all back OF this nerve en-
velope-something that was perhaps mock
Ing him. laughing at the postulates that
ignored 1t? The thought was intolerable,
and he shook 1t OF angrily- II his science
of life was wrong In any one vital particu-
lar, then he was hopelessly at fault In the
whole Of his reasoning; and beyond his
reason he had nothing-there was nothing.
This he had persistently and logically DEM
onstrated to his own mental satisfaction.
and now, just as he was about to give his
deductions to the world, he had this un-
easy feeling that Something, Somewhere
was laughing at him.
He finally resolved on what he realized
should have been his course from the first
Ito do no thinking at all for while: to
let those few last vital chapters of his book
lie over till he was able to treat them with
his old time mental sest and vigor.
Go be continued tomorrovl
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-01-19
ROCKVILLE AND VICINITY.
General and Personal Items From
Montgomery County's Capital.

Special Correspondence of The Evening Star
ROCKVILLE, Md, January 1s. 1904.
The January term Of the circuit court for
this county began here this morning. with
Judge Henderson on the bench. Nothing
Of Importance was transacted, the proceed
ings of the day consisting of calling over
the docket and entering up q number OF
judgments.
Mr.. w. F. Rabbit Of this place has been
appointed private secretary to Col. Spencer
c. Jones. president of the Maryland senate.
Mr.. Edward c. King Of Clarksburg has
been appointed to position in the senate
folding room and Mr.. James E. Kelly of
Kensinston has been named as one or the
doorkeepers of the house of delegates 1t
Ia understood that Mr.. Frank Cuttings OF
Rockville will be appointed to a subordi-
nate position under Col. Jones.
MIR. 0. H. w. Talbot has resigned as ex-
aminer in chancery for the circuit court at
this place and Mr.. Thomas NJ. Talbot has
been named in his stead.
Mr.. George Joseph Hudson and Miss Grace
Belle Trail, both of this vicinity, were mar
ried a few days ago by Rev. Thomas ID.
Williams. pastor of St. Mary's Catholic
Church at this place. The ceremony was
performed in the church and was witnessed
by very few relatives and friends of the
young couple. The bride is a daughter OF
Mr.. George II. Trail.
There is quite a lively contest on between
AIr. FRANK higgins ana MI. AlDV
son. both Of this place, for appointment as
auditor for the circuit court in the place of
Mr.. Robert B. Peter, who resigned upon
taking the oath as states attorney 1t is
understood the selection of the court will
be announced within a few days.
At the annual meeting of the members of
the Montgomery County Agricultural So
ciety the following board of directors was
elected; Lee Offutt, John H. Gassaway, John
H. Bogley, Robert c. Warf1eld, Charles w.
Fields, David H. Warfield Charles Veirs
Henry II. Miller. John c. Bentley, Josiah
W. Jones, Benjamin c. Gott Henry H.
Griffith. All were members of the old board
excepting DR.. r. c. Warfleld, who takes
the place of Mr.. H. c. Hurley who declined
reelection. The report of the treasurer
showed the association to be in a flourish
ing financial condition. After paying all
the expenses of the last fair and the inter-
est on the Indebtedness, there Is a balance
in the treasury of about $500.
The executive committee of the Montgom-
cry County Anti-Saloon League has ap-
pointed legislative committee, consisting
Of Messrs. Frank Higgins, Warren Choate
and Rev. r. l.. McNair, to present to the
legislature the recommendation of the
November grand jury in regard to
strengthening the local option law Of the
county. The grand jury suggested that the
law be amended so that the penalty for all
house Of correction.
Before shaping the recommendation into
q bill the committee will consult with an
advisory committee composed Of Messrs.
X. E. L. Smith, Charles w. Prettyman and
George n. Lamar. members Of the Rock
Vile bar. The annual meeting of the league
will be held at Rockville February 4.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-01-19
RULES WERE ADOPTED
REGULATIONS FOR MILITARY
RIFLE MATCHES.
Allotting the Annual Appropriation
Made by Congress-Teams
Of Twelve Men.

At yesterday afternoons session of the
ma tional board for the promotion of rife
practice a resolution was adopted placing
the organization Of all rife associations in
the hands of the National Rifle Assoca-
ton. Of which Gen. B. w. Spencer Of New
Jersey Is president.
The board accepted, after discussion last
ing several hours. the report of commit
tee respecting the revision Of regulations
for rifle prize shooting and allotting among
the various matches the annual appropria-
ton Of $500 appropriated by Congress.
This money is to be divided as follows in
cash prizes and medals:
For the national trophy, $500; for the
champion individual match, $115; for the
United States Individual match, $3.50; for
the pistol match, 1886. The tenor of the
regulations as amended looked to the de-
barment Of one year of members Of win
ming teams; the abolition of pool targets;
the admission of VITO teams from the army
Zone from the infantry and one from the
cavalry, and the adoption for all matches
OF the positions, arms, ammunition and
rules of the national team match.
To Select Place Of Match.
A committee headed by Col. Hall was ap-
pointed to choose the time and place of the
match during the coming year. Among
the places suggested are New York, Sea
Girt. Fort Riley and a site near Chicago.
1t was reported that ST. Louis was willing
to give $4,000 for the match, but no such
offer has been made officially to the board.
There is a sentiment in favor of going
into the middle west with the shoot to
arouse interest among the National Guard.
The incorporation into the rules of a pro-
vision that the kinds of fire shall consti-
tute three classes is a radical departure,
and has been the basis of discussion for
some time. The new rules provide that
the slow fire shall be at distance Of 200,
600. 800 and 1000 yards; rapid fire at 200
and 500; skirmfsh at two runs. Three days
shall be taken to make the shoot. The
first day will be given to rapid firing, the
second to slow and the third to Skirmish.
Teams Of Twelve Men.
The board decided that the teams shall
be composed Of twelve men. The organi-
cations permitted to compete will be the
United States army, one team from the
cavalry and one from the infantry; the
United States navy, the United States ma.
rine corps, team from each of the
states and the District of Columbia, to rep
resent the National Guard.
The number of shots fired shall be two
for sight and ten for record at each range
The positions shall be standing at the 200
yard range and prone with head toward
the target at the others The United States
service rifle and carbines with not less
than three-pound trigger pull shall be
used, together with the service ammuni-
ton.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-01-19

came a Whispering vague and faint. He
strove to catch its meaning, but ever the
dulling touch OF the wOmanS fingers pre-
vented him.
The whisperings grew to a muttering.
and drew nearer and yet nearer. He strug-
gled flercely to rise and face 1t, but only
dropped the more, till he lay prone, half on
the cushions and half across the foot of
the couch Then came patter of naked
feet-stealthily at first, then more bold
and with 1t cold rushing wind and
growing horror of sound! A storm Of water
and darkness grew swiftly around him. and
out of 1t another storm-of men, or things
that cursed like men. He felt their hot,
eager breath as they pressed through the
darkness on him-felt the ground tremble
! with the shock of their coming-and for
one long instant his soul seemed to melt
with utter, impotent fear-and then And
then there came woman's laugh-musical.
sc6rnful sweet, and cutting as lash.
AS 1t fell on the mans ears he started up
with cry and. seizing the gong-stick,
struck the bronze plate freely. Tho, Alif!
Ben Al
"Sahib, ca hair
The voice fell coolly at his shoulder,
questioning his wants. and he turned saw
agely on the man. demanding angrily what
he meant by daring to laugh like Son Of
sheitan" and so disturb his reflections.
But the fellow protested vigorously:
"Sahib. did not laugh"
Then who did?-for I swear some one
laughed"
"Perchance Kubberwan slept. and an
angel laughed"
Slept, you villain! II did not sleep!"
Neither did I laugh. Haxoor."
well, I heard What time is it?''
"Half after two. gone by the clock Sahib
The tide has passed the full. Kubbsrwan."
WHAT" He swung round to the couch
quickly, then fell back rubbing his eyes in
| credulously. The girl was sitting UP among
the pillows watching him through half
| closed eyes that seemed full of mockery
Was 1t an angel that had laughed2
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-01-19
To Prove What Swamp-Root, the Great Kidney
Remedy, Will DO for YOU, Every Reader of "The
STAR May Have Sample Bottle Sent Free by
Mail.

Weak unhealthy kidneys responsible for sickness and
suffering any disease therefore, when through neglect
other kidney trouble permitted results
to follow
Your other organs need aenonbut your kidneys
because do and need attention
you sick feel badly begin taking Dr. Kimes Swamp
kidney liver bladder because
your kidneys begin better they will help all the other
health. A trial will convince any
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-01-19
COL. MILLER IN CHARGE.
Succeeds to tho Duties Formerly Dis
charged by Col. Allen.

In anticipation of the early retirement OF
Gen. Charles j. Allen formerly lieutenant
colonel of engineers), Lieut.. Col. A. M. MIL
Ter, corps of engineers. has assumed all the
duties lately in charge of that officer, In
Guiding the works of defense OF Washing
ton, D. c.. the Improvement of the Potomac
river at and below Washington, repairs to
the Aqueduct bridge, the determination Of
harbor lines in the District of Columbia,
supervision Of construction of highway and
railroad bridges across the Potomac. i'm
provement of the Anacostia river and har-
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-01-19
A National Naval Reserve.

Representative Foss has introduced in the
House two bills, one creating a national
naval reserve and the other establishing a
naval militia along the lines of the National
Guard organization created through the
Dick bill. Both of these measures were in
dorsed and strongly urged by the Naval
Militia Association, which met In this city
last week The bill creating a naval reserve
provides for the enrolling of all seafaring
men who may be called upon to serve their
country in time of war.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-01-19

Dor works and bridges in Maryland and
Virginia, and also as a member of the board
of engineer officers to make surveys and
plans of waterway from Norfolk, Va, to
Beaufort, N. G.
Col Miller has assumed these multifari-
GUS duties, In addition to his regular duties
of looking after the water supply system
of the District, including the construction
of filtration plant.
Col. Allen has been nominated as a briga-
der general with a view to his retirement
in that grade. He reaches the age of COM
pulsory retirement the Goth instant.