davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1910-12-14
1t All Depends.

us your wife a sound sleeper?"
1T depends on circumstances. She
can sleep as peacefully as a lamb
while l walk the floor for hours with
the baby yelling with all it's might,
but she never fails to awaken when l
try to sneak upstairs with my shoes
off. "-Judge.
Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1910-12-14
THE WREN BUSH.
An Old Custom Still Observed In Ire
land at Christmas.
Sir Walter Scott.

ldIlO dt AL1IlSLE0dS.
Among the many odd customs still
observed in Ireland at Christmas few
are more curious than the practice of
carrying about 1.-The wren BUSH on St.
Stephens day, and antiquaries are puz-
zled to explain why the poor little
liking Of all birds" should be put to
death on the festival of the first mar
tyr.
The most probable explanation is
that the wren was sacred to the Druids
and was used by them in divination
and other pagan rites at the festival of
the winter solstice, which almost coin
cided with Christmas, and consequent
~ the clergy urged their converts to
destroy the birds which were associ-
ated with such unholy rites, just as ST.
Patrick's relentless destruction of the
images of serpents, used in the ancient
pagan worship Of Ireland, gave rise to
the legend that he
Gave the snakes and toads a twist
And banished them all forever!
This seems the more likely because
u1Sdh' ChC Olu 1lISu HdLue 4OL
wren" also means "a Druid" and old
folk still call Jenny" the Druid
bird" and say that she has the gift Of
prophecy and that those who can in
terpret her twitterings as she hovers
about a house or flies from bush to
bush can read the future. In the IL
brary of Trinity college. Dublin. there
is a curious document describing how
to interpret the notes of the wren
Maud E. Sargent in Longman's 49,
Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1910-12-14
TrueIv PiteouS-

"Who are those corpulent gentle
men getting aboard that private car,
attended by retinue Of servants?"
ooh, that's a delegation going down
to the state capital to see if they can't
get some relief for poor, half
starved railroad"
Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1910-12-14
Human inconsistency.

1.-TWO men were in court today, each
making a directly opposite charge
against his wife,
What were they?"
"One wanted a divorce because his
wife was SO cold to him and the other,
because his wife made it too hot for
him"
Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1910-12-14

1I1EN GAME d MERRY MAShEho In
Power laid his rod of rule aside,
And Ceremony DOTTED his pride.
The heir, with roses in his shoes,
That night might village partner
choose;
All hailed with uncontrolled delight
And general voice the happy night
That to the cottage as the crown
Brought tidings Of salvation down.
The fire. with we'll dried logs supplied,
Went roaring up the chimney wide;
The huge hall tables oaken face,
Scrubbed till it shone, the day to grace,
Bore then upon its massive board
No mark to part the squire and lord
Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1910-12-14
WILLING to Learn.

He was poor, but otherwise honest,
and she was an heiress.
He had proposed to her.
She had refused him.
why, you foolish boy" she said,
you couldn't even dress metz
We'll, what of that?" he queried.
Don't you suppose l could learn"
Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1910-12-14
Precocious.

ST believe my young son IS destined
to be a naval officer some day"
Does he take an interest in war
ships?"
mo, but he learned to dance almost
as soon as he learned to walk
Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1910-12-14
n Christmas
Doll Wedding

We are to have a wedding;
Our mothers planned it all.
You are to be my little wife
And l your husband tall.
I love your pretty eyes Of brown
My own are dark and blue
But as they're only glass, my dear,
They'll see no faults in you.
My china lips, they long to kiss
All your dull cares away,
But must wait for three long weeks
Until our wedding day.
However, time will pass, sweet maid,
And then We'll never part.
I swear to love you all my life
With my true wooden heart.
Your own
REGINALD.
Tao ION
Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1910-12-14
Saved.

Ashley Swaggler fell out Of a
twentieth-story window Of the Skyler
apartment and wasn't even bruised.
Seymour did he escape?
Ashley-He alighted on the roof Of
the nineteen-story building next door.
Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1910-12-14
NOT for Good

There are many reasons for a girls
giving up Office work, but one men
toned IN the following story is per-
haps the most effective that could be
invented.
Miss Smith Is 9oinR away" said
Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1910-12-14
just for a Change.

Turn on your phonograph."
"Oh, no. It might cause talk"
'Try a song record"
Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1910-12-14

one Of the stenographers to another.
Is she leaving for good?"
No, not for good. For better or for
worse"
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1910-01-25
CHAPTER V.

A year passed since the eventful
night for Wheeler Brand when Nolan
made him managing editor Of the Ad-
vance In these months Brand made
showing with the paper that was never
dreamed of by the owners preceding as
being within the range of possibility.
Made absolute master of the paper and
consequently dictator of it's policy, the
young man set a pace that the papers
rivals found difficult to equal, much
less to outstrip. His exposure of the
scandals in the exclusive world OF
high life insurance finance has thus
far proved the most vital reform OF
his administration. AS a result Of this
crusade, which drove a half dozen
leading officials from almost as many
companies, the president of the United
States stated publicly that the vast
life insurance business of this country
is now on the soundest financial basis
it has ever had"
But Wheeler Brand in the press of
stirring events had not forgotten Judge
Bartelmy. In fact, certain activities of
that estimable individual were just
now under close scrutiny by the one
time reporter, who, If he could be pre-
vailed on to speak concerning 1t,
might possibly observe that the judge
was very soon to have an opportunity
to make a few explanations which
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1910-01-25
[Continued from First Page.l.

newspaper row was such, and he felt
justifiable at the thought, that he
would be at work within twenty min
utes after leaving the Advance office
il he so desired. But what did occupy
his mind to the exclusion Of almost ev-
erything else was the consideration OF
what view Judith Bartelmy would take
when she heard the news Of his dis
missal. She had warned him that he
was sacrificing his future in his at
tacks on the powers that be. Undoubt-
ly now she would be convinced, as
some Of his friends had already en-
deavored to convince her, that, after
all, he was a fanatic, an impractical
dreamer, who could not accomplish his
ambition to right what he believed to
be great wrongs, who could not, more
over, escape summary dismissal from
his paper. But he must go on. He
would go on. He would go that very
night to a newspaper that would not
suppress nor qualify the truth, one
that would not distort facts nor mis-
represent situation in order to deceive
the public, to which 1t was its duty to
give the truth. Yes, and he would
show the big thieves of the city that
even If they managed to remain supe-
rior to the law, at least they could not
remain superior to public opinion. The
time had come when
Wheeler Brand! Wheeler Brandt"
The voice of Nolan came to his ears
above the ticking Of the telegraph in
struments and the clicking Of type
writer keys. Brand started from his
seat. He did not recognize the voice,
nor did any one else in the smoky city
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1910-01-25

[Cotninued on Fourth Page.
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1910-01-25
CHAPTER vi.
Nolan faced Brand.

Nolan faced Brand.
Come, come, Wheeler" he said.
Let's drop the subject now"
'Mr. Brand, you are forgetting your
place." contributed Phyllis.
Michael" insisted Mrs. Nolan, ARE
you soing to let this young man ruin
the whole of us? l, for one, am glad
Judge Bartelmy has taken us up, and
II it wasn't for the way Mr.. Brand
runs wild with that paper"-her voice
broke-"otheis might She crossed to
the door at the left. Here we We
squandered money right and eft and
nobody would have anything to do
with us. l declare 1 was happier
poor. At least when l asked anybody
to eat then they came. Look at that
table in there"-she pointed-"groan-
ing with good things to eat, and
there's 500 for hothouse grapes, anu
nobody's touched 'em!" She picked up
a bunch of grapes from a stand and
began to eat them.
Mother" laughed the husband good
naturedly, I've seen you get away
with three punches all by yourself"
We'll, I felt it was my duty not to
let them go to waste" She burst into
tears. Come on, Phyllis" she man
aged to say, and the heartbroken moth
er and daughter went from the room.
You mustn't mind what mother
says" Nolan said to Brand. SHES
been kind O. lonely since she came back
to New York.
The editors heart swelled with SYM
pathy for the woman whose ambitions
for herself and her daughter had
caused the bitterest pain that injured
pride can give. He saw that it would
be difficult for her to learn that social
position in a big city can be won only
by skillful maneuvering, the ability to
do which Mrs. Nolan apparently did
not possess:
"Oh, l understand" he answered
feelingly.
Brand and Nolan went into the IL
brary to smoke. Hardly had they dis
appeared when Pitcher entered the
drawing room as an escort for Judge
Bartelmy and his daughter Judith.
Brand had not erred a few minutes
previous when in the same room he
had pronounced the judge to be the
best handler of people" in the city.
The conversation which ensued be-
tween the jurist and his daughter as
they awaited their hostess well illus
trated his reasons for accepting, with
his daughter, Mrs. Nolan's invitation.
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1910-01-25

himself in a labyrinth, and 1t will take
an Ariadne to lead him out. I believe
the right woman might bring him to
reason" He paused significantly. Ju-
dith lowered her eyes from his. Il for
give him any annoyance he may have
caused me, and hope you will forgive
him too. 1 want you and Wheeler to
be friends again and, like the princess
In the fairy stories, live happily ever
after" He patted her fondly on the
shoulder.
Mrs. Nolan entered the room and,
aglow with excitement, greeted her
guests.
Judge Bartelmy, hope you haven't
been waiting long?" she inquired anx-
iously.
mot at ALL"
1T is so good Of you to come"
"Oh, I wouldn't permit anything to
keep me away" he replied, "Pve just
had the pleasure Of adjourning rath-
er important conference to be mere"
This confession filled the fluttering
heart Of Mrs. Nolan with pure ecstasy.
She could barely contain herself as she
in turn greeted Judith Bartelmy.
Pitcher announced another name
that appeared in the social register.
"Mr Dupuy," he announced. He had
come to keep his appointment with
Nolan.
How do you do, Mr.. Dupuy?" greet
ed the hostess, shaking hands warmly
with him. Here's Judge Bartelmy,
He's just adjourned a most important
conference to come to our tea. Pitch
er, tell Mr. Nolan the judge and Mr..
Dupuy are waiting. Say the judge has
Just adjourned his court to come. Miss
Bartelmy, Phyllis will be so delighted
IN see you" She grasped Judith's
arm and led her to a door, speaking
rapidly as she did so. phyllis wants
to snow you her new gown Quinlan
brought over from Paris. Very smart
effect, but $3.50, and you couldS Sheld 1t
in the palm of your two hands-a rag!"
"An amusing character, our hostess,
commented Bartelmy dryly to Dupuy.
YES; she seems very appreciative Of
your daughters visit"
"Well," decisively, "she certainly
ought to be-"
II suppose we shall see 1t In the Ad-
vance tomorrow" suggested Dupuy.
"Oh, Of course!" Bartelmy laughed
amusedly.
by the way" remarked Dupuy, did
you see the evening papers?"
A serious look came into Bartelmy's
face as he said:
II glanced over them on my wap up
town, and their accounts Of my deci-
sion this morning are not at all objec-
tionable"
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1910-01-25

She's the only one Of her set who has
been at all nice to me. Isn't that so,
mammal"
Yes, and why the paper should go
for her father just as it does for ev-
cry other prominent man in town ]
can't see. She must think it's very
funny that such things should appear
in the Advance after what she's done
for u.s."
"oh," suggested Brand, thinking to
soothe mis- employers wife, ''she prob
ably knows that you have absolutely
nothing to do with the policy Of the
Advanced"
rs that so?" calculated Mrs. Nolan
Indignantly. "They certainly are very
kind hearted people to act the way
they do in the face Of that paper"
Judge Bartelmy is first and last a
politician" explained Brand.
Michael Nolan bent forward intently.
The conversation mad now reached a
point where he realized an issue Of Vi
tai Importance to himself and to the
Advance had been touched on.
well, I suppose he has been cod
ding up to us little" he began, then
paused.
Brand drew a deep breath, stood up
erect in the middle Of the drawing
room and daringly explained the. situa-
ton to the owner Of the paper.
"Bartelmy handles people better than
any man in town." he declared. HE
has studied the Advance, dissected its
position and-I will be frank with
you-discovered its weaknesses. He
knows he can't reach you through your
cupidity or political ambition because
you lack those qualities. He now real
ICES that his only hope Of influencing
us lies in an appeal to- He hesitated.
"Well?" asked Mrs. Nolan ominously.
Brand found the courage to complete
the sentence.
His only hope lies in an appeal-to
your family's social desires'-Phyllis
rose from her seat, her cheeks red
with anger-"and that's the only rea-
son he has for taking you up"
Mrs. Nolan gave a scream Of wrath.
Nolan himself, regretting that the un-
pleasant scene had occurred, rose from
the settee and advanced to calm the
ruff1ed waters, but his face was cloud
ed. It's serious expression indicated
that he was deeply concerned over the
frank statements of his managing edi-
tor, and one could instinctively feel
that he was convinced that Brand had
spoken the truth.
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1910-01-25
CHAPTER VII.

Brand and Nolan came out Of the
library after their smoke and were
surprised to find Judge Bartelmy and
Dupuy in the drawing room. Brand
did not appear enthusiastic at the cir
cumstance, and nodding stiffly in the
general direction Of the two men, pro-
ceeded to circle around them toward
the door leading to the hall.
Judge Bartelmy advanced pleasantly
toward the newspaper owner, who
greeted him courteously.
Judge, this is an unexpected honor. "
"An honor to come-believe me, Mr.
Nolan, an honor to come"
Nolan saw Brands dexterous ma
neuver toward the door, and on calling
to him not to go he halted, turned to-
ward the center Of the room and stood
watching tine strangely assorted group
Of men.
Nolan next addressed Dupuy, who
expressed his thanks at the granting
Of his request for an interview.
Judge Bartelmy, always quick to no
tice every detail or phrase of what was
transpiring in his immediate presence,
saw that Brand was i'll at ease. He
called to him cheerily:
My daughter and were just speak
ing of you, Wheeler. The reformer
sails a treacherous sea-"
"The port Is in sight, Judge Bartel-
N.Y." was the calm answer
Baftelmy would nave made sue
cess on the stage. In fact, he had been
acting a part most Of his life and prov
ed the truth Of Richard Mansfields aph-
orism that 'the best actors are never
seen on the stage" At Wheeler Brands
significant reply, which smote as omin-
ously on the ears Of the judge as it did
on those Of Dupuy, the jurist gave an
inward shiver quite imperceptible to
the eye and replied in the most jovial
of manners:
$50? So? That's good. That's worth
while. Stick to the helm, my boy" he
laughed.
Brand amt at sea, judge" put in
Nolan good naturedly. Hes in the
clouds. The air up there makes your
nose bleed; but by the Eternal, you
see all that's going on down here"
There was much going on down
here" that Bartelmy by all means pre-
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1910-01-25


room, as curious appraised faces around
him testified. 1t came from the man
aging editors room, however, so he
hastened to respond, wondering what
it could mean.
Brand entered McHenry's office and
faced the three men, his surprise in
creasing as he saw from the attitudes
of McHenry and Dupuy that a huge,
rawboned, bronzed faced stranger ap-
parently dominated the situation.
"Yes?" said Brand inquiringly to
the stranger, whom he placed as the
owner OF. the voice, because he knew
it had not been McHenry's or Dupuy's.
Il am Nolan, the new owner" greet
ed the stranger.
Brand stepped forward and offered
his hand, which Nolan grasped.
How do you do. Mr.. Nolan?" the
reporter greeted him, endeavorins to
figure just what the mysterious pro-
ceeding portended.
Nolan went straight to the point.
$50 you've been fired for that Bartel-
my article, have you?" he asked.
Yes, SIR"
Nolan turned and shot a triumphant
glare at McHenry and Dupuy. Then
he caused the blood to rush almost
blindingly into the head Of the young
reporter when he swung around,
grasped Brands arm, drew him over
to the managing editors chair, beside
which that official was standing, and
said, well, I've got another job for
you" Nolan put both hands on
Brands shoulders and by main
strength forced him down heavily into
the chair From now on you sit
here" he announced, You're manag-
ing editor now."
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1910-01-25

When Pitcher had gone in search OF
Mrs. Nolan it was the girl who first
spoke.
Father" she said, "I want you to
know that I've been to five teas this
afternoon. I'm doing you great favor
to come to this one"
Yes, my dear; appreciate it, but
social duties"-
The girl laughed shortly.
"Now, this doesn't come under the
head Of social duties"
"Oh, yes" the judge answered
quickly, If you view society in Its
broader sense. Beyond your little
world is larger one where caste is of
small consequence and where all men
should be of service to each other"
But the Nolans-they certainly
haven't been Of service to your" ques-
toned the girl.
He glanced sharply at judith.
But I wish them to be, and we're
getting on-we're getting on"
Their paper keeps going for you
just as much as ever, father. I don't
suppose one ought to mind 1t, but !
do"
Judith, Nolans have lived in every
age in every country" pronounced the
jurist. Hes a composite Of anarchist
and autocrat. Eventually the autocrat
in him will triumph. Just now he's
bounding old institutions. /, for in
stance, represent to him the judiciary,
and he attacks me. No consequence
whatever, but I'm here in defense Of
the United States bench. My cause is
the cause of my colleagues. tell you,
Judith, know the breed. know how
to get the venom out of his fangs. Dr.
plomacy, my dear-diplomacy!"
Judith became enthusiastic.
Father, believe you would have
been a great prime minister in the old
days!"
The Judge Strengthened up, smiling
pleasantly at his daughters compli-
mentary estimate Of him. Hardly
that, hardly that" he protested. He
became reflective. "They were feeble
old men, for a thousand years courte-
ously moving kings and their armies
like pawns on a chessboard. They
were always very tactful, Judith, those
princes of the past"
"Oh," she admitted, you never fail
to illustrate your point, whatever 1t
Isl"
"Just imagine" said her father,
what one Of those old fellows would
do in this case"
"Yes, I suppose you're right, and In
the end you'll make these people see
how wrong they've been about you"
"Oh, yes!" he went on confidently.
"As they become accustomed to their
prosperity you will find that the dema-
gosism Of their paper. will be modified
and ultimately vanish" He seated
himself near his daughter.
"That would be a terrible blow for
Wheeler, wouldn't it?" she suddenly
asked.
Wheeler! Oh, Wheeler! He's an
entirely different type-the idealist the
fanatical idealist. I'm sorry. always
liked the boy. His hearts all right,
but his heads all wrong. and hope
he's merely passing through a phase"
81 don't think you quite understand
Wheeler, father" responded Judith, ris-
Ing.
He took hold Of the girls hands.
"Oh, yes, do! Just now he has lost
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1910-01-25

"Facts!" Mrs. Nolan cried. That
paper upsets me for the whole day
every morning"
There now mother; I guess the pa
pers all right" ventured Nolan sooth-
ingly.
You've got another guess, Michael.
Nobody reads it but shopgirls, VINO
spend a penny for the Advance and an
other for stick of gum and hang on
to a strap with one hand and the Ad-
vance with the other while they're
waggling their jaws all the way down
to work. That's all that reads 1T!
She paused for breath, then went on.
And I must say think it's scandal
GUS the way you attack Judge Bartel-
my every little while"
"Yes," contributed Phyllis, "and his
daughters one Of the most exclusive
and sought after girls in New York.
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1910-01-25

mo blood drawn" said Dupuy reas-
suringly "a little surprising. too, for
the Lansing Iron people have been in
pretty bad odor with the public ever
since the receivership matter last
year."
THAT was the beginning of all these
attacks upon me. I hope the morning
papers will treat me fairly"
"Oh, there will be no trouble about
them. They have not investigated the
matter thoroughly enough yet of
course, excepting the Advance. But
you did just the right thing today to
bring Miss Judith"
Bartelmy was showing not the
slightest hesitancy at using his beau
tiful and accomplished daughter as q
decoy in his plottings. In the first
place, he desired that she should mar
ry Wheeler Brand, hoping that the
young reformer's zeal against him
would disappear; secondly, by prevail
ing on her to pay attention socially to
the Nolan family he was confident that
the owner OF the Advance would ca !.
pitulate and become his friend. AS for
Judith, she little comprehended the en-
tire significance Of ner fathers atti-
tude, and II she had, her frank, genu-
Inc nature, which revolted at trickery
and deceit, would not have permitted
her to continue to do his bidding. She
admired and loved her father.
She knew that her mother before
her had aided her father in mis- work
and ambitions to considerable extent,
and now that her mother was no long
er alive she felt 1t her duty to fill her
place in every possible way. After all,
she had only a young woman's knowl-
edge Of the ways Of men in the busi-
ness and professional world, and she
could discern in the attacks on ner
father nothing beyond what he himself
had taught her to believe-that they
were the efforts Of envious men or ig-
norant reformers or misguided fanatics.
who assailed him entirely without just
CduoC. I1o"CFCip ~ "ouio ooOAh eAiIs
the Judge would in any event have at
tempted to conceal from others mis- mo-
tives for procuring the presence Of Ju-
dith at the Nolan home on this day.
It would seem, no matter how low he
had sunk, that he would have denied
that he had ever employed her unsus-
pectingly as a decoy on other occa-
sions That was the least this father
could do for his daughter. But ne
made no attempt to protect her repu-
tation, at any rate to Dupuy. for In an
swer to the lawyer lobbyists remark
that he had done '.just the right thing
to bring Miss Judith today" he replied
with his characteristic coolness:
"Oh, in matters of this kind my
daughter is Of the greatest help to
mel" After a moment he continued,
II don't at all like your idea, Dupuy,
of my proposing this man Nolan at the
club"
That's our trump card" insisted the
other. Every man has his price
even this young Brand If We could
only find out what 1t is."