davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1905-08-16
Enct- About l,nnnnan.

Under very favorable circumstances
banana plant may give stem of
fruit i'll nine months, but it generally
takes from fifteen to eighteen months
for the average plantations to be in full
bearing. The life Of a plantation
varies according to the fertility of its
soil and Typographical situation. Some
soils may need u rest IN six or seven
years, while others may last practically
Forever, as i'll cases where periodically
enriched by alluvial deposits Sandy
ioam, through which water or rain will
freely percolate. is the best soil for
bananas. The stalk needs large
amount OF rainfall for its successful
development, but water must not be
allowed to remain on the surface or
Immediately under the surface of the
soil surrounding 1t, lest the water be
heated by the tropical sun and be-
come stagnant, in which case It will
kill the plant.-Chicago Journal.
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1905-08-16

I'm the straight toothbrush one thigh
bone of beef twelve inches long and
four in diameter will cut four perfect
blanks. The same bone will cut only
two of these fancy curved pieces.
That's one thing that makes the diff
ference in cost between plain and fam
Cyl" said a manufacturer. when the
bone is cut to length and shaped, bris-
ties are hand drawn by wire or thread
through the brush part, each group of
bristles having its own leader. Then
they are securely fastened, and the
work Is finished. When the bristles
first go in they are fully three inches
long. After being firmly secured they
are cut down to the size required.
What bristle is best? Well, in some re-
spects that's a matter of taste. 1t is
all hog bristle, but whether soft or
hard depends on the user"
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1905-08-16

lHe wretch Is Iulrly caught IN the
trap these God fearing Puritans have
set for him."
His companion grunted sleepy re-
Spouse.
IF tits as thou hath stated, that all
the roads are stoutly defended but the
footpath through the mountain for
est'-La Fabienne eyed the man mar
rowly-"the witch's accomplice, hap
pen he got wind of his intended arrest,
hath small hope of escape"
The captain laughed drunken laugh
OF enjoyment; then. raising up In bed
on his elbow, he said:
"AIy lord. tits truth thou speakest.
The man is fairly caught. But If, the
wretch had knowledge of the hard
ships my men and have endured to-
day he would prefer the hanging that
the people have in store for him to
attempting escape through the forest.
BY blood and nails, it was an awful
ordeal, an but for the fact that 1t was
as difficult to retrace our steps as to
proceed, my fellows would have re-
fused to advance. A curse on this
scraggy top notch of nowherer he
cried. Tomorrow, our work done, we
march down yon mountain road to
London, or I'm but half man and
know not mine own will"
AS his companion did not reply or
seem inclined to hold further converse,
the captain stretched himself out on
the pallet ut full length and, throwing
an arm up over his head, was soon
sleeping soundly.
La Fabienne waited, making sure
that the PROSTATE man was uncon-
scious of all else but his dreams, then
threw himself hopelessly into chair
and let the pent up feelings in his
heart break through the quiet mask
he had Worn on his face, and an ex-
preston batiled and desperate took Its
place, while under his breath he cursed
himself roundly for his stupid lack of
foresight and his contempt for Josiah
Taunston's plotting. Springing to his
feet, he paced lightly up and down the
room like one bereft. Once he paused
at the aperture and looked long in the
direction of the Maryland farm, the
| tops of the tall trees in the forest being
all that was visible, then strobe fierce
ly across the room again as If unable
to contain his emotions. Unlocking a
chest that stood III the corner, he re-
moved from it to his person bag of
gold and brace of pistols, put on his
hat and cape and noiselessly buckled
on his sword.
"If allowed her to attempt the for.
est she would die" he said under his
breath, "and If 1 told her of my inten.
ton she would not let me go alone
Oh, God, tits hardw He shook his
head hopelesslg.
The candle, now burned down to the
edge of the socket, threw weird, smoky
rays on La Fabienne's white face as
he seated himself, in great perplexity
| and sore distress, upon the wooden
bench.
Margaret, oh, my love! God helr
me! There is no other way" he said
after few moments consideration
and as his bent head fell forward or
his hands the candle near him splut
tered and went out rs If in very sum
pathy for his sorrow and despair. Ris
ing, he CROPPED his way to the door
down the stairway and out Of the
house SO silently that no one, not even
the innkceper, sleeping in his chair by
the chimney place, heard him or knew
that he had gone.
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1905-08-16
fro BE Continued



The mystery element enters to o
greater or less degree into fiction Of
every kind. Indeed, 1t is the base of
all literary interest. Primarily we
read story "to see how it comes out, {"
and. other t.li-.g; Icing equal, the
story in While, the element of sns-
pense by deft Constellation and subtle
shaping is most successfully maintain
ed will be the most universally satisfy
Ing and popular. The mystery tale of
today is a story in which the element
of suspense is deliberately enlarged
and emphasized until it dominates ev-
cry other consideration in the story
Characterization atmosphere, emotion
al values-all become subordinated to
the great business of plot development,
The marshaling of incident, the sue
cession of climaXes in crescendo order,
the cumulative sweep of the narrative
while the secret of the outcome is care
fully withheld, is the affair here. Like
periodic sentence Of titanic size, the
tale is unrolled until With the Cenclud-
Ing paragraphs the meaning of all that
has gone before is made clear,-Lee II.
Hartman in Harpers Weekly.
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1905-08-16

Farewell again, and once again fare
WELL" embracing her tenderly. "And
now, so much l have to do, perforce 1
must be gone"
Putting her inside the door and clos
ing it, he walked quickly down the
path toward the forest, and when he
reached it he had to grope his way to
keep from stumbling, for the moon
went under cloud, and dark shad-
ow fell athwart the mountain.
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1905-08-16
Lack Of Firmne..

A very matter of fact scotchman
called to see n nelghbor. IN old Irish
woman, who had been aillng for some
time, when the following conversation
took place ut the door:
"And how do you find yourself today.
Bridget!"
Sure. your honor, I'm mighty bad.
This shocking weather'll be the end
of me. I'll be dead woman before
long"
"Hoots, toots. woman! Ye've been
saying that for the last twenty years.!
I'll tell We what it is-ye want firm
ness o. mind. Fin II day for yer dee
ing and stick tae it!'
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1905-08-16

A story is told in Paris of dlplo-
matist who represented South Amer
lean republic few years ago. There
had been SO many revolutions ut home
that the 1inanciers there had no time to
send him his salary, but he took this
misfortune philosophically, sold all the
furniture of the legation except u bed,
table and some chairs and occupied
one room with his principal attache,
who cooked the meals. Any one who
called carly on the minister would
probably find him cleaning the boots.
What would you have?" he would
say, waving boot eXpressively. My
poor country is in another crisis and
mas forgotten us again, but when go
back shall make IL revolution and ap-
point myself president. Then we shall
have our reward for all this self de-
NAL"
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1905-08-16

"'Twas well when so weary that
thou found the Sign Of the Red Heart
to rest at ere thou pursued the rest of
thy journey" his companion observed
quietly.
The captain glanced up quickly.
"Oh, we have reached our destlna-
tion," he said. I'VE have business in
this village on the morrow"
~ faith, a stranger just arrived, as
am, hath had little chance to hear of
the happenings round about" La Fa-
bienne observed carelessly. "But this
sober peopled village looketh not like
a warning center. Here, good fellow,
finish thine ale" he cried as the Of
iicer, opening his mouth to speak, was
about to ask him question, $50 that
can offer thee some red wine that /
have In yonder flngon on the table. So
thou'rt not on thy way to join COM
rades?"
The captain finished his ale as d.
rected, and the empty pewter tankard
came down on the bench with ringing
sound.
"AIy business in the village" he said,
lowering his voice and looking toward
the door apprehensively, hath u deal
Of secrecy about it, as my 6rst and
most important instructions We're to
hold converse with no one but the men,
bers of the council"
Sir Godfrey rose and, bringing the
jug of wine. commenced to ply the
man with liquor, laughing and jesting
merrily as he did so.
At last the captain, who was very
weary from his long days march and
whose face was red from excess Of
drinking, cried that he had had enough
and must keep his senses, as he and
his men We're under orders to rise at
daybreak.
"Uds daggers!" he continued under
his breath, with Il dru..:e.l laugh. IAN
the witch escapes any other way than
up i the air astride broomstick lose
the kings favor"
'.Thy business here concerneth n
witch?" his companion questioned
carelessly.
Inc captain was hlccOughing Slight
ly, and he reeled and almost fell rs
he tugged at his boot.
"Beshew me, yes. Such DEVILS work
and devils luck us hath been mine
this day doth keep me .cursing. Two
long weeks we have been buried in
Sterndorf, an just as we were ex-
pecting instructions to go back to
London we were ordered here to cap
ture some old beldam who hath been
doing serious FRANKS and stirring up
devils in the community"
"An old woman! La Fabienne look
ed up eagerly. Hast thou her name,
man?"
The captain fumblcd among his pa
pers and, drawing forth sheet of
parchment, spelled out with difficulty
the Margaret Maryland, accus-
ed by Josiah Taunston and Adam
Browdie," he read slowly.
"And so thou takest the witch Mt
daybreak?" La Fnblenne observed
lightly. What reason for such haste.
good fellowT"
II know not the reason Of such haste,
good sir. Diable! A soldier asks not
reasons, but obeys orders"
In Fabiennc yawned
'"Thy tale, forsooth, hath touch of
interest in 1t, friend, with promise
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1905-08-16
JUST TEA LEAVES.
The Spectacle They Present Und
n Powerful MicrOscOue

The Spectacle They Present Under
Powerful Microscope.
"Have look" said the histologist.
And he rose from the beautiful deli
cate microscope, and his companion
took his place.
There was little fiddling and ad-
justing of tiny screws. Then the
tyro said:
Ugh! CHASTITY! What have we here
"A railroad wreck?'
you are looking" answered the his
tologlst, "at part of the remains of
Ceylonese caterpillar"
He withdrew that slide and put an
other in It's place.
Another tragedy?' the tyro asked.
1.-THE remnants Of n beetle" the his
tologist replied.
A third slide was placed beneath the
lens.
This" said the tyro, should be
battlefield"
ut is only" returned the scientist, "a
commlngling of the desiccated frag-
ments of fly, centiped, moth and
n slug"
The tyro yawned.
Histology is interesting" he said in
bored voice. Where did you get
these specimens"
"Out Of a packet of tea"
"a packet of tea? What kind of
teaY
Ordinary tea"
"Heavens. am ten drinker. Ex-
plain yourself"
The hlstologlst, smiling. said:
"Tea grows on bushes. The leaves
are plucked by hand. Imagine your
self stripping rosebush after rosebush,
miles OH miles, of their leaves. Well.
that is what tea picking is like.
The native pickers work fast. They
pick as many as twenty-five pounds of
leaves day-a bundle bigger than
man.
Now, the ten plant is the prey of
hundred insects, and the picker in his
haste doesn't pause to brush off each
leaf or to wash 1t. for he works, as we
say, by piece work.
1.-THE picked leaves are dried on char
coal fires. They shrivel under the heat
and the insect, larvae and chrysalids
among them change to dust. This dust
looks to the ordinary eye like leaf frag-
ments, but under the microscope it
looks, as you remarked, like an insect
railroad wreck or a pygmy battlefield.
1t tastes like-but you know as well us
I do what it tastes like"
Tomorrow" said the other, 81 am
going to bring some Of my wlfe's tea
here to examine with you."-New York
Herald.
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1905-08-16

of excitement for the morrow" he
said. "Hast not similar document
captain? OF what portent is that?"
This other paper:" The man low
cred his voice. "Prithee, it's warrant
for the arrest and custody of some
Frenchman she hath bewitchcd, or is
an accomplice to the old bag in her be-
devilment, l wot not which. My in
formation Is but vague"
He stretched out his arms and rub
bed his eyes sleepily.
'Methinks he doth live with her at
the bouse. Our orders, however. are to
take the woman first"
The soldier, having loosed his tongue
by his many and frequent rotations,
continued with an air of mysterious Sc
crecy. "I' truth, If they attempt to es-
cape they will find that all the roads
leading from the village are guarded"
"Ha! Is't sou
La Fabienne's manner betrayed such
III concealed establishment and agita-
ton that had his companions senses
not been dulled the fact would not have
escaped his notice.
aye, comrade, by Puritans heavily
armed and with orders to take them
dead or alive. So, ween. the poor dev-
lis case hath not much of hope in it."
By the uncertain light of the candle
La Fabienne's face looked extremely
white. Rising suddenly, he united the
lace bow at his throat.
Come, let's to bed, good captain.
must rise with thee at the DAWN he
cried boisterously "AIcthinks 'twere
rare sport to see a witch taken. What
punishment is melted out to such?"
Sheath, hanging or burning" the
other replied carelessly.
"Of surety the king will interfere"
La Fabienne's hand trembled as he
unbuckled his sword
NAY" the officer cried hastily.
"Thou'rt wrong there, friend. The king
bothers not his head with such small
kind as dwell hercabout Why, his
majesty's as variable as il woman, go
Ing from one side to the other as often
as the wind changeth. Just now he's
all for the papists, an if there is Il
eiihho Nv 40 Aiioie u6illlSl tIlslIl
it is witchcraft. ids blood. AT the last
burning at Sterpdorf the woman's
brother appealed to him, and the king
sent word back that they could all
burn each other up an they so willcd
for ausht he would interfere, and
twould be good radiance when twas
over. He's changeablc, but as a rule
thou canst count on his not interfering
at witch burning"
Gods pityw exclaimed La Ia
bienne under his breath. Then he
continued hastily, seeing the man had
grown more communicative, "The
witch, methlnks myself, 'twere well to
capture, but the Frcnchman OF whom
thou spokest, what want they of him?'
1T seemeth he hath great influence
both at home and abroad" the captain
whispered, looking furtlvcly at the
closed door. IF they can hold him
safely in prison until the woman is
tried and executed they will let him
go. or mayhap prefer charges against
him and bring him to trial also"
He threw himself down YEARLY on
the pallet Of straw in the corner.
Poor devil! observed La Fabienne
lightly. But tits ever the way of
those that consort with evil. Marry!
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1905-08-16
The Term "Greenhorn. ).

The term 'greenhorn" originated In
this way: The pioneers of the west
were much given to hunting deer. 1t
was fact known to early settlers that
when the horn of fawn began to
grow there was ring of green hair
around the spot. 1t was considered a
disgraceful thing for hunter to kill n
fawn, cruel act, and the killing time
was regulated by the growth of the
horn. There was a sort of unwritten
law that no one should kill n male
fawn before Its horn could be seen. A
person who was so unthoughtful as to
kill deer under the proper age was
called "greenhorn." He was SO
named because the young horn of the
deer and the hair around it We're still
green. The use Of the appellation
gradually spread until 1t was applied
to all raw or inexperienced youths or
persons easily imposed upon.
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1905-08-16
per.n and the Cook Mata.


There was servant problem in the
seventeenth century, but 1t was solved
in rough and ready fashion. Pepys
records on April u. 1867, that he came
home, saw my door and hatch open,
left SO by Luce, our cook maid, which
SO veXed me that did give her a kick
in our entry and offered blow at her."
Two days afterward Uord's day.
Pepys writes this: TOOK out my wife
and the two MERGERS and two of our
maids, Barker and Jane, and over the
water to the Jamaica house, where l
never was before, and there the girls
did run for wagers over the bowling
green and tlere with much pleasure
spent little, and SO home" Luce was not
there. but the other maids We're treated
us members of the family.
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1905-08-16

Divorces are frequently pronounced
In America on the ground Of incom-
patibility Of temper. In England we
do not go SO far as that, but l have
Just heard of case where an old
family servant who married the gar
dener separated from her husband
on exceedingly slight grounds. She
said that he would insist on the glasses
being turned upside down on the side
board and that there should be anti
macassars on the dining room chairs.
And SO. rs they could not agree, the
unhappy pair separated. = London
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1905-08-16
Pay as you go and quit going SO
much.-Dallas. CTex.) News.


Henry Niles Pierce, Episcopal bishop
of Arkansas, was as inveterate and
clever II punster us the noted English
divine, Sydney Smith. On one occa-
sion n lady In expressing her admira-
tion Of his erudition exclaimed:
"Why, bishop. you are perfect ocean
of learning"
mo, madam" was the modest re-
joinder, I'm only n part of the see of
Arkansas"
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1905-08-16
Small Coins.

The natives Of the Malay peninsula
have in use the very smallest current
coin in the world. 1t is sort of
wafer made from the reslnous juice Of
tree and is worth about one ten
thousandth Of n penny. The smallest
metal coin in circulation ut the present
day Is the Portuguese three refs piece,
worth twelve one-hundredths of pen
ny. The smallest coin circulating Of
ficially in any part of the British en-
pire is the five milleslma piece of
Gibraltar, worth about half farthing.
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1905-08-16
when Hat. w... ,,,p,.,

In ancient days hats were unknown,
men having hoods attached to their
outer garments. which they wore or
discarded ut pleasure. Stow, the old
historian, says that nobody wore any
thing else except the lord mayor Of
London. who sometimes donned a hat
on state occasions. In the reign of
King Henry VII, he says, the citizens
began to wear flat caps knit of WOOL
en- yarn, black, but SO light that they
We're Obliged to tie them under their
chins, for else the wind would be mas
ter over them"
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1905-08-16

After recent bank holiday in Lon
don one of the police courts the next
morning had among its drunk and
disorderly" prisoners man who said
he was William Shakespeare. rs that
your real name." asked the judge, "or
just your nom de guerre?" well, your
honor" replied the prisoner, lit is true
that l was not christened William
Shakespeare, but, you see, l hated to
bring dishonor and disgrace upon re-
spected name"
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1905-08-16
SUMMER EXCURSION RATES

SUMMER EXCURSION RATES
Via the M. q o. to Summer Tourist
Points, North, East, South and West.
Commencing June LIST and contipu.
ing daily thereafter until September 30.
lsu5, the M. and Oneida Ry. Co. will
sell round trip summer tourist tickets
good to return until October 3lst at
greatly reduced rates with stop over
privileges on nearly all roadp. For fur
thef information call on or address the
undersigned at Manchester lowe.
90 j. L. Kelsey,
Sa~l4 Traffic Mgr.
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1905-08-16

CHAPTER XXX.
"HE dogs tied in the yard at the
Maryland farm jumped and
barkedEat the sounds of a
mans footsteps approaching as
Margaret, opening the door again,
stepped out into the moonlit night.
Now her appearance was entirely
changed, for thrown about her was a
long cloak Of quilted white silk reach
ing to the ground, and hood of the
same material covered her soft hair
and cast shadow over the radiant
face that was aglow with happiness at
the sight of the newcomer.
"Thou laggard" she exclaimed, 60
ing to meet La Fabienne, with hands
outstretched. "Didst take thee all of
several hours to don thy best attire,
foolish Godfrey?"
He regarded her with looks of ad-
miration and content.
aye" he replied, full well canst
thou call me that name in earnest,
bright eyes, where aught doth concern
thee"
At his words, as If from the return of
some unpleasant remembrance, the
smile on Margaret's face faded, and,
pressing the hand more firmly that still
held hers, she led La Fabienne to the
middle Of the roadway, where there
was no shade of trees and where the
bright moon, now higher in the sky,
lowered over them, casting its radiance
down with effulgent sympathy, illumi-
mating them. Throwing back her hood,
she raised her head with a sudden,
swift motion, and there was an express
sion Of intense seriousness on her face.
Godfrey" she asked entreatingly,
sis my look baleful? Have l wicked
ness in my glance? Are mine eyes
evilT'
With suppressed exclamation of
anger La Fabienne encircled her with
his arm.
"Thy glance wickedw he exclaimed
passionately. Thine eyes evil! Nay,
pure soul, rather are they like two
stars of heaven, pure and holy, leading
men to better thoughts and deeds.
More are they like the sun, Frightening
and warming all that they do rest up
on. Damme, but thy question doth cause
my choler to rise! Hath any man
dared to affront thee? Who spoke of
thy looks?'
"'Twas an hour or two SINCE" Mar
garet began softly. 81 was standing
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1905-08-16
A Friendly Suggestion

An old man In Scotch village had
a big eight day clock which needed
repair. so he took 1t ON his back to
carry 1t to the watckmaker's. AS he
Went along the village street an ac-
quaintance met him, glanced at him
and passed on. After he had got about
fifty yards away his friend called out
to him, "ui" Back went the old man
laboriously to where the other stood.
Man." said his friend, would it not
be far handler II ye carried watch?"
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1905-08-16

Landlady-rhat new boarder is
either married or widower. Dnugh-
ter-Why, mamma, he says he is
bachelor. Landlady-Don't you believe
1t. When he opens his pocketbook to
pay his bill he always turns his back
to me
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1905-08-16

Among other complications Of Chi
nese law and Its execution is a unique
and rather racy method of dealing with
prisoners by lottery. Once year the
vermillon pencil Of imperial authority
is waved over chart on which the
names oflconvictad criminals are writ
ten, and those which 1t includes in a
haphazard sweep are executed forth
with. The rest are either reprleved al
together or their executions are post
poned for another year.
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1905-08-16

Soph-Why did they call the middle
ages the dark ages? Junior-Because
the women kept their ages dark?
Soph-No; because there were SO many
knights.-Columbia Jester.
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1905-08-16

Newed-Alas, an a disappointed
man. My wife cannot sing. Oldwed-
Can't sing! Why, man, that ought to
be cause for. rejoicing. You are to
be congratulated. Newed-Yes; but
the trouble Is she thinks she can.