davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Custer County Republican. (Broken Bow, Neb.) 1882-1921, 1907-12-19
AN ORIGINAL CHRISTMAS STORY
BRISBIN'S COLD DEAL,
Written for The Republican by Harry B. Iszard

boy. AS this was her third APP
pearance during the course of the
evening, she was favored with
little attention, the main part of
the audience occupying itself in
smoking rank cigars and buying
stale beer, at 81 per bottle, for
the other female artists.
The manager Of the establish
ment stood near the bar at the
front of the house, talking to
the city marshal, who had just
left an upper box, after dispens-
ing liquid refreshments to few
lady friends.
II hear there was some kick
over at the Sapphire, tonig hit.
One of the boys told me Brislin
tried a cold deal and made a
regular fluke of it. How did it
happen?" asked the manager.
ooh, l don't believe it amountd
to much," carelessly answered
the marshal. although, he
certainly did drop the deck and
turned as white as talque,
Then, after the cards were in the
box again, he commenced win
ming like the deuce and kept it up
until l o'clock, when he closed
the game. That's what makes
the boys so sore"
"Who is this Brislin, any how?
You ought to know more about
him than anybody in town."
perhaps / do; but even that
doesn't amount to such an awful
lot. Only two people have seen
his wife-and | guess she really
is his wife. One is Mills, the
stage driver, and the other is
Pat Gowley's old woman, who
washes for them. Mills says she
lays over anything that's ever
been in this part of the country
and mother Gowley says she is
an angel. When that old dame
puts in good word for anyone,
they must be possessed of ex-
traordinary qualities. Well, as
you know, the two struck town
four weeks ago last night and
went to house keeping in Dick
Flynn's shack. The man went
over to the Sapphire, gave his
name as Burt Brislin, rented a
faro layout from Pap Wrayburn
and Immediately started up in
businesses"
Custer County Republican. (Broken Bow, Neb.) 1882-1921, 1907-12-19

II tell you l saw himl He
fumbled the cards, then pretended
to accidently drop them. After
he had picked them up and put
them in the case again, luck
turned and the bank won right
along. There's a skin game
goin' on, boys, bet your life on
that. Speak up, Cal! You saw
him drop the cards 2"
Eyes, l did," admitted Cal,
''but don't it strike you, Bluejay,
that it really was an accident?
Derned if it didn't look to me as
though he was ratified"
"Rattled, nothin'!" growled
Bluejay. "Ie's slick worker,
that's what he is, an the sooner
we have an understandin' with
the gentleman the better it'll be
for all hands. This is blamed
unhealthy climate for in-horns,
as Mr.. Brislins and that myster-
ious female of his will find out
before long"
'Look here, Bluejay, you don't
intend harmin' the woman, do
you! asked one of the group.
Don't intend harInin' no.
body, at present." returned the
other. 81 only want to find out
if he played us dirt, that's all.
AS for the woman, guess it'll
be middlin' hard work to find her,
as nobody in this gang has ever
clapped eyes on her. We'll, how
many of you are with me?".
IF it's only an investigation,
l don't mind chippin' in" said
Cal, "but I'll be cussed if l make
war on a woman"
The other five, seemingly of
the same opinion, walked slowly
away, headed by Bluejay and
Cal.
1t was about 2 o'clock in the
morning of Christmas day and
the main street of Orc presented
decidedly lively appearance.
The variety theatre, saloons
and dance halls were still in
full blast. From the theatre
came sounds of violin, cornet,
piano and drums. On the stage,
beefy serio-comic was telling
the half-shot audience, in a voice
very much out of repair, that
she would be true to her sailor
Custer County Republican. (Broken Bow, Neb.) 1882-1921, 1907-12-19

pletely broke. ! had to do some
thing; so | took what little she
had, came here and opened faro
game, intending to get enough
ahead, if possible, to start in some
other business. But luck went
against me this last week; my
wife was growing worse, she had
been i'll when we arrived, and
finally, at supper tonight, this
cursed high altitude got in its
work and killed her Just one hour
before | started for the Sapphire
saloon. Previous to my dropping
those cards, during the deal, it
flashed through my mind if the
bank lost l would not have
enough to pay her funeral ex-
penses. 1t was then lost my
nerve and let them slip through
my fingers. ! don't care con-
tinental what you think of me,
nor am | afraid of any disaster
Gus results; all / ask for is time
enough to place my little dead
partner along side of her mother
at Denver" Here Brislin drop
ped on his knees beside the body
of his wife and buried his face
on the dead bosom.
Something seemed to be the
matter with Bluejay's throat.
After clearing it repeatedly, he
at last blurtcd out:
"Mr. Brislin. beg your
pardon for cussin' at such a time,
but | want to say right here that
this committee happens to be
a select company OF damfools
and Pun the biggest one of the
lot. What money you've won
from the gang is yours to start
in somethin' else. The body of
your wife will be taken to Denver
and buried at the expense of the
citizens of Orc. That goes!"
The figure at the bedside
trembled, then a muffled, un-
steady voice replied:
THANK you, boys"
Bluejay and Cal looked at each
other for a moment, nodded, then
tiptoed out of the room. softly
closing the door behind them
Custer County Republican. (Broken Bow, Neb.) 1882-1921, 1907-12-19
seemed TO go through every man

seemed TO go through every man
in front of him.
Good evening, boys" he said,
in quiet voice. 81 don't think
shall have to search very long
for the object of your visit, at
this time of day, or night, as you
will. | am sorry not to be able
to invite you all in; but as you
know the dimensions of my one
room, it is needless to apologize.
Bluejay and Cal, you are better
known to me than the rest;
will you two represent your
friends?"
Feeling sure from the man s
demeanor, there was no trap,
the two entered the cabin and
the door was closed. The room
was small, plainly furnished and
cleaner than the majority OF
homes in that vicinity. Brislin
and his guests were apparently
the only ones present, although
a calico curtain was strung
across one end of the room, con-
cealing small alcove or corner.
The dealer did not offer chairs,
butt stood looking at them for
some time.
$50 you thought | tried to
wiring in a cold deal, eh?" he
finally asked, in a low tone.
"That's the way it looked tc
us, pardner," Bluejay answered
You've always been so hand
with the pasteboards, you know
so when you sprawled all over'em
like you did, it LOOKED too blamed
awkard to be real. So we JUS
thought we'd come over and ask
your reason for doing it,.
Here Bluejay gave triumphant
look at Cal.
"You have asked for the
reason and shall have it," re-
piled Brislin, as he started fol
the other end of the room. The
miners showed an inclination tC
follow, but he turned, with al
ugly glitter in his eyes.
Stay where you are, please.
He then took hold of thu
curtain and drew it aside. Bott
men started and involuntaril,
took their hats off. On a bed
which had been concealed by tn,
curtain, lay the dead body of
young woman, so natural ii
death, that one could almos
imagine her asleep. With
caressing movement, Brislii
tenderly placed his hand on tn
white forehead, then faced hi
guests again.
This is my reason" he com
menced, almost in a whisper
81 married her six months age
and swore at the time, never t
touch another card; but ! GO
mixed up in a wildcat mimi
deal at Granite and went con
Custer County Republican. (Broken Bow, Neb.) 1882-1921, 1907-12-19

Zone thing sure" continued
the marshal, 1.-The man deals
better faro than half the crack
sharps in the state, and as near
as can see, runs a perfectly
straight game. Up TO week
ago, all the boys that tried to
stay with the game, went broke;
but after that, luck changed all
of a sudden, and if it hadn't been
for that little occurrence this
evening, the bank itself would
have gone broke"
The marshal, in an absent
minded way, took a cigar from
the managers vest pocket nib
bled off the end, drew match
across the leg of his trousers and
commenced smoking. Then said:
THAT'S about as far as my
knowledge extends, except, l
know they came from Denver
here" Moving in the direction
of the door, he continues:
'Bluejay and Cal, with a scatter.
ing of other disreputables, have
organized themselves into a
committee of Investigation and
intend asking a few questions.
Think I'll stroll down that way.
Tell Cleo to shake that box party
and get into her street clothes;
I'll come back in little while. :"
The members of the committee
had arrived at their destination
and were now gathered around
the door of small log cabin.
A faint light glimmered from the
four-paned window, but no sound
of life came from within. Some
how, the committee seemed to be
nervous and not in its usual
spirits. 1t shuffled it's fourteen
feet and showed its fourteen
hands into so many pockets.
Finally, Cal gave an impatient
grunt and turned to Bluejay.
go on" he whispered, in a
hoarse voice. "Thc thing has
come to a showdown; as you wei
so anxious little while ago to
call the hand, you can take the
lead now"
Bluejay looked Indignantly at
his companions, pulled himself
together and gave double knock
at the door. AS the sound
echoed and re-echoed through
the still early morning air. every
Individual man of the seven
shivered, then felt like kicking
himself for it, afterward. How
ever, they were not kept waiting
long, for the door suddenly
opened and the gambler pre-.
sented himself. His face might
have been that of corpse for all
the color It'll had, and his eyes
Custer County Republican. (Broken Bow, Neb.) 1882-1921, 1907-12-19
Five per cent Premium for Checks on
Custer County Banks.

Improve your heards of hogs
by purchasing a male from the
Custer County Herd Of Duroc-
Jerseys, s miles west of Broken
Bow. Tops of 200 head, heavy,
large bone, have been fed with
the view of growing bone and
muscle so desirable in breeding
stock.
Five per cent discount for pay
ment by check on any bank in
Custer county, or for cash.
JOHN REESE, Owner,
Broken Bow, Nebr.
Perth Amboy evening news. [volume] (Perth Amboy, N.J.) 1903-1959, 1907-09-16
BRIDGE BREAK
GROWS WORSE
Iron Girder, The Main Support Of
the Draw Snapped Last Night
After Further Sinking.
MACHINERY IS RUINED.
Bridge WiIIbe Closed About Three
Weeks Plan TO Place One
Section on Floats.

Conditions are worse today on the
New York and Long Branch railroad
bridge than at any time since the
break occurred. 1t seems that origin
ally the bridge became locked so that
it could not be opened because of the
sinking of the east side of the CEN
tral pier, which caused the running
gear to become jammed by misplace
ing two or three of the wheels.
The engineer in charge of the re-
pairs this morning says that it will
probably be three weeks and maybe
longer before it can be placed in good
condition again.
Last night the pier sank further,
causing an iron girder about four feet
high and which is the main support
OF the draw, 70 snap in two.
At the time the girder snapped the
engines, which are used in opening the
bridge. were so much damaged that be-
fore the opening can be resumed. new
engines will also have to be placed in
position. Everything is in a very SER
ious condition and the master mechanic
gave the reporter to understand this
morning that it is probable that that
part of the bridge will have to be re-
built.
Trains are still running, but are do
ing so very slowly because the draw is
being held up by temporary timbers
which were placed under the support
ing girders this morning.
In the meantime, while the main spar
is being fixed, 1t is announced by the
railroad company that it is their inten.
tion to cut out a section of the track
included on span across the channel
south of the break, and have this placed
on pontoon, so that the bridge can, a
times. be opened to allow navigation t.
proceed. This section on the pontooI
is to be taken into and out of position
by a tugboat. What day the bridge will
be opened first to allow boats to pas
through will be announced, 1T i
thought. some time this afternoon. Th
day will probably be next Tuesday o
Wednesday, 1t was given out thi
morning that probably the river traff
will be allowed to have free passag,
continuously on certain days in th
week, necessitating the tie-up of rail
road traffic at those times. and on othe
days the bridge will be closed so tina
the boats will have to wait
The congestion at the bridge is now
about double what it was Saturday. A
the west side of the coal docks on tn,
South Amboy side are two tows, one o.
seven boats and the other of eigh
boats. and five tugs. There are seven
schooners lying at anchor in mi,
stream and also two barges. These
boats are all on the east side of the
bridge On the west side is tug with
two fiat barges, nine schooners, g
freight harpe with three canal boatg
Perth Amboy evening news. [volume] (Perth Amboy, N.J.) 1903-1959, 1907-09-16
HAD MONEY
ABOUT WAIST
Stoot Caught by TottenviIIe Off,
lCers With S4I0. Taken from
Trunk, Intact.
HEARING TOMORROW MORNING.

The case of Annie Staliano, of 272
Fayette street, who accused Joseph
Stoot. who, she claims, was a boarder
at her house, of stealing $410 anC
four razors from a trunk in her room,
will come up in the first district court
at the village hall in New Brighton,
>. L., tomorrow morning.
Stoot, who claims to be the hus-
band of Annie Staliano, was captured
in Tottenville about l O'Clock Satur-
day morning by Officers Robert Es-
selborne and James Hughes, who
We're on duty in plain clothes.
Early in the morning Stoot ap-
piled at the Lichten house on Hop
ping Hill, for board. 1t was there
that the officers first found trace of
him. Later they were told that a
man answering Stoot's. description
had worked last week with the Ital-
ians who had been putting down wa
ter pipes on Bayonne avenue. on the
Realty Trust property at Tottenville.
On arriving there Officers Essel-
borne and Hughes caught sight of
Stoot sitting on curb along the road
way, with a bundle under his arm.
AS soon as Stoot saw them he got
up and commenced to walk away, and
when he saw that the officers were
after him started to run. He was cap
tured after running about two blocks
Upon being searched at the first pre-
cinct police station in Tottenville the
S41O was found in a bag strapped
around his waist. Only one of tn,
razors was found. When questioned
by Captain Gehegan, he said that ht
had come to Tottenville to collect SO
a weeks pay due him from the con
tractor putting down the water mains
He claimed that instead of being :;
boarder of Annie Staliano he was hel
husband, and that he had earned the
$410 which he took and that it was
his.
The woman and her witnesses will
be taken by the local police to Slater
Island to appear against Stoot.
Perth Amboy evening news. [volume] (Perth Amboy, N.J.) 1903-1959, 1907-09-16
DEMOCRATS TO
NAME THE MAN
State Convention will be Held in
Trenton Tomorrow. Delegates
Are In Harmony.
KATzeNBACH LEADS THE RACE.

The democrats will hold their state
convention tomorrow at Trenton, and
the nomination of Frank S. Katzen-
bach Is expected. There has been a
decided movement in his favor during
the week. The Essex delegation was
expected to present Francis Child,
but his declination makes it prob
able they will support Katzenbach.
The convention will adopt a radical
platform. There will be no disputes
worth mentioning, it is believed, but
a good deal of enthusiasm is antici-
pated.
The local delegates are for George
S. Silzer for governor, and he will get
their vote on the first ballot. After
that they will probably swing to
Katzenbach.
The republican convention will
meet at the same place Thursday.
There is no certainty as to the out
come. Justice j. Franklin Fort has
beee most prominently named and his
henchmen claim they have an over
whelming majority now, yet many
still doubt whether he will be the
party's candidate, and assert that
there will be developments before the
decision is made which will prevent
his being nominated. If he is named
there will be a campaign of much bit
terness and severe attacks from re-
publican as well as democratic
sources, probably resulting in his de-
feat. The claim that he would be sup
ported by the new idea" men is en-
tirely mistaken. There has been no
assurance given, and it is not likely
any will be.
The state convention will meet it's
worst trouble in tackling the liquor
question. The Essex and Hudson dele
gates will probably unite in demand
for local regulation. This will be op-
posed by the South Jersey vote and a
hard fight will be made as conse-
quence. 1t will surprise many if the
convention does not break up in row.
There is talk of dark horse but
there is no sign of him yet. Justice
Pitney has been suggested, but is not a
candidate and it is by no means certain
he would run in any case. There is a
strong feeling against the nomination
of any of the state judges.
The Essex delegation will probably
cast about 100 votes for Sheriff Som
mer, and perhaps a number more. There
will be about as many for Justice Fort
If he is still in the race, and the rest
will be scattering with perhaps score
for Pitney and some for RI Nd
others. The delegation will not Vi
for Fort in any case, and If
counties support him 1t Will a
own affair. A good candida}
cminence from another cOu1
get Essex pretty nearly solidS ~ II
Continued on page Z
Perth Amboy evening news. [volume] (Perth Amboy, N.J.) 1903-1959, 1907-09-16
TWO BIG LABOkl
MEETINGS HELD
Bartenders' Union ReOrsanizst
and Officers Elected leans
ters Get Six Members.
ORGANIZERS EFFORTS FELT.

-
Another result of <0r11S
Flynn's visit here was seen ~ <
day when he addressed the TeauaSfSf11
Union in Union hall and then hurrle4
to the Bartenders' meeting in Far
roat's assembly rooms. where he as
sisted in reorganizing that organiza-
ton Mr.. Flynn has done much in
his duties as organizer since his ar
rival here, a few weeks ago. He as
sisted in uniting the clerks and has
been instrumental in considerably
swelling the membership of other To-
cal labor OF ganizatiors. He was also
instrumental in having Organizer
Murtage elected to that position.
thinking him a good man for the
work.
The Bartenders' meeting was well
ended. Local Organizer Murtagh and
'rthur Quinn were among the speakers
# the day. Several discussions arose
as to what way the organization might
be improved. Several of the associa-
tion's cards hung up in many saloons
where union men are not employed viii
be removed. ~
The following new officers were elect
ed: President, John Cluney; recording
secretary, Charles Deitzman. financial
secretary. Thomas Burns; treasurer.
Arthur Heinig; chaplain, Emil Krause: !:
inspector. William Preign; inside guard,
Peter Beede; outside guard. joseph NC
Nuty. The next regular meeting S&4l
be held Thursday, September 10.
About o'clock yesterday afternoon
the Teamsters' Union held well-at :
tended meeting in Union hall. The or
ganization was increased in members
ship by six.
Perth Amboy evening news. [volume] (Perth Amboy, N.J.) 1903-1959, 1907-09-16
COURT AMB0Y'S
FAIR TO OPEN

All preparations for the opening of
the fair for Court Amboy No. 5S. For
esters of America, in Washington hall
tonight at 1880 o'clock have been COM
pleted. The fair wire continue every
night this week. The hall has been
tastefully decorated and booths ar
ranged on both sides.
On the right on entering the hall are
the candy and fancy booths. decorated
with pink and blue. The Woodchoppers'
booth, which will be in charge of mem
bers of Cabin Amboy, is decorated with
red, swihite and blue and tree branches.
On exhibition at this booth is SOU
venir presented to Cabin Amboy No. 40
from Cabin MiddleseX No. IS. of New
Brunswick, on July II, 1879. The groc-
cry booth is situated on the left side
of the hall and is decorated in green
and white. The novelty booth adjoins
that and is decorated in yellow and
white. A fish pond will also be a
feature.
Dancing will be held each night The
music will be furnished by Steinhaus-
er's orchestra. An entertainment will
be given Wednesday night.
Perth Amboy evening news. [volume] (Perth Amboy, N.J.) 1903-1959, 1907-09-16
FELL OFF HAY
AND MAY DIE.
Harry BeIafskyin Dangerous Con-
dilion at City Hospital With
Fractured Skull.
HURT WHILE LOADING WAGON

Harry Belafsky, of 293 Oak street
fell from loaded hay wagon late
Saturday afternoon and sustained a
fracture of the skull that may end
his life. He is now at the City hos
pital under the care of DR.. G. w. Tyr
rell.
The accident occurred on Rosner's
farm, between Fords Corner and
Woodbridge. Young Belafsky was as
sisting in loading the wagon with
hay. A good-sized load had been
placed on the wagon and Belafsky,
who was on top, received the hay as
it was pitched to him.
The wagon was given a jolt and
Belafsky lost his balance and toppled
off, falling about fifteen feet and land
ing on his head. He was immedi-
ately placed under medical attend
once and taken in a rig to the City
hospital. His condition is critic to-
day.
Perth Amboy evening news. [volume] (Perth Amboy, N.J.) 1903-1959, 1907-09-16
SEPTEMBER COURT TERM
WILL OPEN TOMORROW

NEW BRUNSWICK, Sept. Is
Justice Swayze will come here to-
morrow to open up the September
term of court He will charge The
grand jury, among other matters,
upon the recent death here of Joseph
Chikinsky, son of Max Chikinsky, a
Hebrew boy of eleven years, whose
relatives claim that he was the vic
tim of prejudice against his race.
Five American boys are in jail.
charged with the crime of murder,
the coroner's jury having found that
they participated in the fight upon
the steps of the synagogue whore the
boy was attacked and in falling re-
ceived a concussion of the brain.
Justice Swayze will return here Sep
tember 23 to try supreme court
causes, and Judge Lloyd will come
here later in the term to try circuit
court causes.
Perth Amboy evening news. [volume] (Perth Amboy, N.J.) 1903-1959, 1907-09-16
No Lining Up Was Accomplished al
Caucus Of This City's Represent
atives to the State Session.
VARIOUS OPINIONS EXPRESSED.
Several Said That They Would Not Be
Bound to Vote for Any Candi-
date for Governor,

If it was George j. Haney's desire
to get this city's delegates to the re-
publican state convention in line, to
have their votes in shape to be deliv-
cred like SO much merchandise to
some leader or boss, the effort, if it
was intended for such, at the caucus
of the delegates Saturday night
failed. The only result reached was
to decide to meet and board the s. 10
o'clock trolley car Thursday morn
ing and go to Trenton in a body, 60
ing from Metuchen by train to the
state capital.
Mr.. Haney and Ira B. Tice, county
committeeman, were present, al
though not delegates to the state
convention, and Mr.. Tice, as chair
man, called the meeting to order in
the Garfield Battery rooms, at High
and Smith streets. The reason for
calling the delegates together was
stated to be to arrange for the trip
to Trenton Thursday, transportation,
dinner, and SO forth, and, incidental
ly, to find how the delegates stood re-
garding the men mentioned in con-
nection with the gubernatorial nom
ination.
This ''feeler" set some of the del
egates a-thinking, and to them UNI
masked the real purpose of conven-
ing xhe delegates insuch fashion.
Seven of the delegates were present,
l.. B. Moore and c. M MacWilliam
being the absentees. In the opinion of
some of the delegates there was no
real need for tn presence of politi-
clans who are not delegates at the
meeting, If the meeting itself was
NECESSARY. and they priYatelY resent