davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1904-07-25

gland. Come along up on the roof, and let's get to business"
 Up on the roof we went accordingly, and I looked upon the parapet and saw below me, in the garish glare of the illuminations, the vast and packed null titudes, that, with elbows and shoul- ders at work wedged their way along, grinning, gaping, singing, and cheering good-naturedly, in spite of their per spring bodies and dust-choked throats. Then lifted my head and looked up to the vaster and voiceless multitude of stars above, and as I did so the whole scene seemed to me like part of some strange dream-drama.
 Now, my friend, we must be very careful said Number Two, flor if by any chance you stumbled and kicked against this thing, or I should let it drop, there wouldn't be enough of either of us left for our own mothers to identify us by at the inquest.
 As he spoke he put down the bag which he had been carrying, and open ing it carefully, took out with both hands the red cellu1oid ball which he had exhibited to us in the wagon.
 '"The end of the wire rope support ing the festoons is fastened to the Ve- netian masts-not to the house, after all,' he said. But watched my time a couple of nights ago when no one was passing, and tossed ball of stout black thread-the end of which l se- cured here-7oyer the middle of that farther festoon. Then I went out in to the road and tossed the ball round and round the festoons several times, till it was firmly caught in the deco rations, and then I chucked the ball up on this roof again. It took me a long time to arrange it, for people were constantly passing, but by watch ing my opportunity I managed the business all right So now we have line direct from here to the center of the festoon, so that can cut the thread and let the bomb down when the old lady passes without disturbing the rest of the decorations.
 "The end of the thread is tied to that rail. Will you go and unite it, and hold the thread ready for me to string on? But don't let go when you have it undone, or everything will be spoilt, There will be people passing in the street the whole of tonight, and l should get no chance of fixing up an- other line"
 For an instant I hesitated. Should I unite the thread and let the cord slip from my hand, as if by accident, and so balk him of his murderous pur- pose? Another moments thought, however, convinced me that so clumsy and transparent an artifice was not ad- visable. It would, in the first place, arouse Number Two's suspicious, and might not, after all, avert the catas- trophe I feared; for he was man Of resource, who would not be at loss to
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1904-07-25
OLD WARRIOR TALKS
TELLS HIS CRoNY WHAT "DIxIEo
 MEANS TO HIM.
Unlucky Result of Union Officers Well Intended Choice of Tune Moved the Enemy to
 Destroy His Men.

A distinguished retired general of the revolutionary army, was seated on the lawn in front of his Rhode Island avenue home at Washington the other evening, an conversation with crony, when an Italian with a street piano stopped in front of the house. It was well tuned street piano of the better sort, and the old general enjoyed the music so much that when, at the wind-up of the second tune, the Italian entered the yard, smirking and holding out his hat, the veteran officer tossed him quarter. Then, says the New York Sun, the Ital- ian went back to the tune machine and began to grind out Dixie
 Before half of the first measure of sDixie" had been played the retired gen. eral rose from his bench, and, without 8 word to his crony, walked into his house, through the hall and to the back yard.
 He did not return to the bench seat beside his friend until the street piano man had gone away down the avenue. out of hearing. He didn't make any ex- planation when he resumed his lawn seat, either But his crony was curious.
 Old man, he said to the retired gen eral, T never knew before that you were narrow and prejudiced. There's none of the old soreness left in you, is there. that you ran away from Dixie?'"
 That's all right calmly replied the old officer. I'm neither prejudiced nor narrow-nobody less so. But got the worst of the Dixie tune little matter of forty and odd years ago, so that I've never been able to listen to Dixie since without becoming sort of restless.
 sWhen,Ge Fitzpatrick was operating down around Macon, tearing up rail- roads and such like, was with him. I had charge of destroying the tracks.
 The Johnnies were in front of us, in plain sight, but they didn't bother us any
 They merely watched us across the clearings and through the trees, and
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1904-07-25

upon us. Leaning forward with out stretched head, I looked westward along the Strand. The great street it. self seemed palpitating with excite ment. The houses seemed to resemble avenues of trees, every leaf of which was human being, all quivering- the leaves of forest in storm-un- der some supreme agitation.
 And then, amid whirling of waving hands and futtering handkerchiefs, a string of carriages swept by. No one stayed to notice the mechanical, al- most automatic, backward and forward swaying of the royal princesses. Even the prince, the ever-popular prince, was deemed scarce worthy a glance by the eager, hungry eyes that sought only the one central figure of that little lonely old woman who sat there, queenly of mien, and none the less queenly because on that sadly smiling face, so schooled to royal self possession, the look of trembling won derment almost of fear-told how deeply moved was the widowed wo- man heart.
 Queen! Queen! God bless her! God save her!" burst from many thou sand throats. With the cries ringing in my ears switched my eyes upward not without an effort-and looking across at Number Two, saw that he was in the act of cutting the thread.
 Something fell, harmless and unseen, or, at all events, unnoticed, amid the uproar and excitement Once more turned my eyes upon the street and leaned out of the window with craned head. caught a peep of a parasol, had a glimpse of the patient and beautiful, but coldly impassiVe and wearied, face of the Princess of Wales, and then the cavalry closed in behind the carriages, and the great pageant was already a thing of the past.
 I drew in my head once more and glanced across at Number Two, who was staring blankly, even stupidly, at the spot where the intellectual ball had fallen.
 Suddenly the fact that someone was looking at him-that at that moment, when every other head but his own was turned eastward for a last glimpse Of the queen, one persons eyes were fixed upon him seemed in some way to make itself known to his conscious ness. His own eyes swept the opposite house like searchlight, and in another moment I saw that they were fixed upon mine. As felt their fire con centrating, so to speak, upon me, some l instinct prompted me to make myself look as little like myself as possible. Tn the hope of masking my real per sonality and of preventing him from l identifying me, I raised my shoulders almost to my ears and dropped my l jaw, so as to give new character, or want of character, to my mouth. Then I drew back from his sight into the l crowd.
 Did he recognize mel" I said to myself. God knows, don't. But | whether he did or not, have at least the satisfaction of knowing that have been instrumental in avoiding a great catastrophe, and in preventing this day of national rejoicing from being turned into a day of national mourning"
 (To Be Continued.)
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1904-07-25
Copyright, 1899. by Herbert s. Stone & Co.

but I can assure him that it is sur prisingly easy to fool a knave No one is so capable of being tricked as your suspecting everybody that he has long ago lost the God-given instinct which warns an honest man when to be on his guard would rather any day set my wits against knave's than against an honest mans. Your knave is so busy in fooling you that he has eyes only for his own plans; whereas the honest mans eyes are upon you all the time, and you get no chance to spy out the weak places in his armor.
 All the same, fully realized that 1t was more than possible I might find no opportunity of effecting the change of balls-my sand and sawdust-stuffed plaything for Number Two's deadly bomb-in which case had made up my mind to inform the police of the devilry which was matching, and to have the yillainous thing removed without an hours delay.
 But, being by no means desirous of making a police commissioner my father confessor, was determined to do my best to frustrate unaided the proposed asSassination; and so long as one can keep ones nerve and ones presence of mind, it is surprisingly easy, as have said, to induce a rogue to tumble into the trap which one has laid for him.
 The sound of my three raps had scarcely died away before the door was opened by Number Two, who looked at my expanse of shirt-front and carefully tied white bow with an unconcealed sheer.
 That's a nice costume to come through these crowded streets in," he said Been dining with your relative, the king of Ireland? You Irishmen are all related to kings, aren't you?' No" I replied, wondering how he had discovered my nationality, for. having been educated in England, I haven't the least suspicion of a brogue; ''it was one of your royal relatives the king of Darkness. He sent his re-. membranes, and hopes soon to see you settled for good in his establish ment."
 He, laughed, and when the door was closed said: That's not half so press ing an invitation as you and I are go- ing to send to the royal family of En-
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1904-07-25

never even popped at us. They probably figured that it would be no use, seeing how greatly we outnumbered them.
 4One morning Gen. Fitzpatrick sent for me to learn how I was making out with the destruction of the railroad. He wanted the work pushed some faster.
 I'll tell you what you do,' Gen. Kill patrick said to me. The boys always work faster and with better will when there's music around You take one of the mounted bands down to where the gangs working and give 'em some music That'll chirk them up and we can get this job done sooner.
 "The music had the effect Gen. Kilpat- rick had predicted. The boys did twice as much work under the inspiring strains of Hail, Columbia, The Star Spangled Banner My Country, and so on, and the Johnnies in front of us had to fall back good deal more rapidly than they had before the enthusiasm of the boys had been kindled by the band music.
 When the hand had run out of patri- otic airs the leader approached me and asked for suggestions as to what the musicians should play then
 Well, said to the leader, those poor devils of rebs in front of us have behaved pretty well. They haven't even turned their sharpshooters loose upon us. They ought to be rewarded Sup pose you just give them Dixie for 1uck?'"
 At this point in his narrative the old retired general paused> for moment or so, and looked thoughtful.
 "Well?" said his crony.
 We'll went on the veteran "the band hadn't wrung out more than six bars of that Dixie tune before our ears were numbed by the confoundede rebel yell you ever listened to in all your born days, and inside of two minutes those Johnnies in front were on top of us and rrouncing hell out of us
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1904-07-25
(To Be Continued.
KANsAN WAS sTuPEFIED.
Offered Clerk in Chicago Music House a Drink and Was Turned
 Down.

A Kansan with a wealth of chin whiskers and a red nose came to Chica- go on pleasure jaunt, and, as side duty, to buy piano for his new home in Wichita Like most men with red noses, says the Inter Ocean, he was a bibulous fellow, and before he dared trust himself to buy the musical instrument he tight ened his belt considerably by dumping sundry fancy drinks through the screen of his crop of whiskers.
 When the Kansan entered entered Wabash avenue music house, life was all one big burst of sunshine. He walked up to the head salesman and grasped him by the hand and spoke to him as if he had known him since boyhood. He letit be known at once that he was in the market for piano; the best one that money could buy. But before he would or could begin the purchase he was cer- tain he would have to have another something with a cherry in it. He in vited the salesman to go out and have something on him.
 q thank you, but do not drink" ," said the salesman.
 Mot drop?" asked the Kansan
 e'Not a drop,' answered the salesman
 @Well, you would if you lived in Kan- sas Mebbe you'll think better of it aft
 The salesman showed the Kansan the finest piano in the house.
 .'It'll cost you $8o0,' said the sales man
 That's all right" said the Kansan. I'm willing to pay for a peacherino. Now let's go get nip. I never close deal with a man unless he takes drink with me-"
 T guess we won t close the deal, them said the salesman. My wife doesn't stand for me drinking, and I won't drink. Pm on the water wagon and l never get off. z
 The Kansan walked out of the store, and in a minute the proprietor came down to find if the sale had been made. The salesman told him the story, and, in turn, was called all kinds of an idiot.
 Why, we make bunch of money on that kind of piano. said the proprie- tor. You get a good commission on it. too"
 Don't care" said the salesman. "l won't take drink"
 Three days later the same display of Kansas whiskers was waited into the store. The temperate salesman was called to the front.
 five changed my mind, said the Kan san. T want that piano. and here's the cash. When find a Chicago man who won't take drink for all the profit on an $500 piano I take off my hat hereafter. I've been thinking it over. And say, here. have cigar"
 HI don't smoke said the salesman.
 Wife object?" said the Kansan.
 Nope; just don't smoke, that's all. !"
 Well III be-. Say, give me your address. I'm going to send your wife a box of candy"
 The next day the salesman's wife re- ceived as a gift from the red-nosed Kan san a set of furniture that could not be duplicated for half the price of the piano.
 And the Kansan is still here-and is still celebrating.
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1904-07-25

had not wasted the two or three days that interyened between the last council meeting and the great pageant, for in the wide, deep under-pocket of the cape which I wore over my even ing dress 1 was carrying a celluloid ball of the same pattern as that which had been shown to us in the gipsy wagon by Number Two. It had not been a difficult matter to discover the maker of these articles. From him 1 obtained one of the same color as that xn the possession of Number Two, and had filled it with sawdust and sand, in the hope that I might find an oppor- tunity for substituting it for the dead
 ly weapon with which Number Two intended, as he put it, to snuff out the entire royal family at one wipe"
 The reader may be inclined to ask If 1t is not curious that success so often attended my little stratagems for the spelling of the conspirators' plans,
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1904-07-25

devise some other method for carrying out his devilry
 So under the pretense of trying to undo the fastening, I pulled 1t into an inextricable knot, at which l fumbled so long that, as had hoped, Number Two lost patience.
 ''Confound it all!" he growled. If I had thought you were so clumsy fool, I'd have had that other man to help me, after all. Here, come out of the way and let me do it! The things easy enough, if you only go about it the right way"
 This was the sequel which had been leading up to and hoping for, so I stepped back accordingly, and took my place.
 As I had intended, he found the task a teaser You have made mess of it and no mistake!" he snarled between his set teeth, as he bent over the tangle in vain attempt to loosen the knot, at which had tugged to such good purpose.
 No sooner was his back turned than I took the sand and sawdust-stuffed ball out of the pocket that was hidden in my cape, and placing it noiselessly on the ground, transferred the bomb to my pocket.
 Have you got knife?" inquired Number Two few seconds after had effected the exchange.
 Yes I said Do you want it?"
 'tYes. Open it and cut the string just above my hand while hold on to it. That's right. Now bring that ball carefully, for Gods sake! and we'll string her on. Hold hard. Don't let go until tell you. That's all right There 1t goes-sliding down the string like good 'un. You see, it's stopped just over the center of the road, ready to drop in and make morning call on her majesty when she's passing Now I'll fasten, the thread to the rail again. Then all will be in order for tomorrow, and you can go back and pay another visit to your royal rela- tives."
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1904-07-25
CHAPTER x.
yILRY oN A HOUsB-ToP.

DEvILRY ON A HOUsB-ToP.
 It was striking nine when on the night before the jubilee ! knocked three times at the door of the house where had promised to meet my fell 1ow-ccnspirator.
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1904-07-25
AND KIDNEY CURE.

Cleanses the Kidneys and Bladder, purifiee the the Nerves. Clears the Brain Cures Nervons Debility Insomnia. Failing Memory. Restores the vims vigor, Vitality and StrenqSl of Youth In both weak Men and Women.
 This New Remedy works like Mario b,,+ 3a .,,- soiutely harmless. Weigh yourself before taking. Price 50 cts; I 2 boxes, $500. by mail. we Will cheerfuily refund the money if you are aot benefited. Try 1t and be convinced
 For Sale at Nugsnt's Pharmacv.
Reporter and farmer. [volume] (Webster, Day County, Dakota [S.D.]) 188?-1946, 1904-05-05

Captain Watson and @. f. Cole were
out to Plckerel lake over Sunday and
report a fine days outing.
r. L. Elkins came over from Bristol
and spent a few days with his many
Webster friends last week.
Miss Mabel Alley departed Monday
night for Minneapolis where she will
visit friends for a few days.
Some of our young men are learning
the art Of marching. They took their
first lesson Monday evening.
E. d. Hanlon representing the Sioux
Falls Argus Leader was . business
visitor In Webster Saturday.
Mrs. Bailey, state organizer for the
Royal Neighbors, was a guest of the
local lodge for q day last week.
johnson, the photographer, has been
here now until his work speaks for
him. Go up and look at samples.
e. w. Small, j. O. Garrick and
Joseph Helwig are among the number
to attend the Sioux Falls convention.
Get a Buster Brown suit for your boy
and q handsome clock all for the same
money at the Bell Clothing and Shoe
Store.
Reporter and farmer. [volume] (Webster, Day County, Dakota [S.D.]) 188?-1946, 1904-05-05

ID. and r. Lawrence, of Hazel, were
in Webster Friday.
Get some cream puffs for Sunday at
the City Bakery.
j. S. Goodmanson came down from
Aberdeen Saturday.
l please everybody in watch repairing
Malmberg.
john Sheehan, of Aberdeen, was OH
our streets Tuesday.
We have the finest line of horse cuts
in the northwest.
Mrs. j. Strain, OF Waubay, called on
friends here Monday.
Good milling wheat at a premium, at
the Webster mill.
Mr.. Jensen, of Andover, was a Web
ster visitor Monday.
Wanted-500 chickens at once, at
Kuapp's restaurant.
DIR. Herman was a Webster visitor
from Waubay Friday.
Don't buy your harnesses before see
ing Carlson q Hunter.
Joe Oswoski was a visitor at Bristol
Monday of this week.
The latest Golf hat pin just arrived
at Hart jewelry.
The old inhabitants are predicting a
great season for corn.
Gold Beads, Gold Beads at
Harris jewelry.
j. w. Irwin went to Summit Wednes-
day on business matters.
Every nice day will be like Sunday in
town until after seeding.
Many of the local fishermen report
good fishing at the lakes.
Shirt waist sets, latest style, just
arrived at Hart. jewelry.
Frank Sears made a professional
trip to Aberdeen Tuesday.
The City Bakery cakes are high in
quality and low in price.
NJ. A. Thul was among the Wednes-
day visitors from Waubay.
A picture that looks just like you is
always made by Johnson.
VIM. Herald was a Webster visitor
from Waubay Wednesday.
Z. @. Larsen, of Frederick, was call
ing on friends here Tuesday.
The City Bakery makes the best
bread on the Webster market.
@. l.. Addison, of Milbank, was TAX
ing in the sights here Friday.
If you are dry go to Chas. Johnson's
that's the best place i'll town.
E. Beachy returned from IN extended
trip to Iowa Wednesday night.
S. M. Smith, of Mitchell, was a bust
ness caller in this city Monday.
Reporter and farmer. [volume] (Webster, Day County, Dakota [S.D.]) 188?-1946, 1904-05-05
w bster Market.
HOME NEWS.
All About Webster, Her People
And Her Visitors.

This is garden season.
Fancy rolls at the City Bakery.
Treat your seed grain for smut.
There is no kick on this weather.
See DR.. Judge about v%accinating your
cattle.
G, G. Rieger was a Bristol caller
Wednesday.
Get some good pies at the City
Bakery.
Mayor Levoy spent last Friday night
in Aberdeen.
Gold beads just arrived at Harris
jewelry.
Everything that would drive was in
use Sunday.
For spring clothing go to the Eleva-
tor Store.
Latest style hat pins just arrived at
Harris jewelry.
Miss Anna Nelson visited Bristol
TRENDS MONDAY
For abstracts Of title call on Carl
Malmberg.
DR.. Schenecker, of Bristol, was in the
city Wednesday.
Try our angel food aud lady fingers,
City Bakery.
There was quite a move of real estate
here Wednesday.
Knapp is the man to buy your brick
ice cream of.
John Barse, of Waubay, was i'll this
city Wednesday.
Wanted-lO0 young turkeys at
Knapp's Hotel.
Mr.. and Mrs. w. G. Warner spent
Sundey at Pickerel.
If you wish a loan. Cab on the First
National bank.
Thos. Olson, of Peever, was on our
streets last Friday.
Johnson beats them all maxi
ing pictures.