davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Red Cloud chief., 1905-02-18
. aDOmdn's pOtcc singing Schubert's
"Sere1Ldde" cdnte to him.

"'"S W. WV.
Tiitr- were other pretty ladies be-
sides Mrs. Van Skuyt i'm the launch
load from the yacht, but as they touch
ed the pier. pretty girls or pretty wom-
en- or jovial gentlemen, all were over
locke in the wild scramble the college
men made for their hero. They hailed
him forth, set him on high, bore him on
their shoulders, shouting "Skal to the
Viking" and carried him up the wood.
ed bluff to the casino. He heard Mrs.
a Skuyt say: "Oh, we're used to ii.
We've put In at several other places
where he had friends! He remember
ed the wild progress they made for
him up he slope that morning at Win
ter Harbor-how the people looked on
and laughed and clapped their hands.
But at the veranda edge he had no.
dced a little form disappearing around
q corner Of the building. q young girl
running away as fast as she could.
"See there" he said as the tribe set
him down; you have frightened the
populace." And Tom Meredith had
stopped shouting long enough to an.
swer: ITS my little cousin, overcome
with emotion. She's been counting
the hours till you came-been hearing
aD0ut you for "a good while. She hasn't
been able to talk or think of anything
else. Shes only fifteen. and the crucial
momen Is too much for her. The great
HARMLESS has arrived, and she has fed"
But the present hour grew on him
as he leaned on the pasture bars. II
had been a reminiscent day with him,
but suddenly his memories sped, and
The Red Cloud chief., 1905-02-18

Neither kncW that neither had spoken.
glance rested on the bank, but its
diameter included the edge of her white
skirt and the tip of a little white, high
heeled slipper that peeped out from
beneath, and he had to look away from
that, too, to keep from telling her that
he meant TO advocate n law compelling
all women to wear crisp white gowns
and white kid slippers on moonlight
nights.
She picked n long spear Of grass
from the turf before her, twisted 1t
absently in her fingers, then turned to
him slowly. Her lips parted as II to
speak. Then she turned away again.
The action was so odd, somehow, as
she did 1t, so adorable, and the pre-
served silence was such a bond be-
tween them, that for his life ne could
not have helped moving half way up
the bench toward her.
"What il III" nc asked, and ne spoke
In a whisper such as he might have
used Mt the bedside Of a dying friend.
He would not have laughed IL he had
known he did G. She twisted the spear
OF grass into a little ball and threw 1t
at a stone In the water before she an
swered:
"Do you know. Mr.. Harkless, you
and l have not met have we? Didn't
we forget to be presented to each
other?"
81 beg your pardon, Miss Sherwood.
In the perturbation Of comedy for
got"
TO be Continued
The Red Cloud chief., 1905-02-18

II" HE street upon which the Pal.
ace hotel frontcd formed the
I@S:S.@Sv south side of the square and
SHs:Eg RAJ west to the edge of the
town, where il turned to the south FOR
a quarter OF a mile OF more, then bent
to the west again. Some distance
from this second turn there stood,
fronting close on the road, a large
brick house, the most prctentious man
sion in Carlow county. And yet it was
a homelikc place. with its red brick
walls ~embowcrcd in masses Of cool
Virginia crrepcr and a comfortable
veranda crossing the broad front. while
half a hundred stalwart sentinels of
elm and beech and poplar stood guard
around IL. The front walk was Dor.
dered by %geraninms and hOllyhOcks,
and h~oncysuckle climbed the pillars of
the porch. Behind the house there was
a shady little orchard. and back of the
orchard an old fashioned, very fragrant
rose garden. divided by a long grape
aFbor. extended to the shallow waters
of a wandering creek. and on the bank
a rustic seat was placed beneath the
sycamOres.
From the first bend of the road,
where 1t left the town and became
(after some indecision) a country high
way, called the pike, rather than a
proud city boulevard. a pathway led
through the fields to end at some pas
ture bars opposite the brick house.
John HAIRLESS was leaning on the
pasture bars. The stars were wan and
the full moon shOne over the fields.
Meadows and woodlands lay quiet and
motionless under the old, sweet mar
vel of a June night. In the Wild
nlonotony of the fiat lands there some
times comes q feeling that the whole
earth is stretched out before one. To
night it seemed to lie so, I'm the pathOs
Of silent beauty, passive and still, yet
breathing IN antique message, sad.
mysterious. reassurlng. But there had
come a divine melody adrift OH the air.
Through the open windows 1t hoated.
Indoors some one struck a peal of sill
yer chords, like a harp touched by a
lover. and a wOman's voice was lifted.
John HAIRLESS leaned Oh the pasture
bars and listened with appraised head
and parted lips.
The Red Cloud chief., 1905-02-18

hire somebody TO take n shot nj him
every morning before breakfnst-not
that it's any joking mnttcr,' the old
gentleman finished thoughtfully.
IL should say not" said William,
with n deep frown and Il jerk OF his
head toward the rear " the house.
"IIe jokes about 1t enough. Wouldn't
even promise to carry n gun after this.
Said he wouldn't know how To use It
never shot one Off since he was a boy.
on the Fourth Of July. This Is the
third time he's ben shot mt this year.
but he says the others was mt a
what ii he call IT."
"'A merely complimentary range"
Briscoe supplied. He handed William
q cigar and bit the end off another him
self. minnie, you better go In the
house and read, l expect, unless you
want to 20 down to the creek and Join
those folks"
"Mc!" she exclaimed. ~ know when
to stay away, I guess. DO go and put
that terrible gun up"
NO." said Briscoc lighting his cigar
deliberately. ITS all safe; there's no
question of that; but maybe william
and ! better go out and take a smoke
in the orchard az long rs they stay
down ut the creek"
In the garden shafts OF white light
pierced the bordering trees and fell
where June roses brcathcd the mild
night breeze, and here, through sum
mer spells, the editor of the Herald
and the lady who had run to him ut
the pasture bars strollcd down a path
trembling with shadows 10 where the
creek tinklcd over the pebbles. They
walked slowly, with an air of being
well accustomed friends and comrades,
and for some reason II did not strike
either of them ms unnatural or cxtraor-
binary. They came to II bench on the
bank. and he made II great fuss dust.
Ing the scat for her with his black
SLOUGH hat. Then he regretted the hat
1T was II shabby old hat of "A Carlow
county fashion.
1t was n long bench, and he seated
himself rather remotely toward the
end opposite her, suddenly realizing
that he had walked very close to hcr
coming down the narrow garden path.
Neither knew that neither had spoken
since they left the vcranda, and II had
taken them n long time to come
through the little orchard and the gar
den. She rested her chin on her hand,
leaning forward and looking steadily
at the creek. Her laughter had quite
gone: her attitude seemed u little wist.
full and II little sad. He noted that her
hair curled over her brow I'm a way he
had not pictured In the lady of his
dreams. This was so much prettier.
He did not care for tall girls. He had
not cared for them for almost half an
hour. II was 40 much more beautiful
to be dainty and small and plquant.
He had no notion that he was signing
in n way that would have put Il fur.
lace to shame, but he turned his Eyes
from her because he feared that IL no
looked longer he might blurt out some
speech about her loneliness. His
The Red Cloud chief., 1905-02-18

&EHEE0 randa. He and William Todd
had been kicking down the elder bushes
and, returning to the house, found Min.
ME alone on the porch. Safer he
said TO his daughter, who turned an
anxious face upon him. They'll be
safe enough now. and In our garden"
Maybe Oughtn't to have let them
Co."
"POOh! They're all right. That seal
awag's half way to Six Crossroads by
this time, isn't he, W!lliamY
He tuck mp the fence like a scared
rabbit" Mr.. Todd responded, looking
into his hat to avoid meeting the eyes
OF the lady. land ! didn't have no call
to foller. lie knOwed how to run,
reckon. Time Mr.. Harkless come out
the yard again we see him take across
the road to the wedge woods, near half
a mile up. Somebody else with him
then-lOOked like a kid. Must "a cut
across the field to join him. They're
fur enough toward home by this"
did Miss Helen shake hands with
you -four or five timesY" asked Briscoe,
chuckling.
"NO. Why?" said Minnie.
because Harkless did. My hand
aches, and ! guess Williams does too.
He nearly shook our arms off when we
told him he'd been a fool. Seemed to
do him good. l told him he ought to
The Red Cloud chief., 1905-02-18

brown hair and gray eyes and n short
upper lip like Il curlcd rose leaf. He
set her down on the veranda steps.
Both Of them laughed wildly.
But you came with me-" she gasped
triumphantly.
81 always thought you were TALL"
a time when he had to agree that this
was a somewhat vague reply.
The Red Cloud chief., 1905-02-18
CHAPTER Nv.

UDGE BRISCOE smiled grim
ly and leaned on his shotgun
In the moonlight by the We
randa. He and William Todd
The Red Cloud chief., 1905-02-18
CHAPTER Ill.

HE street upon which the Pal.
ace hotel frontcd formed the
south side of the square and
NsESJ ran west to the edge of the
The San Francisco call., 1905-01-08

him who had planned a towards stroke.
Then Georgios stepped forward, no
longer the same Georgios who had sold
poisoned wine and Eastern embroid-
cries, but a proud-looking, high -browed
Saracen, clad in the mail which he
wore beneath his merchants robe, and
in place of the crucifix, wearing on his
breast great star-shaped jewel, the
emblem of his house and rank.
''Sir Andrew" he said, "hearken to
me, pray you. Noble was that act,
and he pointed to the wounded man be-
ing drawn away by his fellows, and
noble has been your defense-well
worthy of your lineage and your
knighthood. 1t is a tale that my mas
ter" and he bowed as he said the
word, will love to hear IL 1t pleases AL
lah that we return to him in safety.
Also you will think that I have played
4 knave's trick upon you, overcoming
the might of those gallant knights, Sir
Goodwin and Sir Wulf Rot with sword
blows, but with drugged wine, and
treating all your servants in like fash
ion, since not one of them can shake
off its fumes before to-morrow's light.
so indeed it is-a very scurvy trick,
which I shall remember with shame to
my life's end, and that perchance may
yet fall back upon my head in blood
and vengeance. Yet bethink you how
we stand, and forgive US. We are but
little company of men in your great
country. hidden. as it were, in a den
OF lions, who. If they saw us, would
slay us without mercy. That, indeed.
is a small thing, for what are our lives,
Of which your sword has taken 1.-THE.
and not only yours, but those of the
twin brethren On the quay by the
water?"
II thought it, broke in Sir Andrew.
contenlptuously. Indeed, the deed
was worthy OF you-twenty or more
men against two
Georgtos held up his hand.
Judge us not harshly,' he said,
speaking slowly, who for his own
ends wished to gain time. you who
The San Francisco call., 1905-01-08

have read the letter of our lord. See
you, these We're my commands: To
secure the Lady Rose of the World as
best I might, but If possible without
bloodshed. Now I was accommodating
the country with a troop of the sail
ors from my ship, who are but poor
fighters, and a few of my own peo-
pie. when thy spies brought me word
that she had ridden forth attended by
only two men, and surely / thought
that already she was in my hands.
But the knights foiled me by strategy
and strength, and you know the end
of it, So afterward my messenger
presented the letter. which, indeed,
should have been done at first. Tho
letter failed also, for neither you, nor
the Princess'-and he bowed to
Rosamund-tcould be bought. More,
the whole country was awakened;
you were surrounded with ARMED men:
the knightly brethren kept watch and
ward over you, and you were about
to fly to London, where it would have
been hard to snare you. Therefore.
because I must, I-who am Prince
and Emir, who also, although you re-
member it not have crossed swords
with you in my youth; yes, at Ha-
renc-became a dealer in drugged
wine.
Now, hearken. Yield you, Sir An
drew, who have done enough to make
your name a song for generations,
and accept the love of Salah-ed-din,
whose word you have, the word that.
as you know well. cannot be broken,
which I, the Lord Hassan-for no
meaner man has been sent upon this
errand-plight to you afresh. Yield
you, and save your life, and live on in
honor, clinging to your own faith, till
Azrael takes you from the pleasant
fields of Baalbec to the waters Of
paradise-if such there be for infidels.
however gallant.
For now this deed must be DONE
Did we return without the Princess
Rose of the World we should die, every
one of u.s. and did we offer her harm
or insult. then more horribly than can
tell you. This is no fancy of great
King that drives him on to0the steal
The San Francisco call., 1905-01-08

took a taper, and. accompanied by two
others, entered the place. to return
presently with their arms fun 81 all the
apparel they could find. Indeed they
even brought her missal and the silver
crucifix that hung above her pea anu
with it her leathern case or trlnkets;
Keep out the warmest cloak, salo
Hassan, "and tie the rest up in those
carpets"
SO the rugs that Sir Andrew had
bought that day from the merchant
Georgios were made to serve as travel
ing bags TO hold his daughters gear.
Even in this hour of haste and danger
thought was taken for her comfort.
Princess" said Hassan, bowing.
my master, your uncle, sent you GER
tain Jewels of no mean value. Is 1t
your wish that they should accompany
you?"
without lifting her eyes from her
dying fathers face, Rosamund an
swered heavily:
Where they are. there let them
bide What have to do with jewels"
your will is my law" he said; "and
others will be found for you. Princess.
all is ready; we wait your pleasure.
my pleasure? Oh, God, my pleas
urel" exclaimed Rosamund in the same
drear voice. still staring at her father,
who lay before her on the ground.
'I cannot help it," said Hassan. an
swering the question in her eyes; and
there was grief in his tone. He would
not come, he brought it on himself,
though in truth / wish that accursed
Frank had not struck so shrewdly. II
you ask it, we will bear him with you;
but lady, it is idle to hide the truth
he is sped. I have studied medicine,
and l know"
Nay" said Sir Andrew from the
The San Francisco call., 1905-01-08

heels. Back Sir Andrew stepped again
to win space for his sword d-play, while
round the ends of the table broke two
fierce-faced men. AT one of them
Rosamund shot with her bow and the
arrow pierced his thigh. but as he fell
he struck with his keen scimetar and
shore the end off the bow, so that it
was useless. The second man caught
his foot in the bar of the oak chair,
which he did not see. and went down
prone, while Sir Andrew, taking no
heed of him, rushed with shout at
the crowd who followed, and catching
their blows upon his shield. rained
down others SO desperate that. being
hampered by their very number, they
gave before him, and staggered back
along the passage.
Guard your right, father. cried
Rosamund. He sprang round, to see
the Saracen who had fallen. on his
feet again. At him he went. nor did
the man wait the onset, but turned to
fly, only to find a haven in the house
of Death, for the great sword caught
him between neck and shoulders. Now
voice cried:
I'VE make poor sport with this old
lion, and lose men. Keep clear of his
claws, and whelm him with spear
casts.''
But Rosamund, who understood their
tongue, sprang in front of him, and
answered in Arabic:
AYE, through my breast; and go,
tell that tale to Salah-ed-di
Then clear and calm was heard the
command of Georgios. He who harms
a hair of the Princess dies. Take them
both living if we may, but lay no hand
on her. Stay, let us talk
So they ceased from their onslaught
and began to consult together.
Rosamund touched her father and
pointed to the man who lay upon the
floor with an arrow through his thigh.
He was struggling to his knees, raising
the heavy scimetar in his hand. Sir
Andrew lifted his sword as a husband
man lifts a stick to kill rat, then he
let it fall again, saying:
II fight not the wounded. Drop that
steel. and get you back to your own
folk"
The fellow obeyed him-yes, and even
touched the floor with his forehead in
salaam as he crawled away, for he
knew that he had been given his life,
and that the deed was noble toward
The San Francisco call., 1905-01-08

floor; leave me mere. Daughter, we
must part awhile. AS stole his child
from Ayoub, so Ayoub's son steals my
child from me. Daughter, cling to the
faith-that we may meet again.
ITO the DEATH she answered.
BE comforted," said Hassan. "Has
not Salad-ed-din passed his word that
except her own will or that of Allah
should change her heart, cross wor-
shipper she may live and die. Lady,
for your own sake as well as ours, let
this sad farewell be brief. Begone, my
servants, taking these dead and
wounded with you. There are things
1t is not fitting that common eyes
should see."
They obeyed, end the three of them
remained alone together. Then Rosa
mund knelt down beside her father,
and they whispered into each others
ears. Hassan turned his back upon
them, and threw the corner of his cloak
over his head and eyes that he might
neither see them nor hear their voices
In this dread and holy hour of parting.
1t would seem that they found some
kind Of hope and consolation in tat
least when Rosamund kissed him for
the last time, Sir Andrew smiled and
said:
Yes, yes: it may all be for the best.
God will guard you. and his will be
done But I forgot Tell me. daugh-
ter. which,"
Again she whispered into his ear,
and when he had thought moment he
answered:
Maybe you are right think that
is wisest for all three. And now on all
three of you-aye, and on your chill
dren's children's children-let my bless
ing rest, as rest it shall Come hither,
Emir."
Hassan heard him through his cloak,
and, uncovering, came.
Say to Saladin, your master. that
he has been too strong for me, and paid
me back in my own coin. Well, had 1t
been otherwise. my daughter and I
must soon have parted, for death drew
The San Francisco call., 1905-01-08

ing of woman, although she be of his
own high blood. The voice of God has
spoken to Salad-ed- -din by the mouth
of his angel Sleep. Thrice has Allah
spoken in dreams, telling him who is
merciful, and through your daughter
and her nobleness alone can countless
lives be saved: therefore, sooner than
she should escape him, he would lose
even the half of his empire. Outwit us,
defeat us now, capture us, cause US to
be tortured and destroyed, and other
messengers would come to do his bid
ding-indeed, they are already on the
way. Moreover, 1t Is useless to shed
more blood, seeing 1t is written in the
books that this lady. Rose of the
World. must return to the East, where
she was begot, there to fulfill her des-
tiny and save the lives of men,
"Then, Emir El-Hassan, shall re-
turn as a spirit" said Rosamund
proudly.
mot SO. Princess" he answered,
bowing. for Allah alone has power
over your life, and 1t is otherwise de-
creed. Sir Andrew, the time grows
short. and I must fulfill my mission.
VIII you take the peace Of Salah-ed-
din or force his servants to take your
life?'
The old knight listened. resting on
his redeemed sword; then he lifted his
head and spoke:
II am aged and near my death, wine
seller Georgios. or Prince El-Hassan,
whichever you may be. In my youth
/ swore to make no pact with Paynims
and in my eld will not break that
vow. When I can lift sword I will
defend my daughter, even against the
might of Salah-ed-din. Get to your
towards work again, and let things
go as God has willed them
Then, Princess" answered El-Has-
san, bear me witness throughout the
East that am innocent of your faith
er's blood. On his own head be 1t, and
on yours" and for the second time he
blew upon the whistle that hung
around his neck.
The San Francisco call., 1905-01-08

In the silence that followed he spoke
in heavy voice, letting his eyes rest
upon the man who had struck him
down.
"A knightly blow truly; one worthy
of Christian born who does murder
for Paynim pay Traitor to God and
man, who have eaten my bread and
now slaughter me like an OK on my
hearthstone, may your end be even
worse, and at the hands of those you
serve"
The palmer Nicholas, for it was he,
although he no longer wore the palm
ers robe, skunk away muttering. and
was lost among the crowd in the pas
sage. Then, with a sudden and Bit
ter cry, Rosamund swooped forward.
as a bird swoops, snatched up the
brand her sire would never lift again,
and setting its hilt upon the floor, cast
herself forward. But the point never
touched her breast. for swiftly sprang
the Emir and struck the steel aside;
then, as she fell. caught her in his
arms.
Lady" he said, loosing her very
gently. Allah does not need you yet.
/ have told you that it is not fated.
Now will you pass me your word-for
being of the blood of Salah-ed-din and
darcy, you, too. cannot lie-that Meth
er now nor afterward will you attempt
to harm yourself? If not, I must bind
you, which I am most 10th to dot Is
a sacrilege to which pray you will not
force me-"
promise, Rosamund," said the hol-
low voice of her father, 'and go to full
fill your fate. for self-murder is q
crime. and the man is right; it Is de-
creed. bid you promise"
"I promise" said Rosamund. 1T is
your hour, my lord Hassan.''
He bowed deeply and answered:
81 am satisfied and henceforth we are
your servants to obey. Princess, the
night air is bitter; you cannot travel
thus. In which chamber are your
garments?"
She pointed with her finger. A man
The San Francisco call., 1905-01-08
CHAPTER VII.
The Banner of saIadin.

As the echoes of Hassan's whistle
died away there was a crash among
the wooden shutters of the window be-
hind them, and down into the room
leaped long, 1.-THE figure, holding an
ak aloft. Before Sir Andrew could turn
to see whence came the sound, that
ak dealt him a fearful blow. between
the shoulders which, although the ring
ed mail remained unshorn, shattered
his spine beneath. Down he fell. rolled
on to his back, and lay there, still able
to speak, and without pain. but help
less as a child, for he was paralyzed,
and never moro would move hand or
foot or head
The San Francisco call., 1905-01-08

scious of a dull pain across his fore
head.
1T is that death and the devil have
been here, Sir Wulf."
well, they are often near together.
But I thirst. Give me water"
A serving-woman, palld, dishev-
eled, heavy-eyed, who was stumbling
to and fro, lighting torches and ta-
pers, for it was still dark, brought it
to him in a leathern jack, from which
he drank deeply.
THAT is better" he said. Then his
eye fell upon the bloody sword fixed
point downward in the wood of the
table before him. and he exclaimed,
Mother of God! what Is that? My
blood. and Rosamund's gold pin upon
the hilt! Priest, where is the Lady
Rosamund 2"
Gone" answered the chaplain in
a voice that sounded like groan.
''The women woke and found her
gone, and Sir Audrey lies dead or
dying in the solar-but now / have
shriyen him-and oh! we have all
been drugged. Look at them!" And
cumbent forms. IT say that the devil
has been here"
wulf sprang to his feet with an
oath.
'"rhe devil! All! I have it now.
You mean the Cyprian chapman
Georgios. He who sold wine."
HE who sold drugged wine"
echoed the chaplain, has stolen the
Lady Rosamund.'
Then Wulf seemed to go mad.
"Stolen Rosamund over our sleeping
carcasesl Stolen Rosamund with
never blow struck by US to save heri
o Christ. that such thing should
be! o Christ, that I should live to
hear it!'' And he, the mighty man,
the knight Of skill and strength,
broke down and wept like a very