davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Water Valley progress., 1905-12-09

Only the caution and extreme cour-
age of an innocent and inexperienced
young girl foiled the most dastardly
plot ever concocted by scheming land
sharks and saved herself and brother
oil property in Texas worth kings
ransom.
The story of the merciless rascals,
the kidnapping of the girl, her desperate
fight with wolves in deserted house
and the timely rescue by her brother
and lover has only just recently been
made public and reads stranger than
fiction.
The trio of arch swindlers implicated
In the plot tried by every method .nelr
scheming minds could conjure to de-
fraud the girl of her land. They de-
termined to use force as last resort,
but their wen-laid plans ws-e sadly
spoiled and they were thankful 80 es-
cape with their lives.
Seek Heirs for Property.
The trio of swindlers in question
were for a short time engaged in max
ing an abstract of titles OF Liberty
county. Texas. While working in this
business they made an interesting dis
covery. They found 80 acres of land,
In sight of flowing wells, that were
worth millions, which belonged to the
heirs of one Whit Bardeline. Thor
oughly posted as tc the value OF such
property, the firm of Smart & fiSfmo-
ingue at once instituted a search for
the owners of the valua'le land. The
trio saw wonderful possibilities in the
game they had in hand. There were
many ways to manage the affair in or
der to secure possession Of the land.
If the heirs could not be found there
would be plain sailing.
1t happened that there were other
people looking for these same heirs,
and 1t was not long before one of them
at least was surely discovered. An old
LAWYER by the name of Buckingham
Sark. who lived in one of the San Ja-
cinto thickets, had known Whit Barde-
line and when he saw armies of ex-
cited prospectors boring holes into the
earth and oil spouting in streams
toward the skies he began to look
around for the children of his old
neighbor. Whit Bardeline had died c.
malarial fever and his body was lying
where oil was flowing the richest. Mr..
Sark was aware of this fact, and later
on he learned that the fragile mother
Water Valley progress., 1905-12-09
$4,000 Nv CMD ms
I QfIRD MEP HSAE
MzyZD 5ANYM
HZ1R
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said: Are you going to murder
mes
mot at ALL" said Sark. ION the
contrary, we intend to treat you with
the utmost kindness, and only detain
you a few days, provided you will
sign little document.
Spare my life," said the terror
stricken young girl Il am ready to
sign anything. if you will let us leave
this dreadful place.
1T will take us about three days to
make the deals we have in view. But
during that time you shall have every
thing, and be treated with kindness.
1t was the intention of the villains
to secure power of attorney signed
ry Miss Choice for Maj Sark to act
liz her stead They could then return
to the oil field and sell the land in
slices while the excitement was at
fever heat.
Rescued by Brother and Lover.
The robbers made no effort to con-
ceal their plot from their helpless vic
tim. Don't be downhearted, said
Hermolingue 1--WE will leave you q
little fortune when VIC have harvestc
a few millions" He was approaching
the trembling girl with the power of
attorney in his hands. Just sign
here. please
The door fell with a crash and Her
molingue felt himself seized by the
collar and hurled against the wall,
Maj. Sark was thrown into the fire.
place. and the notary was knocked
senseless. 20, my brother!" shrieked
Choice. you have saved me from be-
ing murdered"
And, bless God Miss Choice, here
is your sweetheart" said Polly. "Hers
is Mr.. Bob Warren, come to kill desa
bad men,"
TELL US quick, Choice shouted Sam
Bardeline. what does all this nlean?,
The girl had her arms about her
brothers neck, and while she was tell
ing what had happened the rascals
were escaping into the woods. When
Bob Warren had heard enough to
prove that the scoundrels had intended
to rob his sweetheart he ran out and
shot off one of Maj. Sark's ears.
The rightful heirs found no difficulty
in gaining possession of the valuable
land and then gold began to coma
their way in showers, and Bob War
rem won a heart of gold.
Water Valley progress., 1905-12-09

CT fire as she ran. Polly foIlozss9
close after her. They sprang through
the door Of the cabin, with the yelp-
ing pack at their heels. Polly quickly
barred the doors and windows.
Villains Demand Girls Signature.
For hours while the wolves howled
The fai..s.ss old negress sat with the
W mite girls head against her bosom
Over and over they wondered why they
had been brought to such a. place.
At dawn the question was answered.
The cabin door was forced open and
three men entered the room. 0ae OF
them was Maj. Sark and another was
Hermolingue.
After looking at them for a few
moments, while tears streamed from
her eyes, the frightened young girl
Water Valley progress., 1905-12-09

were rich in viliainy. The major
remembered that the young woman
had distant relative named Carroll
Who lived in the San Jacinto bottoms,
ten miles away, and that she had once
expressed desire to visit the old man
and his family. He al once went to
Miss Choice with lie that had been
irvented by Smart. He told the per-
picked young woman that he had just
heard from her relative, Mr. CARROLL
and that the old man had sent an in
yitation for Miss Choice to visit his
family "He would have come for
you, but he is not well,' said the
major.
Il will go ct once" said the dis
turbed girl.
The route was difficult. Nearly a
whole day was spent winding about
through thickets and swamps of the
San Jacinto bottoms. They Travelled
in light vehicle drawn by two horses,
the major occupying the front seat.
while Choice and cid Polly rode be-
hind A little before dark they came
upon cabin by the side of a dim
trail. sThis is the place." said the
major.
'Impossible!" exclaimed the fright
ened girl. why, no one lives here"
The major was busy 81 once unhitch-
ing his horses. go into the house."
he said, Il will take tho horses to wa
ter and be back in a few minutes
The wcnen exchanged glances. Tears
Of frigh. came into the eyes of the
girl. "AInt Polly" she said. we are
trapped"
NO, dey won't, honey. amt 'frald
o9 dat ole man, I'll break his neck ef
hs goes to foolin' wild my chile"
Women Battle With Wolves.
Night came and darkness came, bur
Sark did not return. The wolves be-
gan to howl, and the hungry packs
drew nearer and nearer, until tho
trembling girl could see the glaring
eyes and white teeth of the snarling
beasts. "They will eat us up cried
Choice ''No, you jes set still, chile,
is got de neck yoke here and big
stick. Wolves am awful towards. We
can keep 'em off.
Choice stood up on the seat, and
when wolf sprang al her she struck
him over the head with the big stick.
Time and again the vehicle was at
tackled, and while the brave old negress
was battling with the mad animals in
front, the girl was welding her club
with desperation and valor.
The bed of the vehicle was full OF
oats and hay. The negress struck
match and dropped it into th. dry
straw Selling flaming bundles she
threw them among the howling wolves.
Throw fire. Miss Choice" she shout
cd. I'VE must jump out and run 20
the house" The auicls-witted girl
caught the meaning Of cid Polly's
Murds and actions and she sprapg from
sAs Aaming carriage scattering brands
Water Valley progress., 1905-12-09

had passed away after leaving the
country and that all the children but
two had finally yielded to the germs of
the fatal malaria that they had carried
from the lowlands. These two were
living with relatives in Burleson coun-
ty, according to the best information
that could be collected by Maj. Sark.
Schemers' Eyes Opened.
The old lawyer visited the oil field
There he saw things that caused him
TO open his eyes wide and made MIN
assume youthful airs. He heard men
talking Of millions as his neighbors
Water Valley progress., 1905-12-09

treated with princely cordiality. Drinks
flowed freely, and Maj. Sark was dis
sected ano every fact in his mem
ory was lah bare to the eager, con
scienceless capacities of trio of the
smoothest sharks that ever scented
ell.
Maj. Sark left the Office Of lis new
ly discovered friends with 500 in his
pocket and instructions to fird the
heirs of Whit Bardeline. E:a <lspt and
then caught train. S1e@rt s~>ok
train and then slept.
After arriving ct Caldwell. s. Bur-
Water Valley progress., 1905-12-09
Caterpillar Plague.

OF the plague of caterpiilars that
overran the Scottish lowsands in 1885.
a naturalist writes: The caterpillars
marched in armies straight ahead and
the consequence was that when they
encountered sheep drains which ars
open drains about Is inches deep ana
IS inches wide at -he tor they tum-
bled into them in such numbers that
their dead bodies damned up the wa
ter and they might have been gakeD
out in barrow Dads
Water Valley progress., 1905-12-09

that were running to waste Capital
lists were eager to buy land close to
the gushers. End when it became
known that one Of the Bardeline heirs
was in the field the excitement rose
to a pitch of frenzy.
Choice was soon discovered. Eager
land buyers. mopping the sweat from
their brows. thrust $40 gold pieces into
old Polly's hands. begging her to
grant them an interview with her mis-
tfess.
All sorts of methods and stratagems
were resCrted tc by tAe SHARKS to foroe
Water Valley progress., 1905-12-09

lIson county. Tex. it did not take tae
laundering old lawyer long to eecure
valuable information.
Two of the Bardeline heirs wert still
alive. Miss Choice-a young woman
nearly 20 years of age-was easy TO
find. She lived with one of her rela-
tives in the suburbs of TIE town. Sam
Bardeline, who was two years younger
than his sister, Lad goNe to New
Mexico with herd of cattle.
A little inquiry revealed to the ugent
IF the operators in the oil lands that
he was searching for popular hand
some and intelligent young woman.
Miss Bardeline was the belle of the
town. She had won the odd name of
Choice" when she was an infant
through the admiration of relativesl
who %sl,ed the pretty little girl the
choice of the flock"
Maj Sark turned his footsteps in
the direction of the residence of Efrc.
Sallie Bales, the old aunt with whom
Miss Bardeline lived. Sure of ac-
complishing his purpose, he already
accounted himself capitalist and an
CT. king. Reaching the front gate, he
was rubbing his hands together and
whispering to himself: Them fellows
will have to pay me well for this 1ne
piece of strategy"
Girl Refuses to Be Duped.
Choice came to the front door, aid
the major introduced himself.
Il am Choice Bardeline," said the
young woman.
Maj. Sark discovered that another
man occupied chair in a corner of the
room ne entered, and while he was
rubbing his eyes and trying 10 find
why the stranger had familiar ap.
pearance, the young woman said: Mr..
Sark, permit me to introduce you to
Mr.. Smart, from the Humble oil fields. .
The major stood staring with his
mouth wide open. Repeated efforts to
express his surprise resulted in fail
uro-the worus stuck in his throat.
When Choice retired from the room
Smart whispered: Il cant do a
thing with her / will leave as soor
as she comes back. Do your lever
best. Get quitclaim deed or q
power of attorney. There are millions
in this deal
Sark was left alone with an mex
rerienced young girl, whose signature
to a piece of paper was worth heaps
of gold. Miss Bardeline was casual
reader of newspapers. She had heard
something Of the discoveries at Hum
BILE, and she knew that land in that
section of the country had increased
in value, but she had no lnkling of the
startling sums that were being paid
for little slices of real estate within
sight of the old cabin where she had
spent the happy days of her child
hood
Heiress Besieged by Oil Sharks.
The interview did not end in way
to please the agent of Smart & Her
molingue, but he was promised an
other Miss Bardeline talked with
her friends, and after listening to Maj.
Sark again she concluded to take her
cid Aunt Polly with her and visit the
oil field. Aunt Polly was an old negro
| woman who had nursed Miss Choice
in her infancy. This move did not
please Maj. Sark He had hoped to
aecura a power of attorney to acr for
the rich heiress. The young woman
arrived at Humble at a time when
the excitement was at fever heat. New
sirIKss wwe being made every day.
Gushers were spouting fortunes int1
the air, and men could not be Sc
cured 10 tank the streams of wealth
Carolina watchman. [volume] (Salisbury, N.C.) 1871-1937, 1905-02-15
NEWSY

Over S1,0OO.000 worth of diamonds
are stolen every year from the South
Africa diamond mines.
In Mexico the Department of War is
studying q project to establish night
schools for the soldiers.
In Prussia the price of medicine is
regulated by the State, a new price list
being published every year.
When an unmarried woman dies in
Brazil the coffin, hearse and livery of
b cOachman are all scarlet.
A battalion of Chinese soldiers, to be
headed by a Chinese band, is being re-
cruited from residents of New York
City.
The Government of Venezuela has de-
cided to give no titles to coal mines in
the future, but to exploit all such mines
under its own supervision and owner
ship.
Henry Hollenback, of Boulder Creek,
Cal, was kicked over a 2OO-foot preci-
pice by a mule. He only fell fifty feet
and was rescued comparatively unin-
jured.
At the annual meeting of the Com
merclal Travellers Association, OF Can
ada, the proposal to reduce the mortu-
airy benefit fund was defeated by an
overwhelming majority
The Postofice Department of Great
Britain has announced that it will here
after accept wireless messages for
transmission to ships at sea at the rate
OF thirteen cents a word.
An ingenious thief who secreted him
self in a trunk addressed to the freight
station at Smichow, in Austria, was
captured after he had filled the trunk
with miscellaneous yaluables from
other luggage.
The court has issued an order to the
sheriff to sell Michigan City, Ind, "at
auction to the highest bidder to salts
fly a judgment of $1,000 against the
town for injuries received by a young
woman who fell through a sidewalk.
Carolina watchman. [volume] (Salisbury, N.C.) 1871-1937, 1905-02-15
West Blizzard Swept.

Kansas City, Mo-, Special.-Reports
Sunday night from Missouri, Minneso-
ia, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, the Da-
kotas, northern Texas, Indian Terri
tory, Arkansas and Oklahoma say
that unusually cold weather prevails.
In Omaha the thermometer registered
16 degrees below zero at 9 o'clock.
High winds prevail in many localities,
drifting the snow badly, and delaying
railroad traffic in all directions. Re-
ports from Oklahoma and Indian Ter
ritory say the thermometer was 5 be-
low zero in several places, and ranged
at zero all day. From all parts Of the
two Territories come accounts Of suf-
fering and death as the result OF the
sudden norther. a.. .
Carolina watchman. [volume] (Salisbury, N.C.) 1871-1937, 1905-02-15
DANGER SEEMS0VER
Everything Was Quiet Enough Sunday
In St. Petersburg
WAS NO RIOTlNG IN ANY QUARTER
Demonstrations Were Not Attempted
and the Only Disorder Was in a h
atre at Night When Abuse Of the
Car Was Shouted by the Audience.

St, Petersburg, By Cable.-The an
t~icipated renewal of trouble amonk
workmen today was not realized.
Neither strikers nor students made the
slightest attempt to demonstrate, u
throughout the day the city presented
a normal appearance. The Emperors
creation of a joint commission OF mas
tiers and workmen, chosen by them
selves, to investigate the cause of dis
content among the laborers has made
an exceedingly good impression, be-
ing considered definite evidence OF the
governments purpose to compel some
of the rapacious masters who have
paid starvation wages to do justice to
their employees.
The imperial decree ordering he
formation of the committee reposes
the presidency Of the body in Senator
Chidloyski. a member of the council
of the empire, and i%nstructs the COM
mittee to ascertain Immediately the
causes of discomfort of st. Petersburg
workmen and devise measures to pre-
vent such discomfort in the future.
The committee consists of representa-
tives Of government departments, the
various industries, and h
The President is authorized to report
in person to the Emperor and deter
mine the number and mode of selec-
ton of the committee. At the Mali
Theatre a scene was created by cries
of Down with the autocracy" n
personal abuse of the Emperor. The
demonstrators were elected from the
theatre.
The police continue to make arrests.
The Cars Announcement.
st. Petersburg, By Cable.-The news
that Emperor Nicholas has endorsed
the scheme for the revival of the Zem-
sky Seabor, or ancient land parlia-
ment, which the old Emperors invoked
in times Of stress, has spread through
the city and created intense satisfac-
ton among liberal classes. The news
papers this morning were filled with
articles descriptive of this ancient Rus
sian institution, indicating that word
had gone forth that the government
had decided to listen to the voice Of
representatives of the people. Natur-
ally, there is some skepticism as to
whether the government intends frank
ly to take the steps, but the general
verdict is that if the Emperor has sue
ceeded in shaking off reactionary in
fuences and now proceeds in good
faith to summon the Zemsky Seabor,
they will rally to his support the mod
crate Liberals, and perhaps arouse a
wave Of genuine enthusiasm in the
country. Liberals are convinced that
the meeting of such a representative
body must be followed by important
and widespread reforms.
Carolina watchman. [volume] (Salisbury, N.C.) 1871-1937, 1905-02-15
Atlanta's Troubles Ending.

Atlanta, Ca, Special.-With large
forces Of men, who have been repair
ing since the havoc of the recent sleet
storm, continued their work all day
%(Sunday), both the Western Union
and Postal Telegraph Companies and
the telephone companies are getting
their wires in better condition, and
Atlanta is in closer touch with tho out
side world than she has been for a
week.
The recent storm was the most de-
structive in the history of the city.
The amount spent by the telegraph
and telephone companies to restore
normal conditions will reach an nor
nous sum-.
Carolina watchman. [volume] (Salisbury, N.C.) 1871-1937, 1905-02-15
Oil Men Support Kansas.

Toledo, O., Specialist a meeting
Sunday Of the Oil Mems Association,
composed of crude oil producers in
Indiana, the situation in Kansas was
discussed by the 80 or 40 members
present, and resolutions were unani-
mouly adopted that the State of Kan.
sas is entitled to the sympathy and
moral support Of the oil trade every.
Oil Company.
Carolina watchman. [volume] (Salisbury, N.C.) 1871-1937, 1905-02-15
Four Injured by Explosion.

Erie, Pa, Special.-An explosion of
natural gas at the home of the care
taker of the city water works reser-
voir seriously injured four persons this
evening. Two of the injured were SO
badly shocked and burned that they
may die. All were blown through a
s%econd-story window and down ar m
bankment 80 feet high. The injured
are: Louis setter, aged 40 years and
his wife; Harry Setter, aged IA years.
and Samuel Pfster, aged IS years.
Carolina watchman. [volume] (Salisbury, N.C.) 1871-1937, 1905-02-15
Visiting New York.

Washington, Special. President
Roosevelt left Washington Monday
morning for a two-day visit in New
York, during which he will make a
speech at the Lincoln birthday cele-
bration at the Waldorf-Astoria. spend
a short time at the Press Club ban
quet at the New Aston House, lunch
at the University Club, dine in Little
Hungary" and visit friends.
Carolina watchman. [volume] (Salisbury, N.C.) 1871-1937, 1905-02-15
American Flau Hiuh in Air,

The coast artillery station at Fort
Hunt, Va, on the Potomac, opposite
Fort Washington, is to have a flag
pole from the top of which the garri-
son flag can be seen for many miles.
The new pole is about 125 feet long.
1t is in five sections, and is built up
Of piping held together by steel bands.
The pole will stand on a high emf
nence at the fort, and the flag at its
top will wave to the breeze about 900
feet above the level of the river.
Carolina watchman. [volume] (Salisbury, N.C.) 1871-1937, 1905-02-15
Live Items of News.

In view of the possibility that Eng
land may be dragged into the far East
ern war the Shipping World processes
to find comfort in the fact that the
navy is to be strengthened by the addi-
ticn of oak leaf embroidery to the pres
ent plain white slashes on the full dress
coats of flag officers, but the gold lace
edge to the slash will disappear and
the oak leaf embroidery round the cuff
with distinction lace is to be replaced
lace"
August w. Machen and the Groffs
were placed in the p~enitentiary at
MOundSyille.
Carolina watchman. [volume] (Salisbury, N.C.) 1871-1937, 1905-02-15

Handshaking of a President is a
nuisance, a bore, a hardship, and a
danger, and it seems to have been
properly omitted for the ceremony OF
the reception to President Roosevelt
at st. Louis, declares the Portland
OTegonian. If the President inaugur.
rates during his present term a need
ed reform by declining to shake hands
at any public reception he will be
sustained by sentiment. The popula.
rity of the handshaker is not neces.
sarily lasting, anyway.
Carolina watchman. [volume] (Salisbury, N.C.) 1871-1937, 1905-02-15
Carnegie Will Testify.

New York, Special.-Andrew Car
Iegie announced that he would go to
Cleveland to testify against Mrs. Cas-
sic L. Chadwick, who is under arrest
in that city charged with obtaining
large sums of money on alleged securi-
ties bearing MI. Carnegie's name. 1t
is alleged that the signatures were
forged. Mr.. C~arnegie's announcement
was made after a subpoena ordering
him to apepar at court in Cleveland
on March 6 had been served upon him.
Carolina watchman. [volume] (Salisbury, N.C.) 1871-1937, 1905-02-15
THE RACE PROBLEM
Speech By President Roosevelt At
Lincoln Dinner
IS CONSERVATIVE In EXPRESSION

The Chief Executive Appeals to the
North For Added Friendliness to the
Whieh the South is Not Alone Re-
sponsibIe and Makes Acknowledge
ments to Crusaders Against Lynch
inq-Backward Race Must be Train
ed Without Impeding Forward Race
Must Maintain Race Purity.
Carolina watchman. [volume] (Salisbury, N.C.) 1871-1937, 1905-02-15
Village Taken.

st. Petersburg, By Cable.-The En-
peror has received the following dis
patch from General Kuropatkln: 1.-The
japanese during the night Of January
81 attacked Djantanchenan, On the
left bank of the Hun river, opposite
Changtan. They captured the village.
but subsequently were driven out, with
great loss. The Russian casualties
were 100. The japanese, after a Sc
vere c~annonade, r~e-attacked our forces
at Djantanchenan at noon February 1.
The Russians first retired, but ulti-
mately r%eoccupied the village, though
outlying posts are in the hands of the
enemy"
Carolina watchman. [volume] (Salisbury, N.C.) 1871-1937, 1905-02-15

a stenographer without first learning how to make pothooks, but she bhthely
and cocksurey tackles the most difficult and complicated job exstng-that Of
being a wne-on the fanacious assumption that a knowledge Of how to nan
6 a nan and make him happy and comfortable comes to a woman by inSpir
alton, and nt through preparation.
When the averag girl marries she does lot eve know how to make a
mar physically comfortable yet, unromantc as thsn may seem, the very
foundadono of domestic happiness has % be laid in bodily ease. Nobody can
be sentimental OF an empty stomach, and bad cooking will kill the tenderest
affection lin time. Love is choked to death OF tough steak as we'll Is slain b..
unfaithfulness, n man. a young husbands illusions about his bride have
been drowned in waterys soup. The frst nkHng that young Benedict gets that
ds Angelina is lot all his fondest fancy painted her, and that he has missed
his affinity is when he has to sit down to ilcooF> Il and Observed meals; and.
you may be very sure that if there were n bad dinners there would be pre-
cous few men wandering away from home. * $ = To be good wife is not
an cas- task 1t is one of the most strenuous undertakings or earth. 1t re-
quires labor and skill and care and tact and unsefshness, but it is the kind
of service a oma agrees to give when she gets married. If she doesn't like
the price, she al stay single.