davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1905-09-06
hoarse whispers: Down with witches,
say 1. Burn 'cm! Burn 'em! They are
accurst of Godr

hoarse whispers: Down with witches,
say 1. Burn 'em! Burn 'em! They are
accurst of God!"
Later, as the innkeeper was standing
at the doorway of the barn giving loud
orders to the horse boys who We're or
ranging the straw beds for the night,
Josiah Taunston approached and, adj
dressing the man with the air of one
who had important information, said,
'Bost know, good host, whom thou
hath at thy board"
Mean thou the tall man with bent
head an lame leg? Who is he, master?"
the man asked curiously.
"'Tis certain Ezekial Mason, who
hath come to us from loyal Puritans at
Honeyoke, ten miles below Sterndorf,
having the proper password and bear
ing letters of Introduction from them
to us. The man, it seemeth, hath in
vented famous lock that none but he
can understand. Once on door twill
battle all human skill to get the thing
asunder. He hath shown it to the
council, who did so approve of it that
they did purchase it ut once for our
Jail door, putting the newcomer in
charge of the Jail over Matthew Allen,
who for such events Of Importance as
are happening Mt present, prithee, Is
too old"
AS the innkeeper's face expressed In
terest, Josiah continued with his mar
rative:
1.-The letters state that this Ezekial
Mason is proficient in the art of build
ing scaffolds for hanging an hath skill
in planting stake and arranging dry
fagots around it to secure quick
burning. They also make mention Of
the fact that in the several executions
yonder below on the south side the
mountain. from whence he comes, all
We're under his direction, and assert
| that each affair was conducted with Or
der an dispatch"
"By my faith, methought the stran-
ger had a menacing look an a cruel, re,
lentless manner" answered the inn
keeper, with a shrug "-At the first
when he appeared, dust covered an
mud stained, the village lads lettering
| i the hallway sprang away and ran out
of doors in fear of him. But happen
| he'll serve the councilmen for their pur-
| poses right suitably" he added.
Taunston strobe toward him angrily.
Call not this Ezekial Mason a cruel
man." he cried, cor II fearsome one,
but rather with low voice an reverent
manner assert that he is holy man,
chosen by the Lord to do his work. !
give thee good day, john"
Taunston walked of with rapid
strides, then halted abruptly.
Thou hadst best come an settle his
reckoning, for am here to take this
good man to the prison."
The innkeeper, laying down large
bundle Of straw that he held in his
arms, shouted an order to passing
horse boy, then hurriedly followed
Taunston into the house.
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1905-09-06
A HOT CHALLENGE.
Colonel Frank Wolford and His First
Kentucky Cavalry.


Kentucky Cavalry.
In the essays by Eugene Newman on
public men and events good story is
told of Frank Wolford, who command
ed the First Kentucky cavalry OF the
Union army and who later was u rep
resentative in congress from that state.
1t was said that the colonel Of the
First Kentucky had some novel COM
mands that he fired" at the boys, such
as "Huddle up, thar!" Scatter out,
thar" and Form line of light!" 1t is
related that when some West Point
officers were sent out to investigate
and report on the efficiency Of certain
volunteer regiments Wolford's cavalry
fell under their scrutiny, and they crit
icized it very severely. Wolford heard
them patiently and then said:
"See them two regiments over thar?
One is Michigander and the other an
Ohler squad. You have just passed
them as all right. Now, know nothing
about your drills. your evolutlons and
your maneuvers. My boys know how
to ride, how to shoot, how to fight and
how to stand fire, and you take them
two regiments over thar l showed you.
Station them whar you please-on any
ground, in town or country, In field or
In forest-and l will take my regiment,
and what we don't kill or cripple Of
them me and my boys will chase out Of
the state Of Tennessee before the sun
Is In the heavens tomorrow morning"
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1905-09-06
tro BE coNr1NuEp.l
STAMM ERiNG.
The Cure That One Sufferer Invented
Mny Helm Others,

The Cure That One Sufferer Invented
Mny Help Others.
Among the minor arts OF great i'm
portance is the self cure of stammer-
ing, which comes upon so many In
early youth. In the memoir of the
author of John Inglesant," which his
widow prepared, we read rather
touching confession. II contracted the
habit of stammering." wrote Mr.. Short
house to Lady Welby, 'as n delicate
little boy Of three at q large day school.
1t was not such misfortune as might
be supposed For without this thorn
in the flesh John Inglesant' would
never have beer written or conceived,
and much which il ve;y dca,, TO me in
philosophy wo haze been I'M
known" Few stu.Lnvrers c..n bring
forth u classic from their Ntilictlon,
and some would even refuse the au-
thors fame at the price of the speak
er's embarrassments.
In many cases the self cure of STAN
mering is easy. The present writer
was sufferer when boy at a day
school, He set himself to invent the
cure. 1t was absolutely necessary, he
found, that the opening syllable of n
sentence should lie said several times
before the sentence was under way
Gust as the billiard player waggles his
cue before the correct stroke). 1t oc-
Cured that the stammerng might be
done silently. So that little boy STAN
mered firmly to himself with tightly
closed lips, Imagining himself to be
speaking. 1t was easy enough, when
the requisite number OF "tut-tut-tuts"
or 'gug-gug-gugs" had been achieved
in silence to start tie sentence. Since
then he has never tammcred-aloud.-
London Chronicle.
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1905-09-06
TWO TRADE SECRETS.
One Is jealousy Guarded In Chine
the Other In Turkey.

One liz jealousy Guarded In China,
the Other In Turkey.
"There are two trade Secrets" said
an artist, that the outside world, 1t
seems, will never learn. One is Chi
nese secret-the making Of the bright
and beautiful color called vermllion or
Chinese red. The other Is Turkish Sc
crct-the inlaying Of the hardest steel
with gold and silver.
Among the Chinese and among the
Syrians these two secrets are guarded
well. Apprentices. before they are tax
ell for either trade. must swear q
strong oath to reveal nothing of what
passes in the workshop. These apprcn-
tees. furthermore. must belong to fam
lilies of standing. must pay large sum
by way of premium and must furnish
certificates of good character and hon
csty.
you have seen damascened steel, of
course. and you have seen vermllion
or Chinese red. Remember the next
time you look ut these two things that
their secrets have been guarded invio-
lably and have been handed down
faithfully from one generation to an
other for thousands Of Chicago
Chronicle.
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1905-09-06
A SILVER BRIDGE.
Quaint Ceremony Tint Goes With n
RoEmaEiun IeLIlnn

Quaint Ceremony Thut Goes with n
RoEmaEian Wedding.
AT Roumanian weddings 1t is the Gus
tom Mt the wedding Feast for the
groom to receive his bride over u
bridge OF silver.
Coins are placed in double row
across the table, and over this the
bride daintily steps to her husbands
waiting arms.
The ceremony of laying the bridge is
one of the interesting events of the
wedding feast following the religious
ceremony. When the guests are
brought to proper spirit Of festivity
by the good cheer at the board space
at the head of the table is cleared and
from bag are drawn silver coins pro-
cured for the purpose, the proper pro-
vision being the production of coins
fresh from the mint.
These are laid in n double row across
the table, and when all is ready the
father Of the groom makes n speech to
his son, admonishing him to see that
his brides way through life is always
paved with silver.
a proper response is made, and,
mounting a chair, the elder man swings
the bride lightly to the table. Carefully
avoiding the displacing of u coin (for
that would mean bad luck the girl
makes her way across the short silver
pathway and leaps into the arms of her
spouse.
AT wedding feasts where ostentation
is desired the bridge is built lengthwise
of the table.
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1905-09-06
Type. of Old World beauty.

1t Is said that when artists are seek
Ing for models the palm for beauty and
symmetry of figure is given to the girls
Of Spain, while the daughters of rural
Ireland are good second. The pretty
faces and graceful throats are found
among English maidens. A model for
perfect arm would be sought for
among Grecian ladies. while a lady Of
the Turkish harem would be regarded
as the possessor of daintily COM
mendable hand. Italians are usually
good In figure and some Of the most
beautiful models, perfectly proportion
ed, are derived from the women of
sunny Italy. Frenchwomen, rs rule.
are not in request, being too thin and
vivacious for the purpose, while the
face and limbs Of German frau are
too commonplace for artistic work
London Standard.
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1905-09-06

pointed to sit in judgment of evil doors,
with humble prayers for guidance to
order wisely, command that at such
time as this council now assembled
shall designate, thy body, containing
this black and evil spirit, also the ac-
curst cross that thou doth in thy per-
verse wickedncss persist in wearing
on thy bosom, be burned at stake by
the scOurge of firew
There was breathless silence in the
room Willie the chief councillor was
speaking, the assemblage sitting, white
faced and trembling, looking at Judge
and prisoner.
prisoner, hath thou aught to say
any reasons to urge why this sentence
should not be pronounced upon thee?"
The fair young mistress of the May
land farm, who but week before was
SO beloved and loving, winsome and
happy, now stood alone, broken heart
ed, forsaken, mourning figure in her
gown Of black, looking at the cold, un-
sympathetic faces of her accusers with
sad, appealing eyes.
Good sirs," she answered slowly,
with gentle, impressive solemnity, ian
thou would confer favor on friend
less maid whose every living hour doth
bring her naught but keenest suffering,
thou would set her death day speedily"
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1905-09-06
UNDER THE MIDNIGHT SUN.
A Scene Of Wondr0us Grandeur Tha
Axyes the Hehnlls.r

Scene of WOndrOus Grandeur That
AVves the Beholtler.
Hammerfest, the most northern town
Of Europe, is bleak and desolate, but
seen by the witch light of the midnight
sun 1t touches the Imagination more
than many of the worlds more favored
spots, writes Jean Murray in the -Four
Track News. The traveller passing
through Norway finds himself constant
ly seeking for words that will express
his wonder and admiration, but when
ut last he stands on the North cape In
the light of the midnight sun and looks
out over the awful solitude he no more
longs for words to express what he
feels, but stands ana gazes into the
glorious northern light that glimmers
on the glittering waves Of the arctic
sea, while thoughts too deep for words
well up In his soul. He feels that after
this hour he will have greater rever-
ence for this wonderful world where
In he Is permitted to spend his little
span Of life, and that If in future years
tile touch Of encouragement and dis
content falls upon him he will relnem-
Der this moment when lie stood ON the
lonely heights of the North cape look
ing out over the blue Arctic into what
seemed the shining dawn Of eternity
and feel that 1t is well to have lived If
only for this.
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1905-09-06
THE WORD "LoBsTER."
In Its Slang Sense 1t Has Been Ii
Use For Centuries.

In It's Slang Sense 1t Has Been In
Use For Centuries.
In letters from Sir Walter Scott to
William Clark Of Eldin. under date of
Sept. 10 and 80, 1892. are found allu-
sions to the word lobster" as play
full sobriquet for the redcoat officers
and soldiers of the British army. In
this case 4 boiled lobster Is meant, az
per evidence Of the following couplet,
once familiar to the English street
boys, and quoted whenever ritleman
In green was seen walking arm in
arm with q soldier in red:
There go two Holsters. claw in claw;
One is boiled, and t'others raw.
Sir Arthur HaZlerigg, in Cromwells
time. commanded regiment of cuiras-
siers, who from their complete armor
obtained the nickname of Holsters"
(Baldock's "Cromwell as q Soldier.'D
What was mere raillery in England
may readily have grown into an ex-
preston of hatred and contempt In
America ut the time of the Revolution,
and, In point Of fact, Bancroft's His
tory of the United States" relates that
holsters was one of the abusive
epithets applied to the soldiers by the
mob on the occasion Of the Boston
Observation-Disclosures Press.
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1905-09-06
POETS AND THUNDER.
A. Description by Byron and a Conn
mcnt on 1t by Scott.

mcnt on 1t by Scott.
Byron in the third canto of "Childe
H4rola' describes thunderstorm in
Switzerland which occurred at mid
m-ht on June 13. 1916. He notices the
awful stiffness which precedes it:
All heaven and Garth are still. though not
in sleep,
But brcathlcss,
until
From peak to peak. the rafting crags
among
Leaps the live thunder! Not from one
lone cloud.
But every mountain now hath found a
tongue,
And Jura answers through her misty
shroud.
Back TO the joyous Alps, who call to her
aloud!
The description is too long to quote,
and, indeed, too well known, but Sir
Walter Scott's criticism on it may not
be SO well known. He says:
.-This is one of the most beautiful
passages of the poem. The fierce md
far delight of thunderstorm is here
described In verse almost as vivid as
It's lightnings. The live thunder leap
ing among the rafting crags,' the voice
of mountains. rs il shouting to each
other. the plashing Of the big rain. the
cleaning of the wide lake, lighted like
II phosphoric sea, present picture Of
sublime terror. yet of enjoyment, often
attempted. but never so well. certainly
never better. brought out in poetry
Notes and Queries.
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1905-09-06
When the Negro Wa. Created.

The Mexican Indians, as well as
those Of most of the Central American
republics, have u superstition to the
effect that the negro was made before
either the white man or the Indian or
even before the sun was created. They
account for his color by declaring that
he was made and dried In the dark.
Their own race, they say. was made in
the morning Of the first day between
daylight and sunup. On this account
they delight in a term which they np-
ply to each other and which signifies
dawn people," The white man, "who
fears darkness and cannot stand heat"
was made, according to their belief, at
noon on the first day Of creation.
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1905-09-06

all to sit silently with bowed head and
clasped hands, by giving vent to louder
murmurings Of anger and cries for
vengeance.
Other accusers followed, each with
tale Of some harm having befallen her
after passing or coming in contact with
the young mistress of Maryland farm,
so that the afternoon was wearing to
n close when the last and most impor-
tant Witness old Adam Browdie, the
goldsmith, was called to give his testi-
mony. The old man, whose grief at the
loss Of Christopher was deep and sin
cere and who honestly attributed the
lads tragic death to the supernatural
powers of Margaret Maryland, contain
ed in the "accurst cross Of gold" told
his story infinitely, giving every detail
from the moment the cross was brought
to his little cabin to the end, with
streaming eyes and quavering voice,
growing stern and tragical as he de-
scribed the storm, weeping tears of ag>
ony as he told of the finding of the
body; then, suddenly winding up his
long and terrible tale, he fell on his
knees and, raising his arms to heaven,
called Gods vengeance on the prisoner
AS he was led, trembling and ex-
hausted, to his seat loud taking was
heard in the audience, those assembled
glazing at the pale faced prisoner with
cilor rapping for order, silence fell
upon the crowded room that lasted,
with an occasional interruption, for q
long half hour while the tribunal DELHI
Grated.
AT last the chief councillor rose and,
walking with solemn majesty to the
railing that separated the council from
the audience, addressed the prisoner:
Margaret Maryland, rise"
With little fluttering sigh Margaret
rose and, raising her eyes, looked into
his stern, hard face steadily.
woman" he said, although thou
hast denied guilt Of the wicked crimes
attributed to thee, do announce that
after patient hearing of all the awful
happenings that have occurred in this
hitherto peaceful and God loving com.
munity since thine advent here and
after having accorded thee legal trial
Of much fairness, this tribunal doth
find the charges true and doth pro
nounce thee guilty Of the blacklist
crime on the calendar, allegiance to the
devil and rebellion against God. There
fore, Margaret Maryland, even as oul
Lord hath commanded that the wicked
spirits of sinners be burned perpetually
after death, so do I, by the king up
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1905-09-06
a Criticism by Lisxt.

A story Of List lecites that ON q
certain occasion u Miss NJ. was play
Ing sonata by Sterndale Bennett, q
work Of very prosy type and GER
tainly lacking in anything like spon-
taneity or poetry. List was evident
ly not familiar with it. so, after play
Ing some six or seven pages, he gently
tapped Miss NJ. on the arm and said,
"Mademoiselle, would you kindly name
the piece you are perform!ng:' Ger
tainly, sir" she replied. 1T Is the
sonata The Maid Of Orleaus,' by Will
liam Stcrndale Bennett" Him." said
List. Its pity the original manu-
script didn't meet the same tate Us the
.maiu.'"
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1905-09-06
CHAPTER XVI.
.HE mist Of the morning had lift
ed somewhat, and the light

NILE mist OF the morning had lift
ed somewhat, and the light
drizzle had grown to steady
downpour Of rain when, the
trial over and the prisoner led back to
her cell. the crowd Of people in the as
sembly room began to file slowly out
of the door, and SO great was the in
terest and excitement that, despite the
dampness Of the weather, they stood
about the prison In groups. discussing
eagerly the scenes they had just wit
messed.
"The councillor made short shrift of
her, good gossip" one man said to an
other as they turned their faces to-
ward home and trudged heavily along
the muddy roadway. 'Elder Williams
was always one for swift justice, but
methought he'd give the witch at least
a fortnight to make her peace WI God
an to renounce the devil that hath tax
en- such strong possession of her soul.
But on the sixth day, three hours after
sunrise! TITS quick work, man, as 1
say, but happen the council hath wise
reasons for setting an early time that
such as we wot not Of
"Prithee, she hath repented! his COM
nanion cried eagerly. "Didst thou not
hear the wenlsh say that every living
hour was bitter anguish to herr"
He shook his head gloomily.
II doubt not but poor Christopher's
body, bruised an bleeding on the
rocks, is before her vision constantly,
not to mention the Widow Dawsons
infant, distorted in dying convul-
sions. Marry, methinks the councillor
did his duty fairly. The prisoner ask
ed for an early day, an he, knowing
Of no good use she could be to any liv-
ing person, did but grant her request"
The other giving an affirmative
grunt, they walked few PAGES in
silence.
"Didst ever hear such. screams and
shrieks as the old beldame who hath
had care of the witch let forth Us the
councillor did announce the time of
the burning? Methought the prisoner
WINGED an grew even paler us the
noisy clamor reached her."
"Yes. q, l heard them," replied
the first speaker, with rough serious
ness. such eerie sounds could not but
so through the stoutest heart. Who
vast that led the faithful old dame
from the chamber an put her OH her
horse"
"a man by name of Castor, gossip,
the servant of the prisoners lover,
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1905-09-06
Sarcastic.

A North Carolina lawyer was trying n
case before Il jury, being counsel for
the prisoner. II man charged with max
ing mountain dew" The Judge was
very hard Oh him. and the jury brought
In verdict Of guilty. The lawyer
moved for new trial. The judge de-
Mel the motion and remarked. 1.-THE
court and the jury think the prisoner
knavc and IL fool" After moments
silence the lawyer answered: "The
prisoner wishes me to say that he is
perfectly satisfied. He has been tried
by court and jury of his peers"
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1905-09-06

Wtnks-What makes you look so
blue? Jinks-I have six daughters,
none Of them married or likely to be.
Withstand you are blue over it? You
are the most ungrateful mortal that ev-
err breathed. l have six daughters, all
married, all have children. and Ive got
to support the whole crowd.-New York
Weekly.
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1905-09-06
A raste of Fame.

When Thackeray was candidate
for parliament from the city Of Oxford
some one remarked to him that he
must he well known to most of those
whose votes he sought. Now" said
Thackeray. laying down his knife and
fork and holding up finger, there
was only one man among all that l
went to see who had heard my name
before, and he was circulating H.
brarian. Such is mortal famew That
was i'll 1857 and Vanity Fair" had
been published ten years.
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1905-09-06

LESS THAN ONE FARE.
SUMNER EXCURSION RATES

SUMMER EXCURSION RATES
Via the M. g. U. to Summer Tourfst
Points, North, East, South and West.
Commencing June LIST and continu-
ing daily thereafter until September 30.
1905, the M. and Oneida Ry. Co. will
sell round trip summer tourist tickets
good to return until October 3lst ct
greatly reduced rates with stop over
privileges on nearly all roadr. For fur
ther information call on or address the.
undersigned at Manchester lows.
23w14 Traffic MIR,
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1905-09-06

~ wish. Mrs. Brown" said the
boarder to his landlady, Il wish you'd
give me the receipt for that pudding
we had yesterday"
I'D much rather give you receipt
for the board you had last month";" re-
turned the landlady tartly.
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1905-09-06

THAT girl has an unfortunate Idea
Of repartee."
Yes" answered Miss Cayenne. "She
has an idea that she is saying smart
things when she is merely saying
things that smart. Washington Star.
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1905-09-06

THAT brother Of yours, Lucy" said
the man Of the house, ''secms to be
pretty tough character"
Deed lie is. subj" replied the col
Ored maid. He jes' natchelly seems
to be de white sheep OBJ our family,
sho' 'nuff."-Ph!lndelphia Press.