davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-11-02


of the fraternity house they separated
without words.
Desbro gave up his nightly walks for
a week and was seen but little outside
his room. He explained his marred
cheek and a stiffness in one leg by a
fall through broken crossing. Bah
bington was so stiff at practice for the
next few days that the coach marveled
in secret and was solicitous in public,
for darlington was valuable.
''Going to make another character
study of the game, Desbro?"
Desbro shook his head and smiled.
I'm continuing one," he answered
shortly.
1t was with a more interested, less
coldly critical expression that he fol-
lowed the movements Of the men on the
white striped field beneath him. The
problem confronting the varsity team
was a different one from that which
Desbro had watched on the first occa-
sion, for instead of feeble opponents
who would only afford them good prac-
tice they faced an eleven of their own
class.
From the first the enemy's tactics had
been obvious. They realized that in
darlington there was living opposi-
ton which barred all progress to the
wearing down of his great strength
they had directed their efforts. Men
had been led to the side lines pale and
bleeding and the list of the visitors
substitutes was diminished, but still
Darlington formed the center of every
attack and was the rock about which
split the enemy's onslaughts. 1t was
not a snowy exhibition, but it was a
splendid piece of physical stamina, and
the great crowd was appreciative. They
saw that Babbington's endurance would
make victory possible. and they rose
in a great wall of color and cheered
him furiously.
''Babbington! Babbingtonl"
Close to the goal posts Babbingtou
raised his great frame from the tangls
of the last attack which had shattered
it's force upon him and faced the shout
ing crowds. Slowly he raised a huge
fist and shook it in the face of the null
titude which grew wonderingly silent.
Course you" he shouted, and the
sound of the hoarse voice carried to
every part of the stands, leave my
name alonei"
Desbro smiled quietly
In the term social impossibility,'
he muttered. II was guilty of gross in
Justice"
When the whistle sounded the end OF
the half he scrambled down from hi.
seat, climbed the wire fence inclosine
the field and walked toward Babbing
ton, who, with hanging head, was walk
ing slowly toward the side lines.
will you shake hands, Babbington?'
he asked, shilling.
Darlington looked up in surprise;
then his somewhat heavy features
lighted up, and the big hand shot out.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-11-02

thought he reddened-that he had come
to the house in the hope of ingratiating
himself with a man who belonged to d
class beyond his reach. But when Des-
bros face was flashed to him suddenly
out of the night all of these mingled
emotions had been welded suddenly
into hot flame of animal rage de-
handing the one form of atonement
which it knew.
Block after block the man in front
walked, turning now to the right and
now to the left, sometimes walking rap
idly and again idling along at a snail's
pace. They passed through the bust
ness streets, lonely and deserted under
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-11-02
THE GOAT COMES FIRST.

Switzerland is the only country in the
world where the goat is placed ahead
of all other animals and even of hu-
man beings. If a boy plaques a goat,
he can be fined and sent to Jail. If a
person meets a goat on a path and
drives him aside, he can be arrested. If
a goat enters the yard of a person not
his owner and is hit with a club or
stone, the person guilty of the offense
must pay 80 cents. If an engineer sees
a goat on the track, the train must be
stopped until the animal can be coaxed
to remove himself
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-11-02

the harsh glare of the arc lights. Here
Desbro paused to talk with a police
man with whom he seemed to be on
excellent terms. and, turned suddenly
cold at the sight of the patrolman, Bah
bington crossed the street and nearly
lost his man, who wheeled abruptly
into q dark side street.
Darlington was conscious that a
struggle had commenced within him
and that the first heat of anger was
passing. He grew ashamed of his
growing caimness, fearful lest the cool
ing influence of the walk rob him of
the meritsd retaliation which he knew
his massive arms could administer
Catching at his fading anger. he in
creased his stride and shortened the
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-11-02

steps which came from the hallway in
the little interval of silence.
This Darlington comes out of no
where" Desbro continued, "a graceless,
coarse fibered clod with a giant s
strength and the broad ideas of a goat,
hungry for notoriety of the sort his
great muscles can command, and you
pamper his cheap cravings with unc-
ton. You sit in the stands and shout
yourselves hoarse while he is battering
some poor fellow in the arena, and you
will go further. You will desire the
capture of this athletic lion in spite of
the fact that he is "a social impoSSi-
bility, and you will be crowding around
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-11-02

trying to put your fraternity pins on
his coat. Bah!
Il talked with the man, looked into
his great, oxlike eyes-dead. devoid of
the spark of reaE life
The unfnished sentence broke abrupt
ly, and every eye in the room followed
Desbro's startled glance to the door
way. where, turning his cane in his
hands and staring at the speaker with
an expression wholly indescribable.
stood Darlington. For moment there
was the dead silence of utter embar-
rassment; then one by one the men
turned to the tables, while Darlington
cleared his throat and spoke.
Il came to see if possibly 1 hadn't
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-11-02

him men and women We're abandoning
themselves to excuses of enthusiasm
but his cold neutral tinted eyes FOL
lowed the movements of the muddy hg-
ures on the gridiron without trace OF
excitement, though they lost no details
of the play.
sT beg your pardon'-Desbro's high
pitched nervous voice cut incisively into
the throaty cheer of which the man
next to him was delivering himself
but can you tell me who is the black
haired man at tackle?
Darlington snapped the other
shortly and turned again to his cheer
ing, while DeSbro murmured courteous
thanks.
Turning a pair of fieldglasses upon
the field. Desbro watched the strug-
Cling figures intently for a few mo-
dnents; then, laying the binoculars aside
and lighting a cigarette, he commenced
to talk to himself in low tone, utterly
obliviOus of his surroundings.
"A matchless physique he muttered,
coupled with a face which might have
been Adam's-as devoid of the spark of
intelligence as an ox's-the very en-
bodiment of the game he is playing"
His intent gaze noted a sudden con-
gestion of the padded figures below
him and an eager craning of necks from
the seats of the big stand. One of the
opposing players lay stretched on the
turf writhing in pain, while a group of
the visiting eleven's supporters leaned
from their seats and pointed impotently
accusing fingers at the man called Bah
bington. who stood looking down at the
PROSTATE figure with his hands on his
massive hips. An official approached
him and gesticulated menacingly. Bah
bington nodding slowly in blank and
uncomprehending acquiescence.
Darlington! Babbington!' chorused
the short, inspiring slogan of the var
sity cohorts, and the big man lifted his
head and smiled foolishly in unfeigned
delight.
A cold little sneer gathered about the
corners of Desbro's mouth as he
watched the incident.
What callOusness,'' he exclaimed
softly, what saVagely unconscious cal
lousneSs. Is the man an anachronism
or only a brute? Such simple minded
unconcern for physical agony caused by
ones own hands is the mark of mere
Coarseness or throwback.''
y For half an hour longer he watched
BaDbingtOns part in the game, then
left his seat. utterly unconscious that
turning his back on a triumph
which presaged a brilliant season for
he team, and walked slowly out of the
zig gates.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-11-02

them by means of pumping air and the
white fluid that serves 1t as blood
through the many veins that are spread
out upon it's gauzelike surface. Instinct
seems to teach it that the greatest care
must be taken in this, as should the
wings now be injured in the slightest
way they will never become perfect.
Gradually the air dries out the tissues
until they stand out transparent and
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-11-02

SINCE by doing so you are ~ benefit
ing the annoying little blohckers.
rev insects have NOR hteresting
NE history than the dragores. They
are most numerous in Aug3 and that
Is because great hordes diem are
tneh emerging from the cdr stages
OF their growth. which are different
from the last one The drai fly may
truiF De SAID to be clifnbfn insect
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-11-02

which doubtless every boy and girl is
aware is that if they get into the hair
they will sew ones ears up. Another
notion is that they go about seeking
to sting people in the eyes. These are
come of the stories that have been told
to me by credulous country boys and
girls but 1 hope no reader of this page
is foolish enough to believe them. The
fact is that so far human folk are
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-11-02

concerned the dragCay does no harm
but really much serA as it consumes
great numbers of hnful insects and
is a great enemy oAe mosquito AS
dragon flies are alwa found about the
water in which mos Hoes breed it is
not wise to injure gle one of them,
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-11-02

society. He begins his career in the
mud and ends it in the air. The
mother dragon fly drops her eggs into
the water of some quiet pool or brook.
where they lodge in an aquatic plant
under the water or else sink to the bot
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-11-02
On .Je6veZed Wr1@S
By ALBERTA PLATT

:: IS: s: 6: :: :: {: :: s::
sunshine is the dragon fly.
Dragon flies are found all over the
world. and there are many curious su-
oerstitions in regard to them. One of
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-11-02
THE HENS GAUGE.

A little boy and his sister We're al
lowed this summer to collect the eggs
from the hen coops. but they were told
they must never take away the nest
egg. The little girl. however, did so
one morning by mistake, and her broth
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-11-02

er was overheard telling her that she
must take it right back, because that
was what the old hen measured by"
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-11-02
TO DRAM AN OVAL,

The illustration shows a very simple
method by which an oval can be accu-
rately drawn. Take two pins or tin
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-11-02

tacks and stick them in the surface
upon which you wish to draw the oval
Get a piece of thread, knot it into
loop, and then put it over the pins. By
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-11-02
A CHEEKY and contented soul

CHEEKY and contented soul
Was little Mistress Grub.
Although within the garden walls
She met with many snub.
When rude remarks fell on her ear
She'd wink a merry eye.
..You will nos scorn me thus. said she.
when I'm butterfly"
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-11-02

SSBRO shifted IN his
seat, settled his eye
gla sSeS more firmly
upon his nose and, with
his gloved hands fold
ed on the top of his
cane, turned his glance
again to the field of
play. On all sides of
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-11-02
ONE ON THE COON.

Reynard-Say, Coonie, when is a gray
squirrel a chipmunk?
CONNECTIVE it up.
Reynard-When he is run through
the mill; a ground squirrel-see?
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-11-02

copyright. 1907. by Donal H. Haines,l
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-11-02

misunderstood you,' he said. turning to
Desbro. That name you mentioned
was Morton, wasn't it?" ,
Desbro, redder than any man had
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1907-03-02
SYNOPSIS OF PRECEDING CHAP
TIERS,

CHAPTER I-Rudolf Rassendyll, one
of whose ancestors was the natural son
of one of the ElphberGs. the ruling
house in the kingdom of Ruritania, de-
tCrmincS To visit that country.
CHAPTER II.-Rudolf has the red
hcrEs. while his own family are dark.
On his journey toward StrclSaU, the
capital Of Rurltania, Rudolf rides in
the same train with It beautiful woman,
AutOincttc de MaUhau, who is much
admired by a friend of Rudolrs, at
Unation of the king of Ruritania is
near at hand. and Rudolf. therefore in
stead of going direct Ia StrclSau. stops
at Il small place nearby. where the duke,
BLACK Michael brother. of the king.
has his castle.
CHAPTER Hin the woods next
day. Rudolf meets Colonel Sapt and
Fritz won Tarl"nhcim. both in the SerV-
ice of the king of RuritaUia. They
comment on T;udolTS marvellous rcS"m-
blancc to the king. whom Rudolf later
meets. ana by whom he is entertained
in hunting lodge. There the king.
after drinking bottle of liquor sent
10y his brother. Black Michael. is stupe-
fled
CHAPTER IV.-The next morning.
the day set for TN" coronation the king
is Still unconscious. Fritz and SapJ
think that Black Michael is RESPONSE
bic for the Kings condition and that if
the monarch does not appear at the
coronation his brother will seize the
TciuS of government. They therefor"
decide to make Rudolf shave and dC-
company them to Strclsau in the GuiSc
IF IN" king. The king is lett in the
hunting lodge in charge of Il man who
is known to ne discreet
CHAPTER N.-Rudolf is crowned
king of Ruritanta.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1907-03-02

''ThanE God, sirci You're safe,"
will enjoy being fooled as you've fool
ed them: Do you think they'll love a
king who was too drunk to be crowned
and sent servant to personate him."
He was drugged-and I'm no serv-
ant
Mine will be Black Michaers ver-
sion"
He rose came to me and laid his
hand on my shoulder.
Lad" he said. IF you play the man
you may save the king yet. Go back
and keep his throne warm for him."
But the duke knowS-the villains
he has employed Know
aye, but they can't speak" roared
Sapt in grim triumph. We've got
'em. How can they denounce you
without denCuncing themselves? This
is not the king, because we kidnapped
the king and murdered his servant
Can they say that
The position flashed on me. Whether
| Michael knew me or not he could not
| speak. Unless he produced the king.
what could he do? And if lie produced
| the king. where was heI For Il mo-
| ment | was carried away headlong.
| but in an instant the difficulties came
strong upon me.
81 must be found out" | urged.
perhaps. but every hours some
thing. Above all. we must have n
king in Strelsau or the city will be
| Michaefs i'll four and twenty hours,
and what would the kings life be
worth then-or his throne? Lad, you
must do it,
Suppose they kill the king?"
They'll kill him if you don't"
''Sapt. suppose they have killed the
king?"
"Then. by heaven, you're as good an
| Elphberg as Black Michael. and YOU
shall reign in Ruritania. But I don't
believe they have, nor will they kill
him if you're on the throne. Will they
kill him to put you in:"
1t was wild plan-wilder even and
hopeless than the trick we had already
carried through, but as I listened to
Sapt | saw the strong points in our
game. And then l was Il young man,
and | loved action, and ! was offered
such hand in such a game as per-
haps never man played yet
Il shall be found out" / said.
Perhaps" said Sapt. "Come! To
Strelsau. We shall be caught like rats
! in trap if we stay here"
"Sapt." | cried. I'll try it,
1 well playedn' said he. 81 hope
they've left us the horses. I'll go and
! see''
I'VE must bury that poor fellow
said T.
mo time" said Sapt.
"I'll do it."
''IIans you!" he grinned. 81 make
you Il king, and-weu, do it., Go and
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1907-03-02

sleeping o1 last nights revilry-and
we met hardly soul till we reached
the little gate of the palace. There
Sapt'S old groom WAS waiting for us.
lis all we'll sir!" he asked.
'AlTS we'll" said Sapt. and the man.
coming to see. took my hand to kiss:
THE kings hurt" he cried.
Its nothing" said as | dismounted.
Il caught my finger in the door
"Remember. silence" said Sapt. "Ah.
but. my good Freyler. | do not need to
tell You that
The old fellow shrugged his Shout
derS.
"All Young men like To ride abroad
now ami then-why not the king
said he. and Sapt's laugh left his opin-
ion of my motives UndistUrbed.
You should always trust Il man.
observed Sapt. fitting the key in the
lock. Just as far us YOU must"
We went in and reached the dressing
room. Flngimg open the door. we saw
Fritz Won Tarlpnhcim stretched. fully
dressed. on the sofa. He seemed To
IIN I lt'ii NlttDlI-. bbl Jul titiAA WINE
him He leaped to his feet. gave one
glance at me and with IA joyful cry
threw himself on his knees before me-
Thank God. sire. Thank God
you're safe he cried. stretching his
hand up to catch hold of mine.
| confess that | was moved. This
king. whatever his faults. made people
love him. For a moment | could not
bear to speak or break the poor fel
lows illusion. But tough old Sapt had
no such feeling. He slapped his hand
on his thigh delightedly.
Bravo. lad.' cried he. We shall
do
Fritz looked up in hewilderment.
| held out my hand. .- ..
You're wounded. SIRE he exclaim
ed
It's only scratch" said I. but
l paused.
He rose to his feet with a bewilder
ed air. Holding my hand, lie looked
me up and down and down and up
Then suddenly he dropped my han,
and reeled back.
t. where's the king? Where's tin
king" he cried.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1907-03-02
ITO Be Continued.)
Saved Her Sons Life.

The happiest mother in the little
town of Ava. Mo, is Mrs. S. Rupee.
She writes: "One year ago my son was
down with such serious lung trouble
that our physician was unable to help
him. when, by our druggists advice, [
began giving him Dr. Kings, New Dis
covery, and | soon. noticed improve
ment | kept this treatment up for 4
few weeks. when he was perfectly well.
He has worked steadily since at car
penter work DR.. Kings New DiscOv-
cry saved his life Guaranteed best
cough and cold remedy by w. 7. Hartz,
druggist. 301 Twentieth street %
cents and ST. Trial bottle free.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1907-03-02

ment it must have been for him when
the royal salutes were fired at Strel-
sau this morning. l wonder when he
got the messenger"
1T must have been sent in the
morning. said Sapt. They must
have sent it before news of your ar.
rival at StrelSau reached Zenda-I sup
pose it came from Zenda.'
And he's carried it about all day. l
exclaimed. Upon my honor, I'm not
the only man who's had Il trying day.
What did he think, Sapt?"
What does that matter! What does
he think. lad. now"
/ rose to my feet
I'VE must get back l said, land
rouse every soldier in Strelsau. We
ought to be in pursuit of Michael be-
fore midday"
Old Sapt pulled his pipe and care
fully lit it from the candle which gut
tered on the table.
'.The king may be murdered while
we sit here l urged
Sapt smoked for moment in silence.
That cursed old woman he broke
| out. "She must have attracted their
| attention somehow. l see the game.
They came up ID kidnap the king. and
as l say-somehow thea found him.
| If YOU hadn't gone to StrelSau. you
and and Fritz had been in heaven by
now"
"And the king?'
"Who knows where the king Is
now" he asked.
Come; let's be off" said |. But he
| sat still, and suddenly he burst into
ole of his grating chuckles.
BY Jove, We've shaken up Black
| Michael"'
Come, Gomez l repeated impatient
ly.
"And We'll shake him up bit more
he added, Il cunning smile broadening
on his wrinkled. weather beaten face
| and his teeth working on an end of
his griZZlai mustache. AYE. lad. We'll
go back tn Strelsau The king shall be
in his capital ;Rain tomorrow"
The king"
1.-THE crowned kingv'
/ You're mad,' l cried. ,.
IF we go back and tell the trick we
played. what would you give for oul
lives?'
lust what they're worth" said l.
"And for the kings throne? Do yor
think that the mobiles and the people
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1907-03-02

flush. You fooIr' Kissed Sapt Not
so loud, Here's the king
\ knock sounded at the door Sapt
seized me 10y the hand.
Here. quick, To the bedroom, or
with your cap and YOUR boots. Get
into bed. Cover everything up
| did as | was bid. \ moment later.
Sapt looked in. nodded. grinned and
introduced an extremely smart and
deferential Young gentleman. who
came up TO my bedside. bowling again
and again. and Informed me that lie
was of the household of the Princess
Fllvia and that her royal highneSs had
sent him especially To inquire how the
kings health was after the fatigues
which his majesty had undergone yes
terday
My hest thanks. sir. to my cousin"
said |. and tell her royal higllness that
| WAS never better in my life
The king" added cid Sapt. who. I
began to find. loved Il good lie for its
own sake has slept without Il break
all night
The Young gentleman Che reminded
me of Osric in "Hamlct'l bowed him
self out again. The farce was over.
and Fritz Won Tarlenheim's pale face
recalled us TO reality. though. in faith,
the farce had to be reality for us now.
lis the king dead" he whispered.
please God. no." said l. But he's
in the hands of Black Michael"