davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-09-16

across an open field toward the wood. Far away
there outlined vaguely against the distant glow
of the city, tall tree.
Having fixed its location, the reporter moved
along for hundred yards more to where the wood
ran down to the road. Here he climbed fence and
stumbled through the dark, doing sundry in
jrlres to his shins. After disagreeabe ten minutes
he reached the tree.
With small electric flash light he found the hole
1t only little larger than his hand, place
where decay had eaten its way into the tree trunk
For just moment he hesitated about putting his
hand into it-he didn't know what might be there
Then, with grim smile, he obeyed orders.
He felt nothing crumblings of decayed wood
and finally dragged out handful only to spill it
the ground. That couldn't be what meant
For the second time he thrust in his hand and after
deal of grabbing about produced piece of string
1t just plain, ordinary, common piece of
string-white string. He stared at it and smiled
Il wonder what Van Dusen will make of that p?
he asked himself.
Again his hand was thrust into the hole. But that
was all-the piece of string. Then came another
thought, and with that due regard for detail which
made him good reporter he went looking around
the big tree for possible second opening of some
sort. He found none.
About three quarters of an hour later he stepped
into allnight drug store in Brookline and phoned
to The Thinking Machine There was an instant
response to his ring.
well, well, what did you find?" came the query
Nothing to interest you, imagine" replied the
reporter grimly: Just piece of string"
Good, good! - exclaimed The Thinking Machine
"What does it look Ike?'
Well" replied the newspaper man judicialy
it's just piece of white string cotton, imagine
about six inches long
ANY knots in it,
Wait till l see.'
He was reaching into his pocket to take it out,
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-09-16

continued The Thinking Ma
chine. You will find a small
hole in it near the level of
your eye. Feel in that hole,
and see what is there-no
matter what it is-then re-
turn to Brookline and tele-
phone me. 1t is of the great
est Importance.
The reporter was thought
full for a moment; it sounded
like a page from a Dumas
romance.
What's it all about? he
asked curiously.
Will you go?" came the
counter question.
Yes, certainly"
"Good-by."
Hatch heard a click as the
receiver was hung up at the
other end. He shrugged his
shoulders, said Goodnight -
to the city editor, and went
out. An hour later he was at
Randall's Crossing. The night
was dark-so dark that the
road was barely visible. The
car whirled on, and as its
lights were swallowed up
Hatch set out to find the
white house. He came upon
it at last, and, turning, faced
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-09-16

But-but-" began the astonished reporter.
1t is matter of the utmost consequence" the
rrltated voice assured him. " You should not have
taken the string. l told you merely to see what
was there. But you have brought it away you
put it back as soon as possible Believe me-
it is of the highest Importance. And don't forget
to phone me-
The sharp, commanding tone stirred the reporter
to action and interest A car was just going
past the door, outward bound. He raced for it
and got aboard Once settled he united one of the
knots Strengthened the string and fell to wonder
ing what sort of fools errand he on.
Randalls Crossing!' called the conductor at last.
Hatch left the car and retraCed his tortuous way
along the road and through the wood to the tall
tree found the hole, and had just thrust in his hand
to replace the string when he heard a womans voice
directly behind him, almost in his 1t a
calm placid convincing sort of voice. 1t said
Hands upi'
Hatch rational human being with ambitions
and hopes for the future therefore his hands went
up without hesitation. Il knew something would
happen" he told himself.
He turned to the woman. In the darkness he
could only dmly trace tall, slender figure Steadily
poised just couple of dozen inches from his nose
was a revolver. He could that without any
difficulty. 1t glnted little, in the gloom,
and made itself conspicuous.
Well, asked the reporter at last, as he stood
reaching upward, its your move
Who are you?" asked the woman. Her voice
steady and rather pleasant.
The reporter considered the question in the light
of all he didn't know. He felt it wouldn't be SEN
sible thing to say just who he was. Somewhere at
the end of this thing The Thinking Machine was
working on problem he presumably helping
in modest unobtrusive sort of way; therefore he
would be cautious
My is Williams" he said promptly g" Jim
Williams, he added enthusiastically
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-09-16

here9"
Another subject for
thought. That was a ques-
ton he couldn't answer; he
didn't know what he was
doing there; he was Won
dering himself. He could
only hazard a guess, and he
did that with trepidation.
Il came from him." he
said with deep meaning.
Who?" demanded the
woman suspiciously.
1T would be useless to
name him." replied the re-
porter.
Yes, yes, of course" the
woman unused. Il under
stand"
There was a little pause.
Hatch was still watching the
revolver. He had a lively
interest in it. 1t had not
moved a hairs breadth since
he first looked at it; hanging
up there in the night it
fairly stared him out of
countenance.
And the string?" asked
the woman at last.
Now the reporter felt that
he was in the mire. The
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-09-16

when the startled voice of
The Thinking Machine came
over the line.
Didn't you leave it
there" it demanded.
No; l have it in my
pocket"
Dear mel, exclaimed the
scientist irritably. That's
bad. Well, has it any knots
in it," he asked with marked
resignation.
Hatch felt that he had
committed the objectionable
sin. Yes" he replied after
an examination. 1T has two
knots in it-just plain knots
about two inches apart. "
Single or double knots?"
Single knots"
Excellent! Now, Mr..
Hatch, listen. Unite one of
those knots-it doesn't mat
ter which one-and carefully
smooth out the string. Then
take it and put it back where
you found it. Phone me as
soon after that as you can"
" Now, tonight"
Now i,,or,a5,o+a11- ,,
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-09-16

Young broker Stanley Francis. An alternative to
the abduction had been proposed in the form of a
gift to certain persons identity unknown of fifty
thousand dollars. Francis, not unnaturaly, objected
told the police and while they making up their
minds the child was stolen. 1t happened in the usual
way-cosed carriage and all that sort of thing.
Hatch telling the story graphically, as he
could tell story when there was one to be told. He
glanced at the clock, Jerked out another sheet OF
''How much moree" called the city editor
lust paragraph" Hatch answered.
His type writer clicked merrily for couple of
minutes and then stopped. The last sheet of copy
was taken away, and he and stretched his legs
Some guy wants yer at the phone Office
boy told him.
WHO is it?' asked Hatch.
Search me- replied the boy. Talks like he'd
been eatin' pickles"
Hatch went into the booth indicated. The man at
the other end was Professor Augustus S. F. Van
Dusen The reporter instantly recognized the
scientist The Thinking Machine.
That you, Mr.. Hatch?' came over the Wire.
Yes"
Can you do something for me immediately"
he queried 1t is very important"
Certainly"
Now listen closely" directed The Thinking
Machine. Take car from Park-sq., the one that
goes toward Worcester through Brookline. About
two miles beyond Brookline is Randalls Crossing.
Get off there and go your right until you come to
a small white house. In front OF this house. little
to the left and across open field is large tree.
1t stands just in the edge of dense wood 1t might
be better to approach it through the wood SO as not
to attract attention. Do you follow me-?
YES" Hatch replied. His imagination was lead
ing him chase.
go to this tree now, Immediately, tonight,
continued The Thinking Ma
chine "YOu will find small
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-09-16

7 was just midnight.
Somewhere near the
center of a cloud of
tobacco smoke, which
lowered over one cor
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-09-16


ner of the long editorial room,
Hutchinson Hatch, reporter,
was writing. The rapid click
click of his type writer went
on and on, broken only when
he laid aside one sheet to put
in another. The finished
pages were seized upon one
at a time by an office boy
and rushed off to the city
editor. That astute person
glanced at them for informa-
ton and sent them on to the
copy desk, whence they were
shot down into that noisy,
chaotic wilderness, the COM
posing room.
The story was what the
phlegmatic head of the copy
desk, speaking in the YER
nacular, would have called a
"beaut." 1t was about the
kidnapping that afternoon of
Walter Francis, the four
raor old COY, of n wealthy
The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1906-05-11

races or tne islanc aad 1wen IL tie ~.
cesses OF the forests. They are looked
on az interiors by the Malays and
thought b. DO little better than beasts.
Such Is their shyncss that they will
never willingly face u stranger
Their trade with the Malayons is con.
seqncntly carried on In n strange man
ner. The trader announces bis arrival
by beating gong. and he then retlres.
The Kubus approach. put their forest
treasures on the ground, beat gong
aud rctrcNt. The trader returns and
lays bls commodities down In quanti
ties sufficient, as he thinks, for the pur.
chase OF the goods on sale Then he re-
tires, and the Kubus reappear and con
slider the bargain.
And no. after more Withdrawals and
approaches and gong beatlngs. the re.
spectlve parties come to an understand.
Ing and carry Of independently their
bargains. The Kubus IN their wild
state do not bury their dead They live
on snakes grubs, fruits and the flesh
OF any deer or pigs they can slay. They
are skiIlful spearmcn and throw stones
with marvellous accuracy.--Pall Mall
Gazette.
The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1906-05-11
Meals In Schools,

In Paris the city government gives
every school child one full meal day.
This does not tend to panperlze the chill.
drcn or to lessen the responsibility Of
the parents. for all those who can az.
ford 10 pay for the meal are expected
to do no. On the other hand, no jeal.
ousy or contempt can be felt by the
richer children for their starved com.
rades. for oil are supplied with the
same metal token, which has to be
given up In exchange for the meal. The
"cantine scolaire," as this municipal
soup kitchen is called. Is not confined to
Paris. In the provinces the "soupe
scolaire," Its equivalent, has sent up
the school attendance by leaps and
bounds. Here. however. instead OF
paying for their midday meal all those
who can possibly do 30 are encouraged
70 bring 10 school their handful or yege.
tables and the like and the contribu-
tons are all put into the common soup.
The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1906-05-11

The throne room OF the royal palace
at Madrid is one Of the most magnlf.
cent in the world Decorated In red
and gold. 1t contains rock crystal chan
dellers, colossal looking glasses OF the
finest quality. marble tables and price
less porphyry. The ceiling Is painted
by Ticpolo with the Majesty of Spain,"
In illustration OF the virtue Of the kings
and tho manlness OF the people, who
are represented In the different cos.
tunes Of the provinces. Here the SOW
ereigns OF Spain receive on grand occu-
sions when alive and when dead are
laid out In state.
The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1906-05-11

II you had all the wealth Of Rocks-
feller, the Standard OIL magnate, You
could not buy better medicine for
bowel complaints than Chamberiain's
Collie, Cholera and Diarrhoea Remedy.
The most eminent physician can not
prescribe a better preparation for collie
and disrrhoea, both for children and
adults. The uniform success Of this
remedy has shown 1t TO be superior to
all others. IL never fails, and when re-
duced with water and sweetened. Is
pleasan to take. Every family should
be supplied with IL. Sold by Frank
Hart and leading druggist.
The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1906-05-11
ALPINE ROOT DlGGERS.



Throughout the whole chaIn Of thc
Alps there are men who make II their
business 10 search for and root up the
gcntian. nrnIcn, puffbnlls and other Al
pine flowers.
High up In the mountains the root
grubber. generally an old man. builds
little hut He chambers preciplces
TO tho edges. where tho blue flowers
grow: or. II he cannot ascend. he let's
himself down to their place Of refuge
by rope fastened 10 pine above.
He wandcrs TO long distance from
bis hut and does not always trouble TO
return 10 II at night. finding shelter un.
der n rock. Next morning ho spreads
oil the roots he has collected on n rock.
where they may dry.
lie collects herbs M well as roots.
and the resin from the pine besides.
When the summer In over and there
are signs OF snow, the root grubbci
collects all together In his little hut and
finally transports the whole Of bis slx
months collection to the valley.
The arnicn aud some other roots used
In medicine ARE readily disposed OF.
From tho gcntan IL made the favorlte
gentIan brandy. which II considered
the very elixir Of life by the mountain
folk In other days, when gentians
grew In great numbers. the root digger
was able 10 realize II good income from
bis perllons upatlon, but II ~ other.
wise now. .-sC Chambers Journal.
The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1906-05-11
A Versatile Housemnid.

A clever housemaid employed by a
family who took to motoring was told
by her master that II she proved as
good a chauffeur as she was house
maid he would employ her TO drive his
car.
She took him at his word and learn
ed motor mechanics and now at fine
salary she combines the two posts.
She is a capital driver, can do most re-
pairs and after overhauling her car at
The end OF days run waits at the
family dinner table.
The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1906-05-11

WAY Ills Face 10 Always Decoratea
with sears,

WAY His Face Is Always DecorateA
with sears.
The Frcncbinans face was hacked
and notchcd
"Hsve you been n ducllstT7 one
asked.
"Nc, no." the man replied. II have
been n champagne maker" Iie touch
ed his face. These honorable nicks,"
he said, ARE champagne scars.
champagne sears" he went on" dec.
crate the vlsngcs Of all the workers In
the underground champagne mills OF
Rheims. They are caused by the burst
Ing Of tho bottles About one bottle OF
champagne In every ten bursts.
''therc are miles mud miles OF cham
pagne caves In Rheims. caves cut In
the solid limestone rock. where. In a
constant temperature Of ~ degrees
millions OF bottles Of wine refine and
ripen,
"The workers down there smell moth
Ing but champagne all day long. cham
payne escaping from burst bottles, and
M ihc turner's move along the racks
each turns $4,000 bottles daily they
are continually snluicd with explosions
Bang And the glass spllntcrs dy. and
little fountain or champagne per
fumes the damp mir,
DAY after dny each bottle must be
turned turned 6fty times altogether
till The sediment In II hns nll mounted
UP and concentrated itself around The
cork. Then tho corkera remove he
corks. ict the sediment thlckcued VINE
In the neck OF the bottle blow or and
skillfully replace the cork again.
'The corkcrs aud turner's work Ia
dangerous These men ARE nearly MI
Scared like me" kansas City Ind's
pendent
The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1906-05-11
A Positive Necessity.

Having to lay upon my bed for IA
days from a severely bruised leg, only
found relief when | used bottle Of
Ballard's Snow Liniment. ! can cneer-
fully recommend It as the best medi-
cine for bruises ever sent to the sf-
ficted. II has now become a positive
necessity upon myself.
D. r. Byrnes, merchant, Doversvile,
Texas. Csc, SOC and s1.00. Sold by
Hart's drug store.
The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1906-05-11
Calculating ,san.

u don't like young Dr. Oprates," re.
marked the tlmld young thing.
"Nof Aud WhyY'
"The other evening hc called. and by
and by be squeezed my hand and said
something sentimental. and just az l
was trying TO look demure ard TO blush
] discovered that he had bis hnger on
my pulse to see whether or not was
really affected by bis attentions"--
Judge.
The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1906-05-11
Bad For Ilushn nndM. i.

Hewitt-Do you think women ought
to be allowed to attend prize fights!
Jewett Well. certainly not married
women. They'd get too many points,
New York Press.
The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1906-05-11

"Jenks seems to bc prosperous now.
lie says his income just at present IN
out OF sight"
II should think II would be; he lives
10 far beyond it."-PhlladelphIa Press.
The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1906-05-11
THE TlMOROUS KUBUS.
They 1.-Two Ia sumatrn and Are the
sbirst People Alive.

There Is very singular race OF peo
pie In sumatra, the Knbus. who are toe
umorouS nd ahe to mix with the other
The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1906-05-11

Morning Astorian, 65c. per month.
The Washington times., 1906-04-01
VIII.

The unexpected always happens"
began the pseudo-detective. closing his
hat, drawing of his gloves. and stuff
ing them into a pocket "As a friend
OF mine used TO say. IL is the unexpect-
ed that always surprises US. We never
expected to see these charming mas
queraders again, did we, William -
No, sir" said William. grinning af-
fably, 1--WE didn't. The gentleman was
very nice and obliging to me. sir.
when l was in the cellars"
so L understand Now" continued
the late MIR. Haggerty. with the dead
~ affability of a Macaire, II beg of
you. MIR. Comstalk. beg Of you not
10 move or TO become unduly excited.
Physicians tell US that excitement
wastes the red corpuscles, that is TO
say. the life OF the blood"
Your blood, sir. must be very thin
I returned cooliy. But 1 cursed him
soundly in my mind. Williams bulg-
ing side-pocket convinced me that any
undue excitement on my part would
be exceedingly dangerous
William. you can always tell a
ger tleman. said the chief rogue adj
mirinsIy. "A gentleman always recog-
nlzes his opportunities. and never loses
Lis sense of the balance of things"
And he is usually witty. too. sir
William assented.
The slrl sat pale and rigid in her
chair
What do you want7' I demanded
savageiy.
For one thing. should like to ques-
tion tie propriety OF a gentlennan's
sitting down TO dine with lady with
out having washed his face. TIE coal
dust does not add to your manly
beauty. You haven't cake OF soap
about you. William. have your"
No. sir" Williams face expressed
indescribable enjoyment OF tae see-.e.
The girls mouth sdnened. she WA
struggling to repress the almost ~
reslStible smile that tickled her lips.
IN times like these. said ]. deter
niined not to be outdoIe, we u-e nft-l
thoughtiess In regard 10 our personal
HpIeai aneG / a1n-o5lze - t1e lG1y."
The Washington times., 1906-04-01

sides. you would be taking advantage
Of my helpiessness: for really de-
pend upon YOU to see me safe back to
New York. 1t is only the romance. the
adventure; and such moonlight nights
often superinduce seutlmentality
What do YOU know of me? Nothing
What do I know of you? Nothing.
save that there is kindred spirit
which is always likely to lead US into
trouble. Down in your heart you know
YOU are only temporarily affected by
moonshine. Come. make me a toast"
lifting her cup.
You are right" said l. Il am a
gentleman. But il was only consistent
that. having been the fool. I should
now play the ass. Here and 1 held
up my cup.
But neither OF us drank: there
wasn't time.
For the door opened quietly. and IN
walked the two men we had seen
upon entering the Inn. One of them
gently closed the door and locked l.
one was in soiled everyday clothes.
the other in Immaculate evening
dress. The latter doffed his opera hat
with the most engaging smile imasi-
nable. The girl and l looked up at
him in blank bewilderment. and set
our cups down so mechanically that
the warm amber liquid spattered on
the tablecIoth-
Galloping Dick and the affable in
spector Of the cellars stood before US,
The Washington times., 1906-04-01
Y

For suddenly I saw his eyes widen
and fash with anger and apprehen-
sion Quick as a passing sun-shadow.
his hand swept the candelabrum frorI
the table. He made a swift backward
spring toward the door. but he WAS
a little too late The darkness he had
created was not intense enough. for
there was still the ruddy slow from
the logs; and the bosom Of his dress
shirt made a fine target Besides. the
eyes that had peered into the window
We're accustomed to the night.
Blang. The glass Of the window
shivered and jingled to the floor. and
sharp report followed. The rogue
cried out fierce anguish. and reeled
against the wall William whipped
out his revolver. but. even from his
favorable angle. he was not quick
enough. the hand that had directed
the first bullet was ready TO. direct the
second
All this took place within the count
OF ten. The girl and / sat stiffly i'm
our chairs. as if petrified. it was all
so swiftly accomplished
Drop IL" said cold. authoritative
voice. and ! saw the vague outlines of
Haggerty's face beyond the broken
window pane.
William knew better than To hesi-
tate HIS revolver struck the floor
daily. and curse rolled from his
lips Immediately heavy body pre-
cipitated Itself against the door.
which crashed inward. and an officer
fearlessly entered. revolver in each
hand. This tableau. which lasted fully
minute. was finally disturbed by the
entrance Of Haggerty himself
Don't be alarmed. Miss" be said
heartily; its all over. I'm sorry for
the bullet. but it had TO be done. The
rascal has nothing more serious than
a splintered bone. / am q dead Shot.
A fine night.-triumphan Its
been long chase. and l never was
sure Of the finish. You're the clever
est rogue 1t has been my good fortune
"a meet this many day. don't even
know who YOU are vet. Well. we'll.
We'll round that up In time
Not Till the candles again sputtered
with light. and William was securely
handcufed and disarmed. did rcrui