davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Brookings register. [volume] (Brookings, Brookings County, S.D.) 1903-1971, 1910-06-23
REPUBLICAN HARMONY?

Since the primary election and
Governor Wesley came so near being
defeated the stalwarts and progress
sives of Mitchell started a movement
looking to the solidarity of the re-
publican party and to bring about a
reconciliation for all time to come.
The near election of Egan has brought
them to the point of unity for concert
ed action. The men of the state will
be memoralized to stop the fight, con
veying the idea that they as common
republican voters, are through with
fighting in the party, and that it is
only the leaders who are keeping UP
the fight.
Chairman Richards of the progress
sive organization, does not propose to
bury the Ratchet, declaring that he
will continue his fight against Sena-
tors Crawford and Gamble.
When questioned as to his future at
titude towards Senators Gamble and
Crawford, Richards stated that, in
his opinion, Senator Gamble is identi-
fed with the Milwaukee Railway COM
pany's interests and Senator Craw-
ford with the North Western Railway
company's interests; that neither OF
the senators have stood up as con
sistent progressive republicans on the
traiff and railroad bills, and that Meth
er deserves the support of the progress
sive republican organization. He
says both of them have some person
al following in the state, but every
earnest progressive republican organ
~ization man is shaking his head"
He says that much of Congressman
Burke and Martins strength was due
to their following of postmaGters. he
charges that this gives them nearly
700 active workers stationed in every
town and hamlet in the state and keep
them in close touch with the people
and that they have been very active
in Martin and 8urke's behalf.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-02-20

tone of mock injury; but came anyhow. Of course
if I'm intruding in this happy gathering. Ill go
right away.
But he made no move to 20. Without waiting for
from the hosts the guests he Invested
himself of his coat and squeezed between the of
chairs and the wall to position that had been made
for him hastily at the head of the table. From the
moment he sat down the sparkle of his good humor
reflected in the almost boisterous JOY of the
guests. He didn't wait for introductions; he just
chatted with all those about him. His presence
seemed to rradate the gathering if all the good
humor of the world was concentrated in his bullying
form. AS if in response to common impulse, he APP
pointed himself postmaster, and when there was
sudden lu in the conversation he called on himself
for a speech.
AS he rose he tapped his spoon on the plate for
silence and then clutched the edge of the table. 1t
seemed plain that there underlying purpose,
which yet had been unrevealed, in his presence
at the celebration.
7 AIDES and gentlemen he began softly, when he
- had cleared his voice of the clutch that impeded
his speech, when say this is an suspicious occa-
Son mean it suspicious for as for the loving
couple at side. While here to celebrate
the silver wedding of those who have looked after this
house many years, have another reason for being
among you tonight. | am here to pay debt of
gratitude, one that has been accommodating compound
interest in my heart for fifteen years.
If he had been prisoner unburdening himself of
his guilt before black robed Judge and jury he
could not have looked solemn trembled
more violently.
Fifteen years ago" he continued husky "a
poor peddler lived in this house. He a strange
figure in strange land, without friend to help him.
He came home one day, tired and hungry and dis
couraged, when crowd of mischevous boys added
to his misery by peltng him with snowbals. One of
the balls hard as ice struck him the head and he
fell to the sidewalk Missiles continued to strike him,
even after he had fallen. He would have been har
raised further if woman the wife of the janitor of
this building, had not come to his She
out of this very door, like an avenging spirit it
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-02-20

for those at the other end of the to hear and
they crowded forward l." well, the peddler moved
away. He went to night school, and familiarized
himself with the language of the new country lie
prospered far beyond his dreams. He established
himself in business and grew rich. Those who had
helped him lost track of him; but he didn't forget
Them Through shrewd maneuvering he got the
boy, Solomon looked wistfully at Dennis yes
he got the boy into his employ. How he did it with
out letting the boys parents know the identity of the
employer need not go into now. 1t is sufficient to
the incident of fifteen years ago have just related
and the parents never saw the employer until
tonight.
Now l come to little secret I'm going tell
It's about the owner of this house I'm the owner.
l bought it seven years ago. My benefactors didn't
know they were collecting the rent for they had
no hint of it from my agent. Now, when say they
collected the rents for me- am making a misstate-
ment. They collected the rents for themselves The
profits from this house have been kept for seven
years in special account that stands in the of
Mrs. Michael o Brlen. 1t was my intention not to
say anything about it until the profits reached the
amount of the principal invested in this property.
but this afternoon learned of the celebration that
taking place The the platter the
middle of this table late arriving is that the
engravers unable to finish the job quicker than
they did.
Not sound broke the tense silence of the room as
the speaker turned slowly toward Mrs O Brien, who
was trembling violently.
Il have brought with me- he said the bank
book that for seven years has stood in your name
give it to you with the hope that before seven
more years have passed it will show balance big
enough to make you the landlord instead of being
only the jantress of this building Solomon fumbled
in his inside coat pocket and brought forth the
book
And now, my friends" he added as he stretched
his arms bengnly above the heads of Mr. and
Mrs. O Brien, may your lives be full of golden hap
piness. unmarried by any affection and may God
grant all of the pleasure of being here to help
you to celebrate your golden wedding!',
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-02-20

watched o Brien his shoulders squared, his head
erect his movement gracefully steady hurry toward
his home. The strange fancy that had caused him
to refuse the packers modest request again took
hold of him and whimsical smile lit his features with
pleasant light. 1t shed its radiance everyone
with whom he came III contact during the rest of
the day.
A HEAVY load crushed the festive JOY of
OBriens heart as he entered the home of his
parents. He was out of job. He had by his own
act, cut off the eighteen dollars week that helped
to make life comfortable for the old folk Yet, he
reflected it filia love that had driven him into
rashness And it that he encountered the
leaning happiness of his mother with a doleful
Il knew he'd be to let you off early she
greeted him slilingly He's always been good
boss to YOU.
The son nodded assent He had not the courage
would be time enough to tell her, the news would
with less crushing force after the celebration.
Perhaps, the thought fitted through his mind Solo
mon would reent. would forgive the hasty language.
lie cast the thought aside as repulslve to his man
hood He not a cringer, Dennis o Brien He
could stand being out of work! But the thought of
his parents the little luxures they would miss,
filed him with sharp pangs which he tried hard to
hide behind mask of cheerfulnesS.
THE hours before the arrival of the guests
crowded with happiness for Mr. and Mrs. o. Brien.
With the aid of the son, they cleared the apartment
of all unnecessary furnishings for the guests would
be many and the room small. They borrowed chairs
from the neighbors and lined them in the front
Dishes they obtained wherever they could for their
supply barely met their needs. Through
out the afternoon small silver gifts arrived in elab
crate packages. They were spread conspicuously on
the kitchen table, and the overflow arranged on
various shelves
To make room for a dilapidated square piano the
bed had been moved out of the room adjoining the
parlor. At seven o'clock the muscians-an old
fiddler and his wife, who accompanied him on the
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-02-20

nifty. - | want to say that ever since his name
went on my payroll | have been watching him. l
have been trying him out, to make up my mind
whether all he was good for to pack cases or
whether he had the stuff in him that makes success
l wanted to see whether he man whether he
had any of the qualities of his mother. l found
to-day. He discharged himself from my employ
and he reviled me outrageously. The guests
looked at the unfortunate Dennis in panied
prise. That's what he did, he cursed me out and
threatened to assault mel" Solomon continued
with comprehensive sweep of his hand. +" He
lost his job in the packing room, and, what's
more he can't get it back. Tomorrow he goes
into the stockroom but l don't want any fighters
in my place, I'll send him the road
broken in,
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-02-20

pldnO-aIIlVeu. ley were SOOTl
followed by the guests. The
rooms slowly filled with a happy,
moving. talking throng. Ripples
of laughter mingled with the
heavy drone of conversation: the
air became surcharged with a
pleasant excitement in which
Dennis tried to forget his melan-
choly. But the somber lines of
his face did not fail to attract
his mothers notice.
What's the matter with YOU.
she asked. You're not sick, are
your"
No, mother" he replied:
Just tired, that's all" Before
she was able to question him
further he had lost himself, with
a brave show of merriment,
among the young folk.
THE clearing of the front room,
: followed by the setting up of
two long narrow tables, signitied
that the cold supper was ready
to be served. The more impor-
tant guests had just seated them
selves when the company was
interrupted by the entrance of a
messenger. Eager hands undid
the wrapping of the package he
deposited on the table. There
was a buzz of excited comment
as large silver platter, with a
border of entwined leaves and
engraved initials in the center,
was revealed. Admitting ex-
carnations escaped from the lips
of the guests.
Who sent it," cried a dozen
voices in unison.
1t had come unaccompanied
by any card, nor was there any
thing on the wrapper that in
Dictated the source of the rich gift.
Sure it wasn't sint from hiv
O'Brien in a tremor of eXcitemen
below must have sint it. But WI
As if in answer to her query, a
lined overcoat, through the ur
which appeared an immaculate
doomed in the doorway. In til
Of the unadorned room he lool
lent godfather just stepped from Z
splendor of his attire contrasted V
others in the place.
Sol-ol-o-mon! It's the boss,
Dennis.
Then he's the wan who STINT
O'Brien responded. The boss h;
din celebration" she shouted to
come to the boss! It's the foine
YOU ever Sawi"
We'll I wasn't invited he ~
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-02-20

seemed then and r;iined blows the heads of the
assailants of the poor pedder When she had scat
She called her husband and her boy and they carried
the peddler into this very ROOM For four weeks he
remained here, suffering from the shock of the
ball and the violent fall.
The woman who nursed him through his Illness
who cared for him with the tenderness of mother,
who gave him willingly of the little she had is the
who is celebrating her silver wedding tonight That
kindness. But she gave him more than life she made
life worth while. 1t from her he learned the
broad humanity that unites us all in universal kin
ship
A faint burst of applause was checked by Solo
mons uplifted hand.
Well the tremor of his voice made it difficult
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-02-20

THE CONCLUSIVE sobs of
Mrs. O'Brien Jared the
stiffness. Solomon was gulp-
ing hard. The guests sat as
if they had been charmed
into immortality. There
was a moment of profound
quiet, and then the tension
snapped. Some one jumped
on chair and shouted.
Three cheers for Mr.. Solo
mon." That started the
guests. Three times three
cheers were given, and then
a few more. When they got
tired of cheering they sang
For He's a Jolly Good Eel
low" in acknowledgment of
the sentiment. The singing
was followed by a general
uproar, in which men brought
their open hands down on
Solomon's back with resound-
ing whacks, while women i'm
pulsively wrung the hands
of Mrs. O'Brien. 1t looked
as if the guests, in the vio-
lence of the reaction that
followed the long quiet, We're
determined to beat Solomon
to pulp.
Wait a minute! Please
wait minute. he kept
shouting. L haven't finished.
have something important
to say"
When silence was restored.
Solomon pointed a finger at
Dennis. who was huddled off
at one side and looked as if
the strange turn of events had
petrifed him.
." want to say something
about that loafer over there"
He spoke with mock solem-
ly that ever since his name
have been watching him. |
1 out, to make up my mind
God for was to pack cases. or
uff in him that makes success.
her he was a man, whether he
rs of his mother. | found out
The Southern herald., 1910-11-04

his eoolness, there in the face Of her
burning agitation. was appalling.
Mrs. Herrick's face was taking on
an expression no less than wary.
What he was, Mrs. Herrick could not
dream. She could not even suspect
what Flora believed. But in the light
Of her terrible discovery Flora dared
not have him suspected at all.
Now. if she had ever in her life.
she talked over the top Of her feel
ings; and though at first to her ears
her voice rang out horribly alone,
presently Mrs. Herrick was helping
her, adding words to words. 1t was
the house they spoke of. the San Ma
teo house, the subject about which
Flora knew Mrs. Herrlck had come
to talk; but to Flora it was no longer
subject. It was a barrier, a shield.
In this emergency It was the only
subject large enough to fill the gap,
and much as Flora had liked the idea
of it, she had never built the house
so large, so vivid, so wonderfully tow
ering to please her fancy as she was
doing now to cover Kerr. With Ques-
tons she led Mrs. Herrick on to spin
out the subject, to play 1t over with
lights and shades, to beat all around
It. And all the while she knew that
Kerr was watching her.
The lady's clear gray eyes Travelled
between Flora's face and his. Under
their steady light there was a strange
alertness, as if she sat there ready
enough to avert whatever threatened,
but anxious to draw her skirts aside
from it, distrusting the quality, hating
to have come in upon anything so du-
bious. When the hail door opened
and closed she listened as II for a de-
liverer; and when Clara appeared be
tween the portieres she turned to her
and met her with a flash Of relief, as
If here at last was safe quantity.
Clara was still wearing her hat, with
the veil pushed up in little mist
above her eyes, and still had her
white gloves on. The sight of Mrs.
Herrick's hand soliciting the clasp OF
those gave Flora a curious sensation.
She looked from one face to an.
other, and last at Kerr's. She shut
her eyes an instant. Here was thief.
He was standing in her drawing-room
now. She had been talking with him.
She opened her eyes. The fact &C.
Nnowledged had not altered the color
IF daylight. 1t was strange that
things-furniture and walls and land.
scape-should remain so stolidly the
same when such thing had happened
to her! For she had not only spoken
with a thief. but she had shielded
him.
The Southern herald., 1910-11-04

l couldn't think especially why, It's
beautiful stone"
He laughed without a sound-shook
noiselessly for a minute. Meaning
that a gentleman shouldn't pounce
upon any beautiful stone he may hap
pen to see?" He got up and moved
about restlessly in the little space
between their two chairs. quite so;
lay it to my being more than gentle
man; lay it to my being a crack
Drained enthusiast, confounded
beauty worshiper, a vicious curio deal
er, an ill-mannered ass! But"-and
he flashed around at her with snap
of his nervous fingers-"where did
you get IT."
For the life of her she couldn't help
her wave of color, but through 1t all
she clung to her festal smile. Sheer
nervousness made 1t easy.
well, suppose it was begged, bor-
rowed or-given to me? Suppose 1t
came from here or far away yonder?
What's that to do with its beauty?"
She gave him question for question.
did you ever see 1t before?"
He never left of looking at her,
looking at her with a hard inquiry, as
If she were some simple puzzle that
he unaceountably failed to solve.
That's rather neat, the way you
dodge me" he said, lodging in his
turn. But don't see it now. You're
not wearing it?"
She played indifference with what
a beating heart! ooh, l only wear it
of and on"
"Off and on!" His voice suddenly
rang at her. "Off and on! Why, my
good woman, it's Just two days you
could have worn 1t at ALL"
She stood up-stood facing him. For
a moment she knew nothing except
that her horrible idea was fact. She
had the eye Of the Crew Idol, and this
man knew 1t! Yet the fact declared
gave her courage.
She watched him with increasing
The Southern herald., 1910-11-04
CHAPTER XII.

The Mystery Takes Human Form.
He turned from the window where
he had presented a long, dropping,
patient back, and his warm, ironic
mirth-the same that had played with
her the first night-hashed out at
sight OF her. But after a moment an
other expression mixed with it,
sharpened it, and fastened upon her
with az incredulous intentness.
She stood on the threshold, pale,
and brilliant still in her blaze of an
ger, equal, at last, to anything. Kerr,
as he signaled to her with every line
ament Of his enlivened face, his inter.
est, his defiance, his uncontrollability
was not the man Of her imaginary
conversations. He was not here to be
used and disposed of; but, as he came
toward her, the new admiration In his
face was bringing her reinsurance
that neither was she. The thought
that her moment of bitter incredulity
had made her formidable gave hel
courage even to smile, though she
grew hot at the first words he spoke
You should not be brave and theT
run away, you know"
She thought of her rush up the
stairs again. II had to go back tC
see Mrs. Britton." (Oh, how she hat
seen heri)
"Ah, thought you only ran back t
hide in your dolls house."
She laughed. Such picture of her
well, at any rate, now I've come
The Southern herald., 1910-11-04
Of

eled pin. the laces, which she shook
out and folded daintily. the glove and
powder boxes. the gold bOnbonniere,
the long violet box. the leather pocket
book-eaeh deity and unhesitatingly
n the place from which she had taken
II. and all the heaps OF white hand
kerchiefs.
One by one she laid back in the
ehi1onier drawers the garments. prop
erly and neatly folded, that she had so
hastily snatehed out of them. She
slid back the last drawer into the ehif.
fonier, and rose from her knees.
lightly busting on the front Of her
gown; went to the closet door and
closed il. She stood before it q mo-
ment with a face perplexed and
thoughtfui, then turned alertly toward
the outer door.
Flora stood as il she were afraid to
move, while Clara crossed her bed
room, stopped, went on and closed the
outer door behind her. And even
after that soft little conclusion she
stood still, burning, choking, strug.
Cling with the overwhelming force of
an ahront whose import she did not
yet realize.
Why, she had thought that such
things couldn't happen! She had
thought that peoples private belong
ings, like their persons, were inviol-
able. In the shame of it she could no
more have faced Clara than If she
had surprised Clara naked.
She snatched the ring out of the
pocket of her gown and clutched 1t in
her hand. Was there no place in the
world where she could be sure OF
safety for this?
The Southern herald., 1910-11-04
CHAPTER XII.
Disenchantment.

Then this was the end Of all ro-
nance? She must turn her back on
the charm, the power, the spell that
had been wrought around her, and,
horror-struck, pry into her own mind
to discover what lawless thing could
be in her to have drawn her to such
a person, and to keep her, even now
that she knew the worst, unwilling to
relinquish the thought of him. His
depravity loomed to her enormous;
but was that all there was to be said
of him? Did his delicacy, his insight,
his tempered fineness, count for moth.
ing beside 1t?
She couldn't believe that this one
spot could make him rotten through.
out Her mind ran back into the past.
She could not recall a word, an &C
tion, or a glance of his that had
shown the color of decay. He had not
even been insincere with her. He had
come out with his convictions SO fiat.
ly that when she thought Of it his
nonchalance appalled, her. He had
been the same then that he was now.
But the thing that was natural for
him was impossible for her, and she
had found 1t out-that was all.
Yet the mere consideration of him
and his obsession as ,une thing was
intolerable She curiously separated
his act from himself. She thought of
1t, not as a part of him, but as some.
thing that had invaded him.-a dis.
case-something inimical to himself
and others, that mixed the thought of
him with terrors, and filled her way
with difficulties. Now 1t was no long.
er question of how TO meet him but
of how she was not to. II was not his
strength she feared, but her own
weakness where he was concerned.
Her tendency to shield him--she must
guard against that-and that disturb.
ing influence he exercised over her
too evidently without intention. put
he would be hard to avoid. This wav
and that she looked for a way out n
her danger, yet all the while she wa.
conscious that there was but one p,aIn
way of escape open to her. sha
could give the sapphire back to Harrv
within the "a hours.
CTO BE CONTINUED
The Southern herald., 1910-11-04
CHANCE

out, what have you to say to me-"
Now you've come out, he repeat
ed, and looked at her this time with
fun gravity. as If he realized finally
how far she'd come.
She had taken the chair in the light
Of the eastern windows. She lay back
in the cushions, her head a little bent,
her hands interlaced with q perfect
imitation Of quietude.
He looked down upon her from his
height.
You know what I've come for" he
said. but now I'm here, now that I
see you, wonder if there's something
l haven't reckoned on" He looked at
her earnestly. IF you think I've taken
advantage of you-if you say so-T'l
go away, and give you a chance to
think it over"
II would have been so easy to have
nodded him out, but instead she half
put out her hand toward him. mo;
stay"
He gave her a quick lOok-surprise
and appreciation at her courage. He
dropped into a chair. Then tell me
about it."
Flora's heart went quick and little.
She held herself very still, afraid in
her tense consciousness lest her
slightest movement might betray her.
She only moved her eyes to look up at
him questioningly, suspending &C.
knowledgment of what he meant until
he should further commit himself.
Il mean the sapphire" he said. He
waited.
Yes" she answered eoolly. Il saw
that it interested you last night, but
The Southern herald., 1910-11-04

With trembling fingers she fastened
it again to the chain about her neck.
She thought of Kerr downstairs wait
ing for her. Well, she would rather
keep 1t with her. Then, at least, she
would know when 1t was taken from
her. Still in the fury of her outraged
faith, she passed through her violated
rooms, and slowly along the hall and
down the stairs.