davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1905-03-26
The Bitter Bitten:

lowing her with persistent negligence
akin to high art.
A rollioking looking rover he was, with a
billyoook hat and dreadnaught coat, and a
heavy stick under his left arm. A close,
thick beard concealed his features. hut
there was a devil may care CLEAN in his
eyes and an assurance In his swagRer that
bespoke hariihood approaching despera-
ton. Evidently a tough customer TO reckon
with one bound TO have his wny through
u sheer force Of resolution.
Mrs. Spight hssitated a momsnt in front
Of a tumbledovn public house, and then
passed through the family entrance into the
third curtained booth on the right Of the
hallway. A moment later the door at the
end Of the corridor leading from the bar
opened, and a spruce and slick young man,
overdressed. his puffy, white face all agTin
made his confident way TO the third booth,
first carefully ascertaininR that the other
booths were empty.
Scarcely had he drawn the curtains closely
after him than the rollioking stranger tip
toed out from the bar, and. seoreting him
self within the second booth to the right,
ourled up on the table against a convenient
lmothole in the frail partition
Mrs. Spight rose with a fair assumption
Of dignity as Sammy Smiles entered.
-St down for a moment and hear what
have fully made up my mind To do, she
began. You have deceived me repeatedly,
cruelty; taken my money under solemn
promise, and then, instead Of restoring
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1905-03-26

-of course you and know that Miss
Julia was just a silly, innocent young thing,
fascinated by Romaine's soft Worda and
handsome eyes; but I'm sure the mildest one
Of the lot would knock her father out COM
pletely; and II society could only got a
glimpse at them, OF yellow journal print
extracts, we'll"
-Hush,' interposed MH. Spight. How
much does your friend Want7'
Sammy Smiles grinned expanaively a.
he dismissed the lady a few moments
later and watched her dropping form
proceed falteringly down the side street..
He rang the bell and ordered a bottle Of
wine, pacing exultantly up and down the
floor az he waited. Then, when he was
served, and by himself again, his transports
exceeded all bounds.
I'm the stuff" he cried, lifting high
his glass. Little Sammy, you're a good
ono, the best ever. Carefully nursed along.
a. only you know how, you've got an an
nuity for life, my boy; a very handsome
annuity for one
For two, young fellow; I'm In ON that,
and don't you forget it," cried a confident
voice. a handsome annuity for yourself
and yours truly, or. rather, for you must
make way for your betters, you know, a
handsome annuity for yours truly and
yourself. There's nothing Of the pig about
me; you can always have the heel taps
And the rolliclSing stranger, having
snatched the glass and gulped it down.
only to refill and empty il again, confronted
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1905-03-26

studying it through pocket glass Of high
power.
I think You are rather hasty in your
I conclusions, he said. The one thing you
know, the only thing you now have a right
20 draw an inference from, Ia that the lady
was secretly az Monmouth while representing
herself 10 he far away from there. Her
motive then, was sufficiently strong to cause
her TO descend 10 deception; but il may
nave Deen good one"
a good onel" repeated lawyer and client,
alike incredulously.
A good one, Cronxite reiterated firmly.
The worst criminal is entitled TO the beneht
Of doubt and you can sea yourself that
whatever her errand may he it il a most
unpleasant one
-she looks exutant to me- protested
the Judge.
And smiling 10 me, added Spight.
The same lines Of the face, in different
degrees, may express either Joy or woe.
This picture az best In a faint, indefinite
impression. Examine It through my glass
and then tell me what you think
MY poor wife- cried Spieht. How
troubled she looks!'
~She does seem careWorn,' conceded the
Judge reluctantly.
And we'll she may, sir, continued the
detective, when you consider who Is
cutting across the street to meet her. Just
compare these two pictures side by side,
for moment please, this one Of Mrs. Spight
and then the one Of this spruce and smiling
young rascal on the mems page. Don't
you see, from the position Of the buildings
that he stands on the opposite corner from
her and is about to Join"
The same identical buildings for a
fact!' exclaimed the Judge,
Tell me- who In hsY" demanded Spight.
I recognized him at once" returned
Cronkte. There IL no false line in his
face TO be Strengthened out they're all
false naturally. That's Sammy Smiles
sir, expert letter writer, professional black
mailer, the smoothest sliokest scoundrel
in the business of turning sorrow or shame
into money
Then assume. Abe said the Judge,
mAgisterially, your theory il that this
villain has some hold on Mrs. Spight--
-Or on some one dear 20 her, like Mr.
Spight here, for instance
-On me? God bless my soul I haven't
done anything!- cried the surprised Spight
"Or some member Of his family" the
detective persisted,
-Cronkite, be careful warned the
Judge.
-Blaolman IL no respecter Of persons,
sir, and this lady appears to me more cap
able of sacrifice than Of sslhshness. But
just give me a few days to find out
How are you going to do it," cried the
two, again simultaneously.
HEasy come, easy 60, the detective re-
piled. You can no more al hlaclmailer's
hand than you could bottomless hole.
Tell me, Mr.. Spight when will your wife
be flush Of money!
Her quarterly allowance is payable to-
morrow"
Then be sure to give II to her bright and
early; and after she thinks she settles, poor
soul with Smiles. I'll make certain that he
settles with me-
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1905-03-26

thoss wretohed lsttsrs, have demanded
more and more and more. have run
grave risks Of compromising myself and
disgracing my husband through striving
10 do my full duty by poor Julia; but an
end has come. III not endure this. psr-
sstent, dgerish rapacity Of yours any
longer
Sammy Smiles spread his hands dspre-
catngly, and his smile was sad and his
voice low as he spoke.
God knows have been a true friend 10
you, lady he replied. Il told you from
the first that wasn't acting for myself.
that was only an agent for Big Jim Bowers,
who stole the letters from under Romains's
pillow just al he died.
"Jim's a devil when he's croased, for
fact; and do honestly believe that the
best for all concerned il to ease him along.
He promised me- you know to give up the
letters before he went to Europe; and he's
going, all hight, THERE'S no doubt Of that.
But he's been drinking hard and had
a bad run at cards; 30 what can you expect?
Send him along Just once again, that's
what l advise; and, 40 help me, before the
week Ia out you will be able to turn the
letters into harmless smoke and ashes
and be forever after happy, as the story
books say. ....
But. on the other hand" continued
Sammy, his hack strengthening, his smile
hardening, what else Ia there to do' I've
read every one Of those letters, and / tell
you frankly they're the limit.
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1905-03-26

him and he hoped him right.
He got the other dog down and was
beginning to swab up the block with him
when | grabbed his collar and yanked him
OF. had all l could do to pull him along
with me. and he seemed bound 10 break
my hold ON his collar and 60 hack and make
a meal Of that dog thar had had the gall
TO growl at him.
After dragging him couple Of blocks
turned him loose again. He hadn't been
loose more than a minute before a big
good natrred French poodle raced mp 20
him and started in 20 try 70 play tag with
him. Ny dog thought, or pretended "a
think, that the French poodle's freshness
IN jumping around him meant fight for he
grabbed the poodle's right front paw like
a Hash and hung on to It until I gave him
loose.
That's the way ii was all the way home
He tackled any old thing on four legs that
he met up with after any sort Of manifesto
ton Of hostility had been made, and be
chased about half a dozen wicked looking
old fighting cats up the trunks Of trees.
And now, instead Of slouching OF when
he sees another dog. he sits perldly on the
front steps and waits for chHllengers 70
come along, and then he hops out into
the street and gives EN- battle He's
got his left ear pretty we'll chewPd, and
he's going 70 get powerful hard trounc-
ing some Of these days when he goes mp
against the wrong proposition, But. all
in all, m bound 70 admit that I'm COM
mon and ornery enough 20 enjoy that dog
a whole lot better since he's shown me
that he's able 10 do something besides
eat chocolate creams out of my wifes
hand
I took him riding alongside Of me in
the trap the other afternoon. When
pulled the horse up to talk 70 a friend thar
dog jumped out and tackled and dr7ibbed
a dog twice his size. and then climbed
back 70 the trap seat, licking his chops in a
sort OF way.
Just how that black man and brother
contrived 20 huri the proper sort Of a canine
spirit into that dog Of mine within the short
space OF two months has got me guessing
but that he succeeded in converting q
four-footed coward into a genuine four
ply desperate IL a fact that I'm n a posi-
ton, to prove any time you feel like fetching
a dozen OF 20 lighting dogs over around
my way
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1905-03-26

until turning a corner she saw light shin
ing among the trees.
II came from a tumbledown cabin built
against a large rock and covered with a
roof Of moss and earth. La Bretonns. her
heart beating hard, Knocked timidly at
the door.
The song stopped abruptly and a peasant
woman appeared on the threshold, woman
Of the same age as the discharged prisoner,
but already worn and bent with toll. Her
jacket, turned down at the neck. showed
her brown, wrinkled skin and her red hair
hung in tangled masses about her thin
cheeks.
Good evening" she said lifting the
lamp she carried in her hand, what do
you WANT"
L cannot 60 any further murmured
La Bretonne, her voice ending in a sob Of
WEAKNESS. The city in very far away
and II you would let me stay here-iust
for the night would be 80 grateful.
have some money and will pay you for
your trouble
Come in replied the other. after a
moments hesitation. Then she added
in tone Of curiosity rather than distrust:
why did You not spend the night at
Auberive7'
They would not take me
And looking down, la Rret0nne, grown
suddenly scrupulous, said humhly:
You see, am Just out from the prison.
and people do not trust jail folk
An! Tut come IN, just the same. I
am not afraid, for have known nothing
but misery all my life, and IL would be
cruel work 10 shut you out in a bitter night
like this ! can give you bed 81 heather
at least
From an adjoining shed she brought
armfuls Of soft moss and strewed them
in a corner, near the fireplace
do You live here all alone7H incurred
Ia Bretonne, timidly
Yes, with my girl who is going on seven.
now. earn our brad working in the
woods"
Then your man in dead?T
L never had one said the woman
sharply. The poor little creature has no
father An well 10 each his own evilsl
Here IL your bed all ready for you and
two potatoes left from supper IL il all
I have TO oEer YOU
Aho was Interrupted by a childish voice
calling from tiny ckiset separated by a
thin wooden door from the main room.
-CTood night. she added a. she turned
away. j must 90 20 the little one, she II
frightened. Try 20 sleep we'll
The woman took the lamp and disap-
Peared into the adjoining room, leaving
Ia Bretonne In darkness.
Eating her potatoes, the eV-prisoner laid
hers y down gratefully on the pile Of heathe
thankful Tor the warmth Of the low ere.
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1905-03-26
From the French Of Andre Theuriet.

One night in November on Saint Cath
crimes Eve, the iron barred door Of the
city Jail in Auherive turned upon its hinges
and woman Of thirty, dressed in a gown
Of faded woollen cloth, passed out Her
peasant's cap Of white linen made a strange
fr me for the heavy face, stamped with
the unhealthy prison pallor
Arrested for infanticide, il was just six
years before that the black prison wagon
had brought her TO the Jail, and now the
peasant woman, Ia Bretonne, az her COM
panions had named her was once more set
at liberty. She vas dressed in her own
clothes again, and in her hand she held the
tiny bag containing her hard won earnings
and the stage ticket 70 Iangres which il
presented to every prisoner. Then the door
was opened and she was free
The coach for Langres had already gone.
Frightened, timid, the woman walked
hesitstingly toward the principal inn Of
the village and in low voice asked for
shelter for the night. But the tavern was
fun and the hostess, caring little for prison
birds, told her roughly 10 go 10 cheaper
place az the other end Of the town.
Bewiidered, the peasant woman CROPPED
her way 70 the door Of the second inn,
which was in reality but paltry vine shop
for the common laborers. The landlord
booked at her with a Suspicious glance,
recognizing from what large boarding house
she had come, and finally sent her away,
pretending that the rooms were full
Il Bretonne did not dare to insist. She
turned away, her head bent low and in her
hear a sulen hatred for this outside world
which repulsed her There was nothing
now but b try to reach LanRres on foot.
Darkness had already fallen as the woman
started on her way and the cold north wind
shrieked gleefully a. IL tore the withered
leaves nom the trees beside the road.
striking and pelting her with them. After
ak ye'P ~ sedentary life Ia Bretonne
10 longer knew how to walk; the muscles
OF her knees were like knots, and her feet.
accustomed 70 sabots, ached YEARLY in
her new shoes.
AZ the end % a mile she sank dom, utterly
exhausted. Shivekng. she wondered
bitterly Il she must die there alone in the
road, frozen with cold and raoked with
hunger
Suddenly, in a luIl Of the wind. she raised
her head curiously. Somewhere nepr her
woman was singing. softly and monoto-
nously. ~ v N a child. Ia Bretonne rcse
and hmped in the direction Of the voice,
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1905-03-26

driver whipped up his horse.
The rough cart bumped and jolted over
the frozen roads. With pitiful, aching
fingers, La Bretonne held tightly TO the
package Of toys. Presently, "a they turned
a bend in the road, she recognized the strag-
Cling pathway that led to the matched cabin;
her heart gave a leap and she begged and
pleaded with the policeman to stop and let
her get out II only for a moment.
She had an errand with La Flsurotte, the
woman who lived there in the house beside
the rock. She asked 30 earnestly that the
guard, who had a tender heart hidden be-
meath his severe demeanor, yielded and the
wagon stood still
Tying the horse to a tree, they entered
the narrow path. In front of the door La
Fleunotte was chopping wood. At the
sight Of her visitor returning in company
with a policeman, she stood still, her eyes
wide open.
-Hush- whispered La Bretonne, lis the
little one asleep?-
7Yes-but--"
Take these toys and put them softly on
her he'd and tell her IL was st. Catherine
who brought them | went back 60 Aube-
rive to get them, but Il appears that
had no right to do 80 and they ara taking
Mary, mother Of us alll' cried La Fleuri-
otte.
'HushlT
The entered the house Still followed
by the policeman. La Bretonne strewed
upon the bed the dolls, the Noah's Ark and
the stuffed animals that she had bought.
Then, kissing the bare arm Of the sleeping
child, she turned TO the guard, who was
flrtively rubbing his syes, and said:
i am ready TO 90 now
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1905-03-26
Pack Of wild Dogs Near Atlanta


Probably IL is not known that within three
miles Of the city limits there In a pack oi wild
dogs which commit frequent deprciAtions,
and which are almost the terror OF those
who live within q wide radius Of tina woody
forest that they inhAbit
These are not dogs which are wild because
they have not been brought into contact
with man and with civilization, but dogu
or descendants Of dogs. which have reverted
70 the Wild state because the circumstances
were at hand. and they have gradually re
oruited their number until now. IL Ia said
by residents Of that section. there are some
forty or nifty Of the wolf1ike animals on the
hunt for prey. Between West End and Fort
Mcpherson the old CampbelltOn road branches
OF from the East Point road Between the
Government reservation and the Campbeilton
road there ia a vast forest and along that road
habitations are few. though. az IL well known,
the road 10 East Point IL well populated.
Citizens Of that section vnuch for the fact
that this forest Ia the home OF the Wild dog
pack, and from this forest, IL Ia said, they
venture forth on nightly prowis and no
chicken, shote or even young calf IL safe I'M
less well protected from the hungry animals
These dogs are OF no special breed. rather
Of all breeds. monmel, a. IL we're. but all
that have been seen are OF good size and we'll
qualified 10 put up a hard hght should they
be cornered.
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1905-03-26

care Of the mutt in our absence. for we
closed up the house. My wife was for hav-
ing him taken to a regular dog doctors
boarding house. where the mutt would be
pampered and coddled, but couldn't see
that. Instead, / put him in the keeping of
black man who has a sort Of dog board
ing house about half a mile from where
live.
The dog looked very abieot when took
him To the black man. He appeared to
understand that he was going 70 be de-
serted by his family for a spell and his
tail was way down and he looked like he
hadn't friend on earth.
Look lax he all hain't got much spunlx,'
said the black man to me.
That's a grand guess Of yours said
to the colored man. That dog hasn't
enough sand in his craw 20 keep him awake.
He'd let himself be kicked to death by
guineaplgs rather than put up a bit Of a
scrap for his rights. He's been spoiled by
his mistress. and, 50 far as being a regular
dog-dog is concerned, he's no account
.AhU FIX him out all right said the
black man. 'Ho' all will have a diffuh mt
dawg wen yo' gifts back. sub
I told the black man to 20 IA far a. he
liked II he had a way Of spunlKing a mutt
up some although / didn't have much hope
for the dog. I thought he was too old
ever 10 have his spine stiffened
We'll. we got back from Floridl one morn
ing last week, and my wife sent me over
70 the black mans place first thing TO get the
dog.
Somehow OF other that dog looked
different to me az soon as caught sight
n him running around the black man a
yard. He had 4 certain air Of confidence
about him that I'd never seen before
Now 20 ais dawg IN whut 70 kin call
uh suah 'nough dawg, sub said the black
man IN turning the mutt over to me was
in too much Of hurry 10 ask him any ques-
lions, and 40 just whistlsd 10 the dog and
started home with him, letting him tag
along after me.
I'VE hadn't gone a block before a fox
terrier, a good deal larger than my dog,
came prancing mp 10 mine 10 look him
over and investigate him generally. Nv
dog stood stock still, and for the first time
saw the hair along the whole length OF
his spine 60 straight up. He didn't APP
pear 70 be hunting for any trouble, but
when that other dog gave uttsrancs to
Just one short. low growl, my dog hoped
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1905-03-26
The Problem of Living.
A Set Of Rules With a Moral

ttal
But they shouldn't be eaten, a. thov
contain germs. and arr 80 stIruharred with
concentrated tissue builders that thew ar
injurious 10 the human system.
Cakes and pastry are palatable"
But they shouldn't be eaten. as thew ~"
composed Of ingredients that in then
selves ara bad, and in cooking the con
sutuent elements are 10 modified that
they become injurious % the human system.
Alcoholic drinks are alluring-
But they shouldn't be drunk because
the alcohol, which In carbon. burns up fna
Tissues and h harmful TO the human system
water h necessary
But t. should be- avoided "a und~-
tlled water Il filed with germs and dis
titled water Ia rank poison. taking up nece--
sary elements in the stomach, and "a there
fore injurious 10 the human system.
Air h essential 20 human life
But Il should not be breathed, as Il is
fun Of germs, nOEious gases. and never
being Of the right temperature In injurious
20 the human system.
50 is the problem Of life simplihod.
'Raus with the human system!
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1905-03-26

security, until you make up for such criminal
extravaganoe. Give me that diamond pin
and those studs. What, you hesitate you
unRrateful cur? Do you want your other
wrist smashed2T
I'm surB you're very welcome TO them
said Sammy, with the psHpiration dripping
on HE aRonizsd facs.
Now, that watch and chain. Quick.
you brute; never could bear 70 wait"
$50 helm ms
Have you begun that again' Then
there must be something else mp your
sleeve. What's in that closet? Fancy
shirts, a dress suit, embroidered waistooats-
for the Lords sake, a fur lined overcoatl
Bundle them into that case lively. can
find some use for them"
But the loss Of his fineTy was the last
straw for poor Sammy.
L don't see where I'm coming in he
snivelled.
you'll see where you're going out
threatened NoolB, standing over him grim
and terrible, IF you make another kick.
The last partner who tried to queer me
dropped out Of window in Frisco. Il
was higher than this, hut don't want 10
be too hard on you--"
Il was only fcoling.- explained Smiles,
az he hastily packed up his goods and chat
tells.
1T isn't healthy TO get ont Of your class
when you fool; remember that, Now,
since we've got down to equal terms, fetch
out those letters"
As Sammy himbled in the back Of the
closet, Nooks with a deft movement took
a package from his pocket and spread the
contents over the table mat, on which
rested the drop light.
Here they are, said Smiles a moment
later; every one of them"
You know you're lying" retorted the
dire Noolks, after a careful examinations
you are holding some Of them back.
But Sammy, rendered desperate. and
clingng to his last hope, persisted in his
Then the mood Of the formidable Nools
Re tipped back his hair, he
kicked up his heels, he roared like a bull.
I'm feeling ldttenish" he cried. let's
break out, let's do things, let's have a rough
house
For God sake, be careful entreated
Sammy, are you drunk. are you mad7
The lamp man, the lampl'
But even as he begged, Noolu's foot
crashed on the fixture, and instantly a
volume Of flame and smoke shot up to the
ceiling.
who oares7 Let her burn yelled
Nooks. with a hideous laugh.
Sammy circled the room like a rat. He
darted into the closet, and then out again.
making for the door. But Nooks was upon
him with surprising agility, tearing from
his grasp the last of the incriminatoTy let
ters. choking him. banging his head on the
table where the flames had already eI-
pired. kicking him into a corner. where he
lay, disfgured, begrimed with blood and
SCOT and tears. crushed by retribution.
Il think I now have everything" said
Nooks quietly, as he arranged the letters
in his pocket. and picked up the suit case.
you are a devil. reflected Sammy In
awsd tones.
mo, am Aba Cronkite, replied the
other. az he cast of the close. thick beard.
and gave a touch of decoT1lm TO HE dress
. Perhaps you may have heard Of me- II
you have just bear in mind that IL you ever
dare trouble the Spights again, mention
their names, OF even think of them. I'll
come back.
so help me- vowed the trembling
Sammy; and his sickly smile gave assur-
anoe Of truth.