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Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1904-03-11

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Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1904-03-11
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Baxter Springs news. [volume] (Baxter Springs, Kan.) 1882-1919, 1904-12-22

his machine lor miles at q velocity
that would have landed him in jail
in any city in the land.
The captain liked swiftness. That
was why he bought the automobile.
He ran IL to the limit OF its speed
whenever he rode. So in love with 1t
was he that beyond the dreary monot-
unous daily routine, he gave little at
tention TO the doings of the fort. He
had forgotten the annual club dance
sand was for days unaware OF the COM
ing Christmas Eve celebration. He
was coursing up toward Wild Horse
canyon when the arrangements were
made.
On that very afternoon as he round
ed the foot of the canyon he came
plump toward lady riding almost as
swiftly as he, but mounted on hand
some brown Kentucky saddler. Her
horse veered far to the right, but she
sat him like a princess and showed no
sign Of fear.
beg your pardon" exclaimed the
captain, hating his machine and lift
ing his fatigue cap. She came nearer
and then he knew her-Lieut. Burton
had brought her to the dance-she was
q daughter Of wealthy rancher.
Miss Landers smiled and came as
near as her restless horse would con-
sent to approach. "Hero never saw
an auto before" she explained; then
rode on with another irradiating
smile.
The following week the red automo-
ollie was at Miss Landers' door and
she went riding over the level plains
with the captain. He was radiant In
fais happiness and was certain that he
hnd, with his advantage of equipment
and rank, outwitted his rival. But
sthe happiness was short-lived; for,
riding up by the haunted house on the
crest Of the divide few days later,
ne saw two figures on horseback, one
.of whom was plainly Burton and the
-uther evidently Miss Landers. After
that the contest became unfriendly.
and It was war to the knife between
sshe rivals.
So went the varying favoFs until the
approach Of the holidays. The fort, as
q break in thr duIlness Of winter, pro
Baxter Springs news. [volume] (Baxter Springs, Kan.) 1882-1919, 1904-12-22

A little later she stood by thu dresser.
the shades lowered. and her purchases
set out before her. After her usual fash
lon Miss Betty communed with herself:
"You were foolish. Betty Dane, to pay
q dollar and half for china cup and
saucer when you have more than two
dozen OF them now. But II Is q beauty"
touching the fragile porcelain with q
caressing finger. land there's nothing
nicer to give woman than china. There
are two handkerchiefs. They are the
sheerest, softest linen, and the en-
broidery Is beautiful. l am not SO sure
about the book. The girl at the store
said The Blue Flower was one OF the
best-selling books OF the season. But l
did something worse than buying these
things"
Miss Betty paused. Her eyes spar
killed.. and she trembled with excite
ment.
"You ordered two dozen red carna-
lions sent up to yourself on Christmas
eve. Yes, you did. Betty Dane Well,
I suppose you had right to, only It's
too bad there is no one else"
With O sigh she commenced her prep
arations for supper. The momentary
depression passed as her mind dwelt
upon her days outing. When she sat
down to her supper Miss Betty was at
peace with all the world.
The table was spread with snowy
linen. glistening silver and pretty china.
There was a quaint, old-fashioned sill
YER teapot Of fragrant Tyson. bread, a
pat of yellow butter, creamed potatoes
thin slices OF pink ham, dish OF black
berry jam. and a plate Of rich dark
fruit cake.
The windows of the dining-room faced
the side street In her abstraction Miss
Betty had forgotten to lower the shades.
Baxter Springs news. [volume] (Baxter Springs, Kan.) 1882-1919, 1904-12-22
Mis- S Betty's
Christmas Gift
BY HOPE DARING

Let me see! To-day is-yes, 1t Is the
tenth. Just two weeks from tomorrow
is Christmas" q.
Miss Betty Dane, spinster. stood be-
fore a calendar which hung on her sit
tlng-room wall. She was plump lit
tie woman, upon whose face q faded
pink flush still fingered. Her brown
eyes were shy. and the brown hair
rolled back from her brow was threaded
with silver.
Christmas" she repeated. as she
went back to her rocking chair. II sup
pose Christian woman ought not to say
such a thing, but dread the day." and
Miss Betty wiped her eyes.
81 ought to be ashamed, and l am"
she went on, rocking to and fro, but
It's dreadful never to have Christmas
like FOLKS who have family. Now I'm
not repining because I'm an old maid,
for I never saw the man I'd think Of, not
for years, anyway" the dull pink in her
cheeks burned to crimson. IL haven't
a relative in this part Of the country,
and am so shy and bashful that never
get close to people. Sometimes envy
people. women, I mean. who get the
pretty, dainty gifts that love prompts. ="
She sat a few minutes in silence, then
resumed her half-articulate murmur:
IF I was poor-I mean needy, for
am not rich-the church would send me
Baxter Springs news. [volume] (Baxter Springs, Kan.) 1882-1919, 1904-12-22

led the cotillon and received with
grace the favors heaped upon her-but
all the time she was thinking Of the
lieutenant spending his Christmas eve
under guard.
Then came the supper and after that
the Christmas tree. The officers were
made happy with remembrances from
the men; the men smiled at the little
tokens from the officers-for out on
this frontier post had grown up
cameraderie between those stationed
there that knew no rank or station.
When the tree was emptied there en-
sued a hush as Miss Landers came
down the center of the mess hall, her
stately form held proudly erect and
her eyes shining with new light.
Before the captain she curtsied with
old-fashioned ceremony. The whole
company waited to hear her words.
at used to be the CUSTOM" she be-
gan, "for the king to grant on Christ
mas eve a favor to his subjects-I
have one to ask"
"Your pleasure, Miss Landers,"
laughed the captain. He was feeling
very good-natured just now.
1.-THE release Of Lieut.. Burton-and
his presence here" came the quick re-
ply.
There was nothing for 1t but ODE
dience, and the captain gave the signal.
In q moment there came an orderly
with a young man in cowboy suit
Lieut.. Burton-and the crowd cheered
as he bowed low to them all.
"But-but-" began the captain
wonderingly, ARE you-are you"
YES" interrupted Miss Landers
you brought him here yourself, and we
thank you so much. 1t was very kind
Lieut. Burton bowed low again ano
then took Miss Landers' hand. II, too
thank you," he added; then in low
tone, the words being audible only to
the captain: Don't fuss SO long on
the way with your auto next time-a
horse is swifter. And. say" in almost
a whisper, come to our wedding, will
you-it's the last Of January"
The orchestra began a waltz; the
lieutenant went whirling away on the
floor amid the maze OF white dresses
and uniforms; the huge clock IN the
fort tower struck LII was Christmas
moTuingi
Baxter Springs news. [volume] (Baxter Springs, Kan.) 1882-1919, 1904-12-22

She glanced that way nervously when
the door bell rang.
When she opened the hall door the
light from the lamp in her hand fell
upon a fair girlish face framed round
with cunny hair. Miss Betty recognized
her caller as one of the teachers from the
village school.
Good evening, Miss Nesbit. Will
you walk in?"
Florence Nesbit followed the mistress
Of the house to the sitting-room. As
soon as she was within the room the
girl began speaking:
"Oh, Miss Dane, my errand Is a
strange one! You know am stranger
here, and l have been so homesick! l
haven't any home-my mother went
away from me year ago. looked in
your window as walked by. You
looked so coy and 'homelike, just came
in to ask you II would board me-"
Board yen! Why, never thought Of
taking boarders. What put 1t into your
head?"
Florence's lips quivered. Just be-
cause you were alone, like myself. l
wouldn't be any trouble and-oh Miss
Dane, could be SO happy here with
your"
Where do you board?"
with Mrs. Elmer. There Is to be a
vacation of two weeks at the holidays,
and must stay there"
Miss Dane recalled what she knew Of
Mrs. Elmer's housekeeping and shud-
dered.
"You poor child! OF course you can
come here There Is the other bedroom
downstairs, always warm, and the
place opposite me at table. Why, Miss
Nesbit, believe they have been waiting
for you"
Florence threw both arms round the
Others neck. 81 can't thank you; there
are no words to tell you what 1t means
to me. walked by your window three
times before l could get courage enough
to knock! Oh, you don't know how glad
am! 1t is like a beautiful Christmas
present"
Miss Betty started, remembering her
own longing for Christmas remem-
brances. Would not this girls pres
ence in the house be to her. in Der lone
illness, a gift that would partake Of the
Christmas spirit?
The days went by quickly. Much to
Miss Betty's surprise she found herself
busy with preparations for the coming
holiday season.
There were the children In Florence's
room. Miss Betty became almost as en-
thusiastic regarding the surprise plan
ned for them as was the girl teacher.
Then Miss Betty not only gave her usu-
al contribution Of money for the Sunday
school tree, but she promised to 60 with
Florence and help trim II The basket
for the church poor was filled to over
flowing. To the one for Mrs. carpen'
tar Miss Betty added one Of the hand
Baxter Springs news. [volume] (Baxter Springs, Kan.) 1882-1919, 1904-12-22

a basket Christmas morning. Well, I'm
thankful that | don't need that, and
always give something to help fill the
baskets as we'll as money for the Sun
day school Christmas tree. Mrs. Dea-
con Green will send me a mince pie
She has done 1t every Christmas for ten
years. and always send her a plate OF
nv crullers. will send Mrs. Carpen-
ter a chicken and a few other things;
she will return an elaborate note oil
thanks, every line beginning with q
capital letter. There's Niece Tillie'
She never fails to send me the new baby Z
picture. On the rare years when
there is no new baby she sends me
card. Such things are all well enough
but they don't mean"
Miss Betty stopped. rose, and walked
aimlessly into the adjoining dining
room. After a few moments she re-
turned to her former position. A de-
term!ned look was upon her face.
Tll do it. Why shouldn't |? The
day after tomorrow III go to the city
and I will buy dainty little things, such
presents as a woman ought to have al
Christmas. Twill pretend to myself that
they mean the love am SO slow learn
ing to live without"
On the morning Of the second day fol-
lowing Miss Dane left the village on
the nine o'clock train. She did net re-
turn until four.
As she walked briskly homeward
from the depot, her arms filled with
packages, she was overtaken by Mrs
Hall.
"Why, lands sakes, Miss Betty! You
don't mean to say as you've been to the
city, do you? I didn't know as you was
calculatin' on goin'."
"Well, I have been there" Miss Dane
answered. a little defiantly.
"What'd you 60 for? You've got q
new hat already. and your cloak waf
new last winter"
"T went to do some shopping"
"I.and sakes! What'd you buy?"
Miss Betty threw back her head. hei
brown eyes staring straight ahead Of
her.
az bought Christmas gifts. Good-by
Mrs. Hail." and, turning corner, the
half-frightened spinster hurried down Q
.trert that led directly to her own door
Mrs. Hall looked after the plump lit
tie figure. bafied curiosity depicted on
her face.
Miss Betty is altogether too close
mouthed. II amt becomin' to WON
an az lives alone"
Miss Dane soon reached her own home
Il was fast growing dark. and as she
entered the sitting-room the CLEAN o
the coal stove seemed like welcome.
I'm glad to Be back, but am no
sorry went" she thought as she care
IuIly laid her parcels on the bed. Il
Is going TO be 4 cold night I'll star
the fires in the dining-room and kitchen
before put these things away.
Baxter Springs news. [volume] (Baxter Springs, Kan.) 1882-1919, 1904-12-22

hills nor culverts. Then, Just ~ the
Circle Bar was In sight. Its twinklins
lights telling Of the presence OF a walt
Ing passenger. there came sudden
hiss" and the captain was awakened
from his dream by q quick turn into
the grass alongside the highway and
Q short, incorporating stop. Moth
ing for It but the unbundling OF tools,
the careful inspection Of piston and
igniter, the rafting Of chains and the
hammering Of bolts. q
The solitary horseman on In the dis
lance kept on his way and cared not.
II he knew, that the captain was swear
ing at fate and his machine out there
on the wind-swept hills.
But even breaks may be repaired.
and finally. with grim sentiment OF
revenge. the captain pulled the lever
out to the limit and raced on his way
toward the Circle Bar.
It was dark now and the lights In the
front Of the automobile were dimmed
by the dust of the road: hence the
captain did not see until he was at
the very gate that lady on horseback
was approaching him. When he did
see, Il was too late. Her horse gave
great swerve and, though avoiding
the frightssme machine. struck its side
against the barbed wire fence. She
was assisted to the ground by her cow
boy companion-presumably groom
and the captain led her to the auto
mobile.
so sorry, Miss Landers-didn't see
you-yes, Hero shall be cared for
here, sir, take the horse to the barn
and order him looked after"
81 think he had better come with
u.s." suggested Miss Landers. Il prom
ised him, you know"
well" Then to the cowboy: Come
back here and get in.-I'll take you to
the fort" The man bowed silently
and went to the stables.
A few minutes later the automobile
was on its return journey, skimming
the frozen ground and carrying Its trio
Of passengers toward the scene OF the
evenings gayety. Before 1t came into
the circle of light that marked the
driveway the cowboy accompanying
the captain and his fair passenger
slipped from his seat beside the latter
and hurried away in the darkness-but
what did the captain care? He handed
Miss Landers into the hall joyfully and
forgot that the other had ever lived.
But he did not forget the lieutenant
Inquiry soon told him that the young
or officer had left the fort soon after
dinner and had not yet returned. Then
in a moment came an orderly to say
that Mr.. Burton was in his room.
HE may 60 under guard until to-
morrow" ordered the captain savage
". Then | will take up his case. Let
us start the cotillon," with low bow
to Miss Landers. She had heard his
orders and turned very white face to
her partner as she took his arm. She
Baxter Springs news. [volume] (Baxter Springs, Kan.) 1882-1919, 1904-12-22
Save Us from Our Friends.

Once upon a time a man who had
experienced prosperous year in bust.
ness thought 1t would be gracious
thing to share his good fortune with
his wife, so at Christmas he presented
her with the finest diamond necklace
he could purchase. When the neigh
bors saw it they set their heads to-
gether and decided that the man had
made the gift for the purpose Of keep
ing peace in the family. They won.
dered what his wife had caught him
at, and each invented a bit Of scandal
to fit the case.
Moral-The easiest thing in thii
world is to be misunderstood-J. !
O'Connell, in Town Topics.
Baxter Springs news. [volume] (Baxter Springs, Kan.) 1882-1919, 1904-12-22

posed to have a grand Christmas cele-
bration in the great mess hall. to
which would be invited all the men,
bers of the troops at the station. The
CAPTAIN and the lieutenant were, OF
course, foremost in the arrangements,
and to them was left the duty OF Is
suing invitations for those outside the
post. Ranchmen and their families,
merchants from the neighboring town,
well-to.do farmers and indeed every
available resident who might contrib
ute to the pleasure of the occasion
were hidden.
To Miss Landers came two invita-
tons, one addressed In the grabbed
back-hand chirography Of the captain
and the other in the flowing, artistic
style of the lieutenant Which should
she accept? She determined to wait
on events and see where fate led. Fate
seemed very undecided at that point
Of the affair.
No word passed between the captain
and the lieutenant regarding the in
vitation to Miss Landers. nor was there
any discussion regarding the manner
by which she was to get to the cele-
bration. However. It was the inten-
ton of each to be her personal escort.
But the lieutenant reckoned without a
knowledge of the intensity Of the cap
tain's nature; for when he asked for
leave to go outside the post. the re-
quest came back with the curt indorse-
ment, Refused" That meant that he
must stay at the fort or be subject to
a period in the guard house.
The captain chuckled and patiently
rubbed the brass fittings Of his big red
automobile. He looked forward with
much pleasure to the coming ten-mile
trip across the smooth prairie roads In
the crisp winter evening, and he smiled
as he thought Of the discounted lieu
tenant, compelled to remain at the fort
At dusk the devil wagon" careened
out of the high-walled parade ground
and swept down the slope to the bot
tom lands that led away up the Smoky
Hill to the Circle Bar ranch, where
Miss Landers was waiting for her es-
cort-wondering all the time which Of
the twain would first appear. The
captain, we'll bundled against the pierre
ing cold, did not look to the south or
he would have seen rider on horse
hack making almost as good time as
Baxter Springs news. [volume] (Baxter Springs, Kan.) 1882-1919, 1904-12-22

he, but kseping in the lee Of the bluffs
and SO out of sight Of the casual trav-
eler on the main road. This rider was
dressed in cowboy garments, his wide
brimmed hat was tapping In the wind
and his fringed coat caught the steam
of his horses breath, which CONCEALED
into snow-lIke foam. He took thS
short cut up Wild Horse canyon,
around the head Of Oak ranch and
saved q mile where q timber claim
caused q wide turn In the roadway.
But the sturdy automobile fairly ate
ND the road. swinging down the slopes
like mad and hating neither for Ne
Baxter Springs news. [volume] (Baxter Springs, Kan.) 1882-1919, 1904-12-22
A Christmas Nuisance.

Felice and l. we never meet
From one years end unto another:
I seldom think OF her, and she
Has precious little use for me,
Yet every Christmas we repeat
That awful gift-exchanging bother:
We're fettered to II. wrist and wrist,
Each has the other on her ''list,"
And though we're both heart-sick OF q.
We neither one would dare to quit.
BY Susie NJ Best In Town Topics.
Baxter Springs news. [volume] (Baxter Springs, Kan.) 1882-1919, 1904-12-22
Hard on Brown.

Jones has It in for Brown and u
planning an awful revenge upon him
at Christmas"
Going to send him an Internal ma
chine?"
mo. He's going 10 give Browns
children graphophone. "Apenyea
Times
Baxter Springs news. [volume] (Baxter Springs, Kan.) 1882-1919, 1904-12-22
Thoughtful.

"How kind Of papa!" a
whats he sentf'
"a quantity Of presents Tor bahy'
and on each are directions what TO -
II he makes himself sick with ~ An4
here are the incidence. tool"-BrooA.
lyn Life.
Baxter Springs news. [volume] (Baxter Springs, Kan.) 1882-1919, 1904-12-22
AChrist1nas avor
BY Charles M. Harger.

wv YHEN the captain brought to
M the fort q vicious looking red
w automobile, there was much
interest among the members of his
command.
"Wonder If he expects to use 1t IN
Hrill?" suggested Adjt. Quilting.
I'VE might hitch q gun on behind
and save one team" added the quar-
fermaster. "He can sure make time
over the prairie roads"
The captain did make time. During
the long autumn, when the plain was
dry and the roads smooth, he sped on
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1904-05-26
DONEGAL.

Mary Shepherd who has been work
ing for Mrs. John Lenhert returned
home Saturday.
j. A. Summers who has been sick
for some time is slowly improving.
Mr.. and Mrs. John Shirk OF Abilene
visited at A. L. Shank'S Sunday.
Mr.. and Mrs. H. E. Stauffer Of Hope
visited a. H. A. Stauffer's Sunday.
Mrs. Jacob Rhodes OF Marion county
is visiting her daughter, Mrs. H. G.
Wiugerd.
Mrs. j. G. Engle viited at H. E.
Musser's Sunday.
Mrs. Eli Hoffman Jr., was visiting
in Clay county over Sunday.
Miss Ruth Musser left Saturday for
Harvey county to visit friends and
relatives.
Mr.. and Mrs. Eli Hoffman ST., were
shopping In Abilene Monday.
CServices at Belle Springs were well
attended Sunday evening.
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1904-05-26
WILLOWDALE.

Mr.. and Mrs. P. MCPHERSON and lit
tie son Of Solomon spent Sunday witt
relatives and friends In this vicinity
Mrs. M. Low returned from EN-
poria Friday morning where she had
been attending the W. R. G. conven'
ton.
Pearl Blunder6eld who has been at
tending college at Mcpherson re-
turned home Saturday.
Grandma Snowden 10 staying al
DR.. Miller's.
Mrs. W. G. Lewis visited in Solo.
mon the latter part Of last week.
Mrs. Jasper who has been very
sick is slowly recovering.
Addie Turner visited with friends
in Solomon Friday and Saturday.
John Toote and sister, Mrs. E. C.
White Of Clay Center, attended the
commencement exercises at Solomon
Friday evening and spent q few days
with their aunt, Mrs. NJ. Low.
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1904-05-26
DETROIT.

Born, to Mr.. and Mrs. Ed Herman
a son.
G. E. Havener. an Evangelist, Ii
conducting meetings this week at thu
U. B. church.
John; Weir's daughter and family
came here from western Kansas with
a view Of locating.
James Dunlop and Harry Knox
have improved their homes with
paint.
Misses Dillon and Rulings of the D.
G. H. s. visited Miss Wagner over
Sunday.
Rev. o. D. Nichols and Mrs. Morse
left last week for q few weeks visit
in Canton and MCPHERSON.
A sister Of Thomas Dedrich came
to visit him last week.
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1904-05-26
RINEHART.

Mrs. Emery Diehl was business
visitor in Chapman Saturday.
DR.. Felty of Abilene made bust
ness trip through this neighborhood
last Friday.
We The Lutheran Sunday school gave
picnic on the old picnic grounds al
Lyona Friday.
Chas. Hollinger was transacting
business In Chapman one day last
week.
Hugh Howie Of the D. G. H. s. Wis
tied with Chas. Hassler over Sunday.
The Rhinehaat Telephone Co. have
their phones all in now and are talk
ing with Chapman people as well as
their neighbors.
Rev. A. L. Young Of Chapman will
speak in the Lutheran church Decora-
ton Day.
AWill Hassler went to Chapman
Monday on business.
Jesse Engle and Arthur Boles of
Chapman, both agents for the Mutual
Life Insurance Of New York, were in
our vicinity Thursday.
J. F. Murphy and daughter Stella
were Abilene visitors Saturday.
The Lutheran Sunday school will
observe Children's day next Sunday
morning. The Methodists will have
their Children's day June 2.
Miss Lulu Sterling Of the D. c: 81.
s. visited with Miss Anna Murphy
over Sunday.
Emery Diehl was Woodbine Wis
itor Saturday.