davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1910-04-21

way station. facing the desolate. snow.
covered plains. In the distance was a
miserable peasant village. with
matched roofs. The train luxus, the
police all the passengers. the mortal
remains OF the murdered prince. were
gone. The boy asked stolidfaced
stationmaster what had become of his
employer, and the latter only
shrugged his shoulders and turned
away.
Wang entered the station. sat down
on a bench and thought for a long
time. Then he came out on the plat
form and walked up and down for an
hour-for two hours. after which he
entered the station and passed anoth-
er hour on the bench. Though he
had not, eaten since noon, he did not
feel hungry. Toward midnight man
entered the ticket office. opened the
window and lighted a lamp. Wang
stepped up to the window.
DO you expect a train?' he asked.
Yes, in half an hour"
Going which wayf"
ITO MOSCOW"
How much is the faref-
The agent told him, and the boy
found that he had enough money with
him to pay for a third-class ticket and
leave a few roubles over. sufficient to
buy food. He procured n ticket. and
when the train Numbered up to
the station he boarded It and soon
was speeding hack to the Muscoyite
capital. Arriving there after two days
The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1910-04-21

tended for the car containing Roman
of and some of the mobiles. | over
heard the words, This Jew must diet
and knew that II a noble like Pc
manor had determined on the death
Of man without powerful friends he
would accomplish his end. could
not expose them, for how could the
word of a boy like me. n despised
Korean. stand against that OF the
Prince Romanon. So. to save the life
Of my master, killed Romanoff.
crept into his compartment at night
when he was sleeping In drunken
stupor and thrust a stiletto into his
heart. He sighed--a long sigh
shuddered. and kept on sleeping"
who are YOU" asked the princess.
you who. for love. have done this
dreadful deed Of hater
Il am Aisome Mosuro. known In my
own country as Aisome. the fox. am
supposed TO be cunning. brave. heart
less and patriotic to the last drop OF
blood In my body. am In the secret
service OF my country. and have been
one Of its most trusted agents. I
speak many Of the languages of Eu-
rope and all the dialects Of China.
And yet I am a woman-just n won.
an. who. at the ohrismal touch OF
mans lips, find my whole nature
changed. and am ready to give up all
for him. friends, country. individuality.
yes. even life itself. happy only "
can be near him. can serve him. can
hear MIS- yoioel when think OF II
all, am ashamed Of myself" sobbed
the girl. pressing a handkerchief to
her eyes. but cannot help IL. I am
even now asking you to save me. II
you can. for his sake. I can never
see him again. He will know now
that / am not Wang. the Korean boy.
and. besides, my hands are stained
with blood. But he would be dis
tracted n he knew that were In the
hands OF the Russian authorities: he
would be unhappy all his life II they
we're to kill me. For he loved Wang.
though he has forgotten poor Aisome.
| am asking you to save me for his
sake. and let me go away 10 my own
country. You do not despise me. do
you. and you DO not fear me-"
Il neither fear nor despise you," re-
piled the princess. sorrowfully.
though ! shrink with horror from
your dreadful deed. You are a won.
an and a sister. and will save you
II I can. for believe you. Alas I
knew too well my cousins revengful
and violent nature. Llstenl I shall
J see the car and use my woman's wits
| to clear Mr. Hardy without giving the
name OF the actual perpetrator. I am
going 20 Port Arthur TO take charge
OF a hospital there for our sick and
wounded heroes. You must remain
here in my house TIL return from St
Petersburg. and then 20 with me to
the sea coast, whence will send you
across 10 Japan. ! believe that Mr..
/ Hardy would wish this, and there is
nothing ] would not do for his sake.
within honor. But II find that IL Ia
necessary, in order 20 save his life"
to tell my name? Then tell II.
and shall be here to say that you
speak the truth"
The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1910-04-21

Il know nothing of the duel which
your honor alluded to as having taken
place" replied Wang The boy showed
not the slightest sign of fear. His vel
low face was flushed, he held his head
high and looked the Judge defiantly
in the eyes.
You know nothing OF it?" roared
the latter. DO not attempt to deceive
the court. We know more than you
think Did not this Hardy tell you
that he had fought a duel with his
highness?"
''He told me also that he was an Amer
ican." replied Wang, and since your
honor intimates that his word is unre-
liable"
Make another note-'witness inso-
lent'-did he or did he not tell you
that such a duel had been fought?"
HE did"
"Ah, he did! That he was seriously
wounded in that duel as a result of his
highness' superior GOODNESS and mark.
manship, We know. We also are ac-
quainted with the causes of said duel;
that his highness was obliged to chas-
tise this Hardy for presumption and
insolence; and that IL was in accord.
ance with the request of the princess.
his cousin. that his highness shot him.
All this we know. You must tell us
what threats of vengeance the
wounded man breathed out against
the prince"
None at ALL your honor--absolutely
none at ALL" replied Wang. turning
The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1910-04-21

pale. as he saw the drift OF the ques-
tions.
None at all, But this is incredible.
We shall find means of making you
speak the truth. Repeat those threats
to us. and be careful that you conceal
nothing"
HE not only uttered no such
threats" said Wang. but he even
spared the worthless life of the prince,
when he might have shot him dead.
This he did out of regard for the prin-
cess. as he is very knightly and per-
feet gentleman. He shot of Roman
offs cuff button. which he sent TO her
as proof of his wonderful skill, and
of how he employed It on that oc-
casion."
"A pretty story, thisl" laughed the
Judge. DO you not think SO, gentle
men,"
Both gentlemen thought exactly as
did their chief.
Il myself" insisted Wang, went to
the place of meeting, at Mr.. Hardy's
request, and picked up the cuff button,
which / gave into the hand of the prin-
cess. who will, l have no doubt, cor
roborate my statement"
The judge looked sharply at Wang
for several moments, and the boy re-
turned the stare defiantly.
Lock the witness up again." he
commanded, and the order was obeyed.
Wang was kept in close confinement
for four days, at the end of which
time he was released and informed
that nothing further was required Of
him by the police. who doubtless re.
garded him as an unsatisfactory wit
ness He found himself standing
alone on the platform OF small rail.
The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1910-04-21
CHAPTER xxx.
Wang as a Witness.

This tragic occurrence occasioned
tremendous excitement on the train
luxus, which was stopped at the next
Cossacks. Here IT was kept for three
days until a squad of police and de-
tectives could be hurried to the scene
from Moscow. Numerous arrests
were made and many of the passen-
gers were questioned separately.
Wang was one of these examined.
He was taken into a small, bare room
on the second floor of the station,
where sat a shrewd old man at pine
table He was fianked by two younger
officers, while a stenographer, style
graphic pen in hand. bent over a
writing pad.
"Your name is Wang?" said the Of
ficer.
1T is"
wang what?"
"Just Wang"
What is your nationality"
Il am Korean"
you are in the employ of the al
legged American, Frederick CORTLAND
Hardy?"
Il am in the employ of the Ameri-
can. Frederick CORTLAND Hardy"
BE careful, sir. do not be insolent.
Do not attempt to amend the express
sions of the court. Make, note there
witness very intelligent and inclined
to be insolent-Got it down? Very
well. How do you know that he is an
Americana
Because he says he is"
ooh, ah! very well. Tell us what
you know of the duel which was
fought on January between this al
legged American, Hardy. and his high
ness, the Prince Boris Romanoff. Speak
the truth, or 1t viii be the worse for
yout"
The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1910-04-21
CHAPTER XII.
imperial Favor.

The Princess Romanoyna was re-
ceiyed by his imperial majesty In a
small room OF the Winter palace.
room which. equipped with graceful
and dainty furniture OF the sixteenth
century. was a cheerful symphony in
delicate shade OF blue. The fact
that she was a favorite at court. to-
gether with her high connections and
her noble descent. through which she
even claimed distant relationship with
the imperial family itself. rendered II
comparatively easy for her TO obtain
a private and informal interview.
His majesty was standing when Ro-
manovna entered, looking out OF the
window on the seml-circle where
stands the huge monolith in honor OF
Alexander !. lie turned. as her name
was announced and smiled. She no
ticed that he was pale and careworn,
and that his expression, even as he
smiled, was very sad. Her heart
went out to him in mingled affection
and reverence. She bowed low with
exquisite grace as his eyes fell on her,
then advanced TO where he stood, and.
kneeling. kissed his hand. He assist
ed her to arise. and. still holding her
hand. led her to a sofa.
sit, my daughter" he said, and
speak freely. There IL none OF our
subjects to whom we will give a more
indulgent ear than to you,"-and be
dropped YEARLY on the divan. sit"
he repeated, as she remained respect
fully standing, 1T is our command"
She sat down on the divan, at some
distance from him. and turned her
eyes on him, waiting for him TO speak.
You have our permission to pro-
ceed," he said
81 come, SIRE" she began. ito speak
to you OF my cousins, Boris Roman
offs. death and to tell you something
OF the man who is accused OF his muir
der--the American, Frederick Court
land Hardy"
you have our deepest sympathy In
this matter. my daughter" said his
majesty. IL understand from the min
lister OF justice that you loved your
cousin-that you were engaged to
him"
The princess remained silent
Go BE coNcLunzpA
The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1910-04-21
CHAPTER xxxvIIl.
Murder and Mystery.

Hardy was able to leave the hospital
on February the first and return to his
quarters at the hotel. where he was
much more comfortable. for the hos
pitfalls of Moscow are inferior to those
OF other European cities of equal size.
He was pale and weak, but his appe-
lite was good and he was gaining
strength rapidly. Though he had come
on second-best in the duel, to all APP
pearances, yet his countenance had
taken on a look not In any way char
,acteristic of the man who has been
beaten or cowed by punishment There
was something new in his eyes, and
there was an expression about his
mouth that suggested rather the man
who has fought a mental fight and
won. In his conversations with Wang
he avoided all mention either of the
princess or of her cousin. His only
desire was to close up the business in
Moscow and get back to Stryetensk
as soon as possible-get back to the
warehouses and the great water high
way that led eastward to the Pacific
ocean. to that frontier of the vast
Russian empire that lies close TO Ko-
rea and scowls across the Japan sea
at Nippon and its hive of angry, buzz
zing bees. In the preparations for de-
parture the Korean boy displayed a
competency and assiduity that were a
revelation even to Hardy. He super
intended the shipment to Stryetensk
OF large orders OF goods, he made val
liable suggestions. he worked till all
hours of the night, relieving his prin-
cipal OF the labor OF correspondence
and bookkeeping. In addition, he was
a cheerful and even amusing com.
panion, whose brain was fertile in del.
icate little attentions that made
Hardy's enforced detention in the ho-
eel less irksome.
Meantime, letters from Emery and
other advices we're insistent to the
effect that war was inevitable.
On the morning of the 18th Wang
came into the Office and laid "A paper
down before Hardy, pointing, without
a word, to a double-leaded article with
scare" headlines.
JAPAN ENRAGED
HER MINISTER LEAVES PETERS
BURG.
The milSado. in fit of rage. withdraws
Count Kurino from the Russian capital
Peppery yellow people enable 10 conduct
civilized diplomatic negotiations The
cars calm and dignlned couT=s
Hardy glanced through the article,
which set forth at length the Russian
governments reasonable and righteous
The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1910-04-21

! course, as alleged by the writer. and
the hot.headed, childish and unwar-
rantable demands of the islanders.
WELL" he commented, even this
does not mean war. Russia will sim
ply wait-she has always been wait
ing, and the Japanese must strike the
first blow II they want war"
Wait and see," was Wangs only
reply.
II was only two days later that
Hardy became aware that something
extraordinary had happened. Toward
evening the city was seized with ex-
element. Some great, some terrible
news was in the air Men were talk
ing excitedly in the corridors of the
hotel. groups were gathering in the
streets, hoarsely shouting. Wang was
out, so Hardy rang for a bellboy and
asked him what was the matter.
Matter" cried the boy; ''the Jap
anese have captured Port Arthur.
They have murdered 100000 Chris
tians. They have sunk the whole
Russian feet, treacherously, falsely, in
the night. The car will send a great
army and kill every cursed Japanese
on earth. l am going. Ivan Nekres-
soy is going-we are all going. Curse
the Japanese!"
my Cod" exclaimed Hardy as the
excited boy left, slamming the door,
they are at il in earnest. and the
Japanese have struck hard. This
means war, indeed. If the Russian
navy has been destroyed it means a
long war. Wang will be wild"
At this moment the Korean entered
but, to Hardy's surprise. he was not
carried away by excitement. There
was a hectic spot on each yellow
cheek, and his eyes were burning, but
he was seltcontained.
well, Wang" said Hardy. you
were right, after all, and the Japanese
have attacked. have heard some
very wild rumors Have you learned
anything definite?"
Eyes" replied Wang; what seem to
be reliable reports have arrived. The
mikado's feet last night attacked the
Russian ships at Port Arthur and sank
the Czarevitch and the Retvizan, two
of the heaviest battle-ships in the
cars navy. and the Pallada, cruiser.
The Russians are very indignant,
naturally, but they should save their
feelings. The Japanese have only be-
gun"
Within two weeks after the break
ing out of the war, during which time
many disastrous blows were struck at
the naval prestige of Russia. Hardy
was ready for the long railway jour
ney back to Stryetensk.
Wang secured a flrst-class compart-
ment for his master, and second-class
accommodations for himself, and the
two drove to the great terminal sta
ton, which commodious building they
rank, military officials and Red Cross
nurses Fastening to Vladivostok and
the front.
Among these, Hardy noticed the gal
liant, towering form of Boris Romanoff,
attired in officers cap and cloak. The
prince was surrounded by a group Of
officers, with whom he was talking.
He noticed Hardy and gave him look
of hate. The American turned his
eyes quickly away and busted himself
with Identifying his baggage and get
ting ii aboard.
On the morning of the third day out
from Moscow the prince was found
murdered in his compartment. He
was lying peacefully sleeping in his
berth. the last long sleep, with a slen-
der stilletto sticking in his heart.
The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1910-04-21

We'll, her highness consents to see
You, after all. Remember your man
ners, young man, and IL you have any
begging scheme. don't impose ON her
too much. she has very soft heart
Wang disappeared within the pal
ace.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-04-24
I o

a clatter of boards and tremendous rending crash
series of angry squeals shrl and piercing, told
Flinders plainly that Toby played some part in the
wreckage. A sudden yell of fright spoke of human
interest, and rushed inside the door, his face
ashen, his eyes glancing wildly behind.
He's loose!" cried the new arrival. He's got
out through the side of the barn. an he's his way
up street,"
friends" he said hurredly. Don't be alarmed.
That's only my elephant got trihe playful"
You say he's playful" huskily gasped the other.
Hes gone an ruined that stable outright, an he'd
have had me in another minute. He's fiend in
human shape, that's what he is! You ought to be
Jailed for bringin' him into the community
The manager grew at this moment and
catching Flinders by the arm, tried to impress him
with the situations gravity. An elephant loose and
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-04-24

Whats the matter?" asked Bet, as he entered
the room.
"Oh, nothin' Don't be scared at the noise Of
them rubes. Tobys got little moody an I'm
called to teach him better manners"
"Tobys loose, Fn!'' she said accusingly. You
can't fool me. Has he gone rampage, Film
You II never be able to manage him. Wait for me-"
You stay right where you are! A fine business
for sick woman, amt it? Leave to herd the
animals You stay here an be good"
Nevertheless when he had gone out Bet struggled
into her clothes She knew the cratic spirit of the
beast better than did Flinders.
"Toby'l obey me- know" she said, the excite
ment lending to her fresh strength.
THE trouble with Toby was that he could not un
derstand the events of the day He hao seen his
mistress carried away from him. limp and helpless
Continued page -
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-04-24

vicious! A wrecked barn! You'll pay for this,
young mani! he cried out.
Il He'll be comm back in minute said Flinders,
shaking himself free. Whenever he's peeved, he
to find first, after which he grows content,
like lamb. Here he comes!"
A squeal sounded in the street.
WITHOUT stopping for further argument con-
w corning damages, the manager and his hired
man franticaly sought exit. 1t seemed that they
determined to injure themselves in the
doorway. Outside the noises continued indicating
exciting occurrence in which one cared to inter-
fere: Flinders sprang up the stairs for his goad.
Whatever happens will serve me dead right" he
muttered to himself I'm the original Jonah.
Here's Bet down sick, the bank busted, an that
Asiatic heather loose with no one to comfort him
When l next 60 into the managin business, it'll be
with Punch an Judy show that you pack in box"
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-04-24
THE YOUNGEST INFANT

OF those men IN whom certain environment deVel
ops characteristics which the limitations of ordinary
station have held in check. What verbal labors
have expended on that man,-arguments, appeals
expostuations, and threats! Useless!
He has grown holder and holder. His exposure
must come soon cannot sell and resell his
honor daily in Congress and escape detection and
disgrace. If he alone should suffer- I'd say, Go on
Hang yourself! Good enough for you'll! but there
is his wife. She loves him. believes in him. His
public disgrace, if undeserved she would bear cheer
fully. His real dishonor would kill her. The loss OF
her faith in him would crush all joy, all hope, every
thing.
Il want that fellow out of Congress- and out quick
before he is publicly discredited and before she
finds out what low thief he is. l want him to &c
back to the conventional little city he came from
where he practised law decently and with modest
glory. In that environment he will be good man
He is too strong in his district to be defeated so
have engineered this bill for the reapportionment OF
put him, Democrat into district Overwhelmingly
Republican. My closest friends and political asso-
cates know my reasons and are helping me-, The
sweetest woman in the world shall not be" He
broke off abruptly picked up cigar and chewed
savage1y on the end of it.
There was long quiet in the room
GOVERNOR" began the younger man,--"Go
- ernor," his voice was trembling a little as
he spoke, will you let me take your advice 1n-n
all things, and as privilege, very great privilege
let me come to you to learn how men should live7'
Below the Governors window half dozen young
Legislators danced about the statue of the States
first chief executive. A TALL slender young man
came from the great entrance of the Capitol and
stood looking at them. Then, little timdly, he
caught up handful of snow and threw it at the
nearest him. With yels of joy the six men charged
upon him, tore off his overcoat and hat rolled him
the snow, washed his face, stuffed in his collar
and his shoes, and then with wild whoops of delight
they threw him on their shoulders and marched
round and round the heroic figure of the great law
gver. singing:
The stiff has come to life
And we like him-we like him
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-04-24
Nov. Boy" Said the Governor.
"What a Fool You Arei"

GIT down, Mr.. Horton, and have cigar
- THANK you, sir l prefer to stand. Our
interview will not be a long one
The Governor twisted his cigar to the side OF his
before him. There was an amused twinkle IN his
keen eyes and kindly sarcasm about his firm lips.
He was short, heavy man. He sat loosely in his
chair, loungng over his desk.
Straight and tall, the young Legislator stood be-
fore him, foot slightly advanced, one hand in
the breast of his frock coat Occasionally he raised
the other hand to toss back with the gesture be-
loved by young statesmen, the long lock of hair
trained to droop over his broad white forehead.
Il shall talk for sometime said the Governor
good naturally. Better make yourself comforta-
The young man threw back his slender shoulders
and held them more rigidly. Il am prepared to
listen, your Excellency."
Now. boy, what do you intend to do about the
reaaEPIg ost oan;ent !; bi il
Vote a; against It,
Because 1 consider it corrupt measure
Its object is the political downfall of James
'r @Weill"
There is a reason for your wish to ruin Brayde."
II shall not be party to your plan"
Because there is a wrong motive
60 How do you know"
1T is impossible that there should be good one.''
Really! What is the wrong one?,
"You cannot influence Brayde. You want
puppet whom you can control.
"Brayde is my nephew
We you would retire him from politcs?"
Il shall. If l had wished puppet, he would
have been excellent 1 have cleared myself
of that charge. What is your next objection to the
bin?"
"Why do you wish to retire Brayde?"
IF mans uncle thinks it best for the State,
why do you question:?
There is deep motive. I am sure it is not good
one. / shall not help you
The Governor dropped his cigar into an ashtray
and Strengthened up in his chair. What an honest
you are he said kindly, land what fool"
"An honest man am; fool am proud to be if
man is fool because he will not aid abet dis
honesty"
NOW, boy, listen to mel several thousand
~ years old. You are just old enough to walk and
talk. You stagger like baby and babble the mean
ingless pretty fancies Of childhood; but we old
love you children We like to watch your infantile