davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Los Angeles herald., 1906-07-22

at last,' she said, "and 1 have procured this key.
Inc servants are now at breakfast. You must
slip down speedily to the beach and with this key
unlock one of the boats. You should get an hours
start at least More cannot do for you, Frank;
have risked my life in doing this much. Go,
dear, gol"
Kate, you have done this for mel"
10 save your lifel said Madame wearily; II
could not bear to see you die All ask in return
is that you should think kindly Of me sometimes"
You know all my escape must meanT
The woman smiled. ''You are foolish. Frank.
lhe Chief Of the Nihilists will never be taken; II
all"
"Ah, see. Well, Kate. thank YOU from the
potion of my heart. Goodbye" He held out his
hand, but Madame looked at him reproachfully,
and without word he took her in his arms and
kissed her lightly on the lips
FAREWELL" he said. Come Francinel" But
Miss Elliott stared at him, turned Of sudden
cold as stone. DO you think would owe my
life to that woman, my fathers murderess? You
are mad, or dream, my Lord"
Cressingham groaned seeing this new diff
Guilty in his path, but Madame, with strange
smile, swung on her heel and walked off with
these words: Delay will be fatal, Frank Soon
the beach will be alive with negroes who are 60
ing fishing out to sea. Their boat is now await
ing you If you are wise, haste and take IL.
FAREWELL"
"Francine!' said the man hoarsely, "you see
UeIOTe you cnance 10 save Two lives, yours ana
mine. What matter whence comes this chance?
1t is ours, let us take it."
You go, my Lord" said Francine icily. II
shall stay"
"You know l shall not go without you," he
cried
II beg your pardon, know nothing now"
Cressingham threw himself on his knees before
her. "Francine, know I am not worthy of you
L never was, but on my honor, darling, / love
only you. kissed that woman just as / would
have kissed one Of those cursed negroes if he had
brought me means of winning you from here"
"You kissed her!"
''I did. Hate me, cast me off il you will, dear
but let me save you.'
"Or YOURSELF" The words were singing as a
whip lash. Cressingham got slowly to his feet
and looked at her; when next he spoke his voice
was calm and low. "You do me an injustice
dear; but have it you. will. My death at least
will prove am not all the cad you think me-"
He seated himself on the steps and buried his
face in his hands
he was hopeless now and did not feel so keenly
surprise when at last trembling hand was laid
upon his shoulder, and faltering voice whispered
in his ear, "I jealous, Frank"
Starting to his feet he seized the girl, his eyes
agleam again with hope.
''Francinel" he cried and strained her to him,
| but she pushed herself away. First wipe your
| lips" she muttered. "I could not let you kiss
me after her!'
Next moment they were speeding seawards
down the steps.
Los Angeles herald., 1906-07-22

last time that we met you were so kind TO me l
dared to dream"
"Ah, heaven-how long ago it seensl'
Yes, long enough and fearful things have
happened in between. But Francine-"
"Ah, let us rest, my Lord. Soon II you think
Of trying to explore the place we shall have toll
some work enough to do"
She led him to a couch and seated there looked
up at him. "Do you know, feel so weary and
so old, 40 very old"
He regarded her with tender pity bat little
of reproach was in his eyes. "Too weary to re
member, dear ?" he asked. "I have been trying
to speak to You Of something that might have
BEEN that yet perhaps might be-"
"Ah, my Lord, what now matters anythingY
"Love, Francine."
She sighed profoundly and shook her cad.
"f loved you once, | think, perhaps love you
still, out am miserable Oh, my poor old faith
er! All, to think he is so i'll, he that loved me
so, and away from him." With sudden gasp
ing cry she t. rev herself forward on the couch
and great heart-breaking sobs shook her slender
body violently. Cressingham watched her in 81
lence, tears trickling down his own cheeks. His
heart ached to soohe her, to help her in her great
grief, but he dared not tolcS her, he felt himself
somehow too unworthy and the girl too sacred.
But soon she grew more composed and controlling
herself looked sadly up at him. "What, do men
weep?' she asked, mournful smile parting her
quiverng lips.
He nodded, and answered huslzily, "When they
see the one they love in pain, sometimes
weep"
"Ah' she sighed 'you love me, Frank?"
EYES, DEAR" he said simply
"Sit down beside me-" He obeyed.
"Francine, soon it will be daylight"
Frank, my heart is breaking; in few hours
you will die"
"Dear, you love me then? Ah say you love
me, Francine!" He bent towards her, his arms
outstetched, and the girl went to him slowly,
with parted lips and brilliant eyes that shone
with unshed tears.
Los Angeles herald., 1906-07-22

kiss me- Francine!" Their lips met in a long
feverish caress and slowly the color mounted to
the girls wan cheeks The man gathered her in
close embrace and held her tightly to him, not
satisfied until she rested his knees and her
head reclned upon his shoulder And she, lit
tie comforted, looked up at him and whispered:
Il have so longed to be your wife. Frank. l have
always loved you, dear Ever since have known
you!"
''Darling" he muttered, and kissed her pas
sionately again
She smiled. "I never intended to let that wo-
man have you, Frank; l wanted you too much. "
81 never really loved her!" he muttered
"Ah! I am glad of that-but even if you had,
| must have loved you all the same. I don't
think I'm very good girl, Frank Even when
thought she was your mistress | still wanted
YOU Do you hate me for saying these things
But | may speak now without restraint mayn't
|, since soon to lose each otherY
Sweetheart let us hope little still"
"I cannot Frank; but hold me to you-kiss me
often; when you kiss me, for second forget to
think and am almost happy.
For a long while they reclined in silence folded
in sweet companionshp moveless and speechless
They watched the dawn creep into the room
at first a pallid spectre that sought to strangle
unawares the lamps hard light and scarce sue
ceeded later rosy sprite that peeped in at the
windows to mock the man-made glare with the
contrast of her dainty blushing beauty The Low
ers saw each other soon by day, and each received
little shock, for the face of either was haggard
beyond belief and eloquent of misery
Crank said the girl, breaking at last the
long silence; "pure love is beautiful isn't it ?"
Eyes, dear, it is beautiful"
"T would gladly give up my life to save yours
Frank"
@Need I tell you, darling that my feelings ar,
the same"
"No / know. We belong to each other now
do we not? Soul and body, Frank
"Soul and body, dear"
you will not now refuse to take.me with 20,
when the time comes?" she muttered tremulously
"Ah Frank, promise me. II you die shall xii
myself. lied when said l hadn't the courage
for | have; but ah, dear, it would be sweeter fai
TO die by your hand Listen, dear, you said tha
| am in no peril You are wrong; am. ! al
ready guess what my fate shall be, for that terri
Los Angeles herald., 1906-07-22

ance he smiled and turned to Crossing
Sfs5sssszssH ham, to start back however, at sight
laxzA9I of the Englishmans bandaged face ant
battered looks But he quickly con
trolled his emotion, and extending both
hands gave the young man a cordial grasp.
Welcome to my house, Lord Francis Crossing
ham," he cried in English. "All that 1 have is
yours. II is a poor endowment, but a man can
not give more than he has"
my Lord" replied Cressngham gravely. 81
thank you / should apologize for my unfor-
tunate appearance, but 1 fear to inAct on your
Lordship an unmerited aspersion, since l have
suffered at the hands of one of your Lordship's
servants who know acted irresponsibly."
The Count turned inquiringly to Madame, who
answered. my father, it was the Prince. Lord
Francis lay bound and helpless at his mercy: be-
hold the mercy of the Prince"
The Count smiled, and his face in that smile
was the face of Satan, powerful, inscrutable,
scornful unutterably cruel. "The Prince acted
on his own responsibility, believe me, my Lord,
he said slowly Il never ill-use man whom
intend to kill"
Cressingham felt shuddering coldness at his
heart, but he answered with calm indifference:
"Your Lordshp is a man of great mind who is
satisfied with the supreme. Meaner natures and
lesser inteects seek to improve on the punish
ment of death, unable to realize or understand
that what is absolute is best"
"You mean?"
"That in the hearts of the multitude hope
springs perennally so strong that pain with life
prolonged is ever preferable to instant painless
death"
my dear Lord Francis, you speak of ordinary
pain. I have known men pray for death"
"While in agony"
"True, but for the moment, Of your goodness,
let the question pass. Supper has been long
spread and doubt not you are both hungry"
Offering his arm with a courtly bow to his
daughter. the old gentleman, always assisted by
the dumb slaves, led the way to a little dining
room beyond the staircase, and there Crossing
ham beheld small square table set for four in
the most modern Partisan style.
They seated themselves to find printed menu
before the plate of each and this card was so
replete and promseful of all good things that it
was hard to choose dish among them.
negro footman stood silently beside each
chair waiting commands with stiff formality, and
a fourth stood by the door The manacled slaves
took up position one on each side the Count
the chain that bound them passing behind his
back.
The Count pAttala then beckoned to the fourth
negro.
miss Elliott is dressng?" he demanded.
The negro bowed low, and Madame glanced
quickly at Cressingham.
IBID her hasten!" said the Count sharply.
The negro bowed again and prepared to depart,
but on that instant the door opened and there
entered the room appareled in shimmerng sat
in empire gown, whose jeweled drapings spoke
of bygone courts and queenly gatherings-Miss
Francine Elliott
Los Angeles herald., 1906-07-22

"Exactly-ah bah'-'ts an expressive phrase
BY the way, there is little warning should
give you before we part. Until noon tomorrow, as
have already told you, all that | possess is
yours including your liberty. But see that you
are to be found at noon tomorrow This island
is small, scarce three miles square, ts inhabited
only by my people, but it is mountainous, and
you perchance might find some tempting hole to
hide in. Well in that case, my Lord you will be
sought out quite leisurely, and perhaps before
You are found my sonin-law will have arrived
You understand? He is devil, that man, and
loves nficting pain. If he has nothing else to do,
ne tortlres animals or insects to pass away his
time. wish to save you from his mercy Il am
aware you think it is because | wish to spite
hml; in reality it is because you happen to be
an Englshman, and / love the English. Good
night, my Lord"
"A demain, sir"
"A demain, vraiment, ct a la morte" His
chuckle sounded far down the corridor, even
after the door had closed, and Cressingham was
alone with Francine Elliott They looked at each
other silently for long, then two big tears fell
spashing from the girls eyes on to her gown.
For heavens sake don't weep, dear" said the
man.
She stifed sob "It won't help us will n"
and tried to smile, but her lips trembled pitifully
He stopped above her and kissed loose strand
of her hair. Darling" he said brokenly, "the
worst of it all is that am powerless now to help
you"
She started to her feet "Tell me everything
that has happened since parted, tell me why /
am here, why you to die, everything"
He did as he was bid and two long hours were
spent in the recital. Francine heard of her faith
er's condition in dry.eyed, speeches. misery; she
listened throughout like one in dream, but she
heard all, understood ALL and at the end; when
Cressingham had more to tell, she put her
hand upon his arm and said
There is no hope for either you or me, Lord
Francis, we are in the hands of human tiger;
escape is impossible. This tiny little island is in
Los Angeles herald., 1906-07-22

habted only by the Count, his grandson and a
score or two of negroes and mongre Europeans,
everyone of whom is ruffian stepped in crime
| have been mere now six days and have been
everywhere seen everything that may be seen,
and studied all the creatures that surround us
The Count has not sought to control my actions
and does not now seek to control yours, because
he well knows such precautions entirely need
less To escape we should need wings"
"Or boat muttered Cressingham
"There are only two boats the island" sigh
ed the girl, "and they are always kept securely
chained when not in use"
"In another hour we shall have daylight" said
the man. '1 shall then explore the place-whc
knows, dear; some kind fate may befrend U.S."
The girl sighed, and said: "Then take me with
YOU. will YOU please, Lord Francis. Let us spend
the last few hours together that are left U.S.
"Us?" he queried.
eyes, us! do you think l should care to live
without--hope%
"Francne!"
81 mean i'll"
"You would kill yourself?"
"Not that. have not the courage But yoI
are an English gentleman. put my life and hon
or in your hands. You will kill me when the las
comes; promise mel"
He shook his head. "No, dear, I'll not do that
YOU are in no immediate peril. | think, dear
they will not try to harm you in any way, they
have reason to. Besides, you must be res
cued one day, soon hope, for Pergord will nev
er rest till he has fulfilled his mission. Moreover
depend on you to clear my name for me- thu
name which that villain has tarnshed. No, Fran
cine, you must live if only for my sake"
She smiled sadly. "Aly father is dying, you ar
about to die What is there left in life for me?'
"Come, come, dear, haven't given up hop
vet. nor shall till the very end"
"Hope, what is that with us, Lord Francis?
despairing effort to postpone facing the newt
able"
while life lasts, Francine, hope, is the main
spring of ambition IT gives me ambition now Il
work and find way from here for both OF us
II gives me wider vision and points to better days
to longer life and love
"Ah, you are brave-but you have not seen, yol
cannot understand"
Dear, let us talk moment Of ourselves. Tn
Los Angeles herald., 1906-07-22

bEES8A unoccupied chair; she nodded to the
Count bowed to Madame and gave
Cressingham her hand, starting and paling lit
tie to mark his battered face can ACCIDENT"
she asked tremulously.
He nodded unable for second to answer but
his eyes told her how glad he was to see her
once again.
The Count beckoned to the fourth negro, who
Immediately came forward and stood beside Miss
Elliott's chair. She gave hurried order and
turned again to Cressingham. "You not Sc
riously hurt hope?"
''No few days should recover me. But you,
are you well?'
I'm health, yes" Her glance spoke volumes
The Count dAttala frowned and spoke to
Cressingham: "To resume our conversation, my
Lord"
"a sad theme to discuss before ladies'" inter
rupted Cressngham.
"That depends on the manner in which it is
discussed. Death is of itself not incident to
stir single tremor in and well regulated
mind. Do you fear DEATH Kate?"
''No, father, not l, said Madame. ''Not that
want to die, but when the old Captain comes
my way recruiting, he'll find me ready to enlist" /"
'And you, Miss Elliott?"
The girl smiled little sadly, then answered.
"I don't think l fear death, very much, Count
It is really not so very terrible thing; indeed,
at times its very contemplation is comfort
since it offers refuge to the hopeless before
whose portals all the stings of life are forced to
pause"
"You see, my Lord said the Count grimly
"your fears were needless" He turned to Miss
Elliott: Lord Cressingham and / dsput
ing a certain point. He contended that death is
of itself the best punishment one man may inhict
upon another"
Cressingham lifted a mouthful of dainty to his
lips, and answered presently: 81 think under
stand you, sir, but cannot see the need of such
immediate haste. After the ladies have retired
we might resume the conversation"
T'You must allow me to be the best Judge Of
lthat necessity, my Lord" said the Count and he
slowly bit off and munched piece of bread and
caviare.
Madame and Miss Elliott stared at the two
men silently, and without evincing a desire tc
eat.
Cressingham's nerves were on stretch, but his
blood was up and he ate quite heartily, as though
enjoying himself, at perfect ease.
''You see," went on the Count 81 have deter
mined that the incident we spoke OF shall visit
YOU tomorrow There only remains to arrange tn,
manner of your dissolution"
81 understand" said Cressingham Miss FL
lott grew of sudden very white 'and her eyei
glowed like stars
'If you would prefer lingering DEATH" re
sumed the Count, 81 have no desire to thwari
yonr wishes have on hand large assortment
of tortures from which you are at liberty tc
choose Some would postpone the final moment
for week, thus allowing you full scope to put
your theories to the test
The Count ordered wine, and when it had ar
Los Angeles herald., 1906-07-22

P.z=z=--( Deen observed. CreSSinRnam cast an
G3zgSNj anxious glance behind him as they
reached the boats but no one could he
see nor any sign of life. With trembling fingers
he unlocked the paddock of the boat that was al
ready equipped and drew it swiftly towards them
from the sea.
1t was then that they heard loud mockng
laugh, and turning saw the figure of the Count
Attaa supported on the arms of his slaves, and
accompanied by half Of negroes, issue
from tunnel in the rock some fifty yards away.
But Cressingham was desperate. Seizing Fran
cine in his arms he threw her in the boat, and
springing aboard himself, caught up the oars and
fitted them into their rowlocks. He saw that
some of the negroes carried sculls upon their
shoulders, and that all were armed, but with
muttered cry to providence he refused to let
himself think, and bent all his energies for mad
race with death.
Miss Elliott crouched down in the stern and
covered her face with her hands, for she could
only see one upshot of the struggle, and had aban-
doned herself to despair,
Oressingham heard the Count give stern or
der: "No, do not shoot! After them; take them
alive"
''It's all up with us, Francine," he muttered
hoarsely
''The time has come to keep your promise,
Frank" she cried.
| He cot to his feet, too and glanced despairing
Iy about him, as though taking last look at the
bright world before departing on that unknown
voyage from which there can be no return.
The negroes were lacking water and slowly ap
nroaching him, still eighty yards distant. His
| own boat lay idle on the water Immediately OPP
posite the portculised mouth of the stone boat
house of the Count d'Attala.
| Inc boy nosire stood upon the beach outside
the door gazing at them intently, while two hun
dred PAGES to t4e right the Count himself sat on
| n rock smoking a cigarette and waiting uncon.
cernedly for his prisoners to be brought back to
him.
Suddenly Cressingham gave start. 1--WE have
one hope left!' he cried
"What is it, dear?"
'"The boat-house. / must leave you, dear. II
is a chance and a desperate one but it may save
us vet See. darling, the sea door of the boat
house only inst dips into the sea. l shall pre-.
tend to stab myself, and then jump overheard.
Then | shall dive, and swimming under water
try and reach the boat-house door, under which
shall SWIM and afterwards throw myself upon
Desires mercy If he is the lad you think, he
} win help us; who knows! Shall chance it,
dear"
dyes Frank, GO and God be with you. II
there is God, He will surely help you'll"
"Then kiss me, dear"
They embraced, and then, in full view Of all
! the watchers, Cressingham tok the dagger from
his nooket brandished il before the eyes of his
! pursuers and to all seeming plunged it deep into
his heart He gave sharp scream, and topping
! overheard disappeared instantly beneath the sur
face Of the waters. Miss Elliott uttered terri.
ble shrek and threw herself at full length in the
bottom Of the boat. The negroes, with fierce gut.
teral cries propelled their own boat swiftly for
ward,
) To he Continued Next sunday
Los Angeles herald., 1906-07-22
c APTER XIII
CONDEMNED TO DEATH

7RESSINGHAM sprang to his feet; the
/ Count remained seated. Miss Elliott
n swept gracefully across the room to the
I'll unoccupied chair; she nodded to the
10
Los Angeles herald., 1906-07-22
c HI APTER XIV
A DREAM OF HOPE.

IE adventurers arrived at the beach at
last, and apparently without having
been observed. Cressingham cast an
anxious glance behind him as they
rnanhnd the boats hut M one could ha
Los Angeles herald., 1906-07-22
CHAPTER Continued

1EEMINGLY satisfied with her appear
ance he smiled and turned to Crossing
ham, to start back, however, at sight
of the Englishman's bandaged face and
Los Angeles herald., 1906-07-22

TO BE Continued Next sunday
The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1906-11-09
HARD TASK FOR 'RASTUS.
fcult to Join This Particu-
lar Church.

At dinner which was attended by
a number of clergymen, President
Buckham, of the University of YER
mont, told the following OF Bishop
Hall, of the Episcopal diocese of YER
mont, in response to some good
natured chaff about the liberal views
of the Congregational church and the
ease with which almost anybody could
join il. He said he had heard of a
negro who had many times applied
for membership in St Paul's church
at Burlington, but had not been able
to satisfy the bishop that his state of
mind entitled him TO admission. The
negro had been advised TO pray that
his spiritual condition might improve
After doing so he made a new appli-
cation. The bishop said to him:
We'll, Erastus, have you prayed as
| told you tor" "Yas indeedy, sub; |
done prayed an | done tole de Lawd
| wants jine ST. Paul's chu'ch an
de Lawd he say TO me: "'Good luck,
'Rastus; been tryin' jine dat chu' CHI
TO 20 years mahsef.'"
The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1906-11-09
Got the Trade.

THAT druggist Gettemwell seems to
have nearly all the trade here
abouts," we say to the resident of the
neighborhood. Yes, and he deserves
1t. You see, like all druggists, nine
tenths OF the people who deal with
him want 10 buy stamps. So he de-
vised a scheme whereby he treats
the back of the stamps with a medi-
Gated mucilage. If you have dyspep-
STA you ask for persinized stamps.
if you have a cold you ask for QUINN
lied stamps, and so on. He charges
a little bit extra for the stamps, but
he holds his trade and manages to
overcome the annoyance of handling
that profitless line of goods. He is
now endeavoring TO perfect some
scheme to utilize postal cards in the
The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1906-11-09
FEE WORTH WAITING FOR.
Thousands Instead of Hundreds Paid
David B. Henderson by His
Grateful Clients.

David b. Henderson's early profess
sional experiences were not material
y different from those Of most young
lawyers. Finally he was retained in
an estate case which involved large
interests. The future speaker was
mighty hard up, and he was seriously
thinking of asking the heirs TO pay
his bill, which he had never rendered.
He was meditating whether to charge
them 5000 or $500, when one of the
heirs representing them all, stepped
briskly into his Office and, taking out
roll Of $500 bills, said: "Mr Hen
derson, l want TO pay your bill" and
commenced laying down these $500
bills until he had $4,000 before the
astonished young lawyer. Looking up
at Mr.. Henderson, the heir said: as
that enough?" And the lawyer, with
that self-possession which subsequent
ly made him famous, calmly said:
Peel off another one and we will call
IL square. "-Harper's Weekly.