davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-07-13
Tine NE lGR2=DO=WlGLL cL nz A ss5T,oz
courRltr 1906 yna1@B Ehrnr

The mans voice was husky. Draw UP
q will for me. Wait" He grew white
put his hand over his heart and grasp
ed. IAN attack of the heart! The
doctors say I cannot live year. Draw
up the papers, lawyer. 1 want re-
Vengei"
You will leave the bulk of your for
tune away from your family?" the law
yer queried. Mr.. Van Houston ap-
peared to be waiting for strength to
continue. Tomorrow 1 shall go to my
sisters house. 1 want them to think
1 am poor. I want to find out if they
are cruel enough to live in luxury
knowing that the rightful heir is starv-
ing in their neighborhood. You alone
are to know the TRUTH My fortune
amounts to million dollars. In black
iron box in my room are my papers of
value. have decided to dispose of my
fortune in this Manner hundred
thousand dollars to you, Mr.. Clarendon,
and the bulk to my sister Elizabeth
but with this stipulation: If she or
any of them Sights me, then leave my
fortune to charity
When Van Houston had gone Mr..
Clarendon paced up and down thought
fully. IF 1 do not act at once it will
be too late,'' he observed.
That evening, when Mrs. Van Hous-
ton and her daughter. Mrs. Odell, re-
turned from the opera they found Mr..
Clarendon in the reception ROOM
81 hope this visit is not to tell us
that our funds are low" laughed Mrs.
Odell.
81 have not come to scoid, dear
madam, but to tell you a bit of news.
have business of a private nature to
communicate to you, Mrs. Odell. Peter
Van Houston was in my office today"
Both women uttered sharp exclama-
lions; the younger shivered. 81 hoped
he was dead" she said
'-Will he sue for his share in his ia
theirs estate2'' cried Mrs. Van Houston.
"Oh, what a blowl Elizabeth, we will
not receive himi"
'T always expected it," Mrs. Odell
said. "And now this awful news is
brought to us! 1 shall refuse to see
him!"
The lawyer. instructing the ladies to
secrecy, told them of Mr.. Van Hous-
toms viii and the conditions imposed
and later took his departure.
Peter evidently inherited his ia
Tiers talent for money getting" Mrs
Van Houston observed. Thank for
tune he can live but a year longer
Peter as a young man was extremely
tiresome.''
Never mind, mother" Mrs OdeH
cried. u am going to get that money.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-07-13
PRAYING AS AN AMUSEMENT

On stormy days, why not try fraying
as an amusement? This occupation is
very simple and only requires few
pieces of flag bunting and a box OF
matches with the heads cut off. Cut
the bunting into two inch strips and
pull out the long side first. After
fraying the long side begin on the
selvage. Arrange the pulled out threads
neatly in two rows.
A number of toys may be made out
of these frayings-dolls' brooms, for in
stance. To make the broom take some
short frayings and tie them securely
around the bottom of stick. This
forms a street sweeper's broom
Dolls. too, may be fashioned from the
frayings. Use one long stick for the
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-07-13

dence of the deceased mans family he
found them all assembled in the draw
ing room. Lurking under looks of de-
corous mournfuiness, the lawyer could
detect expressions on their counte-
nances OF relief and exultant joy. Mr..
Clarendon had put off the telling of
these unpleasant tidings as long as he
could, and now that the disagreeable
duty was fully upon him he hardly
knew how to proceed.
81 am the bearer of very, very bad
news" he began solemnly.
Mr.. Odell approached him.
"Of course, Clarendon, you imne-
diately secured possession of the black
iron box? And you have the will"
81 am not good at breaking bad news
gently" the lawyer paced up and down
the rooms nervOusly, cor prolonging
suspense. The truth is that 1 did not
secure the black iron box, because 1t
contained nothing but trash, and the
will is not worth the paper upon which
it is written. Your brother, Mrs. OdeIl.
died absolutely penniless." -,
They turned blanched, startled faces
toward him and no one spoke. Then
their son Hubert broke the silence with
sharp laugh.
"A cool hand, by thunderl Fooled
the lot of US, including the Iawyer!"
1.-The dewitt" exclaimed Marmaduke
Odeli, fairly shaking from shock and
chagrin. 'Tt can't be true! Why, man."
approaching Mr.. Clarendon Desperate
ly. think of my cigars and the money
I loaned himi Am / to have nothing in
RETURN"
at is all terrible. Of course" Mr..
Clarendon assented graveIy. "And
what adds to the misfortune is that
you, being the next OF kin, will have
to defray the expenses of burial"
Mr.. Odell shook his head and groan-
ed aloud.
1--WE have been deceived tricked and
cheated" his wife shrieked. st shall
go mad thinking of it, Such fools as
we have been!" She wrung her hands
in an agony of suffering.
Equally distressed. Mrs Van Hous-
ton rose from her chair and throwing
out her arm tragically exclaimed in an
cry tones, Peter Van Houston was al
ways a ne'er-do-well, a black sheep, q
disgrace! And he died one!"
And while his family alternately
storned;- ragged and wept, the dead man
lay rigid on his pallet In his little
room, a smile of peaceful satisfaction
adjoining his white. set features.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-07-13

horses. 1 became an expert ct this and
bought and sold until 1 had accumu-
lated a good sum of money"
Are you married?"
mo. Women have no attraction for
me. A little black trunk that 1 keep
under my bed and that holds all my
securities is my only love! People call
me a miser. and 1 rather enjoy the
name. 1t means so much!" he cried.
'And such a sure means of revenge!"
Revenge. Ali" The lawyer grew
attentive.
Mr.. Clarendon, I acknowledge 1 did
wrong, and 1 have suffered. An out
cast for thirty years! Hidden, I'M
knownI And my sister Elizabeth
she is rich and sensitive to disgrace!
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-07-13
TRUE CHESTNUT.

slider themselves quite well off, so far
as eating goes. They eat the nuts raw,
they roast them and finally grind them
into fine flour, from which an excel
lent cake is made, called "necei." Then,
too. the Italians and Spanish steam the
chestnuts and eat them in milk. Their
chestnuts, like those of the Japanese.
are bigger and better than ours. At
your house do you ever have hand
full of chestnuts stirred into the stuff
fing of your Thanksgiving turkey?
Those of you who have ever gone
chestnut gathering do not need to be
told the nuts grow. two and sometimes
three of them, inside a large rough
bur. SO covered with tiny, sharp,
hooked prickles that you often get
these into your fingers. where they hurt
and are often hard to remove.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-07-13
TOYS MADE FROM AcoRNS.
ably Bigger. because he is little Big

Baby Bigger. because he is a little Big
ger.
When is a soldier not half a soldier?
When he's in quarters.
What is the largest room in the
world? The room for Improvement
why is peacock like the figure 9?
When is a silver cup likely to run
When it's chased.
When is pie like poet? When it's
browning.
When is it best to lose your temper
When it is a bad one.
Why was Ruth ruthless to Boaz
Because she pulled his ears and trod
on his corn.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-07-13

All, the front door! "Marmaduke,' she
called out, ''news." Her husband, a
fastidious looking man, entered the
room.
The next day Peter Van Houston
presented himself at his sisters house.
Mrs. Van Houston and her daughter
received him.
I'VE are so surprised" said the older
woman, extending her hand cordially.
"Only the bad penny turning up
again." her stepson answered. I've
had a hard life, mother. For years,
rather than return to my family pen
niless, 1 have lived by doing odd jobs
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-07-13
THE LOST TEMPER.

What! Lost your temper. did you say1
Well, dear, / should not mind II.
1t is not such dreadful loss.
Pray do not try to find II.
1t chased the dimples all away
And wrinkled UP your forehead
And changed a pretty, smiling face
To one-weIl, simply horridl
1t put to flight the CHEEKY words,
The laughter and the singing;
The clouds upon the shining sky
1t would persist in bringing.
And now it's gonel Then do, my dear
Make it your best endeavor
To quickly find a better one
And lose tt-pever, never.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-07-13
FfliaI Dexnttnn.

The Chinese, like the Japanese, are
very considerate of the feelings of
every one. There is story told of an
old Chinaman called Laou Lai-tze who,
though nearly seventy years old, was
SO afraid that his, parents would be
reminded of their own great age If they
realized that their son was no longer
young that he used to wear a child's
dress and play about the room. No
wonder that Laou is held up as a model
for well bred Chinese children.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-07-13

and to go through various drills and
evoiutions. They iced to be treated
with the same kindness and care as the
others. Cages with revolving wheels
come for performing mice, and it is al
ways amusing to see them turn the
wheel. their bright little eyes shining
like beads. With the agility of mon
keys they can be taught to run up sticks
and poles, jump from them through
small circles and to chase each other
back and forth over table or in and
out of holes formed with papers and
cloth wrinkled up for the purpose.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-07-13
The Pope,s Income.

1t is impossible to fix the exact in
come of the pope, because the sources
by which his settled income is largely
augmented are subject to great 1uctua-
ton. Such is the annual subsidy call
ed Peters Pence" and the innumer-
able thank offerings which he receives
every year from all parts of the world.
1t is thought probable by authorities
who have the best means of judging
that, taking one year with another, thS
average annual income of the pope cam
not fall short Of S3.0Q0.0Q0.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-07-13

1 4
4 STR.3 an aristocratic family
:: !: :: :: ): !: !: ::
fd people of the world
BIZ and as happy as
most but for the fact
E1AlA=aSA that a family skele-
eis.i.it lIi.aaA ton lodged in their
hearts in the memory
of an older brother-Peter Van iHous-
ton-who had been expelled from coll
lege and after running wild for a time,
had suddenly ended it all by forging
his fathers name to a check for $4,000.
colIecting the money and departing for
the west.
At thar time his father, Hubert Van
Houston, was one of the rich men of
wall street. Years before he had
buried his first wife, who left him this
troublesome son. and had married
again, a fashionable widow, who duly
presented him with a daughter. This
lady comforted him when his boy went
away, cared for him through his last
illness, wept gently when he died and
after a time settled down to enjoy the
money her husband had left exclusively
to her and their daughter Elizabeth.
Since then time had brought its GUS
tomary gifts-white hair to Mrs. Van
Houston and a husband and children
to her daughter. now Mrs. Marmaduke
Odeli.
One. afternoon at about this time
their legal adviser, Mr.. Clarendon. sat
in his Office at his desk when the door
opened to admit a man of about fifty
years of age. who said. Are you James
Clarendon" Yes, sir Legal adviser
for Mrs Van HoustDnY' Il am, sir,
but what is your business with me?"
ST should like to make my WILL" the
man replied Its a long story. Have
YOU time to listen?" GO on" The
newcomer leaned forward. Don't you
know me, Mr.. Clarendon % 81 do not
He laughed a low, bitter laugh For
gotten by every one, 1 suppose. The
ne'er-do-well! The black sheep!" Mr..
Clarendon looked at him keenly. you
are nor Il am. Peter Van Hous-
toni" The. lawyer fell back in sur
prise and dismay. Well he said.
land what do you want?" '1 desire to
make my will. III not keep you long,"
his visitor said dryly. They say that
the way of the transgressor is hard,
but I have reason to doubt the truth of
that statement, for the stolen money
brought me luck from the moment
went to the far west. The great bust
ness out there was lassoing wild
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-07-13
why IT Rains.

Small Boy Neutrality-suspicious., what
makes it rain more in the night than
the day?
Papa Qearnedly)-My child, you have
no doubt heard that two clouds coll
liding cause the moisture to descend in
the shape of rain.
Boy (eageriy)-Oh, now / see why
there is more rain in the night: the
clouds can't see where they are going
in the dark
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-07-13
Curious Bird Catching.

The boys of Jamaica catch honey
sucking birds by lying on the ground
and covering their bodies with bushes
and flowers of which the birds are in
search. One of these flowers is then
held by the lower portion of the tube
between the fingers and the thumb, and
as soon as the little bird inserts his long
bill it is seized.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-07-13

Find good thing and stick to it,
said the glue.
Trust to your stars for success" said
the night.
Strive to make good impression. .
said the seal.
Turn all things to your advantage"
said the lathe.
Make the most of your good points, y
said the compass.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-07-13
The Habit. OF Little Men.

Father" said a little boy to his par
ent the other day, ARE not sailors very.
very small men?"
mo, my son." answered the father.
What leads you to suppose that they
are smail?'
Because replied the boy. 81 read
the other day of sailor going to sleep
in his watch
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-07-13

Willie, what is a quad
ruped?
Willie-A thing with four legs, sir.
Teacher-Name one.
Willie-An elephant.
Teacher-Are there any feathered
quadrupeds?
Willie-Yes, sir. A feather bed.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-07-13
Riddles.

Why is crow a brave bird? Because
he never shows the white feather.
When are your eyes no eyes2 When
the wind makes them water.
Why is an extracted tooth like a
thing forgotten? Because it has gone
out of your head.
Mr.. Bigger. Mrs. Bigger and Baby
Bigger, which of this interesting family
is the biggest, and why the biggest ?
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-07-13

do not pay much attention to nuts as
an article of diet, but in Spain, Italy
and southern France the poorer peo-
pie depend to a considerable extent on
chestnuts for their daily food. An
Italian peasant family that possess a
big chestnut tree in full bearing cons
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-07-13

Ordinary house mice can be trained
to perform little tricks If caught when
very young. They grow up then with
no more fear of their enemies than a
cat or dog. Trained mice should be q
feature OF every home menagerie. They
can be taught to race after each other,
to drag miniature carriages after them
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-07-13
Something "Dotnr.,

EtheI-Mamma. 1 want some water
to christen my doll.
EthePs Mamma-No, dear; it is
wrong, you know.
Ethel-Well, then, 1 want some wax
to waxtnate her. She's old enough now
to have something done to her.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-07-13
Juvenile rivalry.

First Little Girl-My papa is very
tall.
Second Little GirI-My papa is as
tall as the garden wall.
First Little Girl-My papa can look
over 1t.
Second Little Girl--So can mine,
when he's got his hat on.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-07-13

ned and dazed, walked down the stair
case and out of the house without a
backward glance.
Outside the fall day had grown gray
er. The wind had risen, raw and
bleak. Mr.. Clarendon felt cold and
proceeded on his way shiyeringly.
The news of the death of Mr.. Van
Houston had preceded him, SO later
when he presented himself at the resi-
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-07-13
HORSE CHESTNUT.

in a few years it is expected we shall
have in our country nuts as large and
finely favored as those produced by the
brown people of the island empire.
Things to eat are so plentiful and
easily obtained in our country that we
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-07-13

VI horse chestnut tree the same as
a buckeye tree? That is a ques-
ton some of as were arguing the
other day. To settle the matter. one
9f my Ohio boy friends sent me some
leaves OF the true buckeye. An
artist friend has made a drawing
Of one of the leaves. also of buckeye
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-07-13

The cute little Japanese spaniel in
the picture took a prize recently at a
toy dog show He is named after the
great japanese, Admiral Togo, and
looks as though he might be as good a
fighter.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-07-13
IA. Occupation Selected

Aunty-Well, JacIky, what would you
like to be when you grow up?
Jacky (vvilo is getting over severe
whipping should like to be a ia
therless orphan.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-07-13

Father-Pd be ashamed to make all
that fuss about having a tooth out. .a
Tommy-So would If it were your
tooth.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-07-13

She would not receive me. for in
stance?"
"Of course" the lawyer said, 81 can
not answer for my clients. As you
say. they are proud, but money is often
a strong influence"
Get your papers out, Mr.. Clarendon -
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-07-13

HE Van Houstons were
an aristocratic family
people of the world
and as happy as
most but for the fact
that a family Skele-
ton lodged in their
hearts in the memory
Evening journal., 1907-12-23
.COERCED BY KISS
is CLAIM IN SUIT
But Court Rejects II in Con-
test Over Banker Mas
sons Fortune

MOBILE, Dec. 23.-Does kissing con-
st.tute coercion Of such a nature as to
render invalid a will written While un-
der the influence of the kisses? James
M. Mason, millionaire banker, cut Off
his son, James H.. Jr.. formerly a Wall
street broker, whose mother had di-
vogced his father with $1,000, leaving
the remainder Of his fortune to his
second wife. The son contended n
court that demonstrations of affection
by Mrs. Masson No. caused the bank
er to practically dislnherit his son.
Counsel for young Mason quoted de-
cisions Of the Supreme Court to the
effect that a husband is regarded by
the law as the dominant party" that
his will must be left unhampered.
Tt may be so in Washington" thun-
dered Gregory Smith, Tor the defend
ant; but sir. not so in the sovereign
State of Alabama. why, sir, to uphold
such a decision as this is to destroy
higher affections, to strike at domestic
affection. which warns the hearts %
us all by our own nresides and makes
US better men"
Judge Price Williams decided that a
kiss does not constitute coercion.
Evening journal., 1907-12-23
STEAL CHICKENS
AT New CASTLE
Hugh Sheridan Robbed Of
Some Of His Holiday
Fowls
Special to THE EVENING JOURNAL.

Special to TIE EVENING JOURNAL.
NEW CASTLE. Dec. 23.-Pierce Joyce,
one Of the best known residents died on
Saturday night at the home of his son-in-
law, James b. Toman. He had lived re-
tired for several years past
In st. Peters -aurch this morning a
requiem memorial mass for the Rev. Will
liam j. Birmingham, was celebrated. The
Rev. Il. V. Campbell and the late Father
Birmingham were intimate friends. Only
the day before the priest was taken SICK
they had been conversing on the un-
certainty of death. Father Birmingham
good for twenty-five years more Nine
Gays later he was buried.
Chicken thieves visited Hugh Sheridan
early this morning and seventeen fine
chickens disappeared. Chicken thieves
have been busy during the week.
Joseph Wilson, who ran away from ST.
Josephs Home at Clayton, was found
here at the home of relatives officer To-
bin notified the Home and the boy has
been taken back. He has an aunt here aud
she VIII try TO get the boy to raise him.
New registers have been placed in the
trolley cars They show larger figures
than the old ones and are not so high on
the cars so that short conductors can
reach them when they are removed at the
railway junction
Masses in st. Peters Church on Christ
mas Day will be at $50. and $50 o'clock
George Duncan who has been sick is
able to be out. He has ordered the enter
tainmcnt for the benefit of the band to be
postponed.
Evening journal., 1907-12-23
GOLD WATCH FOR
DR.. LIGHTBOURNE
Popular Dover Pastor Gets
Beautiful Christmas Gift
From Congregation

DOVER, Dell, Dec. 23.-There was a
scene bright with Christmas cheer In
Wesley NJ e. parsonage last night
after the delightful Christmas exercises
OF the church and Sunday school had
been concluded A company which
represented every department Of the
church work, the Sabbath school, Ep-
worth League. official boards, temper
anco societies and musical organiza-
tions, crowded into the parsonage. and
selecting Professor James r. Carroll as
spokesman, treated the pastor, DR. a.
w. Lightbourne, to a great surprise.
Dr. dghtbourne was presented with a
jeweled- gold watch.
1T is a great blessing to be able to
extend professional aid to one who is
I In financial trouble or enmeshed IN
the courts; it is a greater blessing TO
be able TO minister, professionally, to
one on a bed Of suffering and sickness, %
said the spokesman, in presenting the
/ gift. but to be able 70 minister unto
one IN the depths Of sorrow. or in the
degradation of sin, and bring 10 him
the Gospel message of Jesus Christ, the
! Saviour Of mankind, and to be the
means of helping that one up to an
experience of joy and peace, Is the
greatest, the highest of all mans en-
dowments
"That sir, you have done TO us dur
ing your ministry here. You have
helped US to reach out for a firmel
hold on Eternal Life. We bring you
this gift as a token Of our esteem al
/ receiving from your hands this minis.
tration, and pray God may grant yot
renewed strength in your great worl
for salvation and the perfect life"
The minister after overcoming som,
formidable emotions. responded in g
speech fun Of love and good cheer 70
his people,
Evening journal., 1907-12-23
SECRETARY Taft
ENDORSES STAMPS

William IT. Taft. secretary OF war. has
given his endorsement of the Christmas
stamp inaugurated in this city by the
Delaware branch of the Red Cross. Mr..
Taft who is national president of the
Red Cross. says:
You cannot use language too strong
10 express my sympathy with the move
Christmas season a time for work OF the
highest importance to suffering human
Last week 1900 stamps were sold in this
Guy Up 70 the present 625.000 OF the
stamps have been circulated and an addf-
tonal 10000 have been ordered printed
Each Of the public schools was supplied
with a thousand Of the stamps last week
asked for.
Evening journal., 1907-12-23
BATH SLIPPERS.
ohesr. Of esrlsnderu, unIon.

The Bartepders' Union has elected
The following iohceus; President Will
liam Edler; Wce-presidcnt. Frank
ODonnell; recorling secretary. John
2. Hagan; chapiain, Charles Walker.
treasurer. George u. Bleyer; Inspector.
William Osborne board OF trustees.
John kaylor Frank ODonnel. John
Crumlish and w. y. Galloway tied;
Evening journal., 1907-12-23
LeVy'S KunfOrt Shoe House, 223 Market Street.
Double Our ParOm ii for

dressed the Young Mems Christian
Association meeting Ia the Garick
Theatre yesterday afternoon. His sub
iect was Drop IT," Musical numbers
OF the program were furnished by Miss
sara Amsbaugh. the child soprano, WHO
sang two selections. and the Philhar-
monte Orchestra. "The Angel and the
Shepherds" from Ben Hur, was recited
by Miss Irene Fulton
Evening journal., 1907-12-23
SHOES EoR OLD LADIES

Made Of softest feathers. with hand
turnei soles. Some are warm lined
and made Of warm felt or quilted satin.
all :elt or leather foxed; in laced con-
gresa CATERS or JullotI with elastic
sides ........-...........75e to 50 25